Want to spend your summer in Penang Malaysia, but worried about the cost of a hotel in Penang or running out of travel money halfway through your trip? Don't fret. Here are 5 tips to help you enjoy the real Penang - specifically the city center, Georgetown - even on a budget.
1. Look for affordable accommodation in Georgetown.
Since Penang is a top tourist destination in Malaysia, there are many brand name hotels in the area. These high end hotels easily charge more than a hundred dollars per night, and if you're on a budget, this spells disaster. Thankfully, there is still a wide selection of accommodation in Penang available, with many mid range hotels located near or within Georgetown itself. Many of these affordable hotels also offer promotions throughout the year. Just don't expect a budget hotel in the Penang Gurney area, though. If you're really on a tight budget, many hostels and inns are located along Chulia Street, a known area for backpackers.
2. Eat street food!
Don't let the name scare you. Street food sold at the numerous hawker stalls throughout Penang is safe to eat, and your visit isn't complete if you don't sample any of the local delicacies. Not only is the food cheap - you can get a filling meal with drinks for around USD2 - but there is also a wide variety of choices. With influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and even European cuisine, the range of food served at Penang hawker stalls is truly a gastronomic delight.
3. Visit attractions that have no entrance fees.
While a few tourist spots within Georgetown and around Penang charge an entrance fee, many places of interest actually allow visitors to enter free of charge. Attractions with no entrance free include the quaint Han Jiang Ancestral Temple, the Kek Lok Si Monastery on Crane Hill, and the Clan Jetties on Weld Quay.
4. Skip the guided tour, do the walking tour yourself!
Guided tours, which usually cost MYR50 or around USD16 per person, may seem to be a necessity if you want to explore Georgetown. However, if you're feeling a little bit more adventurous or want to take your time exploring the area, why not do a version of the walking tours yourself? There are many guides for walking tours available for free online, so you can just print out a copy and have fun going around the area. Just make sure to do your DIY tour on weekend mornings to avoid the crowds and the hot afternoon sun. And be sure to wear a hat, spray on some sunblock, and bring a bottle of water with you to prevent sunburns or dehydration.
5. Rent a bike or ride the free bus shuttles.
If you don't fancy the idea of walking all day, there are several cheap or free alternatives for getting around the city. One option is to rent a bicycle at the cycling shops located all over the city, such as Metrobike or George Town Bicycle Rental, for around MYR15 to 25 per day. Those looking to explore areas outside of Georgetown can ride the Bridge Express Shuttle Transit or BEST Bus for free. The shuttle route starts at the Sunway Carnival Mall and ends at the Bukit Jambul Hub, and vice-versa, making several stops in the Bayan Lepas area and crossing the Penang Bridge.
As you can see, the lack of money isn't a barrier to enjoying your vacation in this Malaysian state. By keeping these tips in mind, getting a hotel in Penang, going around the city, and eating well shouldn't break the bank.
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