Pet-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia (Part 1: Penang)

Last week, we brought you to some of the dog-friendly parks in the Klang Valley, where you can frolic among the flowers and enjoy some bonding time with your best (furry) friend. This time around, we will bring you to some pet-friendly hotels and resorts around Malaysia – because going on a road trip with your pet(s) is definitely a holiday to remember.

In Part 1, we’ll kick-start the list some of gorgeous, pet-friendly accommodation establishments in Penang. For a small island, Penang sure has a lot of beautiful restored buildings that are used as hotels and homestays, and to be honest, after seeing photos of some of these beautiful places, we’d be pretty envious of any furry friends that are lucky enough to visit them with their owners!

Important things to remember when bringing your pet along on holiday:

• Call in advance to your booked accommodation to make sure they know you are bringing your pet
• Pick up and clean after your pet
• Respect other people’s cultural, religious and personal obligations or preferences

Muntri Mews, Georgetown (Penang)
For the traveler looking to savour Penang’s rich cultural heritage with man’s best friend, this pet-friendly luxury accommodation is one to take note. The boutique hotel is infused with Malay, Chinese and European influences, and has a tropical jungle garden offering respite from the surrounding brick walls. The interiors are bright and spacious with comfortable and relaxing furnishings, highlighted with a gorgeous selection of local, historical and quirky paraphernalia. Local heritage landmarks are within walking distance, and Batu Feringghi is a 20-minute drive away. (Muntri Mews website)

Muntri Mews, Penang

Noordin Mews, Georgetown (Penang)
A sister branch to the aforementioned Muntri Mews boutique hotel, Noordin Mews is a newer establishment by the same hotelier. It also offers pet-friendly accommodation for travelers with pets, although only the 6 ground-floor rooms are pet-friendly, and pets are not allowed in the dining area. The hotel is set in a walled tropical garden with its own private swimming pool, and surrounded by many of George Town’s famous street hawker centres. A 10-minute walk brings visitors to the Street of Harmony, which links iconic Penang landmarks like the Khoo Khongsi Clan House, the Guan Yin Temple, the English Georgian Church, and Penang’s main mosque. (Noordin Mews website)

Noordin Mews, Penang

Clove Hall, Georgetown (Penang)
This beautifully restored private Edwardian Anglo-Malay bungalow features 6 individual suites named after exotic spices like Clove, Star Anise, Saffron, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cardamom. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood within walking distance or a short taxi ride to the city, the mansion boasts colonial and Peranakan inspired décor, a lush tropical garden, and a sleek swimming pool for guests to enjoy. The establishment is pet-friendly, but they recommend only bringing one small to medium sized dog, and bookings must be made in advance. (Clove Hall website)

Clove Hall, Penang

Straits Collection Residences, Georgetown (Penang)
This unique ‘collection’ of residences is a sister devlepment of Bon Ton Resort in Langkawi and the famous China House in Penang. The Straits Collection Residences consist of 4 beautifully renovated double-storey houses fitted with modern amenities, and are located at 89,91,93 and 95 Armenian Street. Its location is within easy walking distance to sites such as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Khoo Kongsi, Kapitan Keling Mosque and Han Jiang Ancestral Temple. Pets are welcome on the ground-floor of all four residences. (Straits Collection website)

Straits Collection Residences, Penang

Century Bay Private Residences, Bayan Lepas (Penang)
Families looking to book an apartment for a getaway in Bayan Lepas will be glad to know that the Century Bay Private Residences offers pet-friendly accommodation. Families can enjoy facilities such as the swimming pool, sauna room, table tennis, gym, and karaoke. The accommodation is air-conditioned and features a seating area, a dining area, kitchenette and a private or shared bathroom. The Penang Bridge is 5 km away, and the friendly and helpful staff are a key point in most reviews of the place. (Century Bay website)

Century Bay Private Residences, Bayan Lepas, Penang

Up next: In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore several places in Kedah, Perak and Pahang where you can enjoy a vacation with your furkids.