Your sign to visit Batu Ferringhi 🍋
Who goes to Penang for nearly a week?
🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♀️ we did!
It was our first time to Penang and I wanted to explore Georgetown while the husband wanted to spend time disconnecting by the beach. So what did our itinerary look like?
Day 1-3: Batu Ferringhi
Day 4-7: Georgetown
Let’s talk about spending time in Batu Ferringhi 🇲🇾
👉🏼 First of all - the vibes: this is like budget Bali? Lots of tourists from around the world - you’ll find lots of them in every part of Batu Ferringhi, especially at the beach resorts and the beach clubs/bars. You name it, you see them. It’s like the summer escape that they crave in December - where it is perpetually freezing back where they come from.
The beaches aren’t the cleanest, neither is the sea but the vibes are giving 💯💯💯 Even I couldn’t resist it!?
👉🏼🏢 We stayed at PARKROYAL Penang Resort because we had GHA membership, and the perks for Platinum/Titanium members are 🔥 Gosh, room upgrade to next category, welcome amenities … damn, we were quite spoilt.
Service was very good. Breakfast was meh and the breakfast service was utter chaos every morning. The rooms are quite dated and the amenities are what one would expect of beach resorts that are family friendly. BUT, the view from our room made up for everything. It was the best thing to wake up to and when the sun goes down.
👉🏼🏖️ Things to do:
Shah Apom Balik Station (Cawangan Batu Ferringhi)
This is a must-eat, must-visit spot just right outside the resort. Where else can you find the crispiest Apom Balik!? I was nursing the remnants of Covid (I promise you, I was 💯 negative before I arrived in Penang) and fighting the thickest phlegm BUT THIS WAS SO GOOD THAT I GAVE UP TRYING TO STAY AWAY?
If you thought that there was a private beach in front of the resort, nope - there isn’t one. It is a communal beach front filled with MANY PEOPLE. One can go horse riding or engage in sea sports, but we did neither. We visited the first and only Starbucks in Batu Ferringhi and left quickly because it was like visiting Starbucks back at home 😂
Do not be deceived by pictures on Google 🥲 And have zero expectations when you visit. The night market stretches from somewhere near Hard Rock Hotel Penang to somewhere near to Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. And the stalls are selling almost the same things throughout. I thought I would spend money on mindless things while I’m there but nope, I emerged unscathed. Thankfully.
If I could sum up the beach stay in a single sentence, it would “decent but can skip”. It was nice to sit in the balcony and watch “the world go by” or watch the sunset but that’s about it.
Anyone else with a different opinion?
Read more about my Penang trip here 👇🏼
If you're planning a visit to Batu Ferringhi, there are plenty of activities beyond just lounging at the beach. While the shoreline may not be the clearest, it offers fun opportunities like horse riding and engaging in various sea sports for adventure enthusiasts. The local night market, Pasar Malam Batu Ferringhi, is also worth experiencing—even if it’s smaller and less varied than photos suggest, it gives a lively glimpse into local culture. When it comes to accommodations, resorts like PARKROYAL Penang Resort offer solid options, especially if you have membership perks for extra comfort. While some amenities might feel a bit dated, waking up to ocean views can more than make up for it. Don't miss out on trying local street foods, especially the crispy Apom Balik from Shah Apom Balik Station, a treat that's hard to resist! For those interested in day trips around the area, Batu Ferringhi serves as a convenient base to explore Penang's other attractions such as zoos and churches scattered around the region. So whether you want a relaxing seaside retreat or planning activities during the day, Batu Ferringhi offers a unique, budget-friendly holiday experience for travelers. Remember, sometimes the charm of a place lies more in its vibe and experiences than spotless beaches.
