69 Jln Batu Ferringhi, Utopia Map, 012-434-3669. Beachside bar. Busy Thu-Sat nights. Some transgenders, gay tourists and local gay guys.

GEORGE TOWN

On the patio at Thirty Two at the Mansion, 32 Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, Utopia Map. Late hang-out place after most bars close. Some gays.

153 & 155 Lebuh Pantai (Beach St), Utopia Map, 263-7299. Second entrance at 183B Victoria St. This funky and modern entertainment and dining complex was created out of two traditional Chinese shophouses joined at their tail ends by a central, open-air garden. A thin space that runs a whole city block in length, it has become Penang's LGBT and hipster hangout. At the Lebuh Pantai entrance you have a coffee shop and adjacent restaurant. Don't miss the sensational home-made cakes! Keep walking and you'll arrive in the outdoor garden with bar seating and beyond that is a large bar with stage that gets packed with gays on weekends. Anchoring the crowd is soulful Malay trans-diva, Roz and her live jazzpop band. Don't miss a chance to catch one of her charismatic sets on Fri or Sat night if she's in town (she also performs in KL these days). Women take note: very handsome tomboy wait staff here!

Comments from Utopians:

"I also agree with the listing here, China House is a great venue." -- donmcke, Jun 29, 2012

17 Lebuh Sungai, Pinang 5, Bandar Sri Pinang. New club (2013) by the gay owner of the former Nine Krub Café.

MacAlister Mansion, Jln MacAlister. A snobby piece of KL elitism dropped onto genteel Penang. Craptastic, nicotine-scented bar pretends at being a reincarnation of the fabulous former Bagan. Dress code (good luck with that).

54 Jln Chow Thye, Utopia Map, 226-8182, email. A gay and lesbian-friendly neighborhood European wine bar and restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambience. Outdoor seating on the garden terrace and indoor bar and table seating. Delicious food with changing specials. Great Asian-flavored lounge music (!) at a conversation-friendly volume level. Very friendly staff. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun. Utopia Member Discount

Comments from Utopians: