Four Points by Sheraton Penang – Tanjung Bungah: Days of beautiful sea, beach runs, Penang Hill hikes, burgers, food and shopping

When I was back in Penang earlier last month to witness the launch of the new Sheraton Four Points Penang, I was amazed by the change on this “other side” of town. My earlier visits this year has primarily been limited to the city centre, and the transformation on the road from Island Plaza to Sheraton Four Points Penang had me staring open-mouthed as the hotel shuttle drove past.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-025

I for one, didn’t remember the sea here to be so blue, the area around the hotel so well connected to basic necessities like a Tesco hypermarket, a few bustling food courts and a stretch of beach perfect for either the tranquility or (if you’re a sucker for pain like me) a stimulating beach run in the morning.

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-001

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-002

There are many things that you can do here at Four Points Penang and its surrounding areas. To head out, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service takes you to Straits Quay or Gurney Plaza and seriously, that’s where you need to be for drinks, shopping and air-conditioned leisure.

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-014

But if you’re like me and shun all these in favour of nature and hawker food, then the Bravo transportation service takes you to 5 mains zones in Penang (see the below). Their stand is located at the lobby of the hotel and all you have to do is let them know where you would like to go and a taxi is arranged for you immediately.

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-015

I tested it out one fine morning.
I did the beach run the day before and decided a hike the next morning is necessary. So I went to Botanical Gardens, my favourite place in Penang.
Below: Yes that’ s me in my running gear! Nike shoes, black tights, breatheable top and a cap to shield my face from the sun! ๐Ÿ™‚

PEnang Hill rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-013

The taxi fare was RM25 one way and it cost me RM50 return.
Admittedly, Penang’sย public transportation system is stillย pretty unreliable and that’s one of the reasons why I don’t return to my hometown often.
But when I do, Penang Hill, Pulau Tikus apom and a visit to my childhood wantan mee stall is a must! ๐Ÿ™‚

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-011

The wonderful crisp air, the cool breeze and the greenery at Botanical Gardens was therapeutic. This is where I want to be every morning, every day.

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-012

Warmed up after a few rounds, I tackled the tar road up Penang Hill next. I felt the burn in my thighs, glutes and calves as I huffed and puffed up the incline and never felt happier! Like I said, I’m a sucker for pain. ๐Ÿ˜€

IMG_4766

But of course, a beach run and a hill hike are just one part of my personal itinerary. My other was to experience the hospitality of the newly opened Four Points by Sheraton. The shuttle service and the transportation arrangements are very well thought of, and the same can be said for the hotel.

Taking full advantage of being by the beach, the whole ground floor of the hotel is kept open and offered plenty of the sea and sun. Cleverly, one part of the dining area from the coffee house – The Eatery had a large alfresco dining area too.

REVIEW - Sheraton Four Points Penang - Tanjung Bungah-003

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-010

The gentle caress of the sea breeze and soothing view of the blue sea greets each guest the moment they arrive at the hotel. Wonderful! ๐Ÿ™‚

REVIEW - Sheraton Four Points Penang - Tanjung Bungah

REVIEW - Sheraton Four Points Penang - Tanjung Bungah-002

Modern simplicity would be best to describe Four Points by Sheraton Penang. Spaces are kept spacious and airy. Spots of colour here and there adds cheer. ย The same can be said for the room, where colourful pilows dotted the clean white space.

Below: Coloured cushions and pretty artwork exudes such a bright, happy vibe yes?

REVIEW - Sheraton Four Points Penang - Tanjung Bungah-001

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-001

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-008

All basic amenities are complete for a comfortable stay. The bed is invitingly comfortable and if it weren’t for my persistent Penang friends I might have just stayed in bed after my morning exercises!
I really liked the nice chaise lounge by the window and the coffee table which encourages you to seat by the window and enjoy the seaview while sipping a cuppa.

View from the room – what a sight for sore eyes. ๐Ÿ˜€

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-031

Speaking of a cuppa, the standard tea and coffee making facilities plus complimentary mineral water are provided. The mini bar is kept empty for the convenience of guests who needed the cold storage more for their tapau-ed (chinese for packaged) char kuey teow, mee goreng, lor bak, etc back to their town.
Ok, I’m joking. Or maybe not. ๐Ÿ™‚

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-005

The mini bar – guaranteed can fit 10 packets of char kuey teow! ๐Ÿ˜€

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-006

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-012

The work desk with a pleasant sized mirror above it.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-009

Most importantly, there are enough electrical points for my gadgets and for the muslims, open the drawer to find out the kiblat direction.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-011

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-003

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1

For a deluxe room the space was sufficiently roomy. I liked the fact that this being a beach hotel the rooms are not fully carpeted and had a carpet only within the radius of the bed. It helps to keep the room clean, not just for this stay but also in the long run; for guests can be expected to bring sand back with them (can be through their footwear, beachwear, hats, etc) from the beach.
The bathroom is small and can only fit one pax at any time; unless of course you want to cozy up with your mate. I had no complaints, and personally felt that the room did live up to its expectations of a 4-star hotel.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-003

