Penang bars and pubs guide
One of the best night spots in Penang
There are great nightlife options in Penang both in Georgetown and the beach areas. Many bars can be found around the backpacker zone of Lebuh Chulia which also double up as hostels and restaurants. Otherwise, there are a few charming Georgetown pubs left over from grander times when smart uniformed naval officers would stroll the streets in search of fun and frolics.
Batu Ferringhi is packed with tourist bars where lobster-coloured holidaymakers in shorts and sandals sip cocktails and swap war stories from the stockmarket trading floor. There are smart piano lounges in the lobbies of the five star resorts and sports bars with pool tables where the latest American football and soccer games are shown live.
Despite its cosmopolitan makeup, Penang is still part of Islamic Malaysia and so drinks are prohibitively taxed and are expensive even by Western standards. But there are plenty of happy hours going on all down the beach so a great idea is to bar hop down these until you pick your favourite venue for the evening’s festivities.
The upper end of Penang Road (opposite the E&O hotel) is full of bars, restaurants and clubs. The area is really nice area to dance, or sit in a pub and watch the world go by. But watch out when Indonesian ship workers dock in port as bars can become veritable meat markets of working girls.
Penang bars in Georgetown
Cheers Beer Garden: After a long day sightseeing in the sweltering heat there is no better place to relax with soft cushions, comfortable chairs and friendly people. 22 Jalan Argyll, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 263 7971.
Penang Nightclub - great club scene in Penang
Betelnut Cafe: Traveller bar with cheap drinks, convivial atmosphere and plenty of good cheer to go around. 360 Chulia St, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)1 411 8756.
Coco Island Travellers Corner: Continuous party atmosphere at this Penang bar with some lovely Mexican grub served and live music every night until the early hours. Open: 10:00 – 01:00, 422 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, Penang, tel: 60 (0)4 264 3608.
The Hungry Duck: Best choice for ladies wanting to hit the town with free vodka deals on Wednesdays and more great discounts throughout the week. Open: 11:00 – 03:00, 3H-3I Upper Jalan Penang, Georgetown, Penang.
Hong Kong Bar: Former favourite of stationed RAF officers whose pictures still adorn the walls, this Penang bar in Georgetown serves chilled local beer and has a decent jukebox filled with rok classics. 371 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4261 9796.
Beach Blanket Babylon: Trendy wine bar and cafe with curtained booths giving the impression of a speakeasy or period saloon. More expenise than most Penang bars but worth a dropping by for the unique ambience. 2 Jalan Penang, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 263 8101.
Momo: As close to a nightclub in Georgetown as you will get with live music from local wannabes belting out shrill Thai pop tunes. Good drinks promotions on offer including free vodka for scantily-clad girls on Friday. Free entry during week, RM35 at weekends. Open: 18:00 – 03:00, The Bungalow, Upper Jalan Penang, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 262 3030.
Taj in the City: Nice lounge bar where it rarely gets lively but is great for relaxing with a cool drink. Air conditioning blaring can be a trifle annoying at times. 55 Penang Road, Georgetown, Penang.
Lebuh Leith Pub and Wine Bar: Attractive pub and wine bar set within a restored mansion with a relaxed ambience and friendly crowd. Good choice of drinks from around the world. 20 Lebuh Leith, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 261 8573.
Sin Tai Wah: Probably the cheapest drinks in town judging by the swarms of Indonesian labourers that prop up the bar. Avoid the upstairs which is considerably seedier than the main area. Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, Penang.
Penang bars in Batu Ferringhi
There are some fantastic bars in Batu Ferringhi which are more geared towards the tourist crowd than in Georgetown. Magic (opposite the Golden Sands) is a relaxed place in the night market area which is particularly lively at weekends. Nearby is Art which also gets good reviews and is popular for its happy hour promotions.
Worth checking out is Sigis (also by Golden Sands) or there are lots of less expensive options which still draw in the crowds at the end of the street by the Park Royal. But the best place to start off your evening is right on the beach for a sunset cocktail and then just gauge where the party is happening that night.
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