Discussion
Me and the wife are heading on our hols later than normal this year due to work commitments. We are heading out to Malaysia in the last 2 weeks in October, tying it in with the MotoGP in Sepang
We have got our stay planned for the first part which will be spent on Penang to chill by the pool/beach, but the 2nd part is causing me a bit of a headache. We fly back into KL on the Friday, so checking into a hotel and sorting out travel arrangements take up that day, Sat and Sun accounted for by the racing, but that leaves Mon through to Thursday to fill, and fly out Friday morning.
I need hotel recommendations and ideas for an itinerary. Fairly easy going regarding both. Hotels booked in Penang are 5 nights beachside in a chain type place, with 3 days in a very grand colonial hotel, so as long as it's not a hostel it will be considered.
Petronas Towers is on the to do list, as will a street market, but a little stumped beyond that. Any gems from those that have been?
We have got our stay planned for the first part which will be spent on Penang to chill by the pool/beach, but the 2nd part is causing me a bit of a headache. We fly back into KL on the Friday, so checking into a hotel and sorting out travel arrangements take up that day, Sat and Sun accounted for by the racing, but that leaves Mon through to Thursday to fill, and fly out Friday morning.
I need hotel recommendations and ideas for an itinerary. Fairly easy going regarding both. Hotels booked in Penang are 5 nights beachside in a chain type place, with 3 days in a very grand colonial hotel, so as long as it's not a hostel it will be considered.
Petronas Towers is on the to do list, as will a street market, but a little stumped beyond that. Any gems from those that have been?
Did a trip to Malaysia last year and absolutely loved it.
Penang is awesome - don't just see it as a beach destination, as Georgetown is a really vibrant city too, and it's the perfect place to investigate the street food - New Lane in Georgetown is the most known destination for streetfood but there are loads of others. We actually stayed right in Georgetown in an AirBNB apartment on 23rd floor which was good fun if you don't mind driving about a bit (can be interesting with mopeds all around you at times...). Presuming you are on the beach around Batu Ferringhi, Mr Foo's massage place on the beach by the Golden Sands is incredibly relaxing lying there listening to the waves whilst getting massaged!
We did our trip starting in KL, then driving up to the Cameron Highlands and then on to Penang before flying onwards to Langkawi which is where we did our real beach lounging. Langkawi is an option for your last few days but if you've already been enjoying the beach on Penang then it might be a bit samey.
Where are you staying for the GP - out in Sepang itself or in KL? The airport hotel is really close to the circuit (and where the teams usually stay), but there is of course nothing much to do in the evenings. KL is a bit of a journey but much more to see.
If you are out in Sepang then I would move to stay in KL for the next few days. Petronas is the must do - only thing I would say is once you actually get up to the top they don't give you very long and want to get you back on the lift back down - we just sort of hid and then came down with the next tour group, but you have to be a bit cunning as you have different colour wrist bands! Jalan Alor and around there are a good place to be in the evening, good food, although not quite as authentic as Georgetown. The street markets are good although you will have already seen much of the content on Penang - there are loads of sellers of fake Rolex and handbags etc etc all along the road in Batu Ferrenghi each evening.
If you fancy something different towards the end of your trip, we enjoyed our couple of nights up in the Cameron Highlands - about a four hour drive from KL up into the mountains. It's much cooler up there (it's where the colonial bigwigs used to spend the summer) and we went to see tea plantations and such like.
Sorry if this got a bit waffly, can you tell we really enjoyed it!!
Penang is awesome - don't just see it as a beach destination, as Georgetown is a really vibrant city too, and it's the perfect place to investigate the street food - New Lane in Georgetown is the most known destination for streetfood but there are loads of others. We actually stayed right in Georgetown in an AirBNB apartment on 23rd floor which was good fun if you don't mind driving about a bit (can be interesting with mopeds all around you at times...). Presuming you are on the beach around Batu Ferringhi, Mr Foo's massage place on the beach by the Golden Sands is incredibly relaxing lying there listening to the waves whilst getting massaged!
We did our trip starting in KL, then driving up to the Cameron Highlands and then on to Penang before flying onwards to Langkawi which is where we did our real beach lounging. Langkawi is an option for your last few days but if you've already been enjoying the beach on Penang then it might be a bit samey.
Where are you staying for the GP - out in Sepang itself or in KL? The airport hotel is really close to the circuit (and where the teams usually stay), but there is of course nothing much to do in the evenings. KL is a bit of a journey but much more to see.
If you are out in Sepang then I would move to stay in KL for the next few days. Petronas is the must do - only thing I would say is once you actually get up to the top they don't give you very long and want to get you back on the lift back down - we just sort of hid and then came down with the next tour group, but you have to be a bit cunning as you have different colour wrist bands! Jalan Alor and around there are a good place to be in the evening, good food, although not quite as authentic as Georgetown. The street markets are good although you will have already seen much of the content on Penang - there are loads of sellers of fake Rolex and handbags etc etc all along the road in Batu Ferrenghi each evening.
