TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi Penang Malaysia

TESS @ By The Sea: Penang's BEST Kept Secret? (Stunning Batu Ferringhi Views!)

TESS @ By The Sea: Penang's "Secret"… Is It REALLY THAT Good? My Chaotic Review!

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Penang, and let me tell you, TESS @ By The Sea… well, it's got reasons it's called a "secret." And by secret, I mean a slightly-hidden gem with a few, shall we say, unique quirks. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm going to ramble. It's how I feel about this place.)

First Impressions and That View (OMG!)

Okay, the view. That's what you're paying for. Seriously. Batu Ferringhi from up here? Breathtaking. You’re looking down at the sea like you’re on top of the world. Literally. That alone almost justifies the price of admission. The exterior corridor is… well, it’s an exterior corridor. Think slightly retro, but in a charming, well-worn kind of way.

Accessibility (Gotta Get Real Here)

Look, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I try to be aware. The elevator is there, important, so kudos for that. But… and this is a BIG but… I didn't see a TON of specifically designed wheelchair access in the public areas. So, while there are facilities, it's not as universally friendly as some purpose-built hotels. (They do have facilities for disabled guests listed, but I'd call ahead if this is a major concern. Make sure to ask about specifics to ensure that they meet your needs)

Rooms: Charm (and a Few Quibbles)

My room? A non-smoking, air-conditioned haven. Yay! Air conditioning, honestly, a necessity in Penang. The bed? Extra long. Score! The blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping in after a day of exploring. The bathroom was… well, it had a separate shower/bathtub. (Which, let me be honest, is a luxury I rarely experience at home.) Oh, and the coffee/tea maker. That got a lot of use in the morning. Coffee’s the best start to the day!

Wi-Fi – A Double-Edged Sword

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! But… and there is a but… the connection sometimes…well, let's just say it tested my patience. I had to use internet [LAN] and [Wi-Fi in public areas]. Now, I do have to work remotely so I really needed to keep my phone charged, so thankfully there was a socket near the bed. Thank goodness for the complimentary tea (helped my frustration at the Wi-Fi).

Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Misses)

Breakfast: The buffet was… okay, The Asian breakfast was amazing, the western breakfast was less so. (I'm a buffet snob, I admit it. The coffee was good, though.)
Dining: Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! There are so many! I am still discovering them as I write this! (and I am also going to make a point to test all of them) The pool side bar was perfect for an afternoon beverage, and the happy hour was a steal.
Snack Bar: Never went. My bad.

Things to Do (and Ways to Relax… Or At Least Try)

The Pool with a View: THE BEST. Seriously, the pool's infinity edge blends seamlessly with the ocean. Floating there at sunset… pure bliss.
The Spa: I got a massage. It was… adequate. Not life-changing, but definitely relaxing. (Could have been better with more pressure. But hey, at least they had a pool view!)
Fitness Center: Yeah, I intended to use it. But between the food and the view, I spent more time reclining than exercising. Maybe next time.

Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff!)

The hotel seemed clean. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff wearing masks, and all that jazz. They claim they use anti-viral cleaning products, so you can rest assured.

Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag

Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Concierge? Yes, and helpful. But the "convenience store" was more like a glorified vending machine. The doorman was friendly. The facilities for disabled guests were not very well marked.

For the Kids (Family-Friendly? Hmmm…)

They say they're family-friendly with kids facilities. I didn’t see a playground or anything, but the pool definitely fits the bill. I can't really say much.

Getting Around:

Car park [free of charge] is absolutely a plus. Airport transfer is available. The taxi service is reliable.

The Bottom Line (My Opinionated Two Cents)

TESS @ by the Sea? It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi could be better. The accessibility needs some attention. But the view? The pool? The location? They almost, almost, make up for it.

Would I go back? Probably. Especially if I could snag a good deal. It’s a bit quirky, a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. Penang is a place that celebrates imperfection, and in a way, TESS fits right in.

Now, the REALLY Important Question: IS IT A SECRET?

Nah. Not anymore. But it's still a hidden gem, in need of a facelift or two, but definitely worth a visit, especially if you prioritize that stunning Batu Ferringhi vista. Just pack your patience (for the Wi-Fi) and your swimsuit (for the pool).

SEO-Optimized Offer & Booking Pitch: Experience Penang's Best Secret!

Headline: Escape to TESS @ By The Sea, and Discover Stunning Batu Ferringhi Views & Ultimate Relaxation!

