The tropical island by the name of Penang is one of Malaysia’s top destinations. Visitors from all over the world are welcomed to this idyllic location, anxious to spend some time in this unique place. Penang is ready to welcome international digital nomads, local business owners, startup founders, and all types of freelancers that want to do some networking while enjoying the attractions Penang has to offer. In that sense, the island has a variety of coworking spaces that can help all kinds of workers to network more effectively. We have therefore compiled a list of the best coworking spaces in Penang, most of them in George Town and some from throughout the island. But first, before diving into this list, let's look at the benefits of coworking in Penang.
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Why coworking in Penang?
Every year, digital nomads visit South East Asia, and most of them choose Malaysia as a stop. Penang is one of the top choices because of its paradisiac landscape and budget-friendly costs. The location offers all the amenities at reasonable prices.
Remote workers choose to do some coworking in Penang for many reasons. Let’s mention a few:
Location: Penang is renowned for its beautiful beaches and colonial architecture. The combination makes it a dream destination for many digital nomads.
Prices: Costs for housing, food, and activities are reasonable in Penang, and coworking is no exception to this.
Networking: most of the coworking spots on the list offer a community to join, an ideal place to meet new people and make strategic connections.
Who should use coworking space in Penang?
There are two ways to answer the question of whether coworking in Penang is the right decision. Let's take a look at some of the people who could benefit from visiting Penang and booking a coworking spot:
Startup owners: making valuable contacts is crucial for startups. Penang is a great spot to meet people in similar situations in the coworking spaces available.
Digital nomad foodies: Malaysian cuisine is simply unique. Many coworking spaces offer menus or are conveniently located close to top-level restaurants.
Remote workers looking for peace: of course, networking is possible, but Penang is a lovely and peaceful island. It’s a great place to get away from it all while also taking your laptop, just in case!
How do coworking spaces in Penang work?
Coworking spaces in Penang typically allow you to book for a day, a week, or a month in advance. This applies to hot desks (sit wherever you want in shared spaces), fixed desks (so you can return and leave your stuff), and private offices (if you need the space or have a large team). In some coworking spaces, reserving a month in advance may entitle you to additional benefits such as 24/7 access or discounts on specific services.
It’s always a good practice to contact the coworking spaces in Penang and get to know a little more about them. You can reach out to them via phone, their websites, WhatsApp, or whatever method works best for you. Some coworking spaces in Penang allow you to try out the space for the day without making a reservation, while others provide on-demand desks that you can drop by and use if they are available. There are both some international brands (Regus Penang, Spaces Penang), as well as more local options, making it ideal for those looking for a familiar face as well as adventurers who want to try local spots.
What is the cost of coworking spaces in Penang?
The cost of coworking spaces in Penang is not high, but it varies depending on location, type of office, and, more specifically, your needs. In Penang, hot desks typically start at USD 10 per day. Monthly rates typically range between USD 60 and USD 120. Private offices are generally more expensive, but in Penang, a private spot costs less than in cities like Manila or Da Nang. You can get some privacy for as low as USD 340 a month. Many coworking spaces, though not all, charge an additional membership fee. Despite paying a little more, this is a benefit for larger brands with multiple locations, as it should give you access to all of their spaces.
Is a coworking space in Penang worth it?
Coworking in Penang is definitely a good idea if you identify with the profiles and would benefit from the perks of coworking in Penang listed above. This amazing island offers multiple opportunities, and coworking spaces make a point in providing a nice environment to escape the noisy and crowded cities. There is always a coworking spot in Penang that will do the trick for startup owners and people whose work revolves around meetings, whereas chill digital nomads may enjoy other places that include a bar and other fun activities to meet new friends. Plus, with reasonably low prices, Penang is a great stop for your Asian trip as a location-independent worker.
Top 17 coworking spaces in Penang
MASCO wants to enhance digital nomads’ experience while coworking. As Penang's largest coworking space, it is the ideal venue for talented professionals to interact and join forces. Their purpose is to create a coworking space that gives individuals and companies a solid platform for growth.
Best for: startups and small businesses looking to network and outsource growth services.
