Hi, i was in Penang 3 weeks ago. My FH & I drove up, it was really a long drive. We had stayed overnight in KL to break the journey. Driving up Penang is pretty easy, however, the stretch after Ipoh has got steep bends. I drove in Penang 'cos i was too lazy to read the maps. I think driving in the town area is horrible 'cos there's many many one way roads which arent denoted on maps. Otherwise, food is fabulous. We stayed in G Hotel, along Gurney Drive, strongly recommend it. Fantastic location, new hotel, affordable price RM260nett