Penang for Women
Penang has a fantastic array of shops and markets
Penang is a lovely place for women travellers to explore and there are no specific health or safety concerns to worry about. Indeed, there are a number of attractions in Penang for female travellers that will make any stay on the island particularly pleasant. With beautiful beaches, luxuriant spa treatments and superb shopping, it’s easy to see why women in Penang can have the time of their lives.
Spas for women on Penang
The floral aromas and soothing music of the island’s spas are perfect for women tourists in Penang who require a little pampering to make their holiday on the island perfect.
Every country on the Asian continent has their own version of the perfect massage and practically all can be experienced here. Facial masks, body wraps and hydrotherapy baths can all be found at a fraction of the price of the West.
The ultimate feeling of tranquillity envelops those who try Gregory Spa at Parkroyal Penang (Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 886 2288). The breathtaking beachfront situation and charming staff ensure this remains as one of the favourite spots for women visitors to Penang for unwinding in style. The aromatic body bliss massage is a favourite treatment while traditional Balinese or Javanese therapies are also popular. For more on Penang spas.
Beaches on Penang
Monkey Beach is rarely very busy
Relaxing on soft white sand with a cocktail by your side is one of life’s true pleasures and there is plenty of choice for women on Penang who deserve a little indulgence during their stay. Batu Ferringhi is the main spot for luxury resorts and there is no shortage of sun loungers and attentive staff to take the strain. Plus scuba diving and snorkelling can be arranged by the coast for those women travellers in Penang who wish to embrace the marine wildlife. For more on Batu Ferringhi.
Tanjung Bungah is a big beach resort ideally situated close to Georgetown in a rocky landscape with verdant greenery. The romantic ocean views are perfect for reducing stress and the attentive staff at the five star hotels take care of every detail. Teluk Bahang is a picturesque beach without the crowds when you just want to relax with a good book and feel the waves lapping at your feet. And deserted Monkey Beach is just a short walk away with a host of flora and fauna. For more on Penang Beaches.
Attractions for women in Penang
A favourite spot for female tourists in Penang is the Botanic Gardens (Jalan Kebun Bunga) which features 30 hectares of floral arrangements and exotic plants. It is a perfect spot to relax with a good book or perhaps take a picnic with the kids. There’s a picturesque waterfall in the grounds which is worth a look after current refurbishment works have been completed.
And Penang Butterfly Farm (830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 885 1253) will have hearts all of a flutter with thousands of the colourful insects housed in a special compound. The Tropical Fruit Farm (Batu 18, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Tel: +60 (0)4 227 6223) houses 25 acres of ultra-healthy guava, rambutan, pomelo, lychee, soursop, durian, nutmeg, nangka, coconut, jackfruit and mangosteen. While the Tropical Spice Garden (595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Tel: +60 (0)4 881 1797) is an enchanting haven filled with exotic aromas. For more on Penang attractions.
Shopping on Penang
Women in Penang are in for a real treat was the island is undoubtedly Malaysia’s shopping paradise with the styles and wares of several different countries all mixed into one. Little India is awash with Punjabi tailors offering discounted skirts or sarees. Choosing the material is great fun and allows the pleasure of rifling through countless reels of dazzling fabrics. They are inexpensive and never fail to turn heads at fashionable parties back home.(Tailors, 96 Penang Street, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 2615880).
And for the best antiques head to Chulia Street in Georgetown’s Chinatown. There are wonderful wood carvings, tiles plus metalwork and the shopholders are extremely knowledgeable about their stock and can explain the significance of some of the religions imagery used. Little trinkets and pendants make brilliant Christmas and birthday gifts so it’s worth stocking up here rather than buying more expense items of worse quality back home.
On Ferringhi Beach there’s a number of jewellery and handicraft stalls which come out after dark. Batik paintings are visually stunning and you can meet many of the artists are their in studios to explain their methods and talk you through displays. (Art shop, 58-D Batu Ferringhi Road, Tel: +60 (0)8811251). For more on shopping in Penang.