Body:

Tired of predictable vacations? Yearning for a getaway with breathtaking views and authentic Penang charm? TESS @ By The Sea, nestled in the heart of Batu Ferringhi, offers an unforgettable experience, far from the crowds of a typical hotel.

Why Choose TESS?

Unforgettable Views: Wake up to the panoramic beauty of the Andaman Sea! Our rooms offer stunning, unmatched views of Batu Ferringhi.
Relaxation at its Finest: Dive into our infinity pool overlooking the ocean, then rejuvenate at our spa with a relaxing massage.
Delicious Dining: Indulge your taste buds with a variety of culinary experiences, from Asian delights to international favorites. Enjoy a daily buffet breakfast with stunning views!
Essential Comforts: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and thoughtful room amenities like coffee/tea makers make your stay comfortable and convenient.
Perfect Location: Explore nearby attractions, relax on the beach, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Batu Ferringhi.

Special Offer: Book Now and Receive:

A complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
20% off spa treatments
Free welcome drinks upon arrival

TESS @ By The Sea: The perfect blend of relaxation, breathtaking views, and authentic Penang charm. Discover our secret. Book your escape today!

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TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi Penang Malaysia

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your polished, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is MY attempt at TESS in Batu Ferringhi, Penang. And trust me, it's going to be a rollercoaster. Prepare for… chaos.

TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi: My Penang Pilgrimage (aka, Pray For My Sanity)

Day 1: Arrival – Sand, Sunburn, and a Seriously Questionable Nasi Goreng

1:00 PM: Arrive at Penang International Airport. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. Or maybe a sweaty bear. Either way, it’s intense. Grab an Uber (thank the gods for Uber!) to TESS. The drive… colorful. Lots of motorbikes weaving like drunken bees. I'm instantly overwhelmed and simultaneously exhilarated. This is it! Penang!
1:30 PM: Check-in at TESS. Okay, first impressions: the lobby smells faintly of sea and something sweet that I CAN’T QUITE PLACE. The staff is incredibly friendly, bordering on excessively chipper. I, naturally, am already feeling like I need a nap. The room? Small, but with a killer view of the sea. Score! The balcony is tiny, but I plop down and immediately feel a sense of peace wash over me. Until a seagull takes a, well, you get the picture, on my new sundress. Note to self: Don't hang laundry on the balcony.
3:00 PM: Beach time! Batu Ferringhi beach is… well, it's a beach. The sand isn't the purest white, and the sea isn't quite turquoise, more a murky green, but the waves are gentle and the heat is delicious. I buy a dubious-looking iced tea from a beach vendor – likely a mistake. I attempt to read my book but get distracted by the sheer volume of people trying to sell me… everything. Massages, jetskis, boat trips… It's overwhelming, but there's something undeniably charming about the hustle. I build a pathetic sandcastle. It immediately collapses, symbolizing my life perfectly at this very moment.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby beachside "restaurant". The Nasi Goreng… Oh, the Nasi Goreng. Let's just say it was… an experience. The rice was a bit claggy, the chicken questionable, and the egg yolk… a shade of yellow I didn't know existed. But! The sunset was amazing. Pink, orange, purple… a masterpiece. Worth the stomach ache? Maybe. Definitely.
9:00 PM: Attempting to unwind on the balcony. Mosquitoes arrive and promptly launch a full-scale assault. My first bite? Right on the forehead. Fantastic. Apply copious amounts of mosquito repellent and plot my revenge. Early night.

