Credit: Zhi Vooi/Airbnb
After months of being stuck at home due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), we’re finally allowed to go out and about again, though with strict SOPs still in place. Under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), Malaysians are finally allowed to travel interstate, while international travel is still not permitted.
For domestic tourism, restrictions will be eased on the following: water-based theme parks, museums, indoor busking activities, entertainment and creative outlets, recreational fishing ponds, bazaars, morning and night markets, food trucks, and zoos.
Under RMCO, hotels, resorts, and tourist accommodations are allowed to reopen as well with strict SOPs. As visitors, remember to maintain the ‘new normal’ of social distancing, wearing face masks, and sanitising at all times to stay safe.
With so many local destinations to choose from, it can be tough to pick one. Why not visit Penang as your first destination post-MCO to celebrate Georgetown World Heritage City Day, which is a special celebration for many Penangites?
Visit historical sites in Georgetown, explore majestic colonial mansions, savour world-renowned street foods, gain insight into Penang’s past and more during your trip. For a fun family trip, you can stay at one of these places with a private pool in Penang under RM560 per night:
1.The Maven Balik Pulau Homestay, Balik Pulau (RM185/night for the entire townhouse)
Nestled in an idyllic village where local fruits including durians are aplenty, The Maven is a townhouse that accommodates up to 10 guests. It features three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a green view.
Perfect for families with children and elderlies, the townhouse also features facilities that include a swimming pool, children’s playground, and barbeque area. The entire townhouse can be rented for RM185 per night via Airbnb.
2. Rumah Ali Guesthouse, Kepala Batas (RM300/night for the entire townhouse)
This cosy townhouse is located in Kepala Batas and accommodates up to eight guests. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, its facilities include WiFi, a small swimming pool, and a mini playground. The entire townhouse can be rented at RM300 per night via Airbnb.
3. Sungai Dua Homestay, Butterworth (RM448/night for the entire house)
For a spacious swimming pool, this homestay would be perfect for your swim-loving family members. The house accommodates up to six guests and features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Besides the large swimming pool, other facilities include WiFi and laptop-friendly workspace. The entire house can be rented at RM448 per night via Airbnb.
4. Vacation Resort House, Tanjong Bungah (RM506/night for the entire house)
Another accommodation with a vast swimming pool, this resort-style home is located in a gated and highly secured community for extra safety. With tropical surroundings on top of a hill, the house accommodates up to 10 guests and features four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Other facilities include children’s playground, outdoor meditation or picnic hut, open air gym, foot massage trail, trekking path with tropical landscaping, koi fish pond, and backyard garden. The entire house can be rented for RM506 per night via Airbnb.
5. Bao Sheng @ The Standard Villa, Penang (RM560/night for the entire villa)
This serene Bali-style villa features an infinity spring water pool and is the most private and quiet villa in Bao Sheng Durian Farm. The villa accommodates up to four guests and features two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Besides the swimming pool, you can also go jogging, cycling or swimming at the nearby waterfall, located about five minute’s walk away. The entire villa can be rented for RM560 per night via Airbnb.