The Not So Happening Spot and other Penang, Malaysia Nightlife Tips

Where the hell was everyone?

Nightlife Spot: 20 Leith Street

For some reason, I was really looking forward to this joint since it has been touted as a happening spot in VT. Also, it kinda look charming from all the photos I've seen. A retro-looking night spot housed in a colonial house. But when I was there on a Friday night, it was quiet, too spooky-quiet, I thought. Nary a soul in sight despite the loud music coming from inside! And to make the whole experience worse, 2 transvestites ( they were loitering outside ) started whistling at my husband. Arrgh, just my bloody luck, I swore under my breath, grabbed my husband's hand and stormed to another location.

Penangite Chin later explained that Leith St has seen its heyday and now the happening spots in town have shifted elsewhere. He brought us to SOHO later for a pint of beer to cool our spirits..

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Since I didn't see anybody there except for those 2 gender - benders, I'd say a dress with sparkles on it..
Address: 20 Leith Street

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Pub/night club: The Happening Spot in Town for AngMohs(Caucasian)

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Updated by bpacker

on Dec 29, 2005

Nightlife Spot: SOHO Free House

I suppose this is now the happening spot in town since 20 Leith St has strangely fallen out of vogue. If you want to go a loud and happening place, this is the place ! Loud because you'll constantly hear a whole string of American retro hits being belted out. Happening because you'll see huge crowds of expats, caucasian backpackers and the local yuppies lounging by the ubiquitous pool table and TV set. This whole place is modelled after an English tavern so it'll have some ol' favourites like spinach soup, fish and chips and stout.

Try: This is the only place in town that serves decent Kilkenny Draft Beer. 500ml goes for RM20+ . But since I'm not really a fan of the Irish ale, I went for the best selling Dutch beer.

Happy hours are from 5pm-9pm . We found out later that there was a cover charge (RM10?15?) after 930pm.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Casual as casual gets.
Address: 50 Penang Road, Penang, 10000 Malaysia

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Pub/night club: The Spot for a Quiet Night Cap

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Updated by bpacker

on Dec 20, 2005

Singapore Gal with a Singapore

Sling

by bpacker , 1 more photos

Nightlife Spot: Farquhar's Bar

Call me patriotic or eccentric, but it is my habit to try the Singapore Sling in every Raffles owned/Raffles-related hotel in every part of the world. Be it Siem Reap or Switzerland! So Penang shouldn't be an exception. Though E&O Hotel (Georgetown, Penang) isn't owned by Raffles, it was built by the same billionaire and similarities abound. So it wasn't too surprising to find Farquhar's Bar, a little european-esque bar that hark back to the good ol' days of Malaya. It was similar to Singapore's Long Bar but much quieter . And it wasn't too difficult to picture pompous colonial masters over here, in their khaki best of course, celebrating over a cigar after shooting a hapless tiger or two. Well since there are no tigers to be had now, the best I can do was to sip on their Singapore Sling. It was good. Not as sweet and pink as the one in Long Bar ( less grenadine syrup perhaps?) but more gin-worthy. I was flushed red by the time I finished my Sling.

Cost:RM14+

Operating hours: 5 pm to 12 am weekdays and 1.00 pm - 12.30 am weekends.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Address: Eastern & Oriental Hotel,10 Farquhar Street
Directions: It's right in the heart of town behind the clubbing area of SOHO and Slippery Senorita.
Website: http://www.e-o-hotel.com/

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Pub/night club: The Happening Spot for Yuppies

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Updated by bpacker

on Dec 29, 2005

Choc Milkshake at Segafredo

by bpacker , 1 more photos

Nightlife Spot: Segafredo

I guess if you're young, restless and loaded with ringgit in Penang, the best place to hang out would be SegaFredo at Upper Penang Road ( close to E&O hotel). The last time I was there at a long weekend, there were throngs of trendy young locals over there sipping on RM12 expressos and celebrating Halloween at the same time with ghastly face paint . Funny I just don't see the relation between horror and caffeine. As for me, I didn't give a damm how chic this place was and the last thing I wanted to do was to cover my face with faux blood. I was there because I was desperate for a good cuppa and the local brew (RM1) somehow just didn't satiate my caffeine addiction. I needed good strong expresso! After making a couple of checks, I discovered this joint and Gloria Jean's@ The Garage ( right in front of E&O). But I settled for this place as it serves a better range of coffee at cheaper prices and I could have the option of taking my drinks al fresco. Suits me just fine. I had an expresso followed by a choc milkshake ( choc shiok) out in the open and people-watched the whole night long.

Try: The Choc Milkshake, it's thick and deliciously cold and creamy
Avoid:The Tiramisu. Ghastly Taste, no lady's fingers and definitely no Tia Maria.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking

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Night market (Pasar Malam): The Happening Spot for Local Families

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Updated by bpacker

on Nov 10, 2005

Sketching a Lovey Couple, Gurney

Drive

Nightlife Spot: Gurney Drive

If you're wondering where local families hang out on a weekend night, this scenic shoreline has to be the place. When I was here on a Saturday night, there were scores of families here soaking in the scenary and taking a leisurely walk along the 2km sidewalk. Along with the families, there were buskers, toy hawkers and even a potrait artist sketching a lovey couple. I guess it's best to come here at night when the weather is cool and pretty lights are festooned everywhere.

Additional Info: The famous Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is no longer in the usual roundabout location. It has shifted about a couple of km away to a residential area. Also we noticed it has changed dramtically over the years, the whole shoreline is now dominated by hotels, shopping centres and expensive looking beach front property.

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Theme: Family Spot
Dress Code: Casual I suppose. Do expect to bump into joggers in this place.
Address: Gurney Drive , Penang,
Directions: You can park by the side of the pavement.

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Night market (Pasar Malam): The Happening Spot for Tourist Familes

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Updated by bpacker

on Nov 13, 2005

Gurney Drive, where else?