Penang Hostels for Digital Nomads

Penang is a popular tourist destination for the backpacker who passes through Malaysia but it also has plenty of potential to be a digital nomad hotspot in Southeast Asia. The only major thing it's lacking is a community, but it's growing fast since visas are more easy to get than neighbor countries. George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang.

Find a curated list of short-term accommodation or monthly rentals in Penang suitable for digital nomads, remote workers and expats.

Nomad Score: 6/10 ・ Cost of living: $1000/month ・ Internet speed: 8 Mbps

Travel Guide to Penang for Digital Nomads

Penang, also known as the "Pearl of the Orient," is a popular destination for digital nomads. The island offers a great combination of tropical beaches, delicious food, and a diverse culture. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in Penang as a digital nomad.

Getting There:

The main airport in Penang is the Penang International Airport, which is located about 16 kilometers south of George Town, the capital city of Penang. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber) to get to your destination. Taxis are readily available, but Grab is a more convenient option as it allows you to pre-book your ride and track your driver.

Accommodation:

Penang offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. For digital nomads, there are several coworking spaces and shared accommodation options available. Some popular options include The Hive Penang, which is a coworking space and hostel, and The Co-Living Company, which is a shared accommodation option. Both are located in George Town, and offer a great community of like-minded individuals.

Transportation:

Penang has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, Rapid Penang, and Grab. Rapid Penang is the main bus service on the island and it connects the main towns and tourist spots. Grab is also widely used, and it's a convenient option as it allows you to pre-book your ride and track your driver.

Food:

Penang is famous for its street food, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular street food options include laksa, char kway teow, and nasi kandar. For a more formal dining experience, there are also many great restaurants in the city that serve a variety of international and local cuisine. Some of the most popular are Fatty Crab, Siam Road Char Koay Teow and China House.

Sightseeing:

Penang offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Some popular attractions include the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a collection of pre-war buildings and streets that showcase the island's rich history and culture. The city also offers several temples such as the Kek Lok Si Temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, and the Wat Chayamangkalaram, which is a Thai Buddhist temple. Additionally, Penang offers several parks and gardens, including the Penang Botanic Gardens, which is a great place to go for a walk or a run.

Overall, Penang is a great destination for digital nomads. The island offers a tropical climate, delicious food, and a diverse culture. With plenty of coworking spaces, accommodation options, and great food, you will find everything you need to make your stay in Penang a pleasant and productive one.