B Y S A M A N T H A V A N D E P O L L

Best hidden bars in Georgetown Penang

I N T R O

It's always a bit of a novelty to come across a hidden bar. They don’t seem to be as much of a big deal in western culture or at least the few we have seem to be underwhelming and overpriced. Yet if there’s one country that does them well, then it's Malaysia. Way ahead of the trend, the capital alone boasts hundreds of speakeasy’s with many more now popping up around Malaysia.

My first experience of a Speakeasy was four years ago when I first visited the Malaysian island of Penang. I was scrawling through the hashtag #penang on instagram for inspiration, something I often do when I visit a new place and highly recommend as it’s so effective for uncovering more unique and interesting places, a little like seeing through a window into other peoples experiences. While looking through the photos I came across an image of the most exquisite bathroom. Curious I clicked on it to see what hotel it belonged to but alas it was actually the entrance to a secret bar. Thrilled at this unusual prospect I set out to find it. Later that evening, walking down a grey, quiet side street, feeling a little doubtful, I found it. Before me was what I can only describe as a show room for a golden bathroom. On entering I was led through several doors and rooms until I was brought to the most fabulous pink bar. Here began my love affair.

After this wonderful experience I started to research more about the speakeasy scene in Malaysia and I learnt that Georgetown in fact was home to many secret bars. Inspired by this I set out on a quest to try and find as many as I could within each of my visits to the island.

Within this list I’ll detail the BEST hidden bars that Georgetown has to offer. As well as what to order, where they are located and more importantly how to find them! First let's have a closer look at Georgetown itself.

G E O R G E T O W N

Georgetown, the capital of Penang Island, is named after the British King George III. Located on the North-East side of the island with over 600,000 inhabitants, Georgetown is a great example of multicultural society within Malaysia. A vibrant, colourful city wrapped in history, Penang boasts a rich mix of culture ingrained within its foodie scene, interactive street art and unique temples. Unlike Kuala Lumpur this is not a modern metropolis, the city is characterised by its colonial architecture with little to no high rise buildings and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I have a bit of a love affair with Penang and with Georgetown in particular. It's a place I've always found my way back to throughout my travels and somewhere I'll continue to always return. Within its rich culture and colourful art scene I feel very much at home. It is somewhere everyone should experience at least once in my opinion.

NOTE - This particular guide is based around my last visit in late 2019 before the pandemic hit. As far as I'm aware all the businesses listed are still open but depending on when you're reading this that information may alter.

T H E S E C R E T B A R S

BESO ROSADO (FORMALLY GOLDEN SHOWERS)

MAGAZINE 63

OUT OF NOWHERE

SECRET DOOR

MANCHU BAR

12 SENSES

Beso

Pink. Check. Velvet. Check. Extremely beautiful and exsiquite drinks menu. Check.

Possibly every instagrammers dream, If you're looking for a little luxury while in Penang then Beso Rosado by Chin Chin is your place! Formally Golden showers, this bar may have evolved over the years ditching their secret status but its still a must visit when in Penang. By far the best cocktails on the island, served alongside tapas and chic interiors, makes for a wonderful evening.

I mentioned before that this bar is not so secret anymore. Prior to its revamp Beso Rosado used to have a secret entrance through a golden bathroom. I must admit I do miss the old entrance however I imagine they are far more findable now with the recent changes which overall will benefit their business and I'm all for supporting small businesses.

Magazine 63

If you like a challenge then finding this establishment will certainly challenge you. The unassuming entrance plays a key role in the splendor of the interiors and I think adds to the whole experience.

Initially I walked past this bar several times without realising the entrance was there. Several large trash cans sit in front of the opening, half drawn grates and little to nothing around it. The only hint to this place is a small white flag that hangs outside. Once you eventually work out how to get in (a lot of feeling around MDF walls for the opening) you’re greeted with the most spectacular art deco style bar. A raised balcony serves up live music every evening, the atmosphere is electric and the cocktail menu is designed to suit every taste. This bar fills up pretty quickly so make sure to get there early on a weekend.

Out of nowhere

Possibly the most thrilling entrance of the bunch. Out of Nowehere looks like your average coffee shop from outwards appereances but in fact it actually contains a hidden passage through a large orange american style fridge freezer into a secret bar.

On entering the coffee shop, walk over to the fridge and open the double doors. Walk on through this genius entrance and you'll find yourself in a small polished concrete room with neon lights and buckets of greenery. Theres more of a edgy, yet chilled vibe to this bar. It has a fabulous artisan cocktail menu, possibly my favourite cocktails of the lot and great wine.

Secret door

Hidden behind what can only be described as a vault door lies this next gem. You need a password to enter and once in you’re met with thousnds of hanging LED violet lights, that glitter and dance in the darkness of the passage. This then leads onto a cool graffitied room that becomes more lively as the evening goes on.

This bar is ideal if you’re with friends, with plenty of activities to engage in - including virtual bowling and video games, you’ll never get bored. If you’re looking for a nice cold beer and fun night then check out Secret Door.

Manchu bar

Although this is listed as a speakeasy its not as hidden as its rivals however the beautiful chinese inspired interiors and great live shows are unmissible. Pair that with their fresh in house made dumplings and you’re onto a winner for sure. This place is buzzing after 10pm so make sure to get there a little earlier to get a good seat for the show.

12 senses

Ever so slightly further out than the others this one is worth the extra 10 minute walk! Hidden down a residential street, you walk into what is essentially the hallway of a house yet there are no other doors leading anywhere. Confusing right? Well let me fill you in. On the left sits a large coat rack disguising a lever that leads to a secret door that slides open beside it. Drift on through and enter into a beautiful traditional style bar encircling a huge lit up cherry bloom tree. This place is electric on weekends but more chilled for a quiet drink on weekedays.

F I N A L W O R D

On my last visit to Penang I spent an evening doing a 'secret' bar crawl AKA we only sought out the secret bars specifically. It was such a fun filled adventurous evening. Bare in mind we were hammered by the end of it but that night still sticks out in my mind to this day as one of the best I've had. Of course If you’re looking for something a little more chilled and not hidden away from society then I highly recommend visiting Love Lane. Possibly my favourite street in Georgetown and where I spent the majority of my evenings on each trip. There’s so much going on there, a great place to meet people, a great place to eat, a wonderful place to just be.

Whatever you decide to do just make sure to visit Penang if you go to Malaysia. I promise you won't regret it.