Hi,
I'm planning on going to Penang.Can anyone tell me how gay activities are over there?Also what the best beach would you recommend me?How's the cost of living(food,guys)compare to Thailand?Is there a direct fly from Bangkok to Penang?(what airline?).
Maybe Taoboxer could help me out,I see you are from Georgetown :-))
Many thanks guys.

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Most gay activity is confined to the saunas nowadays, I guess...I haven't been cruising at any of the island's traditional cruising spots for years now. The good news is there is a good variety of body types, ages and preferences so that even horny old goats like me get our rocks off for free!

For more information on the saunas, have a look at the LEO thread or try plupenang.com for a comprehensive list of the social activities organized by local gay men and women (I think).

Where beaches are concerned, there is no such thing as a gay beach but if it's just swimming and sunbathing, Batu Ferringhi beach is your best bet, though I'd advise you to walk up past the Bayview Beach Resort and do your exhibiting there. If you want lots of the usual water activities, then the beach starting from in front of the Park Royal to the Golden Sands is better.

FYI all beaches in Penang are public beaches and there are no private ones, though you are not advised to walk through the hotels to get to them. There are plenty of public walkways beside the hotel entrances for you to use.

The direct flight from Bangkok to Penang is late in the evening while the one going the other way is early in the morning. You can book either Thai or Malaysia airways for that.

I always prefer to take the Royal Bangkok Express train between Penang and Bangkok. It's a beautiful, restful 24 hour journey with lots to see and do along the way if you're an easy traveller. Sleeping berths are available, though it does arrive in Butterworth instead of on the island itself but you just go up a short walkway and then catch the ferry over and you are in the heart of the city.

Tao

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Urepentantly irrascible old fart!

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and for the sensible cheapskates who can't cope with the train, Air Asia flies BKK-Penang direct significantly cheaper than Thai/MAS with a convenient early morning flight down and evening flight back if you are combining a holiday with a via run!

bkkguy

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