Penang. What's it like?
Discussion
My GF's parents asked us some time back if we'd like to join them on hols in March next year, and without really looking much into it we booked our flights whilst we could get them cheap. The hotel that they're staying at is in Tanjong Bungah and I'd guess that we'd be at the same resort (but maybe not the same hotel), it's the same one that they've stayed at many times before and, needless to say, they really love the whole place.
Now I don't know my GF's folks very well and I'm a bit concerned that although they say we'll really love it perhaps our tastes may be different. Nic and I like to eat and drink well (and would prefer to dine local style rather than anything Western, 'when in Rome' and all that), maybe stay out late in a bar or two, not spend too much time by the pool/beach (but would like to have the option), love to explore markets/towns/cities and be able to easily get out and about using local transport. It's also important to us that a holiday like this makes us feel that we truly are away from home and not like we're in Benidorm or suchlike, if you see what I mean!
So, what do people have to say? All comments, recommendations, dos and don'ts welcome!
Now I don't know my GF's folks very well and I'm a bit concerned that although they say we'll really love it perhaps our tastes may be different. Nic and I like to eat and drink well (and would prefer to dine local style rather than anything Western, 'when in Rome' and all that), maybe stay out late in a bar or two, not spend too much time by the pool/beach (but would like to have the option), love to explore markets/towns/cities and be able to easily get out and about using local transport. It's also important to us that a holiday like this makes us feel that we truly are away from home and not like we're in Benidorm or suchlike, if you see what I mean!
So, what do people have to say? All comments, recommendations, dos and don'ts welcome!
I used to live in Penang, and I don't like it, the Hotels are good and there is some interesting stuff in George Town, places to eat, old houses to see, but the sea is sandy/grity as there is a lot of tidal rip around the island, so bathing and the beach is not good, (not 12 hours in a plane to get there good any way), the hotel and the pools are like the hotel and the pools anywhere. It is cheap and there are some good night markets that set up along the beach road in walking distence of the hotels.
You can get trips to Lankawi, which has good beaches but not much else, I am not a beach sitter, and once youve done one diving/snorkling trip and seen the cable car you've done Lankowi.
My thoughts are that both Penang and Lankawi are good for a long weekend, but not enough for two weeks. Of course if you like to sit on the beach for days it is great.
You can get trips to Lankawi, which has good beaches but not much else, I am not a beach sitter, and once youve done one diving/snorkling trip and seen the cable car you've done Lankowi.
My thoughts are that both Penang and Lankawi are good for a long weekend, but not enough for two weeks. Of course if you like to sit on the beach for days it is great.
Hmmmm.... bugger! Still, we haven't booked our hotel yet so I guess that we're not entirely fixed on where to stay. We're going for around 11 days or so, will maybe try to split our time between there and somewhere else - whilst we're that way of the world I think that we could look at going to Kuala Lumpur maybe, or possibly Singapore. Cheers guys 
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