Singapore & Penang
Multi-centre
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Penang
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Our rating
TripadvisorBased on 6,874 reviews
Historical architecture meets new design
Many cities around the world have that one hotel that’s steeped in history and evokes memories of a bygone era. Singapore has Raffles and Rangoon has The Strand, while in Penang’s vibrant capital Georgetown, it’s the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. The hotel is split into two beautiful buildings – the Heritage Wing with a stylish waterfront pool and the modern Victory Annexe with a sleek sixth-floor pool. Expect vintage cocktails at Farquhar’s Bar and English afternoon tea at Palm Court.
Many cities around the world have that one hotel that’s steeped in history and evokes memories of a bygone era. Singapore has Raffles and Rangoon has The Strand, while in Penang’s vibrant capital Georgetown, it’s the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, an island institution. Since opening its doors 130 odd years ago, the E&O has welcomed illustrious guests from world-famous playwrights and authors to royalty. The architecture and décor reflects its late 19th-Century colonial beginnings with a striking Moorish Revival façade, grand staircases, antique furnishings and light and airy corridors with arched windows.
The hotel has two buildings – the original Heritage Wing and the Victory Annexe which was a 21st-Century addition. The former wing went through extensive renovations recently but lost none of its grandeur and sophisticated air. There’s a striking swimming pool which is exclusively for the use of Heritage Wing and Corner Suite guests which has views of the Straits of Malacca and the mainland coast. There’s also The Cornwallis, an exclusive lounge where breakfast and evening canapés and cocktails are served, and Palm Court, the venue where a traditional English afternoon tea is served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The modern Victory Annexe loses none of the old-world charm of the original building but the designers had the contemporary traveller in mind. There’s a fitness centre, a sea-view infinity pool on the sixth floor and a museum that charts the history of Penang and the hotel itself. This modern wing is also home to the buffet restaurant, Sarkies, and the cosy Planters Lounge.
One of Malaysia’s most famous hotels, the ‘E&O’ radiates style in a fantastic setting.
Best for:
FamiliesYoung familiesCouplesOccasionYear round sunWellness & spaHoneymoonPrivate secluded villas
Avg flight time7 hrs
Avg transfer timeApprox. 45 minutes' transfer from Penang airport
Kuoni favourites & expert tips
Why our experts like it
What the people who book this hotel say about staying there.
If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie
An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”
Jeremy FisherKuoni Travel Expert
The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.
Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”
Sarah ShepherdKuoni Marketing Team
Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
Historical architecture meets new design
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Historical architecture meets new design
Rooms and suites
The 232 suites at E&O are stylishly designed with a mix of modern and light tones, antique furnishings, natural wood floors and partially marble bathrooms. Some of the suites, such as the Deluxe and Premier Suites, overlook the Straits of Malacca, while others like the George Town Suites have city views. We love the vintage-style roll top baths and more heritage vibes in the Straits Suites and Writers Suites. Over in the Victory Annexe are the Studio Suites, which have a balcony overlooking the water, and the dual-aspect Corner Suites.
Deluxe Suite
Spacious suites with a marble bathroom and views over the seafront. Located in the Heritage Wing. • air-conditioning • king-size bed or twin beds • living room • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 58m²
George Town Suite
Heritage Wing suites featuring a separate living room and with views of the city. • air-conditioning • king-size bed • living room with sofa and dining table • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 79m²
Premier Suite
Similar to the Deluxe Suites but with a terrace or balcony. • air-conditioning • king-size bed or twin beds • balcony or garden terrace • living room • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 58m²
Straits Suite
Large suites located in the Heritage Wing with a separate living room and views of the Straits of Malacca. • air-conditioning • king-size bed • living room with sofa and dining table • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 87m²
Writers Suite
Oversized suites in the Heritage Wing with a separate living room and a dining area with a bar. • air-conditioning • king-size bed or twin beds • living room • separate dining lounge and bar • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 135m²
Pinang Suite
The largest suite at the hotel with a distinct Malaysian interior and a huge living and dining area and a master bedroom. Situated on the second floor of the Heritage Wing. • air-conditioning • king-size bed • balcony • living room • separate dining lounge and bar • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 241m²
Studio Suite
Located in the Victory Annexe and featuring a balcony that overlooks the seafront and city. • air-conditioning • king-size bed or twin beds • balcony • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 55m²
Corner Suite
Dual-aspect suites in the Victory Annexe featuring a separate living room and a terrace that overlooks the Straits of Malacca and the city. • air-conditioning • king-size bed • balcony • living room • flat-screen television • Wi-Fi • Nespresso machine and tea station • minibar* • bathtub and separate shower • 123m²
Food & drink
Sarkies, which is located in the lobby of the Victory Annexe, is the hotel’s main restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day. For a more formal affair on Wednesdays to Saturdays, book a table at Java Tree which is named after the tree that stands in the grounds and pre-dates the hotel. With classic dishes on offer complemented by selected wines.