Day 2: Georgetown! Street Art, Street Food… and Street-Induced Panic

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard hotel fare – eggs that look suspiciously like plastic, and coffee that tastes like brown water. Meh. But I'm fueled (sort of) for the day.
9:00 AM: Uber to Georgetown. Okay, this city is BONKERS. In the best way possible. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can feel the history in every crooked building and narrow lane.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Street Art Scavenger Hunt! I’d planned a route, printed maps, researched the artists… and promptly got utterly lost. But! That was the fun of it. I followed the murals, stumbled upon hidden alleyways, and ended up chatting with a local artist who gave me a mini-tour of his favourite pieces. (He also pointed out that my map was upside down. Mortifying.) The art is incredible – witty, poignant, and full of character.
12:30 PM: I'm STARVING. Street food time! Firstly, I find a fantastic stall serving char kway teow. Rich, smoky, and utterly addictive. I polish off a plate in about five seconds. Then, I sample too many things. Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Apom Balik (sweet pancake) – my stomach is a happy, food-filled bomb waiting to explode with a delicious overload. This is where the "street-induced panic" comes in – by the time I've eaten half the food in sight, I realize I'm not sure where I am, and I'm starting to sweat profusely. I blame the heat. I blame the food. I blame my general lack of navigational skills.
2:00 PM: Find a very cool, air-conditioned cafe, chug litres of water, and try to re-group. The cafe serves gorgeous pastries. I order one. I'm a glutton.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring Little India and Chulia Street. The sights, sounds, and smells are overwhelming, but the vibrant colours and energy are intoxicating. In Little India, the aroma of incense is thick in the air. I buy way too many bangles and accidentally offend a shopkeeper by haggling poorly. (Sorry, sir!) Chulia Street at night is a riot of lights and noise.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a highly-rated Peranakan restaurant. The food is… wow. Rich, complex flavors. A total sensory overload. I order too much, of course, and can barely waddle back to my Uber.
9:00 PM: Collapsed in bed at TESS. Completely exhausted, but happy. Penang, you beautiful, chaotic beast, I'm falling for you.

Day 3: Temples, Taxis, and Tropical Bliss (with a side of mild indigestion)

9:00 AM: Breakfast in-room -- I brave the instant coffee, and have a banana that looks like it’s been through a war.
10:00 AM: Uber to Kek Lok Si Temple. This is an absolute must-see. The temple complex is stunning – a riot of colour and intricate details. I wander through the various halls, marveling at the giant Buddha statues and the towering pagoda. It’s peaceful, spiritual, and a welcome escape from the city's frenetic energy. But the steep stairs are a challenge. Maybe I shouldn't have worn flip-flops.
12:00 PM: Next the Snake Temple. The snakes sleep. I'm mildly disappointed.
1:00 PM: Lunch in the gardens near the Snake Temple. The air is thick with the scent of frangipani.
2:00 PM: Taxi to the Tropical Spice Garden. This is pure bliss. A lush, green paradise filled with exotic plants and fragrant spices. I spend hours wandering through the gardens, inhaling the different scents, and feeling completely at peace. I even take a cooking class! I make my own curry… which, surprisingly, isn't a total disaster.
5:00 PM: After the cooking class, I sample ALL the food. My stomach protests, but my taste buds cheer. The indigestion from yesterday, however, makes a triumphant return.
7:00 PM: Dinner back at TESS. I opt for the hotel restaurant. The food is predictable but safe. I spend the evening nursing a ginger ale, contemplating the beauty of the tropical garden, and resolving to invest in better walking shoes for tomorrow.

Day 4: Farewell Penang (and the inevitable Emotional Breakdown at the Airport)

9:00 AM: A final breakfast at TESS. I actually enjoy the brown water coffee this morning. Maybe I'm acclimatizing.
10:00 AM: Last swim in the sea! The water is still that cloudy green, the sand is still not white-white, but I feel… sad to leave.
11:00 AM: Check out of TESS. I hug the friendly staff goodbye.
12:00 PM: Head to the airport. The usual airport chaos. Security queues. Expensive airport shops. The usual pre-flight stress.
1:00 PM: Waiting at the gate. I flip through my photos, reliving the memories. The street art, the food, the temples, the beach… Penang, you were crazy, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
1:30 PM: The flight is called. I fight back tears. I don’t want to go!
2:00 PM: Take-off. Looking back at the island as the plane takes to the air. Already planning my return.

Final Thoughts:

Penang is not perfect. It’s chaotic. It’s humid. It’s overwhelming. But it’s also vibrant, delicious, and

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TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi Penang MalaysiaOkay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and often baffling world of... well, whatever topic we're pretending to be experts on today. And we're doing it *with* those fancy `

` tags, because hey, even chaos needs a little structure, right? Let's get this show on the road. Here goes:

Okay, so... What IS this Thing We're Pretending to Know About? Like, Seriously?

Alright, alright, deep breaths. Let's just say we're pretending to be super-duper knowledgeable about... (dramatic pause) ...**the art of making really, really good sourdough bread**. Yep. The stuff that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and tests your patience to its absolute limit. I swear, I once spent a whole weekend just babying a starter (her name was Gertrude, by the way – don't judge) and then... *poof*! Flat as a pancake. Just a total pizza-crust-shaped disaster. But hey, that’s sourdough for ya!

I'm told this "starter" thing is important. What IS that? Is it like…a pet? Because I’m already at capacity with my dog, Sparky, and his endless shedding.