If you fancy something different towards the end of your trip, we enjoyed our couple of nights up in the Cameron Highlands - about a four hour drive from KL up into the mountains. It's much cooler up there (it's where the colonial bigwigs used to spend the summer) and we went to see tea plantations and such like.
Sorry if this got a bit waffly, can you tell we really enjoyed it!!
MrBen1 said:
Did a trip to Malaysia last year and absolutely loved it.
Penang is awesome - don't just see it as a beach destination, as Georgetown is a really vibrant city too, and it's the perfect place to investigate the street food - New Lane in Georgetown is the most known destination for streetfood but there are loads of others. We actually stayed right in Georgetown in an AirBNB apartment on 23rd floor which was good fun if you don't mind driving about a bit (can be interesting with mopeds all around you at times...). Presuming you are on the beach around Batu Ferringhi, Mr Foo's massage place on the beach by the Golden Sands is incredibly relaxing lying there listening to the waves whilst getting massaged!
We did our trip starting in KL, then driving up to the Cameron Highlands and then on to Penang before flying onwards to Langkawi which is where we did our real beach lounging. Langkawi is an option for your last few days but if you've already been enjoying the beach on Penang then it might be a bit samey.
Where are you staying for the GP - out in Sepang itself or in KL? The airport hotel is really close to the circuit (and where the teams usually stay), but there is of course nothing much to do in the evenings. KL is a bit of a journey but much more to see.
If you are out in Sepang then I would move to stay in KL for the next few days. Petronas is the must do - only thing I would say is once you actually get up to the top they don't give you very long and want to get you back on the lift back down - we just sort of hid and then came down with the next tour group, but you have to be a bit cunning as you have different colour wrist bands! Jalan Alor and around there are a good place to be in the evening, good food, although not quite as authentic as Georgetown. The street markets are good although you will have already seen much of the content on Penang - there are loads of sellers of fake Rolex and handbags etc etc all along the road in Batu Ferrenghi each evening.
If you fancy something different towards the end of your trip, we enjoyed our couple of nights up in the Cameron Highlands - about a four hour drive from KL up into the mountains. It's much cooler up there (it's where the colonial bigwigs used to spend the summer) and we went to see tea plantations and such like.
Sorry if this got a bit waffly, can you tell we really enjoyed it!!
It was a toss up between Langkawi and Penang but chose the latter as it looked like there is more to do. While I'm looking forward to a bit of lounging about I don't seem to be able to do it for long. Originally we were going to spend the whole 8 days in Penang at Batu Ferringhi but the lure of staying at the Eastern and Oriental in Georgetown was too much, so we have opted for 3 nights there.Penang is awesome - don't just see it as a beach destination, as Georgetown is a really vibrant city too, and it's the perfect place to investigate the street food - New Lane in Georgetown is the most known destination for streetfood but there are loads of others. We actually stayed right in Georgetown in an AirBNB apartment on 23rd floor which was good fun if you don't mind driving about a bit (can be interesting with mopeds all around you at times...). Presuming you are on the beach around Batu Ferringhi, Mr Foo's massage place on the beach by the Golden Sands is incredibly relaxing lying there listening to the waves whilst getting massaged!
We did our trip starting in KL, then driving up to the Cameron Highlands and then on to Penang before flying onwards to Langkawi which is where we did our real beach lounging. Langkawi is an option for your last few days but if you've already been enjoying the beach on Penang then it might be a bit samey.
Where are you staying for the GP - out in Sepang itself or in KL? The airport hotel is really close to the circuit (and where the teams usually stay), but there is of course nothing much to do in the evenings. KL is a bit of a journey but much more to see.
If you are out in Sepang then I would move to stay in KL for the next few days. Petronas is the must do - only thing I would say is once you actually get up to the top they don't give you very long and want to get you back on the lift back down - we just sort of hid and then came down with the next tour group, but you have to be a bit cunning as you have different colour wrist bands! Jalan Alor and around there are a good place to be in the evening, good food, although not quite as authentic as Georgetown. The street markets are good although you will have already seen much of the content on Penang - there are loads of sellers of fake Rolex and handbags etc etc all along the road in Batu Ferrenghi each evening.
If you fancy something different towards the end of your trip, we enjoyed our couple of nights up in the Cameron Highlands - about a four hour drive from KL up into the mountains. It's much cooler up there (it's where the colonial bigwigs used to spend the summer) and we went to see tea plantations and such like.
Sorry if this got a bit waffly, can you tell we really enjoyed it!!
I had looked at staying close to the circuit but it does look a bit of a ghost town. We are probably going to stay in KL and get the high speed train and shuttle to the circuit. Car and driver looks an easier option, but the thought of getting caught in hours of traffic after the race isn't winning it for me.
Thanks for the other tips
Mr. Potato Head said:
Fleegle said:
Car and driver looks an easier option, but the thought of getting caught in hours of traffic after the race isn't winning it for me.
Hope you enjoy the queues for the shuttle bus Fleegle said:
What sort of cost? Does the driver just wait at the circuit?
