Penang: Backpacking
Pearl of the Orient

A backpacking holiday in Penang is a great adventure and an inexpensive way of exploring the island’s heritage. There are a range of hostels in the capital, George Town, and numerous low cost guest houses and hotels that are in the price range for backpackers. Love Lane and Lebuh Chulia make up the heart of Penang’s backpacker district, teeming with cheap hotels and hostels. It’s worth noting that the quality can vary hugely, so think about checking out a few options before settling on somewhere to stay when you’re backpacking in Penang. If you’re prepared to sleep in a shared dormitory, prices start from as little as 2.5 Euros per night. If you’re prudent with your spending, you can spend less than 15 Euros per day in Penang, including your accommodation. Delicious dishes cost as little as 1 Euro, so eating out won’t be a problem. It’s worth noting that prices rise steeply in the winter holiday season, from December to January, which is regarded as the driest time and therefore the best time to visit Penang. Bus travel costs as little as 0.3 Euros, and there’s even a free heritage bus that covers all the main sites in Penang’s historic capital, George Town.