Shop & Relax in Penang

The first time I came across this hotel in www.asiatravel.com, I was attracted by its price ( RM70 net per night ) though the picture shown is not very attractive. But for this price the picture shown is reasonable. But when I arrived at the hotel I was captured by its simple old designed lobby and the before World War 2 old tiles and antique look chairs. The staff were friendly.

Upon entering the room I was even happier. It was so much better than what I had expected. I think they had upgraded me to a double room, after all I had booked a single room only. I am not sure. But the room was spacious and clean with a bathtub and spacious toilet. The only negative thing is the room, it is not sound proof. But it is OK since the street doesn't have much car, so overall is quite quiet. It has free Wi-Fi Internet access too.

Location, well is within a 15 minute walk to Komtar or Prangin Mall (next to each other) and around an 8 minute walk to Jalan Penang (rows of old heritage buildings convert to dining restaurant/ cafes/ bistros). Other than that you have to take cab (ask the reception to call a cab as that area doesn't have much cab unless you walk a bit further like 5 minutes to a more busier road). Along to the way to Komtar there is night market though not a very active one. I did not go since I didn't see many stalls open. Overall Mingood Hotel is worth the Value.

I like Gurney Drive because besides having lots of hawker stalls selling variety of local delights and cafes like Starbuck, Coffee Beans, etc. The clothes are modern and the price reasonable. On top of the shopping there is a food court where one can see the overall view of the beach. Nice sight. It's a convenient place for tourists to shop, dine, and relax. If you want the atmosphere of local food go to the hawker stalls just outside. If you want a relaxed and comfortable environment just go to cafes. And of course the shopping is great too.

Queensbay is a very long shopping mall that consists of four floors I think. Ground floor consists of food courts/ restaurant and Giant Supermarket. 2nd and 3rd floors consists of boutiques/clothes outlets and some restaurants, and 4th floor consists of saloons and beauty centres, I think. Most of the shops there are quite branded, like Forever21 (coming soon), MNG, Topshop, Aldo, etc. But I actually enjoyed my shopping there. The things here are pricey but some of the clothes/items like shoes and bag are very unique. I bought a Carriage like Bag for RM199.90 at Commet. I think it is worth it. And Aldo has the best looking sexiest high heeled shoes. It's too bad that they don't have my size for the best buy items. From Queensbay Mall you can take public bus (No. 307) RM1.50 per pax to Prangin Mall (right in front of the mall). It's very convenient too. Don't use the cab as they don't follow meter. The charges normally RM25 -30. It's not worth it. After tired of shopping you can always sip tea at Starbuck while enjoying the seaview. One thing for sure Penang never lack of Sea/ Beach View.

Prangin mall can be described as similar to Sungai Wang Mall (in Kuala Lumpur ) just smaller. There are lots of clothes outlets. It's very cheap (maybe they are just stock clearance). Price at RM10,15,20,25, and onwards for trendy clothes and shoes. But the fashion here is for much younger generation like age of 17 - 20? But there are still shoes and bags. It's worth going. No sea view though.

Prangin is the new tower while Komtar is the old tower. I didn't manage to go to Komtar as the shops there closed at around 9pm. I had not enough time when I reach there at 7pm. So I chose Prangin over Komtar. From here to Mingood hotel the taxi cost RM10.

There are rows of restaurants, bistro, and cafes along Japan Penang Road converted from old heritage buildings. There is a Heritage Hotel (if I am not wrong, I cannot remember the name. It is a white colour heritage building convert to a hotel) where they serve English Style of hi- tea at Rm38+ per person. You see the 3 trays with mini cakes/sandwiches with tea. It is an amazing and pricey experience for me. One can just enjoy the feel and relax with the sea view. Of course there are also some cheap bars/ karaoke with life entertainments/band along the road. But overall Jalan Penang is a place where you can really enjoy clubbing and still admire the building structures and feel.

The area consist of a food court selling some local food and cafes/ pubs. I went to a Pub called Lioz. I liked the cosy soothing environment. The choice of drinks had variety too, like Green Tea+lychess (Jupiter) or apple juice. Prices were reasonable, around Rm7 - 10 per glass. There is a two piece live band singing modern Chinese/ Cantonese songs. They are places for youngsters to hang about. Staff were attentive and polite, too. If that place is not your type, well, there are others around that area.