Reviewed By:
Sarah Albertson
Travel Date:
September 2006
This was our first overseas holiday with the kids (aged 5 and 15 months)we had an absolute ball.
The journey was long- We survived the overnight plane trip quite well, but I didn't really take into account the transfers (the penang airport is 1 hour from the resort).
We weren't impressed when we arrived (tired and frazzled from the trip)the room was quite small, very humid and the resort did look a bit tired.
Talking to other Australian families and couples most had the same opinion.
By the end of my first cocktail by the pool I decided the resort was pretty good- and by the end of the week we were in love with the people and the resort we were wishing we had more time.
a few tips when travelling with small kiddies in Penang.
become 'night people' Batu Ferringhi comes alive at night
ensure everyone, including parents has an afternoon siesta
go out to eat, cheap and great
take a laptop or dvd player- good for the late afternoons- when only Hi 5 or the wiggles will settle them down.(also good for watching your newly purchased dvds)
go as early as you can to the breakfast buffet- less crowds better food
have a beach massage- cheap and amazing
don't bring fruit or food into the Botanical gardens- my son still enjoys telling the story about the time we were attacked by scary monkeys
Gurney Plaza is a wonderful air conditioned haven for when the kids have comfort withdrawals- shopping is similar to our department stores but it has a great supermarket, chemist and bottle shop with Australian Wine.
Someone will probablt get sick- stock up on cold and flu tablets, kids panadol etc all available from Gurney plaza.
Not alot of kids jar food (plently of formula and nappies) take vegemite.
spend up at the night markets- beautiful glass beaded necklaces, dvds, cds, batic kids clothes.
Make it a ritual to have 'sundowners' everyday- cocktails by the pool (mocktails for kids) bliss!!
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