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-006

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-008

The management had briefed us that the shower amenities would be changed to the dispenser type like the ones they have at Aloft Hotels (KL or BKK) soon. I concur that that would be a more environmental friendly option.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-007

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-004

Even though it is a 4 star hotel, face, hand and bath towels are provided.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-005

Other amenities are found in the closet and the only thing I missed was the bathrobe.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-002

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-001

The welcome gifts were a nice touch, since we are the media batch visiting for the launch event. That and also the letter from the GM Kurt Vieren inviting all the guests for the lion dance performance and launch event.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-010

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang-002

And of course we did attend the launch.
In Penang lion dances are very popular for such auspicious events so I wasn’t entirely surprised to know of the liondance troupe. ย In fact I was very much looking forward to it asย I had always enjoyed a stunts-filled liondance performance ever since I was young. ๐Ÿ™‚

rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang - REVIEW-001

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-017

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-016

And Four Points by Sheraton is officially opened!

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-023

Food and drinks were served to the guests and everyone took the opportunity to join the hotel tour and tuck into the lunch buffet at The Eatery.

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-028

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-029

The swimming pool .

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-009

Review of  - Four points by Sheraton Penang 1-024

So what else did I do in Penang?

1. Well, I went hunting for these elusive (but boy, it’s really good!) MyKuali Mee Kari which I couldn’t find a single packet after going to 3 Sunshine Supermarkets, 1 Tesco, Gama Supermarket ย and calling a few of my Penang friends. In the end my dearest friend Danny preordered and sent me a whole carton! ๐Ÿ˜€

my kuali mee kari Penang giveaway - rebecca saw blog

2. I went to look for my favourite egg apom in Pulau Tikus. Unfortunately it was closed. ๐Ÿ™
I bought these at the Cathay Coffeeshop opposite Belissa Row and they … urgh.

Penang - cathay coffeeshop apom (2)

3. Duck Kuay Chiap – also at Cathay Coffeeshop. Not nice.

Penang - cathay coffeeshop apom

Penang - cathay coffeeshop duck kuay chiap

4. Had a good ramen burger at Javries Restaurant, Gurney Paragon. Read more –> HERE.

5. Yong tau foo and pohpiah at Padang Brown. Decent.

rebecca saw - padang brown yong tau foo

yong tau foo - padang brown penang-001

6. Most importantly, I met up with a dear sister who recently just got married. We feasted on pasar malam (night market) food and had a great time catching up. ๐Ÿ˜€

min sing in penang - rebecca saw

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-007

7. Potato balls at Batu Lanchang.

batu lanchang market - sweet potato balls

penang batu lanchang - potato balls

Love Penang? Want a holiday like mine? Well, Four Points by Sheraton Penang is currently offering a special introductory rate of RM199++ per night in a Deluxe Room for stays between now until March 31, 2014. This introductory offer includes double SPG Starpoints, 20% off food and beverages, and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi access.

** Thank you Four Points by Sheraton for hosting and giving me an opportunity to be back in my hometown. It was a wonderful stay and the liondance, Penang Hill, beach run and of course the food bought back many good memories. ๐Ÿ™‚

REVIEW rebecca saw - four points by sheraton Penang-013

Four Points by Sheraton Penang
505 Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang, Malaysia
+604-371 8888

The Four Points by Sheraton Penang is part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts group. You can use or earn Starwoodย pointsย during your stay here. If you haven’t signed up for a SPG card, you can do so here –>ย http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/enroll/index.html

This Post Has 24 Comments

  1. Galvin Tan

    I love the location and the scenic view of the beach. Not forgetting the stylist and comfortable hotel room.

    Love going to Penang very much and for the yummilicious LokLok behind the Pulau Tikus wet market. You should give it a try :p

  2. Mokky Mok

    I really like the alfresco dining area at The Eatery, meals are made enjoyable when u r able to enjoy the sea breeze and view. I highly recommend asam laksa at Air Itam market- best in the world!!!

  3. Hoe Yau Tuck

    My favorite part of this hotel is the room. I always prefer the room clean and tidy, so their rooms can soothes my relaxing and comfortable mood.
    I wanna share my favorite is the famous Penang Road Cendol.Beside Cendol, their Ais Kacang(ABC) which is pretty good as well. It is located on Lebuh Keng Kwee, off Penang Road. It is a walking distance from Komtar and Prangin Mall.

  4. The coast looks gorgeous indeed! And rm199++ for the introductory stay sounds like a great deal ๐Ÿ˜€

  5. Jojothemyojo

    Wow, your hotel review really made me look twice (thanks also to the price :)) How can one miss out on the clean, comfy looking bed with fluffy pillows, great to rest my full (tortured-by-pleasure) belly and head tired from thinking of the next hawker stall to try – all after a hard day of sheer enjoyment. Besides Ah Leng’s duck egg char koay teow, I would recommend something light for tea time – the old school Toh Soon Cafe’s charcoal toasted bread and fluffy soft boiled eggs ๐Ÿ˜€ at Campbell Street. It’s a real step back in time, as long as you’re not claustrophobic. ๐Ÿ™‚ I think I used the word fluffy twice – because in Penang, you go all fluffy about foooood!!!!