Driver waits at the circuit for you in case it gets rained off.Was 50 quid a day total cost shared between 4 of us, so not much more than the KLIA express x4.
Maths may work out different with two of you.
Edited by Mr. Potato Head on Friday 6th May 12:38
Edited by Mr. Potato Head on Friday 6th May 12:39
Good idea to get a driver for the GP but whatever you do, don't pay until you are on the return trip, experience!
KL really was a concrete jungle, PETRONAS towers worth looking at but be prepared to wait a long time in line.
Watch out for scamming taxi drivers, they are well known for ripping tourists off.
The airport is very expensive.
KL really was a concrete jungle, PETRONAS towers worth looking at but be prepared to wait a long time in line.
Watch out for scamming taxi drivers, they are well known for ripping tourists off.
The airport is very expensive.
I always stay in the Shangri La whenever I'm in KL. I was there last week and work had booked a 3 room suite with club lounge for £130 / night.
It's a 10 minute walk to KLCC (Petronas Towers) and about 5 minutes to the KL Tower. Uber is everywhere in KL and Uber cars are dirt cheap - less than £1 to get to most places in the city (although, I'm in Ha Noi at the moment and that makes KL look pricey!!!)
The Petronas Towers are OK. However, you're almost better going up the KL tower and getting the view over the city, including the Petronas Towers.
Marinis on 57 is a great Italian bar / restaurant on the 57th floor of KLCC Tower 3 that overlooks towers 1 & 2. You need to book but it's worth it. The bar has a happy hour until 9pm, I think. The restaurant is quite pricey but the bar isn't too bad.
Petaling Street is good fun in the evenings if you've got your haggling boots on!! Keep an eye on your wallet while you're wandering round. You can pick up some great deals on genuine imitation watches and bags!
It's a 10 minute walk to KLCC (Petronas Towers) and about 5 minutes to the KL Tower. Uber is everywhere in KL and Uber cars are dirt cheap - less than £1 to get to most places in the city (although, I'm in Ha Noi at the moment and that makes KL look pricey!!!)
The Petronas Towers are OK. However, you're almost better going up the KL tower and getting the view over the city, including the Petronas Towers.
Marinis on 57 is a great Italian bar / restaurant on the 57th floor of KLCC Tower 3 that overlooks towers 1 & 2. You need to book but it's worth it. The bar has a happy hour until 9pm, I think. The restaurant is quite pricey but the bar isn't too bad.
Petaling Street is good fun in the evenings if you've got your haggling boots on!! Keep an eye on your wallet while you're wandering round. You can pick up some great deals on genuine imitation watches and bags!
Edited by schmalex on Friday 13th May 08:00
Edited by schmalex on Friday 13th May 09:00
20 years in Malaysia for me, and no end of races at Sepang as a competitor and a spectator. Any of the hotels mentioned are good , but Mandarin is only close to KLCC and the Petronas tower. As a tourist try the Istana, cheaper and much closer to the tourist spots of Chankit and Jalan Alor, Pavilion Shopping, (i.e walking).
To get to the race send me a PM and I'll give you the number for a driver 200 rm a day door to circuit return, the same question was asked last year, and the guy on here used the driver I recommended, (do search), and was delighted. Do not try to drive yourself the taxi driver will get priority and well be directed down the opposite fast lane to miss the traffic jam to the circuit. I have garage in the padock at Sepang and I wouldn't even think to drive there F1 week.
Penang is OK, I lived there 3 years, beach is not great, grainy sand tends to murk the water due to tidal rip, you need to book the Petronas twin towers in advance.
Do not use the train to the circuit you will still need a 5 mile taxi ride when you get off.
Tourist wise KL, dinning in Chakit, street food in Jalan Alor, China Town, Baru Cave temple, Twin Towers.
The race this year is back to back with Sing, this was done so that people would come from Europe and do both, if I was doing one I'd look at Sing as there is more going on around the race.
Taxis in KL are OK, coupon at the airport 75 Rm for two people budget limo, in town get a blue cab, more expensive than a red but better and still unbelievable cheap.
To get to the race send me a PM and I'll give you the number for a driver 200 rm a day door to circuit return, the same question was asked last year, and the guy on here used the driver I recommended, (do search), and was delighted. Do not try to drive yourself the taxi driver will get priority and well be directed down the opposite fast lane to miss the traffic jam to the circuit. I have garage in the padock at Sepang and I wouldn't even think to drive there F1 week.
Penang is OK, I lived there 3 years, beach is not great, grainy sand tends to murk the water due to tidal rip, you need to book the Petronas twin towers in advance.
Do not use the train to the circuit you will still need a 5 mile taxi ride when you get off.
Tourist wise KL, dinning in Chakit, street food in Jalan Alor, China Town, Baru Cave temple, Twin Towers.
The race this year is back to back with Sing, this was done so that people would come from Europe and do both, if I was doing one I'd look at Sing as there is more going on around the race.
Taxis in KL are OK, coupon at the airport 75 Rm for two people budget limo, in town get a blue cab, more expensive than a red but better and still unbelievable cheap.
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