YWCA

The Village People may not have sung their praises, but Penang’s YWCA welcomes the odd traveller to its four-bedded dorms and basic rooms. Furnishings and other amenities are modest, but you’ll need to fork out cash for bed linen. It’s advisable to book ahead for this budget spot, but avoid it if you’re a light sleeper; the YWCA is on the same road as the state mosque, where calls to prayer are blasted on some pretty impressive speakers.