  6. Pamela

    I love Penang as it is my home island and the scenic view of the beach as well as the spacious and comfy bedroom!

  7. LauraLeia

    Favourite part? Definitely the stunningly gorgeous seaview! <3 What's a holiday without some sun, sand and sea? ๐Ÿ˜€

  8. sherry

    my favourite part hotel is room because its where I need beauty sleep. lol. also if I can add on is toilet, must be clean!! favourite food, ss14 sj duck egg friend kuey tiao. ๐Ÿ˜€

  9. uncleBotak

    Location, room design, layout.
    Near to:
    1. Hillside burger
    2. Tg Bunga pisang goreng
    3. Tg Bunga mee goreng (Indian)
    4. Tg Bunga nasi campur
    These are the 4 must eat for me when I go to my childhood neighbourhood ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Calvin Cheong

    The best part of this hotel is the ocean view and the service of the staffs. You should go and try Nasi Kandar Line Clear at Georgetown.

  11. keewin

    the view ftw!!

  12. Hildamilda

    The fact that it’s connected to the beach and the big pool are definitely the reason I love this hotel :DDD And oh, do try the duck kueh chap at Lebuh Kimberley! The bestttt ๐Ÿ˜€

  13. Sharlene

    I love the alfresco dining at The Eatery, it feels so relaxed. In Penang I always like the hokkien mee in air itam together with cold pat poh ping.

  14. Hazel Lim

    Favourite part of the hotel: The wooden furniture! It makes up a whole comfy place to rest in the hotel.
    My favourite Penang food is Hokkien Mee. It’s located at Jalan Sungai Dua, opposite Tesco ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. George Lim

    I was there a couple of weeks ago, but it was for a meeting. The look of the beach from the conference room window is really great!

    It reminded me why I was in the meeting room while there is such a beautiful beach for me to explore. LOL!

  16. cleffairy

    Omaikot LA….such a beautiful place, I’ll kill for a vacation like this. And look at the food…damn…babe…nowtengah lapar…drooling liao.

  17. Mei Yun

    Loved the bathroom! It’s so spacious that 3 person can go in and do their separate business at the same time ๐Ÿ˜€
    Tried this local chinese restaurant Tai Tong in Georgetown and loved their dishes

  18. William Wong

    All i like is the box of mykuali mee kari. yummy

  19. William Wong

    The hotel is ok. but the scenic from the beach, i will spend more time doing HDR shoot.

  20. Angel Ng

    Love the colorful themed pillows and the swimming pool! Tempting even for someone who doesnt swim..

    Did you try the coconut jelly? It taste different than the ones in KL. Super yummy and smells like Thai Coconut fragranced..

  21. Jessica Lee

    I love the spacious room, comfortable pillows and the amazing sea view!

    Have you tried Mohd Raffe Nasi Kandar at Pulau Tikus? OMG the fried chicken is so heavenly juicy & tasty and the sotong with spicy gravy are simply out of this world. And the rice is so fluffy too! Even non nasi kandar fans will fall in love at first bite!

  22. Kelvin Gan

    such a lovely hotel…
    As i love the sea so much… my favourite spot in the hotel would have to be the alfresco dining area facing the sea. I could spend the whole day there if i am not physically on the beach! haha…
    I think you have pretty much tried all the street food. I recommend Fishing Village Seafood @ Batu Ferringhi… Food is awesome and its value for money. Love the Lobster!
    Here is a blog about that place :
    http://mcqueeeeen.blogspot.com/2012/08/fishing-village-seafood-batu-ferrighi.html

    Cheers
    KG

  23. Angeline Chen

    Hi Rebecca,

    Thank you for the superb and amazing post! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Hi Angeline!
      Thanks for leaving a comment! ๐Ÿ˜€
      Hope to see you soon again! This time I’ll bring a bike or car or bicycle so I could get around Pg easier! LOL

Leave a Reply to Galvin Tan Cancel reply

Related Posts

How to Afford Your Next Getaway

After a sustained period of lockdown, nothing will be more exciting than planning your next vacation. With freedom returning to our streets in the coming

Buy Seafood Online

Get your favourite seafood delivered to you!ย  The coronavirus epidemic has been taking a toll in Malaysia. People start working from home, restaurant can only

hotels near klcc

Top 13 Hotels Near KLCC

The sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur is an experience you would never forget. There are certain cities you should definitely visit and Kuala Lumpur

apartments

Top 13 Service Apartments in KL

Looking for a place to stay is not easy. Youโ€™ve got to take into account the cost of rental (if renting), furnishing, location and amenities