We loved living in hotels for the first 11 months of our adventure in Southeast Asia, but after a while we started to miss having our own kitchen, a washing machine, and more space.
It's really difficult to find a furnished apartment while traveling that's available for short to mid-term rentals. That's why we felt so lucky to find our apartment rental in Penang, Malaysia. We found it the old fashioned way; by hitting the ground and stopping at places that we felt were in good locations. Everything that we found online was either overpriced or unfurnished or looking for us to sign a 1-year lease.
The home we ended up renting in Penang is absolutely perfect for travelers. They're furnished apartments in a modern condo building with a pool and a gym. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, kitchen supplies, and linens. They're available nightly for $50-$70 or monthly for around $650, depending on the exact unit.
They offer much more room and much more privacy than any hotel in Penang, and for a cheaper price. For us, it was a no-brainer.
The apartment complex, Eden Fairway, is located in the very desirable area of Batu Ferringhi. More specifically, its location is within walking distance to the beach, several restaurants (KFC, McDonalds, Long Beach Hawker market and many local places), kid's play clubs, night markets, and it borders a huge playground/park. It is also a short bus or taxi ride to major supermarkets and malls.
We have stayed in different apartment units in the complex over several different stays in Penang. Each one had nice beds and pillows but they do tend to vary, some being slightly more modern than others. The price you pay will reflect those differences.
It is also important to note that the utilities are not included in the rental price when you stay longer than 1 month. You will be charged for electric and water on top of the rental fee. For a month only rental when the utilities are included you will pay slightly more money for the rental unit.
Our every need from maid service to a broken fridge was tended to very quickly by the property manager Anne. We simply texted or emailed her and there was a professional at our door the next day. We were never ignored, she showed us receipts promptly and returned our deposit immediately upon our departure.
The only complaint we had was the lack of Internet, which we easily fixed by getting a prepaid SIM data card for the time we were in the condo rental. These run anywhere from $20 to $50 a month depending on usage and can be picked up at cell kiosks around Penang.
If you're planning a trip to Penang and prefer an apartment rental or home rental, we highly recommend staying at one of the Eden Fairway units whether your visiting for one to two nights, or one to two months.
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| Apartment view |
The home we ended up renting in Penang is absolutely perfect for travelers. They're furnished apartments in a modern condo building with a pool and a gym. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, kitchen supplies, and linens. They're available nightly for $50-$70 or monthly for around $650, depending on the exact unit.
They offer much more room and much more privacy than any hotel in Penang, and for a cheaper price. For us, it was a no-brainer.
The apartment complex, Eden Fairway, is located in the very desirable area of Batu Ferringhi. More specifically, its location is within walking distance to the beach, several restaurants (KFC, McDonalds, Long Beach Hawker market and many local places), kid's play clubs, night markets, and it borders a huge playground/park. It is also a short bus or taxi ride to major supermarkets and malls.
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| Playground from the pool |
Our every need from maid service to a broken fridge was tended to very quickly by the property manager Anne. We simply texted or emailed her and there was a professional at our door the next day. We were never ignored, she showed us receipts promptly and returned our deposit immediately upon our departure.
The only complaint we had was the lack of Internet, which we easily fixed by getting a prepaid SIM data card for the time we were in the condo rental. These run anywhere from $20 to $50 a month depending on usage and can be picked up at cell kiosks around Penang.
If you're planning a trip to Penang and prefer an apartment rental or home rental, we highly recommend staying at one of the Eden Fairway units whether your visiting for one to two nights, or one to two months.
See our article on things to do in Penang with kids.
When heading to Penang, Malaysia there is no shortage of fabulous resorts to accommodate you, but what is lacking are the smaller hotels that offer affordability and a home-like feeling. Bed and breakfast type facilities are few and far between on Penang Island. But every where you look online, one place keeps popping up as the best of the best....Annie's Homestay in Batu Ferringhi.
We first came to Penang in March, and after searching tirelessly for an affordable place to stay we were referred to Annie's Homestay. I was skeptical at first about having privacy (I do have 3 rather loud and busy boys) but at soon as we arrived all my worries subsided. Annie was outside to greet us and has a warmth that just makes you feel like part of her family immediately.
Annie, her husband Raj, and 4 lovely children run the homestay (for the past 3 years) and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They have lived in Penang for quite some time so they have all the knowledge you would expect from a hotel. There is an honesty and trustworthy feel so you know without a doubt that you are getting accurate information.
The rooms are clean and basic. Some are smaller with fans, some are larger and with AC, while one is a master bedroom with it's own bathroom, TV, and balcony. There is also a nice simple breakfast included that runs from early in the morning until the last person gets a chance to eat. Most rooms share a bathroom and a nice large common area with TV, DVD player with many DVD's, and a refrigerator.
Annie's is located in the popular area of Batu Ferringhi. Within walking distance to the bus stop, night market, Long Beach hawker stalls for inexpensive, authentic dinner, the beach, convenience stores, large children's play gym, and many other restaurants and shops. It is located about 45 minutes from the main bus station and 1 hour from the airport. Annie is happy to send a taxi to pick you up at either location, all you need to do is give her the details.
Overall, Annie's Homestay is the perfect spot to have a vacation in Penang. The house is lovely yet simple, but it is the owners and their family that really set it apart. Annie and Raj are amazing, friendly, and helpful hosts that we will be friends with for many years to come. You can spend time playing badminton with them in the back yard or simply having a beer in the evening on the patio. Since that first stay we have returned to Penang and stayed at their wonderful home 2 more times!
Annie loves children and also made our children feel welcome as well. She has toys and bikes to help keep them busy and she includes them in everyday activities. We all really enjoyed our stay at Annie's and know you will too!
If you are looking for an affordable, home like experience next time you come to Penang, Annie's home stay is the place for you!
Contact Annie for her current rates...annieshomestay@gmail.com or visit their website where you can book your room and see more photos here!
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| Set in a beautiful local neaighborhood |
Annie, her husband Raj, and 4 lovely children run the homestay (for the past 3 years) and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They have lived in Penang for quite some time so they have all the knowledge you would expect from a hotel. There is an honesty and trustworthy feel so you know without a doubt that you are getting accurate information.
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| Communal breakfast area |
Annie's is located in the popular area of Batu Ferringhi. Within walking distance to the bus stop, night market, Long Beach hawker stalls for inexpensive, authentic dinner, the beach, convenience stores, large children's play gym, and many other restaurants and shops. It is located about 45 minutes from the main bus station and 1 hour from the airport. Annie is happy to send a taxi to pick you up at either location, all you need to do is give her the details.
Overall, Annie's Homestay is the perfect spot to have a vacation in Penang. The house is lovely yet simple, but it is the owners and their family that really set it apart. Annie and Raj are amazing, friendly, and helpful hosts that we will be friends with for many years to come. You can spend time playing badminton with them in the back yard or simply having a beer in the evening on the patio. Since that first stay we have returned to Penang and stayed at their wonderful home 2 more times!
Annie loves children and also made our children feel welcome as well. She has toys and bikes to help keep them busy and she includes them in everyday activities. We all really enjoyed our stay at Annie's and know you will too!
If you are looking for an affordable, home like experience next time you come to Penang, Annie's home stay is the place for you!
Contact Annie for her current rates...annieshomestay@gmail.com or visit their website where you can book your room and see more photos here!
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