Location: Prangin Mall, 33-1-123A, 33-2-123, 33-3-123C, (Level 1 to Level 3, Atrium B, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Georgetown, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 7 | Hot Desk USD 70/month | Fixed Desk USD 115/month | Private Office USD 343/Month
Website: https://masco.my/
The well-known brand Regus has a branch in George Town’s center. Local and international businesses frequently choose this beachfront site since it is convenient to access other parts of the island. This 22-story building is opulently decorated inside with gold accents and cutting-edge lighting fixtures. It is also close to numerous restaurants with a view of the seashore, and a wide selection of surrounding stores and cafés.
Best for: digital nomads looking to see the city or companies that need solid infrastructure.
Location: Menara Boustead, 39, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah Unit 1.01, Ground Floor, 10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: Coworking Space USD 94/month | Office Space USD 117/Month
Settlements is a great coworking opportunity for those who want to mix and mingle with other location-independent workers. It offers many perks, such as a 24/7 card access system for the Settlements hot desk area, printing, use of settlement amenities (complimentary coffee and tea), good internet connection, lockers, and membership advantages through several partner stores.
Best for: remote workers looking to meet other people to work and travel.
Location: Level 8, Livingston Tower, 170 Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 6 | Hot Desk USD 74/month | Dedicated Desk USD 92/month | Private Desk USD 160/month
Website: http://settlements.work/
Common Ground is an 18,000-square-foot collaborative space on the second floor of Moulmein Rise Shoppes. It’s located in the well-known Pulau Tikus neighborhood, which is home to the most active and well-established commercial zone outside of George Town City Centre. The property is close to attractions like Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon and is situated in a bustling boutique retail area.
Best for: Remote workers and independent contractors who value networking possibilities and flexibility, as well as startups and small teams who profit from a collaborative environment with some privacy.
Location: Level 2, Moulmein Rise Shoppes, 9, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 11.5 | Hot Desk USD 114.5/month | Fixed Desk USD 160/month | Private Office USD 183/Month
Located in the center of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spaces has individual offices, shared spaces, and meeting rooms to rent. It’s fully equipped with the newest technology to enable your business to flourish. With an entrepreneurial atmosphere, it has great networking possibilities. When your workday is over, you can explore the nearby shops, eateries, street art, and historical sites.
Best for: entrepreneurs or visiting workers looking to enjoy the city.
Location: Standard Chartered Building, 2, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: Coworking Membership USD 95/Month | Office Space USD 130/month | Dedicated Desk USD 115/Month
This gorgeously renovated pre-war structure called Hundred Years still has a lot of its old-world charm. The structure is thought to have been built more than a century ago. It is close to Penang's historical sites and surrounded by antique stores. It is particularly significant as an illustration of an extremely early store-house structure. You have everything to work here, as long as you don’t get too distracted by the place’s amazing history.
Best for: freelancers and digital nomads who are also history buffs.
Location: 83, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: Upon request.
Website: https://www.hundredyears.space/
Depending on the package selected, M Summit’s benefits include free parking, reduced price for hotel suites, free printing, and 24-hour air conditioning. Their premises offer luxury comfort combined with a productive setting. Their modern offices are worth the try to get some work done while in Penang.
Best for: freelancers and remote workers that need modern spaces to concentrate.
Location: 191, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 5 | Hot Desk USD 69/month | Private Office USD 915/Month
Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs is an international community of innovative location-independent workers that want to make significant relationships with others in the same situation. Penang houses one of the many international coworking spaces that the company has, an ideal spot to meet members of this community.
Best for: entrepreneurs looking to network or grow their business and be part of a community.
Location: 20, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: become a member and learn more.
Website: http://draperstartuphouse.com/
eSOVO offers a business startup program for companies. Starting at a very low price, they offer a customized coworking experience. It is perfect for those who are always on the move. Their professional offices have amenities like high-speed WiFi, email, fax, printing, and copying.
Best for: startups or freelancers looking for a good price and professional setting.
Location: 5-1 & 7-1 1st Floor, Logan Heritage, Union Street, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: upon request.
