Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Penang Island – one of the hidden treasures of South East Asia – offers something for everyone, from white sand beaches and exotic mountain rainforest to the colonial gem of George Town and, of course, the best food in Malaysia.
In fact, both George Town and Melaka have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites as historic cities of the straits of Malacca. An intoxicating blend of cultures, Penang is as diverse as they come fusing old-world Asia with cosmopolitan design trends.
A world-class art scene and a thriving tech scene led to Penang being dubbed both ‘the Silicon Vally of Asia’ and an ‘Asian Art Hub’ – Penang Island, and colonial George Town refused to be categorized and pinned down.
At the very least, we can say Penang is a thrilling tourism destination with check’s all the boxes and is perfect for those who want to experience a bit of everything: street food, wild nightlife, temples, nature, beaches, and skyscrapers.
Increasingly popular with gay & lesbian travelers, you will not find a gay scene anywhere near as bizarre as that in Kuala Lumpur, as crazy as Bangkok or as open as nearby Phuket, but if you know where to look, the gay scene, Penang is well and truly alive.
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and, in general, has a low tolerance for homosexuality. But in tech-heavy and wealthier Penang, it is more often the case of ‘gay is OK, just don’t use the word. The same applies to KL and Langkawi. Outright persecution of LGBT travelers in Penang is very rare, but discretion in public should defiantly be applied.
Many Malaysians still hold conservative attitudes to any display of public affection – straight or gay – although people here are surprisingly open-minded, especially in more trendy, upscale areas. As a general rule, what gay people do in their own time in Malaysia is largely only an issue if you are a Malaysian politician or want to watch Beauty & The Beast.
Sadly there is currently an increasing influence of conservative Islam on mainstream politics and culture in Malaysia – none of which should affect your average gay traveler, however.
Warning: Malaysia retains a British colony-era criminal ban on sodomy, poorly defined but includes both heterosexual and homosexual acts, with punishment ranging from fines to prison sentences of up to twenty years and even corporal punishment. Though this law is rarely, if ever, applied to foreigners and should not discourage gay travelers from visiting Penang, it is worth reading up on LGBT rights in Malaysia.
Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder are also the most popular hookup app currently used by gay men in Penang. Online censorship is a growing issue in Malaysia, and possession of any pornography is strictly banned in Malaysia. We strongly recommend you set up a high-quality VPN on your phone before you go to protect your privacy, remain anonymous and keep access to your favorite websites and apps.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Penang & George Town
Because gay life in Penang mainly occurs online, at night and behind closed doors, many of the attractions in Penang during the day that gay travelers will want to see are the top attractions here anyway.
All travelers in Penang should take caution in less-developed areas with valuables and take taxis or ride-share apps at night – and always listen to local advice when exploring. Gay travelers in Penang should take special care regarding public displays of affection where many residents may be less exposed to LGBT culture and likely hold conservative attitudes…Though outright outrage is unlikely.
Overall, Penang is very safe, and a common-sense approach to travel will generally ensure you have no issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city.
One of the best tips we can give you for exploring Gay Penang is to pre-order a travel SIM card for easy airport pickup and activation the moment you arrive so you will not pay a fortune in international roaming charges.
Get restaurants recommendation and reservations on the fly, public transport instructions up to the minute, bar opening hours, and, if it is your thing – access to gay hook-up apps to find out more about the local scene.
Mobile data is fast, cheap and available almost everywhere in Asia, so it is no wonder most travelers choose to stay connected and get off the beaten track (without ever worrying about getting lost). So why wait? Pre-order the best local SIM card now to have it waiting for you when you arrive.
Explore this historic and colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. UNESCO listed as part of the Straits of Malacca trading hub site, George Town is now full of incredible dining, boutique shops, historic buildings and fabulous vibes.
A quirky yet very trendy museum everyone is currently talking about, which transforms 2D paintings into 3D images with the help of glow-in-the-dark effects. Tickets purchased in advance are much cheaper and often have a promotion to include free admission tickets to the famous Made in Penang Interactive Museum.
Tanjung Bunga beach
A beautiful gay-popular beach in Penang – largely as it’s quite secluded and away from the public eye.
Kek Lok Is
A Hilltop temple with stunning views, color interiors and plenty of Happy Buddha imagery. Best visited at night for a lighting extravaganza!
One of the top attractions in Penang, head up in a fun little funicular – or take the longer hiking path – for a fun picnic with views, an iconic temple, and a colder climate.
Penang National Park
A 1,213-hectare oceanfront national park with lush plants, wildlife and beaches to explore and a fun canopy walkway.
