PENANG -- area code (60-4)

• GWord Fitness Centre
  3/F 98-3A-01 Prima Tanjung (opp Island Plaza, but on the Tanjung Tokong side of the complex), 016-441-9328, 016-428-5873, email. Facing the 4-story Prima Tanjung shopping complex, with Island Plaza at your back, GWord is located on 3/F at the upper right end of the U-shaped block. Look for the last stairwell after the Netcity shop on G/F where you will see a rainbow sign posted. Take the elevator in this stairwell up to 3/F and walk another half story up to the entry door. Two floors: lockers, cafe, gym, steam and showers on the first level; more showers, private cabins and maze upstairs. Crowd is younger and more Chinese than Leo.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Very friendly and helpful staff. Large steam room and smaller, but good, dry sauna. Welcoming to tourists. Clean." -- wtraveller, Jan 3, 2008

  "The toilets were flithy. I was shocked how many guys want to have anal sex without condoms. They should learn more about hygiene and STD prevention." -- bidstonfish, Oct 6, 2007

  "We went to GWord Fitness Centre three times. Exciting place. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the place is clean." -- owem, Aug 16, 2007

  "Very clean, nice and friendly place. Lots of handsome guys of all ages, mainly Chinese. Owner and staff are extremely kind and helpful. It's like visiting old friends and becoming a member of the family. Very recommendable." -- swissbear, May 21, 2007

  "gWORD sauna is operating Mon-Fri from 5pm-midnight; and weekends or public holidays from 2pm-midnight." -- Aldo, Jan 22, 2006

• Hotel Waterfall Sauna (mixed)
  Hotel Waterfall, 160 Western Rd, 229-0887. Popular with local guys of all ages. The place is quite clean. Be discreet.
• Leo Fitness Centre
  4/F Midlands Park (formerly called, and still known as, One Stop), Blk 488D-4-15 Jln Burma, 227-1314. As you enter the open-air covered atrium, pass Starbucks and take the first elevator on your right to 4/F. Coming out of the elevator, turn left and walk around to the front side of the building where you will find Leo. Café, gym, jacuzzis, two steam rooms, dark room, private cabins, lockers and shower area. New owners (from Khun Bodyworks in Kuala Lumpur) have refurbished this popular venue. Crowd is all ages and a mix of races.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Leo Fitness Centre has a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay men. Dark rooms very happening on Sun evening. Place could be better if staff was cleaning the rooms and the facilities round the clock. Otherwise, a good place to meet hot men and have fun." -- zest, Jul 8, 2007

  "Very nice staff, kindly. I have been there two times and I enjoyed it: full of active men. If you go here you can spend very good time, but don't forget to bring your own condoms with you." -- luk, Nov 14, 2006

  "I was recently at Leo to spend the night when visiting Penang over the weekend. Economical and plenty of nice, young studs there. A whole lot of body carrassing...great place." -- Peter83, Aug 6, 2006

  "Went to Leo Fitness Centre last weekend. It has been renovated since my visit last year. The place is damn nice now! There are 2 steam rooms (with showers inside) and 3 jacuzzi pools. It was packed, especially during the weekend." -- younggun80, Feb 20, 2006

  "Leo is always packed. Good mix of all races, from young to old. Any time is a good time to visit. I was here last Sat. Great." -- ooich, Jan 20, 2006

• Unique 2 Recreation Centre
  71A & B, Jalan Perai Empat, Bandar Perai Jaya, Butterworth (behind the Megamall), 016-498-0895. Open nightly on weekdays and in the late afternoon on weekends. Steam bath, TV room, dark room, etc. Crowd is more Malay and Indian, with a mix of body types from young sports to chubs.