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Hotel Penaga is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of George Town, in Penang. The hotel was originally a three-storey art deco house that had fallen into disrepair because it had been vacant for years. In 2008, Hijjas, renowned Japanese architect and his wife Anjela, an environmentalist bought the building and began converting it into the type of hotel that they wanted to stay in while exploring the delights of George Town.
Such was their passion that the ground floor tiles of Hotel Penaga, had to be specially made in the traditional style prevalent in the 1930s. The original upper floors made of timber strengthened only with timber recovered from demolished colonial buildings. The roof replaced with ‘Indian’ tiles used on the older Penang buildings and the decorative tiles on the facade and granite slabs in the garden were brought from China. Today, Penaga is a luxury boutique hotel in Penang.
Hotel Penaga has just 45 rooms with large bedrooms and a living room. The Traditional Terrace Houses have a private courtyard including alfresco dining and a spacious balcony overlooking the magnificent garden view. En-suite bathrooms have a Jacuzzi spa bath and a separate shower. Hotel Penaga also features a Veranda Restaurant and a salt water lap pool in the native plant garden. For the beauty conscious, there is a Spa to relax after a tiring day.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFitness CentreGardenMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Hotel Penaga has just 45 rooms and suites, classified as Hutton Rooms, Clark Terraces, Transfer Suites and Penaga Suites. Each of these are individually decorated with Chinese and Asian antique furniture mixed with modern Japanese design which adds to the quirky ambience of Hotel Penaga. Rooms on the top floor have balconies, looking towards the Penang Hill and over the garden. Penaga Suites, a corner unit on the 1st Floor, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sitting room.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Hotel Penaga, George Town, Penang. Penaga Suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sitting room are ideal for families. Babysitting can be arranged, if requested.
Dine The Cinnamon is the main restaurant at Hotel Penaga, that serves a range of culinary options ranging from Continental, European and Asian. It has earned praise for its rich heritage-inspired decor as it has for its cuisine. The Tanglung Bar got its name from the glass lanterns brought from Guangzho, “Tanglung” meaning “Lantern” in Chinese and is a perfect place to enjoy your drink while you observe the passing traffic of GeorgeTown pass by.
Relax The Penaga Spa was inspired by the early residents who once lived within these terrace houses in the 1920s. The traditional Penang folk had known the many benefits of the Penaga Tree, which are now being used for health treatments. There is pool, long enough for a workout or just a cooling dip. Built above ground and opened up with a glass wall, it shines like a jewel in the garden at night.
Experience Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, was cited as a remarkable example of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca. Today, you can sample the local cuisine, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world-famous Penang Butterfly Farm which are all in easy walking distance of Hotel Penaga. In addition, you can visit Fort Cornwallis, City Hall, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Cathedral of The Assumption and St. George's Church.
One More Thing Hotel Penaga is the end result of dedicated passion of one couple; Hijjas Kasturi, a Japanese architect and his wife Angela working with WWF Malaysia. In 2008, they bought a set of art deco houses that had fallen into disrepair and passionately converted them into the boutique hotel. Angela, being an environmentalist, remained fixed to her environment and sustainable roots. Hijjas, the architect was adamant to retain originality by using authentic recycled materials. This care for the environment and originality has gained the property a Gold rating from the Green Building Index.
Location Hotel Penaga is eco-friendly heritage boutique in the heart of George Town, in Penang.
Getting There Hotel Penaga is 30-min drive from the Penang International Airport and within walking distance from the restaurants, shopping complexes and entertainment outlets of downtown George Town.
When to go Malaysia has a hot and humid climate year-round, interspersed with tropical rain showers. There is a clear east-west split in the weather. The wet season on the east coast is between November & February, which is when the west coast experiences sunny, dry weather. Conversely, the wettest months on the west coast are April to October, which are the driest months on the east coast. The capital, Kuala Lumpur has less rainfall during June to August.
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May 04 - 19, May 19, 2025
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Here’s what our customers have to say about their Asian Geographical experience
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”