After two incredibly wet months, November is not as wet as compared to September and October, but that doesn't mean that visitors can leave the rain gear at home. As the monsoon begins to weaken slightly, there are about 100mm of rain less this month than in the previous two. However, it will still pay to bring rain boots and rain jackets and pay attention to the extended forecast before leaving home.
Even with the rain and the calendar showing that Penang is moving closer to winter, that doesn't mean much in the tropics and the temperatures will remain very warm. As a result, this is a great time to visit and escape the cold that much of the rest of the northern hemisphere is beginning to experience. The average daily temperature for this time of the year remains a warm 27°C (81°F). Meanwhile, the average overnight low remains consistent from one month to the next and only falls to 24°C (75°F). The average afternoon high is a warm and muggy 30°C (86°F).
With less rainfall this month, visitors can also make plans to return to the beach. There, they will be greeted with warm, bath like water temperatures in the ocean of 29°C (84°F). This is perfect for enjoying any number of water sports or just relaxing by taking a dip. However, the area isn't seeing quite as much sun during this time of the year. Now, the area gets an average of just 6 hours of sunshine per day.
This time of the year is still wet, but slightly drier than what has occurred over the two previous months. Now, the area gets an average of 230mm over the month falling over an average of 20 days. As a result, much of the month is wet and plans will need to be drawn up accordingly when visiting during this time of the year.
Situated right on the beach, the three-star Crown Jewel Hotel offers comfortable accommodations for those on a budget. Guests will enjoy a swimming pool and gym as well as being close to shopping, sites and world-class restaurants. There are a total of 280 guestrooms with air conditioning and the other modern conveniences of home.
Those looking for luxury will find it at the four-star Royal Bintang Penang. Situated in a 1892 building, guests may choose from a variety of different room styles. All rooms feature private baths with rainforest showers, bathrobes, slippers, luxurious linens and WiFi. Guests will also enjoy the 24-hour room service, spa, pool, gym and pool bar.
For the perfect November holiday, be sure to try out Hotel Penaga. This boutique hotel has an interesting history having begun life as normal houses. However, after years of neglect, the buildings eventually fell into disrepair. It wasn't until 2008 when new owners bought the property, that the buildings were carefully restored and now house this boutique hotel. Nowadays, guests can enjoy casual dining, a library, lap pool and spa.
Located on the southwest side of Penang Island is Pasir Panjang Beach. This stretch of sandy, white beach is quiet most of the time thanks to its secluded location. As a result, there aren't a lot of water sports to enjoy, but visitors can still go for a dip in the water and enjoy lounging on the beach. Nature lovers will also enjoy the two-hour trek through the jungle to the beach that goes by some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. However, before setting out, make sure most of the day is going to be dry as the region sees 230mm of rain in the month of November.
The Daily Dose is a coffee and wine bar located in the heart of Penang. With free WiFi and excellent coffee, it is easy to spend a lot of time in this location, relaxing and taking in the warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also serves a good mix of locals and tourists who will often come in for a drink, but wind up staying for a lovely lunch or dinner.
Penang's greenest dining adventure takes place at the Tree Monkey. Nestled among a lush tropical garden that also offers a stunning view of the water, there is a lot to like about this restaurant. In addition to the great views, the food isn't too bad either. The menu consists of a mixture of Northeastern Thai, Asian and Western influences. There is easily something on the menu for everyone and the dining venue won't soon be forgotten.
Jammin' is famous for its wide selection of gourmet Italian beers as well as those that come from boutique breweries. In addition to a wide selection of beers, the bar also offers a number of red and white Italian wines that range from light to full body and are available at reasonable prices. Guests can choose from a number of seating areas including comfortable couches and bar stools. The bar also offers live music, including tango Thursday.
Festivals continue well into the end of the year and one that is not to be missed in November is Deepavali or the Festival of Light. This festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. Locals will use colored rice to make decorative motives on the floor of their homes and also light oil lamps to welcome friends and relatives into their homes. There are also many interesting works of art available called kolam. This is one festival not to be missed.
If the weather is not cooperating in November and you are running into some showers, then a good idea is to head indoors. One of the best indoor spots is the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery. Both the museum and the art gallery collect and display materials and art that pays homage to the history of the area.
