42Geeks Penang Add-On

Hello! Fellow Geek and digital nomad Lauren Razavi here.

Chok has given me his blessing to organise a Malaysia add-on of 4 nights for any Geeks who want to explore the island of Penang with me after the main Southeast Asia trip. It's one of my favourite places on earth, so I'm super excited to share it with you!

There are only 24 spots available, so please book early using the link below if you want to join me on this little adventure.

The cost is $1,650 USD and includes:

• First-class train travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
• Four nights of B&B accommodation at a luxury 5-star hotel
• A tasting menu dinner (12 courses) at a fine-dining restaurant
• Entry tickets for Tech Dome Penang and Penang Hill
• Access to the talks, networking and events outlined below

Draft Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday 1st March

Morning/Afternoon:

• We'll have breakfast at our KL hotel, bid farewell to the main Geeks group, then take the train from Kuala Lumpur to Georgetown, Penang's capital.
• The route is very scenic and takes around 4 hours.
• We'll be in first-class "platinum" seats that recline for naps, are super comfy, and have airline-style TV screens and USBs/power outlets to charge your devices.
• One meal and one snack are served during the journey, but fair warning, they definitely won't be the foodie highlight of your Penang trip.

Early Evening:

• When we arrive in Georgetown, we'll check into our luxury hotel, where we'll get to experience high-end Malaysian hospitality at its very best.
• The hotel is located within a 15 to 20-minute walk of all the good stuff Georgetown has to offer, though taxis and Grabs are also plentiful.

Dinner/Late Evening:

• Free time to rest, explore, dine or drink.

Day 2 - Saturday 2nd March

Morning:

• We'll have breakfast at the hotel and then head to one of Penang's best speciality coffee venues for a "cupping" session– essentially like a wine tasting, but for coffee.
• We'll learn all about the speciality coffee scene, both globally and in Malaysia, watch different preparation methods, and sample different bean varieties.
• Then we'll have free time to have some lunch and soak up the vibes of Georgetown.

Afternoon:

• We'll visit Tech Dome Penang and learn about the rich tech history of the island – from the hardware industry to video game design and everything in between.

Evening:

• We'll go for a 12-course tasting menu at Penang's best fine-dining restaurant.

Day 3 - Sunday 3rd March

Morning:

• We'll have breakfast at the hotel and then wander to a converted bus depot area to check out the hip Sunday market there, full of artisan goods and local makers.
• Grab a coffee, bubble tea or some trinkets to take home.
• Free time here until lunchtime.
• Enjoy some street food or a bite to eat at one of the many cute cafes and bakeries around.

Afternoon:

• We'll hear a talk from the man who birthed Penang's vibrant and globally renowned cocktail scene, in the atmospheric setting of the vibey backroom bar where his story began.
• He'll whip us up a few samples and whet our appetite for an evening of bar hopping later on.
• Then back to the hotel to rest before dinner.

Evening:

• We'll hit Penang's legendary hawker centres and street food stands for dinner (much better than Singapore, but don't tell the Singaporeans!)
• After that, we'll bar crawl along Georgetown's cocktail strip (we'll have reservations, but drinks at your own expense).
• Then we'll probably eat more street food to soak up the booze.

Day 4 - Monday 4th March

Morning:

• We'll have breakfast at the hotel and then head off to learn about urban development projects in Malaysia through a presentation and networking session.
• This is with an impact organisation funded by Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund that seed funds and collaborates with startups and makers.
• Their projects include establishing and connecting a network of super-cities across Malaysia by 2030 and bringing Malaysia's rich heritage into its contemporary urban development.
• They also do cool stuff like ensuring new skyscraper developments hire local artists to paint graffiti on the sides of their buildings.
• Either group networking lunch (arrangements TBC) or grab something nearby at a cafe/bakery.

Afternoon:

• In the afternoon, we'll visit Penang Hill, riding the funicular (mountainside cable train) through the jungle up and down.
• Grab a traditional afternoon tea at the top if you want, or just wander around and enjoy the amazing views over Penang.

Evening:

• Free time to rest, explore, dine or drink.

Day 5 - Tuesday 5th March

• Either fly out of Penang's international airport to your next destination or take the train back to KL.

Book Your Spot Now 🇲🇾

Places are strictly limited due to restricted venue capacities and will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Fill in the simple form below to confirm your booking 👇

Be sure to read the trip Cancellations & Refund Policy and Release & Waiver. If you need travel insurance, consider buying a plan from SafetyWing (where Lauren works as VP of Communications).

Questions or concerns? Email laurenrazavi@gmail.com or DM Lauren on Instagram @LaurenRazavi.