Oh, the starter. It's, like, the HEART and SOUL of sourdough. Think of it as… well, a slightly smelly, bubbly, living thing. It's a combination of flour and water that ferments over time and becomes a colony of wild yeasts and bacteria. And no, it's *not* exactly a pet, though you *will* get strangely attached. You gotta feed it, sometimes multiple times a day! I've definitely whispered sweet nothings to my starter ("Come on, Gertrude, you can do it! Rise up, my beauty!") more than once. And trust me, the smell… it’s an acquired taste. My kids sometimes swear it smells like dirty socks and old yogurt, but I find it… comforting? Don't judge me.

Okay, so if this starter is the heart, what about the brain? (Is there a brain?)

Ooh, good question. The brain is *YOU*, my friend. It's your knowledge, your patience (or lack thereof), and the ability to interpret the... *ahem*... "nuances" of your dough. Seriously. You gotta watch the dough like a hawk. Is it too wet? Too dry? Is it rising? Is it *over* rising? This one time, I got distracted by a particularly gripping episode of something on TV (maybe “Real Housewives of Dough” should be a thing?), and BAM! My dough exploded all over my kitchen. Flour *everywhere*. My kitchen became a crime scene. It was... humbling. And yeah, you *learn* from your mistakes. Usually.

How Long Does This Bread-Making Adventure Actually Take? Because I'm, you know, busy. Like, REALLY busy.

Hahaha. "Busy." That's the joke. Look, making sourdough is a commitment. A *serious* commitment. From feeding the starter (daily, people!) to the bulk fermentation, the shaping, the proofing... we're talking *hours*, sometimes spread over multiple days. You can find recipes that "claim" to be quick, but let's be honest, they're usually not *true* sourdough, and frankly, the results often reflect that. My advice? Embrace the slow. Listen to a podcast, read a book, maybe even call your mom (she'll probably love the smell of baking bread). Just be prepared to… reschedule your life around your dough. It is a very bossy and demanding mistress, I have to say.

What if I mess up? Like, REALLY mess up? Can I fix it? Or should I just order pizza?

Oh, you WILL mess up. It's practically a rite of passage. Expect flat loaves, crumbly loaves, loaves that won't rise, and loaves that look like they belong in a geology museum. Can you fix it? Sometimes! If you see the mistake early enough – like, the dough's too dry, add a little water; too wet, add a little flour – you might save it. But sometimes... sometimes you just have to cut your losses. It's okay to toss a failed loaf and start again. And yes, pizza is always an acceptable fallback. No shame in that game. Been there, done that, especially after a particularly harrowing battle with a particularly stubborn starter. *He* defeated *me*!

My bread keeps getting a flat bottom, what's wrong?

Ah, the dreaded flat bottom. It's like the sourdough equivalent of being pantsed on the playground. First, check your proofing. Did the dough proof too long? Over-proofing is almost always the culprit. The gluten structure gets over-stretched and can't hold up the loaf. Then, look at your shaping. If those folds aren't TIGHT, the loaf can spread out like a sad, deflated balloon. And finally, consider your baking. If you are not using a Dutch oven, you may be loosing the gas early on. Try preheating that baby to high temperatures and baking covered, and watch how your bread comes out.

Okay, okay, okay. What about this "scoring" thing? It seems…fancy…

Scoring! Ah, the *art* of the final touch. Fancy, yes, and also, surprisingly, incredibly important. Think of it as giving your loaf a controlled explosion. If you don't score, the bread will find its own weak points to burst, and the result is usually a misshapen mess. Scoring guides a beautiful rise, leading to *those* Instagram-worthy ears and that lovely texture. It's the last step, and you get to have fun with it and be creative!

The crust! I yearn for a crispy crust! How the heck do you get that?

The crust... the holy grail! It's a combination of factors. High oven temperature (seriously, crank it up!), steam (Dutch ovens are your friend here, trapping the steam), and a proper bake. Steam is crucial for a great crust. I once tried to "cheat" and skip the steam (because I was impatient, as usual), and the result was a pale, sad loaf with a leathery crust. DON'T DO IT. Learn from my mistakes. Get a Dutch oven!

Alright, I’m in. What's the absolute BEST piece of advice you can give me? (Besides “don’t give up,” because, let's be honest, IHotel Search Site
TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi Penang Malaysia
TESS @ By The Sea, Batu Ferringhi Penang Malaysia

TESS @ By The Sea: Penang's BEST Kept Secret? (Stunning Batu Ferringhi Views!)