My requirements for a great holiday are fab food, friendly locals, a relaxing atmosphere plus plenty to keep the kids happy.  Penang is exactly that.  We decided to stay at Batu Ferringhi which is the most popular beach area on the island.  Lined with quality resorts, but not overcrowded.  Its also the location of the famous night markets where you can buy just about anything and are well worth a look.

The majority of resorts are beachfront so no roads to cross which is a big plus with kids.  The beaches have plenty of watersport companies operating so you can choose from a range of cheap activities such as horse riding, para sailing, jet skiing, fishing boat hire, banana boating and more.  Don't worry about not being able to find them, they"ll find you!  Be sure to barter your price!

If you want to head into town or down to the very lovely National Park (home to the popular Monkey Beach) or around the island the public bus system is easy.  Most of the buses are good quality, airconditioned and cheap as chips.  They run every 5 mins or so from the main road at Batu Ferringhi.  No need for a timetable just head to the bus stop and wait, kids cost around 30cents per journey and adults around 80cents.

Penang is well known for its hawker food centres.  Where all the food stalls, up to 40 of them, run in a "U" shape around the tables.  You just approach the food stalls and mention your table number and order your choices. They then deliver along with drinks etc.  Food is cheap and the choice is huge.  There is something to please even the fussiest of eater.  Alternatively beachfront bars and restaurants run along a strip of the Batu Ferringhi beachfront offering a range of Malay, Thai, Indian and Western cuisine.

There are a number of great attractions on the island for the family including the botanical gardens, the National park, the butterfly farm, the temples, the spice farm amongst others.  There is a massive kids indoor play centre next to the Goldens Sands resort which has a cafe for mum and dad and is a great place to let the kids run of some steam.

We stayed at the Bayview Beach Resort, which was in a great beachfront location and had a fantastic pool area, kids club and grounds, however a lick of paint and change of decor inside is probably due.  All the beachfront resorts have expansive gardens, great pools, restaurants, bars, massages available, lots of space, banana lounges, shade etc.  Many have kids clubs and they cater really well for families. I would highly recommend Penang Island as a family friendly holiday destination.

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