Website: http://esovo.com.my/
Ada+ @ Straits Quay is a coworking space that ADA Shared Services Sdn Bhd owns or manages In Penang, Malaysia, ADA was founded in 2008 and has been a leading Office & Space as a Service provider ever since. Bring your laptop so you may launch your company right away or rent an office the size of your company, no matter how big or small your team is.
Best for: freelancers and companies that need a tailor-suited office service.
Location: 3A-1-13, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: https://sq.ada2u.com/
Collaboration is The Venture’s motto. They welcome ambitious professionals and business owners who want more than sharing an office. Their culture is based on consistently offering support and services to empower their members to help them succeed. It’s not only a place to meet like-minded individuals but a strategic partner in growing your business.
Best for: startup and business owners looking for full support while coworking.
Location: Lot 508-2-1, Tanjung Point Residences, Jalan Tanjong Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, 10470, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 7 | Open Hot Desk USD 66/month | Dedicated Desk USD 89/month | Private Office starting at USD 340/Month
Website: http://www.theventure.com.my/
Forward School has a special dedicated coworking space for students. It is an innovative spot committed to technology and future skills in Penang. It’s ideal for aspiring tech professionals to learn some useful ways to quickly evolve in the tech industry. It’s a tech-driven community space that integrates co-learning, coworking, coliving, and much more.
Best for: highly motivated students and professionals looking for a community to grow in.
Location: 2, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 7 | Hot Desk USD 80/Month
Website: https://www.forwardschool.co/
ConnectNow is a community of ambitious, hardworking, and sociable business owners. It’s great for those who want to concentrate on developing innovative enterprises without having to worry about paying rent or electrical bills or running out of coffee. Everything you need to get going is available in their cutting-edge coworking space, including meeting spaces, cozy workstations, networking opportunities, and refreshments.
Best for: entrepreneurs and teams who aim for innovation.
Location: 71-2, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass starting at USD 9 | Private Office starting at USD 137
Website: https://connectnow.my/
Hotdesky.my is a coworking space in Bayan Lepas. It has everything you would expect: shared spaces, meeting rooms, and a clean environment to focus on while coworking. Plus, it’s not far from the seashore for you to have a good break on the beach.
Best for: remote workers traveling through Penang Island.
Location: 1-02-12, Summerskye Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: upon request through the website.
In Bayan Lepas, you will also find Workshop Area, a small and simple, yet convenient coworking space. In this cozy environment, you should see excellent service from the helpful staff and affordable prices.
Best for: digital nomads looking for a smaller and less expensive coworking space in Bayan Lepas.
Location: 308D, Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, Desa Ria, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: upon request.
In George Town’s center, Bangunan Wawasan is home to the co-working space and studio known as Gigspace. It is conveniently situated in Penang's Creative Digital District. Gigspace offers a a variety of coworking spaces and venues with a distinctive atmosphere. The area is big and calm, making it ideal for working on new ventures or businesses. Parking lots, public transportation, and local restaurants are available as well.
Best for: all kinds of remote workers and teams.
Location: 7, Gat Lebuh China, Taman Dhoby Ghaut, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Rates: Day Pass USD 5 | Hot Desk USD 69/month | Dedicated Desk USD 350/month
Website: inquire via https://www.coworker.com/malaysia/george-town/gigspace
EasySpace is a recently launched coworking facility that was founded by an IT veteran to give startups and novel business owners a cozy and pleasant place to work. EasySpace helps like-minded individuals to collaborate and find strategic partners, renters, and associates in order to build networks, share ideas, and create synergies.
Best for: entrepreneurs and digital nomads eager to network.
Location: SummerSkye Square, NO. 1-2-13 & 1-2, 13A, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Rates: Hot Desk Day Pass USD 14 | Hot Desk USD 92/Month
Website: https://www.easyspace.asia/
Closing thoughts on coworking spaces in Penang
Penang's coworking spaces are well-equipped to accommodate both local and international visitors, as the city is a popular destination for digital nomads. You can look over the various options, contact them, visit them, and try them out to find the one that best suits your needs. Coworking in Penang is an excellent stop on your remote working journey, so keep this guide handy when looking for coworking spaces in Penang!