Penang's Song River & Gurney

"Ann-Chua? Ho-Boh?" (Greetings, how are you?) The familiar greeting amongst local Penangnites.

Captivated by Evergreen Laurel's landscaped garden, more so the manner of display of shrubs; e.g. Ever-red shrubs against the greens, bright-striking heliconias, silver-leaves shrubs and vertical fan-palms. It all glow colourful during full sun exposure (UV rays) - so tidy and well-trimmed. Now this is what I call - a 'picture perfect'.

Gurney Hotel's Single Suite c/w a study overlooking Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney).

Our room catches the sunrise. It's a dream working in such ambience!

An ambience of the old grandeur while fine-dining. They only accepts reservation so be warned!

Penang Food? At 'Song River' Restaurant (5 minutes walk from Gurney Hotel) - must try Char Koay Teow (we had it everyday!), Honey-glazed BBQ Chicken, Hokkien Mee (known as Prawn Noodle in KlangValley), Fried Oh-Chien, Otak-otak and Roti Babi (ranked in order from best to not-too-bad, had 6 dishes in one night before returning to KlangValley). This place can't compete the food variety as compared to Gurney Square (25 minutes stroll) but it's gastronomic and satisfying value for money. Next door to the square is the Gurney Plaza; coincidentally there was a Padini Clearance Sale. Fun!

However, we recommend Gurney Hotel's Hokkien Mee that comes with spicy and tastier (prawn stock) broth/soup. This hotel offers excellent Room Facilities, F&B and Concierge services; also a variety of recreational activities; e.g. beach volleyball, swimming in "infitity" pool, child-care, table tennis, open-air gym, archery (free lesson from 4-6pm), etc.

Unfortunately we had to leave so soon and Ghee Hiang's Tambun biscuits "tau sah peah" (豆沙饼 in Hokkien) were sold out!