Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel is located on Muntri Street, right in the heart of George Town, Penang. This area is so awesome that it got added to the UNESCO World Heritage zone in 2008. And we're not planning to get scraped off the list any time soon as the entire neighbourhood is rapidly taken on for renovation. It's almost as if a huge brush dipped in fresh paint is being swooshed throughout our town.

Besides the beautifully restored heritage buildings, Muntri Street also has a gracious Hainan Temple, a small shoe shop (where Jimmy Choo first worked!) and many boutique cafes. Being located between Chulia Street, Love Lane and Penang Road makes Ryokan the perfect accommodation as its smacked right in the middle of the backpackers haven of Penang. Although the street is relatively quiet, the pubs and clubs are merely minutes away. Once our bar closes, don't panic because it doesn't mean the party has to stop!

As for the history, we can tell you this: In the old days the street was a residential area for the upper class being the colonial officials and the rich Chinese merchants. Nowadays there's an interesting blend of multicultural locals, tourists and trishaw riders. Come discover it yourself!

 

Directions to Ryokan Muntri:

Luckily Muntri Street is safeguarded from big polluting busses trotting through it. Yet the nearest bus stop is just a few minutes away, at Penang Road. You can reach Muntri Street by taking the Rapid Penang Free Shuttle Bus to Station No. 7 (Lebuh Muntri). From there Ryokan is just a few minutes walk. Other busses which run through Penang Road are Rapid Penang bus 10, 11, 101, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, U204, 206, 301 and 302. Travelling by bus is as budget as it gets as a one-way costs no more than a few bucks.

 

Bus from Penang International Airport to Ryokan via Komtar

From the Penang International Airport, the cheapest and fastest way to get to George Town is to take the Rapid Penang Bus. You can buy your ticket (RM2) downstairs at the Rapid Penang bus counter. Bus U401, 401A and 401E with "Weld Quay" as the destination will stop at Komtar. The busses depart every 30 minutes from 0600 to 2330.

After you arrive at Komtar Bus station you can transfer to bus 10, 11, 101, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, U204, 206, 301 and 302 towards Penang Road, stop Muntri Street. Or if your legs can still carry you walk this route.

 

Taxi from Penang International Airport to Ryokan

If you take the taxi from Penang International Airport to George Town it is advisable to buy a voucher for your trip. At least if you don't want to be a victim of swindle. Vouchers cost around RM38 for a 30-40 minute ride. The rate depends on your exact destination but includes toll fees.

You can buy a coupon at the taxi counter after you leave the departure hall. Tell the staff behind the counter you are heading to RYOKAN @ Muntri Street and she/he will issue you a voucher. After that head to the designated Taxi stand and hand the driver the voucher, next stop Ryokan!

 

Train to Butterworth and ferry to George Town

Another way to travel to George Town is by train via the Butterworth Railway Station, located right next to the Butterworth Ferry Terminal. The Butterworth ferry at Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim will take you across to Weld Quay in George Town. The ferry fee is RM1.20 if you travel by foot. Busses commute between the George Town ferry terminal and Komtar every 15-minutes from 6am-12midnight.