Penang Botanic Gardens
A popular cruising spot in Penang before gay hook-up apps arrived on the scene – now it’s much more peaceful to explore these landscaped gardens filled with orchids, cacti & lily ponds.
Penang Street Art
If you’re a fan of street art, you won’t want to miss exploring the vibrant street art scene that is taking place here – just use this street map to hunt down some of the best works in Asia (though still nothing on the street art in gay Medellin!)
Batu Ferringhi Beach
One of the best beaches in Penang – so it’s no wonder all the resorts have moved in. Still, there is plenty to do here, pristine white sand and a magical sunset view.
While there is a lot to see and do here, you simply must leave time to taste the best of Malaysian cuisine on a food tour. It’s almost impossible to find the best spots without a local’s help, and they can expertly explain to you the significance of what you are trying! One of our favorite experiences in Penang – and best done as soon as you arrive to go back and try more on your own!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Penang / George Town
In Penang, you would be hard-pressed to find an upscale hotel that had any issues with gay guests, but discretion is advised still in this conservative society. Some Penang hotels are more popular with queer travelers due to their location and inclusive environment or vibe, which are features here.
We have focussed on hotels in George Town that are frequented by members of the LGBT community and have great reputations, but we also included a few gay-popular resorts around Penang. Each hotel and area offer something very specific, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs.
Prices are cheap compared to North American and European hotels (though quickly rising), and standards are high – so it’s a great place to splurge! Of course, there are also hundred’s more hotel and hostel options in Penang if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area.
This is our #1 choice for a gay hotel in Penang, even though it’s technically just gay-friendly. Stylish, ultra-chic and very contemporary, with an infinity pool and fabulous views over all of Penang. Add to this a killer location, beautifully appointed rooms, two restaurants and two bars – why would you stay anywhere else?
Eastern & Oriental Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆
In the absolute heart of George Town, this prestigious and luxurious hotel is the most famous hotel in Penang. A heritage hotel with sea frontage, class elegance, all-suites and stunning views – the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is a perfect complement to a stay in historic Georgetown.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa ☆☆☆☆☆
A luxury 5-star resort in Penang Island set on Batu Feringgi Beach on 12 hectares of tropical gardens. Dripping with elegance, this is a place for total bliss, to forget your worries and splurge. The outdoor pool, gym, spa and beach frontage will have you gagging, but if you ever leave, Georgetown is only a 20 min cab away.
Georgetown Seaview Seafront Duplex ☆☆☆☆☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Space for days, honey; if you want to host, have a few drinks or are traveling in a group, this is the place for you. Infinity pool and sunset views over the ocean from your lounge, this two-story penthouse offers total privacy and is popular with gay travelers looking for something different.
A beautifully historic row of 7 Anglo-Chinese terrace houses dating from the 19th century. Gay-owned and LGBT-friendly, we loved this historic Georgetown hotel’s decorative details imported from England fused with traditional southern Chinese architecture. You really need to take a look – and that location!
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Penang ☆☆☆☆
Located out of Georgetown but still, on the island of Penang, this stylish hotel is perfect if all you want to do is relax poolside with stunning ocean views, or make use of amenities like a gym, on-site restaurants, bar and teddy bear museum (?!). They also offer a free shuttle to Georgetown if you want to get historic!
A gay-popular hotel option with laid-back vibes, colorful interior design and brand-new and redesigned rooms and suites. There is also a nice outdoor pool, steam bath and sauna and 24/7 gym.
A music-themed high-end resort on the beautiful Batu Ferringhi beach. They are more popular with families, but they often have insanely low prices, which, combined with their outdoor pool, luxurious poolside cabañas and elegant rooms complete with BOSE sound system, means that maybe they are worth your consideration for a gay stay in Penang.
A gay-friendly heritage colonial mansion in Georgetown that has been restored to its former glory and turned into a boutique hotel. We loved the small outdoor pool, delicious da, ly breakfast and thoughtful restoration.
A boutique hotel perfect for gay’s on a budget. They don’t have a pool or restaurant, but the hotel is simply beautiful and the best-value property in this price range. You will take plenty of snaps for Instagram still and look forward to coming home every day to these unique surroundings.
Rangoon Residence @ Georgetown ☆☆☆
Small and quirky, this is one hotel that tries its very best to please its guests. Great for travelers on a budget who don’t like to compromise. They even have a classic car collection in the lobby!
Cheap and cheerful, this quality gay and lesbian-friendly accommodation offer great value and a good location. No-frills but comfortable and one of the cheapest private rooms on the island.
Container Hostel Penang ☆☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A seriously cool lifestyle travelogue featuring shipping containers and compact modernized rooms. We are living for these industrial chic vibes in such a creative space – they offer dorms or budget rooms, so if you don’t mind sharing facilities, this is a great option!
