The Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

With a vibe that could only be described as South Pacific, this sprawling seaside resort in Batu Ferringhi offers an almost village-like atmosphere. It’s like a small hamlet, and you may find yourself lost in the expanse of century-old rain trees, pools, golf course, tennis courts, lauded spa and semi-private beach. Inside, there are spacious, subtly sexy suites on offer that will make you feel right at home.

If you grew up in Penang in the 1950s, the Lone Pine would have been part of your beach escape. The hotel has expanded over the decades, but it still maintains an old-world charm – albeit one that can boast a saltwater swimming pool and rooms that feel both contemporary and stylish. The buffet breakfast, with its emphasis on local dishes, is one of the best on the island, and the Lone Pine is only steps from Batu Ferringhi’s main beach.

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of flair. Hidden in this multistorey shopping centre in Batu Ferringhi is this clutch of cheerful, inviting rooms. There’s cheap and tasty street food to be had in the immediate area, and from the ZEN, it’s only a brief walk to one of the buzzier stretches of Penang’s most famous beach.

Located 4km (2.5mi) east of Batu Ferringhi is this lively waterfront resort. Hospitality-minded hosts, charming splashes of colour, eccentric design details, no fewer than three swimming pools and the fact that the hotel also doubles as a school for special needs children more than make up for the tiny, rather rocky beach. Suites are located in elevated villas, giving the impression that you are staying right over the water.

Nestled in the steep, jungly hills of inland Penang, around 15km (9mi) south of Batu Ferringhi, is this luxury camping destination. Accommodation at Boulder Valley takes the form of raised, platform-based tents and tent villas, all of which are equipped with ensuite bathrooms (and yes, there’s wifi). All tents include stunning balconies and access to a central swimming pool.

The Bayview is Batu Ferringhi’s main hotel, and after a recent renovation, it’s looking better than ever. Rooms can claim space, style and great views, and the communal areas, which include one of the biggest hotel pools we’ve ever seen, as well as tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, make this a family-forward option. Did we mention it’s located mere steps from the beach?

In Penang with the family in tow? Do yourself a favour and check into the Parkroyal. Sprawling across a strip of busy sand in Batu Ferringhi, you’ll be overwhelmed with options for both kids and adults. The hotel has a pool the size of a small lake (with a slide!), the rooms are large and the many dining outlets and helpful staff may mean you never need to leave.

Teluk Bahang is Batu Ferringhi’s comparatively workaday, fishing port neighbour, but it’s been given a dose of sophistication with the arrival of the Angsana. With a location right on the beach, the 250 rooms all boast sea views – as well as impressive mountain glimpses in the opposite direction. And being based in Teluk Bahang, you’re a brief walk from Penang National Park, a destination offering some of the island’s best outdoor pursuits.

This tower, with 160 rooms overlooking Batu Ferringhi and the Straits of Malacca, manages to be both imposing and homely. The lobby, in tones of tan, cream and teal, sets the mood for the rooms, which are subtly sleek and modern. It’s a brief stroll from the hotel to a quiet stretch of the beach and to nearby restaurants.