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The 10 Best Hostels in George Town, Malaysia

Some of the best backpacker spots in George Town

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Located within 1.8 km of Penang Times Square and 7.7 km of Straits Quay, Aayu Chulia features rooms in George Town. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2 km from Northam Beach.

Guest rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area. The rooms at Aayu Chulia have air conditioning and a desk.

Aayu Chulia is a gem of a hostel! it’s a home away from home! Every room is private, spacious & very clean, in a 100-yr old beautiful & historical building. Original wooden floors & stairs!!! As expected, walls are thin, but, having your own very clean & spacious room is a special treat & for a steal of a price!!! The minimal dining facility facility in a very spacious & clean lounge area is quite welcomed for making toast hot/cold beverage, & refrigerator to stash leftovers, & keep beverages/fruits cold. Best part, there’s always fresh loaf of bread everyday for a small snack! Lots of combo shower/toilet in each floor, but, in the ground floor, each room is equipped with its own combo shower/toilet. The entire building is always kept immaculate! The location is prime, smack dab in the thick of things! Restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, night market, bars are all with a minute - 5-min walk!!! Tourist sights are within a few minutes walk. Penang Hill is a 20-min Grab taxi, so is the beach. But the best part, Shane, the husband/wife duo owners, is an amazing hands on staff!!! He’s 100% very responsive & accommodating on anything you may have query on - recommendations on food, what to do, where to go, etc. or need help with - carrying your luggage up/down the stairs, because he genuinely cares! His staff are wonderful as well - so helpful, especially with my luggages!!! I am so thankful & grateful for Shane & his staff for a beautiful, very clean, very spacious private rooms hostel & top notch service in a very prime location!!! I will definitely come back & highly recommend it!!!

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9.5
Exceptional
655 reviews
Price from
£17
per night

Set in George Town, less than 1 km from Northam Beach, Sogor Female Dormitory offers air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. The property is around 1.8 km from 1st Avenue Penang, 2.9 km from Wonderfood Museum and 1.7 km from Penang Times Square. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.4 km from Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar.

With a shared bathroom fitted with a bidet and a hairdryer, rooms at the hostel also feature free WiFi. At Sogor Female Dormitory the rooms come with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV.

Manager is such a gem, helping you with many things. The dorm is the cleanest I've ever stayed in. There's a dressing room full of mirrors and a laundry room!! Basically a dream. Met many really nice women during my stay (which I extended for 2 nights because it was so good)

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9.4
Superb
82 reviews
Price from
£17
per night

Situated within 1.5 km of Penang Times Square and 8.2 km of Straits Quay, Swing & Pillows @ Beach Street offers rooms in George Town. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.4 km from Northam Beach.

The units at the hostel feature air conditioning and a desk.

Quiet, smooth self checking, not very far georgetown

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8.4
Very good
531 reviews
Price from
£16
per night

Situated within 3.5 km of 1st Avenue Penang and 3.7 km of Penang Times Square, PANCHOR 6 HOSTEL features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in George Town. The property is set 4.9 km from Wonderfood Museum, 7.1 km from Penang Hill and 7.2 km from Penang Botanic Gardens. The property is non-smoking and is located 4.1 km from Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar.

You get what you pay for. Your own room, turn on the AC whole day if you want. This is very much a self service place to stay. Contact with the manager was fast and easy through WhatsApp. Stay here if you don't need any customer service, lounge, and social interaction. No suprise fees when it's time to pay.

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8.5
Very good
10 reviews
Price from
£7
per night

Set within 1.4 km of Northam Beach and 1.2 km of Wonderfood Museum, New Great Shanghai Female Hostel offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in George Town. The property is located 1.1 km from 1st Avenue Penang, 1.4 km from Penang Times Square and 7.5 km from Straits Quay. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar.

The place was quiet during my stay and it felt clean and nice. My bed was comfortable and I had a great sleep. Outlets were right next to me, so I can conveniently charge my devices, especially, I was assigned at the top bunk bed. Jean was very helpful and accommodating! She helped me get to the hostel from the airport and even recommended some shops I could visit. Communication was great between the host and guest!

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8.4
Very good
75 reviews
Price from
£7
per night

Situated in George Town and within 1.4 km of Northam Beach, Swing & Pillows @ Malabar has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 1.3 km from Penang Times Square, 7.2 km from Straits Quay and 7.2 km from Penang Botanic Gardens. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, a concierge service and luggage storage for guests.

The rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area. At Swing & Pillows @ Malabar rooms come with bed linen and towels.

The place is clean and hygiene!