The classy Palm Court is open each day for casual international dishes and tastes of Malaysia. A traditional afternoon tea is served here daily from 3pm to 5pm. The cosy Planters Lounge is situated on the sixth floor of the Victory Annexe and is open for casual all-day dining. The final venue at the E&O is Farquhar’s Bar, a classically decorated cocktail bar located by the lobby in the Heritage Wing. On Wednesday to Saturday, you can head here in the evening for pre- and post-dinner drinks and views out over the waterfront.
Sarkies, which is located in the lobby of the Victory Annexe, is the hotel’s main restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day. For a more formal affair on Wednesdays to Saturdays, book a table at Java Tree which is named after the tree that stands in the grounds and pre-dates the hotel. The cuisine on offer here ranges from European fare to locally inspired Straits Nyonya dishes. The classy Palm Court is open each day for casual international dishes and tastes of Malaysia. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a traditional afternoon tea is served here from 3pm to 5pm. The cosy Planters Lounge (temporarily closed) is situated on the sixth floor of the Victory Annexe and is open for casual all-day dining. The final venue at the E&O is Farquhar’s Bar, a classically decorated cocktail bar located by the lobby in the Heritage Wing. On Wednesday to Saturday, you can head here in the evening for pre- and post-dinner drinks and views out over the waterfront.
Keep up the traditions of the hotel with a visit to Palm Court for afternoon high tea.
Sarkies — Popular with guests and locals, Sarkies serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet-style. Palm Court — A mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese dishes as well as burgers and salads are served at the all-day diner. Planters Lounge — Overlooking the Andaman Sea, Planters serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Farquhar's Bar — Overlooking Penang's waterfront, enjoy a drink from the nostalgic oak and brass long bar. Java Tree — Java Tree is an elegant restaurant serving classic dishes.
Historical architecture meets new design
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.
Penang
Discover George Town’s Heritage
You’ll pass Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, then continue to Teochew Temple, with its ornate rooftops and intricately carved dragon pillars, before learning the history of Dr Sun Yat-sen at the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. You’ll hunt for Penang’s famous street art before continuing to one of Penang’s ancient traditional clan houses. The tour concludes with shopping for some local goodies at Cocoa Boutique. • Duration: half day • Time: 9am to 2pm • Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience
Penang
Penang Street Food
• Duration: evening • Time: 5pm to 8pm • Departing Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Penang • Operates year round • Private experience
Penang
Penang, Your Way
• Duration: half day or full day • Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience
Historical architecture meets new design
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
What’s in the area
In the area
Where the hotel sits, and what is within reach of it.
Historical architecture meets new design
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...
When to visit
When to visit
Temperature and rainfall through the year.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
Historical architecture meets new design
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.
Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure
Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026
Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027
Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more
Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Build your holiday
Choose your dates, your room and where you fly from. Prices update as you go.
Your holiday so far
Flying from
Can't see your airport of choice?Enquire now
Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Your Personal Travel Expert confirms the final price.
May 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
You can upgrade your transfers and flight class when booking (subject to availability).
Local taxes & fees apply upon arrival.
Who's going?
2 adults, 1 child
Duration
7 nights + travel
Departure airport & date
Sat 9 May 2026London Gatwick
Board basis
Speak to an expert | Available until 8pm0800 298 5034
Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Niva Kuramathi Maldives reviews
Guest reviews
Tripadvisor reviews will appear here once the feed is connected.
Historical architecture meets new design
More hotels you might like
From £2,439pp
7 nights in MayLondon HeathrowBed & breakfast2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
From £2,679pp
7 nights in MayLondon HeathrowBed & breakfast2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Back to top