For those that have actually been there in August.

I read on the internet that August is high season in Penang.

Can I still easily find guest house accomodation on arrival?

I don't like booking unknown accomodation.

funny;

i checked and got "Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February)"

i have not been in august but have been lots in various other times an never had a hard time getting a room. as long as u arrive before 2 pm,

If ur that worried just book the first night via bookings.com

Penang has plenty of bottom end digs around Lebuh Chulia but some/most of them are pretty seedy, noisy and smelly.

I find the Waldorf on Lebuh Leith (just off the top end of Chulia) a decent deal, but basic place at 50ish RM a night for ac, TV Hot Water and dolliebirds in the 'health' spa/coffee shop at the rear. It's as clost to a Thai level 'mid range' place you'll get in Penang.

More up market the Cititel on Jalan Penang at 170ish RM is a good place with decent views of Penang from higher floors, a nice indoor pool which Asian women like.

End of August is independance day for Malaya, Penang offers wide variety from shared dorms to 5 star....depends what you are looking for but shouldnt be a problem unless there is a festival on....little research will find anything planned in August.I havnt beenfor a few years now but the Love Lane area had many buildings being refurbed into bistros, bars and guest rooms...lovely atmosphere.

I think the school holdiays are in Setember so you should be ok with these.

if you are arriving on a non holiday weekday accommodation and transport are seldom a problem. weekend for transport can be very iffy. never slept on the street after arriving many times without a booking at all seasons

thai visa runners make up a good portion of the stays and in the current climate i doubt they would be at peak performance. in short just do it. city bus to the north penang beaches are also an alternative for accommodation.

just a note re above. love in malaysia means exclusively indian or thai transvestites.

Sometimes Ramadan covers part of August, although it doesn't this year. At the end of Ramadan the hotels in Georgetown are usually full. So it's kind of an alternative high-season there during Ramadan. I was there last year during Ramadan and had trouble with a few days of my stay because I hadn't booked in advance.

I read on the internet that August is high season due to holidays, but it does appear that mid August should be OK.

I have been considering Batu Ferringhi as the place to stay. Apparently there is a very good bus service past there, and I don't intend arriving on a weekend.

Thanks very much for all the replies. Been a big help.

ok but be aware that stingers in the sea do exist there

ok but be aware that stingers in the sea do exist there

Not to be concerned. I don't go swimming anymore.

Thanks anyway.