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7.2
Good
487 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Set in George Town, 1 km from Northam Beach, 111 Hutton Lane Hostel offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge. The property is situated 6.9 km from Straits Quay, 6.9 km from Penang Botanic Gardens and 8.9 km from Penang Hill. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar is 700 metres away.

Best hostel and an incredible owner. Wish I could have stayed longer than the 2 nights. It was a great time.

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7.7
Good
291 reviews
Price from
£8
per night

Situated in George Town and within 1.7 km of Northam Beach, Color Mixed Home Hostel has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is set 3 km from Wonderfood Museum, 5.8 km from Penang Botanic Gardens and 6.9 km from Straits Quay. Penang Hill is 7.2 km away and Queensbay Mall is 11 km from the hostel.

Very simple check in, I arrive midnight and the host already send all the details and clear shelf check in guide. The place is clean and I think is very suitable for Solo traveller, price is reasonable as it supply basis need of the traveller. The location is perfect as It located in the middle of Georgetown

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7.4
Good
190 reviews
Price from
£8
per night

Featuring free WiFi, Tido Hostel Penang offers accommodation in George Town.

You can play darts at the hostel. Komtar is 800 metres from Tido Hostel Penang, while Prangin Mall is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Penang International Airport, 15 km from Tido Hostel Penang.

The staff especially Afiyah was very kind and helpful. Common area was very comfy and the location is close to bus station and chulia street.

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7.7
Good
372 reviews
Price from
£10
per night

Strategically located in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Wassup Youth Hostel offers accommodations in Penang. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Perfecfly central easy access ro bus station fir Cat bus and lical buses,alsi ti the great street food streets like Kimberly etc. Very clean and comortable!

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6.4
Review score
722 reviews
Price from
£30
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
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Most booked hostels in George Town this month

Save money on hostels in George Town – budget options available!

  • Wassup Youth Hostel
    Budget options available
    6.4
    Scored 6.4
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 722 reviews

    Strategically located in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Wassup Youth Hostel offers accommodations in Penang.

    I like the location of hotel and staff very helpful

  • YMCA Penang
    Budget options available
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 245 reviews

    Occupying a central Georgetown location, the YMCA Penang is just a 5-minute drive from the many attractions in the heritage city of Penang. It houses 2 dining options.

    Almost is good. As well possible upgrade little bit.

  • Minima 8
    Budget options available
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 75 reviews

    Situated in George Town, within 3.7 km of Penang Times Square and 4.1 km of Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar, Minima 8 offers accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property.

    The bath had good pressure and everything is just nice .

  • Georgetown Heritage Hostel
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1 review

    Situated within 1.7 km of Wonderfood Museum and 1.4 km of Penang Times Square, Georgetown Heritage Hostel offers rooms in George Town.

  • Cheerful Guesthouse #Adventist#BudgetStay
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2 reviews

    Cheerful Guesthouse #Adventist#BudgetStay provides free WiFi throughout the property and rooms with air conditioning in George Town.

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in George Town

  • Aayu Chulia
    Central location
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 655 reviews

    Located within 1.8 km of Penang Times Square and 7.7 km of Straits Quay, Aayu Chulia features rooms in George Town.

    Excellent location, small room but very comfortable.

  • PANCHOR 6 HOSTEL
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 10 reviews

    Situated within 3.5 km of 1st Avenue Penang and 3.7 km of Penang Times Square, PANCHOR 6 HOSTEL features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in George Town.

    Kurang dalam bilik tak ada cermin saja , walaupun Kecik .over all semua ok .thank you so much .

  • Swing & Pillows @ Beach Street
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 531 reviews

    Situated within 1.5 km of Penang Times Square and 8.2 km of Straits Quay, Swing & Pillows @ Beach Street offers rooms in George Town.

    Quiet, smooth self checking, not very far georgetown

  • Penang Heritage Home
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1 review

    Set in George Town, within 300 metres of Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar and 500 metres of 1st Avenue Penang, Penang Heritage Home provides accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property.

  • SS HOSTEL PENANG
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 79 reviews

    Situated in George Town, 1.4 km from Northam Beach, SS HOSTEL PENANG features air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge.

    Good room for the price, perfect location and comfortable

  • Tido Hostel Penang
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 372 reviews

    Featuring free WiFi, Tido Hostel Penang offers accommodation in George Town. Every room includes a shared bathroom. You will find a shared lounge at the property. You can play darts at the hostel.

    The location & the airconditioned guest lounge.

  • 246housecafe
    Central location
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 43 reviews

    246housecafe is located in George Town, 2 km from Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar and 2.8 km from 1st Avenue Penang.

    The absolute best wifi I ever had in hotels. Truly surprised.

