Home Away from Home; 28 Bahari Penang Review

The 28 Bahari in Georgetown Penang is not just you ordinary guesthouse, but rather your home away from your real home. From a wonderful welcome, rustic ambiance, accessible location, and friendly staff. Truly, this is your home sweet home in Georgetown. We did not know anything about 28 Bahari prior to our Penang trip. Actually, we were supposed to stay with a Couchsurfing (CS) host in Butterworth. However, we were not able to have an Internet access in Butterworth station. So we just headed to Georgetown immediately to have an Internet access and to contact him. It was when we realized that Georgetown in pretty far from Butterworth.

Long story short, we were able to contact our CS host and he was so kind to change the plan and referred us to 28 Bahari, which was operated by his friend Balan. Seriously, it was a blessing. We were able to navigate its location easily from a certain mall. How surprising it was that after few minutes of walk, a gentleman sitting in front of his car beside the road and in front of a house, waved a hand to us and greeted us with a big smile.

The next thing we knew, we were already in front of 28 Bahari. The guy was our CS’s host friend “Balan”. He introduced us to his place and it was so awesome.

Literally, it felt like we were not just staying at a guesthouse but rather at a local home. The reception area was beautiful. There were private rooms and bunk beds. He provided key to every guests, for security and anytime access.

Moreover, our favorite part is that “Balan”; is not just your hotel operator, but he was actually a personal tour guide, heritage consultant, and your brother. You get a lot of perks when you stay here because he does everything without anything in return. He even treated us!

At night, he usually gather guests to hang around, eat street foods, and show Georgetown’s rich culture. Can you imagine that? So, we went out with other guests, we developed friendship and had a great time. He even treated us with one of Penang’s best noodles. After that, we went to a hidden drinking spot, which offered very cheap beers.

Okay, they started with 5 cans. I joined them and I could not remember how many cans were consumed. Also, I could not remember how much the price was, but I am sure that it was cheap. I think Skol was the cheapest. Anyone can help me with the price? Please comment in my box below.

I was not allowed to drink, but the moment was irresistible. I got sober! Maybe, if my family will see this picture, they will get upset. Anyway, just a drama.

Long time no see! Seems like childhood friends! We knew each other long time ago that we got a lot of things to laugh about while walking.

We went walking on the streets again then had a burger before heading home. It was so yummy and the chef was so friendly.

The next day, he even brought us to a local breakfast shop where we ate local foods. He then told us tips on getting around Georgetown. Well, it is always nice to taste local foods right? Currently, I am missing their kind of breakfast. The bubble coffee paired with butter bread, naan, and banana leaf rice is one of the best breakfasts in the world.

The baker had a magical hand. I salute him for creating a delicious breakfast for us. Look at his t-shirt, I like it.

Our stay was short, but we were able to make the most of it because of staying at 28 Bahari. We wished to stay more, probably next time. We exchanged goodbyes with high hopes to visit Penang again someday.

Balan, if you can read this post…

How are you? We wanted to send warm greetings. Hope you could still remember us. We will go back! Again, treat us with noodles and let us hang out again.

Search for 28 Bahari here.