I found that the customer service from check-in at the airport to landing at my destination to be exceptional. There was plenty of space and was able to sleep comfortably during the flight. The choice of food and inflight entertainment was fine and the overall experience very good.
Before our onward flight we had few hours to spend in Doha which was a fascinating city. On arrival we were met by a tour guide and had a
private tour of the Souq including the Arabian horse stables, Falconary centre and Camels. We then finished with an excellent dinner in a local restaurant before our onward flight to Penang.
Day 1-2:
Our first hotel stay was in the Bayview Beach Resort in Batu Ferringhi. I would say that this beach front hotel is a good 3 star property for guests on a budget. However it served its purpose as a base. During our 2 night stay in Batu Ferringhi we took a private walking heritage tour visiting various beautiful religious Temples.
Our hotel inspections included Shangri Las Hotels Golden Sands and Rasa Sayang in Batu Ferringhi. Both beach front hotels were beautiful. The Golden Sands hotel being a good choice for families with excellent childrens clubs and facilities. The Rasa Sayang is a more of a luxurious property set in stunning gardens and beautiful spa facilities.
Lastly we visited the night market where you can buy your souvenirs.
Day 3:
Before taking a 2.5 hour journey to the Bellum Rain Forest Resort we
took a finicular train journey to the top of Penang Hill. Penang Hill is an ancient rain forest and home to a variety of exotic plants, trees and wildlife.
Our onward journey took us to our next hotel stay in the Belum Rain
forest Resort which is set on a beautiful lake and very relaxing and
tranquil.
From here you can do escorted night treks in the forest.
The accommodation and facilities were quite basic and I think that a 2 night stay there would be enough.
Day 4:
Our journey today was to Ipoh. Ipoh is the Malaysia’s third largest
city. From there we traveled to Kuala Sepetang, a coastal town located in Perak. Whilst there we took a boat trip to explore the river and to do eagle watching and feeding and to visit the thriving fishing village.
This Chinese fishing community specialize in fish breading in cages and cockle harvesting. We then traveled on to our Hotel in George Town.
Day 5:
George Town is the capital of Penang and the most colorful city in
Malaysia and known for its British Colonial buildings, Chinese shop
houses, Mosques and residential Jetties.
The best time to explore George Town is in the evening when everything is open. The streets are lined with multicolored lights and stalls. The street food is delicious and so much to choose from. George Towns Little India is a small buzzing neighborhood full of spice scented Indian grocery stores, Hindu Temples and Indian eateries.
Our hotel for the night was The Clans Kongsi. This was the most amazing unique boutique hotel set in the grounds of the Khoo Kongsi Temple, and in the center of George Town. In the 1860’s the property was built as sixteen houses for families arriving from China and has now been converted into 43 specially themed guest rooms.
Day 6:
Before our transfer back to Penang Airport we took one more hotel to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel which was a short drive from the center of George Town. The Elegant 132 year old hotel is situated right on the waterfront and has stunning sea facing suites with huge private balconies.
Penang is a complete combination of city, history,Beach and Tropical
rain forest and is certainly worth a visit.
Jackie Lillie
Holiday Lounge Lutterworth
For more information on Malaysia contact Jackie on 01455 559803