  • Red Inn Court
    Central location
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 862 reviews

    Red Inn Court is located in the heart of Georgetown, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Very good position, comfortable accomodation,good price

  • The 60
    Central location
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 49 reviews

    2.7 km from Northam Beach, The 60 is located in George Town and provides air-conditioned rooms.

    Sehr guter Telefon,WhatsApp und persönlicher Service.

  • Swing & Pillows @ Malabar
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 487 reviews

    Situated in George Town and within 1.4 km of Northam Beach, Swing & Pillows @ Malabar has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi.

    It was very clean and comfy. So it was okay so far.

  • Phuah Hin Leong by Simply Penang
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2 reviews

    Located in George Town, within 700 metres of Northam Beach and 1.5 km of Rainbow Skywalk at Komtar, Phuah Hin Leong by Simply Penang provides accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi...

  • Heritage Private Room by RaymondHomes

    Boasting a garden, restaurant, BBQ facilities and free WiFi, Heritage Private Room by RaymondHomes is situated in George Town, 1.3 km from Northam Beach and 3.9 km from Penang Times Square.

  • Star Lodge
    Central location
    2.8
    Scored 2.8
    Very poor
    Rated very poor
     · 5 reviews

    Set in George Town, 1.7 km from Northam Beach, Star Lodge offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge.

FAQ about hostels in George Town






Hostels that guests love in George Town

  • Avg. price/night: £23.27
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,329 reviews
    We stayed in the twin room - literally just bunk beds, with blankets (very itchy) and a night stand. Bathroom was stairs, along with cold and hot water available 24/7. There was security overnight which was a nice feeling. We kept our shoes in our room as I read reviews about people’s being stolen but we didn’t feel unsafe here. Great location, not far from Little India with the best food!
    Emilie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £17.67
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 308 reviews
    This backpacker's hostel has a distinctive style, and what's particularly impressive is that they have preserved a real tree on the wall, adding a natural and mysterious touch to the entire space. A great location.
    Tay
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £40.33
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,191 reviews
    I love all about this hotel! the staff is so helpful and the room itself is better than I thought it would be. My room is a bunk bed room yet it is so comfy. I would love to come back to this hotel again whenever I'm in Penang. And the price is actually affordable and I can say it is cheap because everything is only a walking distance. The interior of this hotel is beautiful and the safety is superb too! Thankyou Kooning!!
    N
    Nur Ellysha
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £15.09
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 358 reviews
    Warm welcome by host. Perfect stay for backpackers and Frame Guesthouse is located at strategic place which is near to Armenian Street, Little India and famous Falafel vegan by walking distance. Bunk bed with separate locker to keep our belongings safely. Suitable for those who are travelling for work as there are space for them to work. Free refill of drinking water and most importantly, this Frame Guesthouse provides a comfortable home feel.
    A
    Asvini
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £14.81
    5.5
    Scored 5.5
    Average
    Rated passable
     · 157 reviews
    The hostel was in a great location. Good size room and beds. Security lockers for each bed and a key for the front door so it felt very safe. The lobby in the hostel is nice and there is free cold drinking water available. Not bad for a short cheap stay!
    Kate
    Young couple
  • 7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 291 reviews
    The hostel is clean, tidy and had such a great communal vibe. It's cheap and comfortable, the rooms have AC, and Ali and Mun are the kindest hosts ever - they couldn't do enough to help! Ali even showed two of us to the local bars. One of the best hostels I've ever stayed in. I extended my stay twice!
    Charlie
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £21.11
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,072 reviews
    i loved everything, the owner was the sweetest person he even got me a couple of vegetarian puffs to try and they were amazing! is a great location with the city centre (Chulia street love lane etc.) on walking distance! the hostel is extremely cheap and they have a lovely common area (lounge with little kitchen)
    Giovanni
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £23.27
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,329 reviews
    Simple but spacious private room with huge bathroom and separate toilet. Hostel with shared amenities and common areas but yet it was quiet and felt safe. Friendly environment, perfect for a budget stay.
    Catja
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £13.63
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 452 reviews
    great location lovely pet cats howie was very helpful (lots of recommendations and bought us fruits to try and other snacks) very cheap effective aircon great place to meet other travelers free coffee and snacks free water and ice bathrooms kept very clean overall would recommend for travellers on a budget!
    Kyle
    Young couple
  • 7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 345 reviews
    I had an 11pm flight on my last day of the trip and was looking for a place that has a locker for my backpack. So I took the cheapest room at that time, RM55 for one bed, one night in a mixed dormitory. I check out by 7pm on the same day :) So total duration of utilising the facilities was 5 hours. But it was a nice place to meet new people and the shared bathroom is clean with powerful hot water.
    Donna
    Solo traveller

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