With UNESCO heritage, Penang street art, and many iconic buildings like KOMTAR, most people choose George Town when thinking of staying in Penang.
But don’t forget that Penang is an island — the sea may not be postcard-perfect like Langkawi or Pangkor island, but there are tons of Penang beaches worth checking out. Many hotels rely on the island’s beachfront to make a better impression.
The most popular among Malaysians and international tourists is by far Batu Ferringhi, strewn on the northwestern coast of Penang island. It transformed from a jolly Hippie hangout in the 1970s to Penang’s prime beach resort haven and features some of the best sea-facing 5-star hotels in Penang.
Here are the best hotels to stay in Batu Ferringhi.
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And if you are going to Penang for the first time, don’t forget to check out our guides on the best things to do in Penang, what you can do in Penang with kids, and our lowdown on the best places to stay in Penang.
Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi
1Angsana Teluk Bahang
Opened in October 2020 as the first Malaysian property by trusted brand Angsana, this amazing resort is tucked on the westernmost end of Batu Ferringhi, only a few minutes’ drive away from the night market.
Angsana Teluk Bahang’s 250 rooms are all sea-facing, equipped with cozy little balconies, large bathrooms with tubs, and a style that mixes ultra-modern-chic with hints of Peranakan style. There are three swimming pools here, one of which faces their restaurant Jendela and the pristine nature of Teluk Bahang bay and the beaches of Penang National Park. Umbrellas and bean bags spill on a secluded crescent of sand below, where tall coconut trees are a perfect backdrop for early morning or sunset strolls with your better half. It’s kids friendly, too.
CONTACT: +604-817 0888
PRICE RANGE: from RM600
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
2By the Sea
By the Sea is a collection of perfectly cozy serviced apartments set right on a beautiful palm-fringed beach and snuggled around an inviting swimming pool. It’s in a few minutes walk to restaurants, the Batu Ferringhi night market, and everything that matters in the area, and may appeal to those families or groups who still want a luxurious stay, yet without the “resort feel”.
CONTACT:[email protected]
PRICE RANGE: RM430
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
3Park Royal Hotel
A trusted, long-standing property developed around a beautiful free-form swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical grounds, Park Royal is one of the best 5-star hotels along Batu Ferringhi beach. A nice stretch of golden beach is right outside the hotel, which has four restaurants, including sea-facing Italian eatery Gustoso. The rooms are spacious and blend modern and stylish touches with a timeless atmosphere — try to get a sea-facing suite if you can. At last, it’s very kid-friendly, with an indoor kid’s playground and plenty of space for them to scoot around — don’t forget to check out our other suggestions for things to do in Penang with kids.
CONTACT: +604-886 2288
PRICE RANGE: from RM300
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
4 Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Even Penang can bask in the glory of luxurious hotel brand Shangri-La, which brought a slice of upper-end paradise to Batu Ferringhi’s seaside. True, the sea is just a walk away and the garden with swimming pools surrounded by large, shady trees is delightful. But the rooms, appointed to resemble some homey apartments encased by balconies and boasting large en suite bathrooms, are really delightful and somewhere you won’t want to leave very much during your stay. If you really want to, you may play golf at their 9-hole golf course, or accompany your children to Adventure Zone, a fantastic indoor playground with slides set next door at Shangri-La’s sister property Golden Sands. Buy a DISCOUNTED Adventure Zone ticket for your kids on Klook here.
CONTACT: +604-888 8888
PRICE RANGE: from RM520
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
5Lone Pine Boutique Hotel by the Beach
Touted as a boutique hotel but really fit for a 5-star stay, the 90 rooms at Lone Pine — originally a bungalow opened in 1948 — are intimate, cozy, and very special. They snug around a beautiful garden strewn with casuarina trees and an outdoor swimming pool at whose sides sundecks and umbrellas line up for ultimate comfort. The recent renovations have spruced up this property with touches of minimal-chic design and rooms that make great choreographic use of floor tiles and romantic floor tubs. Sea-facing rooms are great, of course, but consider those facing the lush garden, each with its own private access. A delightful choice for a 5-star sea getaway surrounded by lush nature.
CONTACT: +604- 886 8686
PRICE RANGE: from RM350
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
Best Family hotels in Batu Ferringhi
6Double Tree Resort by Hilton
Another trusted property is set on a forested hill just across the main road from the seafront, which guests can glance at as they float in the large outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, most equipped with sea-facing balconies, writing desks, and a very classy feel. Guests appreciate the small personalized touches here, like the freshly-baked cookies served upon check-in, and the emphasis on children, who have their own indoor playground, and a dedicated kid-friendly buffet breakfast. Recommended for families or for those who want to have a top-notch 5 star Penang stay without breaking the bank. It’s just across the road from the secluded and beautiful Miami Beach, whose cafe set next to huge boulders is one of the best places to see the sunset island-wide.
CONTACT: +604-892 8000
PRICE RANGE: from RM220
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM
7Hard Rock Hotel
The famous rock and roll-themed franchise has its own property on a fine stretch of Batu Ferringhi beach, presided by a white marble statue of Michael Jackson right in the parking lot. The 250 rooms here are mostly sea-facing and tucked around a popular, beautiful, lagoon-like swimming pool with several bars, all in a few meters from the real beach. Some of the ground floor suites have their own private pools with swim-up porches that will drastically help you never leave your room. These are decorated with warm, bright colors and minimal-chic touches that bring in the iconic rockstars the franchise is famous for — don’t forget to keep looking for guitars and other famous musical paraphernalia in the bar, and to tone up yourself with a treatment at the Rock Spa.
CONTACT: +604-881 1711
PRICE RANGE: from RM340
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
Best atmospheric hotels in Batu Ferringhi
8Lost Paradise Resort
This cottage-like beachfront hotel blends together a combination of Balinese, Moroccan and Indian concepts into well-appointed, large rooms and a delightful outdoor garden equipped with a long, skinny swimming pool. Some of the rooms, and the common verandah, are set on the beach and are perfect to soak in Penang’s famed purple sunsets.
A peaceful, more secluded choice away from the bustle of Batu Ferringhi’s main walking street.
CONTACT: +604-890 4800
PRICE RANGE: from RM248
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
9Boulder Valley
Situated on lush hills on the northern side of Balik Pulau on the way to Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, it’s worth checking out Boulder valley, Penang’s prime glamping spot.
Set among rock boulders and tropical green settings, Boulder valleys’ glamping tents come with all the bells and whistles of far higher accommodation categories and boast plush beds and ensuite bathroom facilities.
The 25 tents here feel more like luxury hotel rooms set in the midst of the rainforest, including treetop accommodation to enjoy incredible views over the canopy.
CONTACT: +6019-977 8995
PRICE RANGE: from RM790
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
Best for large groups in Batu Ferringhi
10Shamrock Boutique Villa
When looking for swanky self-catering accommodation for your family or large group of friends (it has 8 beds and 6 bedrooms) Shamrock Boutique Villa packs a punch of comfort. Warm wooden panels give it a unique homey feel – like the hanging TV screens, balcony, kitchen, and living room.
A very good option when looking for a more residential feel and stay with friends in Batu Ferringhi.
CONTACT: +6019-939 1541
PRICE RANGE: from RM790
CHECK PRICES AND BOOK ON: BOOKING.COM|AGODA
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