Georgetown is the capital of the Malaysian State of Penang. It is a World Heritage Cultural Site.
For those on a budget most accommodation options are to be found in the Chinatown area along Lebuh Chulia, Love Lane and surrounding streets.
Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown
No. 355 Banana Guesthouse
There are two Banana Guesthouses opposite one another on the same street – both under the same management. Fan rooms go for 25RM and air-con for 50RM. There is free Wi-Fi. Laundry is 5RM/kilo, which is more expensive than some other places. Towels are provided for a returnable 10RM deposit.
No. 370 Stardust Guesthouse
This place is good value with single fan rooms with shared bath for 25RM and doubles for 27RM. The wooden walls may not reach the ceiling. They also have air-con rooms at a higher price. Free Wi-Fi is available downstairs, where there is a small restaurant that sells both western and Asian food. This place is popular and is reasonably priced.
No. 456 Island City Hotel
The cheapest rooms here have shared bathroom and go for 35MR, though you might be able to bring that down to 30MR. They are carpeted and have TV.
Love Lane, Georgetown
No. 15 Red Inn
Fan rooms go for 40RM and air-con rooms go for 50RM. Both have shared bathroom. These prices may be negotiable by about 10RM. Breakfast and Wi-Fi is included in the price of the room. It looks like it has been recently refurbished. The reception area is quite spacious, but could do with some more seating.
No. 53 Old Penang Guesthouse
This is a pricier option. Rooms with shared bathroom go for 65RM. There are also dorm beds for 30RM.
No. 54 Love Lane Inn
Simple rooms with thin wooden walls, which don’t quite reach the ceiling on some sides, start at 20RM. There are three more expensive rooms with window on the third floor that go for 25RM. Free Wi-Fi is provided from 9am to 11pm. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. There is a same day laundry service for 4RM/kilo, which is good value.
No. 60 Banana Guesthouse
This branch of the banana guesthouse has fan rooms with shared bathroom for 20MR. You won’t find much cheaper than this. Some of the rooms have partition walls, but are still fairly quiet. Others have wooden walls that stop about half a metre short of the ceiling, which improve ventilation and increase the ability to hear external noise. Rooms include a bed and fan. Downstairs there is a shared Asian style toilet and separate shower room and upstairs there is western style toilet and another separate shower room with hot water shower. Hot water is available free of charge and cups are provided to make hot drinks. Reception is only open from 10am to 11pm, but access is possible outside of these hours with the key to the outside door. Towels are provided for a returnable 10RM deposit.
Sources and Further Information
UNESCO World Heritage Convention http://whc.unesco.org
Richard Milnes - Richard was born in London, England, but has since spent much of his life travelling the world and has visited nearly 50 ...