Gay Hangouts and Gay Bars in Penang
While gay life in Penang may be subdued during the day, at night, behind closed doors, there is a small but thriving gay scene where locals and foreigners come together to celebrate diversity and pride.
But hey! At least it’s more than the Melaka gay scene has to offer. Sadly there is no such thing as an openly gay bar in Malaysia – this could lead to serious problems for the bar’s owners, including having their license revoked, but there are places that are well-known in the local LGBT community as ‘gay-friendly hangouts’.
Far more subtle than Kuala Lumpur (whose gay bars really push barriers) – but also without the police raids every few months or years – things can get crazy here, and what better way could there be to get to know the locals than in Penang gay bar! Just don’t forget your common sense…
A popular LGBT neighborhood wine bar. A little slice of Europe in Penang, the food here is delicious, and conversation flows as freely as the wine with a nice garden terrace and indoor bar.
The best gay bar in Penang – although don’t expect rainbow flags or any advertising, you will know it when you go. Upscale with a mix of live music nights and karaoke. A great place to meet gay locals in Penang and enjoy a laid-back night. Recently moved to a new address in Georgetown (54 Jalan Chow Thye).
Gay and hipster are popular in Penang; you just have to visit! A traditional compound of 3 beautiful heritage buildings converted and linked by an open-air courtyard. Now compromising 14 separate spaces including shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, live music, and a bakery, this is an integral part of the Penang gay scene if it is all rather discreet.
Late-night trendy hangout beachside with the waves crashing meters from your feet. Not a gay bar in Penang but plenty of gay people hang out here for the ambiance, especially when all the other bars close and no one wants to go home alone.
The Malaysian gay scene is not known for romance, but if it was, this is where you would find it. A beautiful rooftop terrace with views out over all of Georgetown and Butterworth. You can meet gay locals in Penang here, but it’s more of a spot to take your partner and enjoy the atmosphere.
Located in the gay-popular hotel, G Kelawai, this is the bar to see and be seen with an intoxicating view and legendary parties. Modern, trendy and accepting, this is our go-to for a night out in Penang.
Gay Spas and Man Massage Penang
If you don’t care about the sites in Gay Penang, want to take advantage of some insanely cheap and high-quality gay spas or get a male massage in Penang – there are plenty of options for you. Here are some of the top recommended gay spas and male massages in Penang options!
Specializing in holistic massages for men, this man massage in Penang offers high-quality Thai yoga massages and reflexology served with a uniquely blended aromatherapy massage oil that is a trade secret. MySoul Wellness also offers out-call services only to hotels. A great way to detox or recover from a stressful journey.
Offering spa services and male massages in Georgetown on a strict outcall basis.
The top-rated spa in Penang house in the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Offering a range of beauty, skincare and well-being products made from the finest natural and organic ingredients.
The Pañpuri Organic Spa offers a variety of authentic treatments from all over Asia by well-trained therapists. Male massage is not available, but you will enjoy the best massage in Penang, hands down! Ask about their Pañpuri Organic Spa Treatment for Men.
A wellness spa in the heart of Georgetown offering traditional massage therapy using the long-standing principles of Chinese and Thai reflexology. One of the best spas in Penang, you are guaranteed to leave relaxed, revitalized and rejuvenated.
A relatively cheap spa and massage house in Penang. You will love their Thai massage and oil combo, and they have male masseurs on call-out if you organize them in advance.
Gay Saunas in Penang
Unlike in KL or most of Europe, saunas and bathhouses in Penang are not popular and very run-down.
Gay life in Malaysia is forced into the shadows, and gay hookup apps are a popular way of meeting – although, as a foreigner, you will generally be expected to host, so you might want to consider your own private apartment in Penang / George Town.
Cruising / public sex is illegal in Malaysia and often snuffed out by local police. If you choose to go, Penang gay saunas are welcoming to foreigners, and travelers are unlikely to experience any problems here – or another approach we highly recommend is to stay with a gay local in Penang who can help you navigate the often confusing gay Penang scene and point you in the right direction!
Romeo Sauna Penang
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
A small but popular sauna is conveniently located in Bukit Mertajam. Dark and steam rooms with showers and a mix of clients.
U2 Sauna
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
Located on the mainland in Butterworth (two streets behind the Megamall), this place has been open since the 1990s and is in serious need of a makeover. More cruising ground than a Western sauna, but they have a dark room, private rooms, open showers and a steam room. Foreign-friendly crowd, but it’s mostly older, local Malay and Indians here.
Gay Map Of Penang
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Penang? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!