Malaysia is a land of surprises, a multi-cultural nation with both bustling business districts and tranquil beaches. It is home to thriving gay population which is still emerging after years of remaining underground.

Whether you are looking for Penang-Beach, gay friendly accommodation, like a 5 star hotel, great nightlife or perhaps something a bit more homely, www.wotif.com/penang, is the site you should visit.

When you are traveling through Malaysia, why not pamper yourself and stay in one of Penang Spa Hotels which offer an excellent range of facilities, expert staff and heavenly treatments, just visit the above site. The following are some of the gay friendly you can visit in Penang, G. Hotel, Jerejak Resort & Spa, Sunway Hotel Georgetown, the Bayview Beach Hotel, the Gurney Resort Hotel & Residence and many more.

Another website that will give you all the information you need about fitness and saunas for men or any other related service and activities, is www.utopia-asia.com. It is celebrating 16 years of service to Asia’s gay and lesbian community.

Gay life in Malaysia in general, as in any other Asian countries, is blossoming despite the conservative religion-based discrimination and outdated colonial-era laws.

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, was famously removed from office by trumped-up sodomy conviction that was reversed by the Malaysian High Court in 2004.

Penang is a popular Asian destination and whilst not the cheapest it does offer a good selection of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. One of the most popular places to stay is of course the beach and Batu Feringghi which has many beach resorts right on the sands which offer food and nightlife attractions .

Although good value for money more budget locations are located in Georgetown. Here on the famous streets of Chulia and Muntri there are many to choose from. Guest houses which will be familiar to the Asian traveler offer rooms and dormitories some with separate or, the more usual, shared bathrooms. Some will offer only cold water and it is worth trying as a cold water shower becomes more refreshing after you get used to it and as the cold water closes the pores keeps you drier in a hot climate.

There are also reasonable colonial style small hotels in Georgetown and more and more are guest houses and hotels are (at last) offering TV and wifi.

Elsewhere on the island is the functional but very pleasant YMCA in a very old neighborhood it is within convienient distance to the city centre.

For those with a taste for luxury why not stay at Copthorne Orchid Hotel at Tanjung Beach?

A lovely multi story modern hotel offering breathtaking views of the seas and mountains on all sides.

Whichever type of accommodation you choose they all offer friendly and safe lodgings in this interesting and compact destination.

There is an excellent range of accommodation available in Penang, range from cheap and cheerful backpacker guesthouses with fans and shared bathrooms to luxury hotels with all the trimmings. Those on a tight budget can pay just RM20 for a basic room, while those who like to stay in style will find plenty of four and five star hotels to choose from.

For the modest visitor who is here on a budget but eager to experience the local hospitality in its simplest form, the conveniently located hotels in Georgetown, along Chulia Street and Penang road are an ideal choice. There are dozens of places to choose from in this area and these establishments offer a wide range of services as well as providing a cosy place to meet other travellers.

For the more discerning traveller who wants a bit of the same action but prefers a more sophisticated and luxurious environment, there is a whole range of choices from three-star to five-star hotels. These city hotels are located conveniently around Georgetown area are just right for business travellers who needs to be near the city centre.

Penang’s famous beach hotels and resorts are located along one of the finest beach paradises in Southeast Asia; they guarantee relaxation, sun and enjoyment that are so characteristic of Penang. These famous beach hotels are strictly for those who come to Penang for a spell of relaxation.

Andaman daze

Soak up the culture on this island that blends ancient Malay, Asian colonial and Chinese immigrant influences in one fascinating destination. Penang is a favourite destination in Malaysia, combining tropical beaches with sophisticated hospitality and historic interest.

Soon you’ll be able to experience all this virtually before you come, this travel blog on Penang is the beta version of a full online travel guide that will include colour pics and hundreds of pages of tourist info on the island. Trust us we’re Asian travel specialists.

Penang has dozens of good excuses to attract you; be it great beaches, water sports, intriguing culture, multi-cultural cuisine, lush tropical hiking trails, botanical gardens, crumbling old architecture, colourful festivals and exotic temples. Experience it all here.

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect engagement gift, we’ve got the inside story… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spas, restaurants and nightlife tips… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in complete detail including city tours and highlights for those short on time… more

Malaysian Culture
This diverse and wondrous land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors with time on their hands… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in Penang… more

What to do
Whether you want to browse for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

Peninsular Malaysia
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Penang for when the city gets too much… more

Getting here
All your transport needs taken care of in one simple section including plane, train or taxi… more

Before booking your flights and accommodation you should try to find discount vouchers online. There are several sites now offering this popular promotions tool for savings and bargains and one UK site we can recommend is discountvouchers.co.uk