There are many places to stay for your trip to Penang. One of the options is to stay at the many guesthouses. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood is a cute, modern bed and breakfast run by local couple, Peter and Mei, who have been in Penang for over twenty years. Their house is a converted storefront that includes five cozy rooms all equipped with air-conditioning. Within walking distance from the center of town, this accommodation is not to be overlooked when picking a place to stay.
Staying with a Malaysian family at 24 Merican Road
The owners, Peter and Mei, know all the ins and outs of the popular George Town - known for its street art and hawker fare - and they are there to help you with planning your trip from giving you a rundown of all the hot places to go to giving you recommendations of where the locals hang out. They give you maps and brochures and are available by text during the day if you get lost or need help. If you are lucky, you will get to enjoy Mei’s homemade treats such as bread and brownies. You’re welcome to go in the kitchen for the complimentary coffee/ tea and grab your breakfast before hitting the town. It’s the perfect fuel for walking the streets of George Town. The common area is cozy and is a great place to have conversations with both the hosts and the other guests.
The space and cost of renting a room at 24 Merican Road
The house was recently renovated and is just beautiful from the soft colors of the paint they chose to the artwork on the walls in the common areas. You’d feel as if you are staying in one of George Town’s shops. The rooms have both fans and air-conditioning and a comfortable bed. The shared showers have hot water with shampoo and soap. There’s also a washing machine on site in the garden room that you can use for 3 MYR (0.75 USD) per load. The rooms at 24 Merican Road range from 11.00 USD to 25.00 USD a night to fit every traveler’s budget.
What to do in George Town
You are a 20-minute walk to Penang’s famous George Town. Spend your days walking the streets finding famous street art and in the evenings visit the hawker centers for amazing street food. There are also many historical sites just a 30 to 40 minute bus ride away. Take a day to visit Kek Lok Si temple and eat Penang’s famous Laksa (a fish broth base loaded with vermicelli, onions, chili then topped with shrimp paste) or just a few minutes further go to the top of Penang Hill to catch the 360-degree views of the city. There is always something to fill your day when you visit Penang.
Fall in love with Penang
After spending a few days at 24 Merican Road, you will leave with new friends and a love for Penang that will make you want to come back for more. The Malaysians are sweet people with beautiful smiles. Most will be happy to share their table with you at the hawker centers, and some will even start up a conversation while you’re on the bus. You will surely leave Penang with an adoration of its people and culture.
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