Contrary to popular belief, Penang offers more than just Instagram-worthy street art. The island boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains relatively unknown to Thai tourists. Stay tuned to discover this hidden gem. Additionally, Penang is a haven for handsome foreign men, providing ample eye candy for female travelers. For solo female travelers considering a hostel stay, concerns about safety and mixed-gender dorms are addressed in this comprehensive guide.

We are back with our four travel companions who previously took us to see the "men" in Vang Vieng. There were good-looking men, hot men, Western men, and even Oppa men. If you haven't seen it yet, you can follow the link to see it. https://pantip.com/topic/34882875 I must say that this time we went to Ipoh and Penang, and the men were just as good. However, due to common sense and a sense of shame, we didn't dare to take many secret photos. We just took as many as our hearts desired. 55555555

This time, only two of us are left, but the rest of us haven't stopped being friends. 555555 It's just that everyone has a lot of work to do. Let me tell you right now, "If you didn't come on this trip together, you missed out BIG TIME!!! You missed out on the best of the best in Penang!!!" Hahahahahaha (laughing mockingly with glee)

This trip was a 5-day, 4-night adventure that began on February 8th, 2017, at around 10 pm and concluded on February 12th. Our itinerary was as follows:

Day 8: Depart from Don Mueang Airport on Thai AirAsia flight at 8:20 PM. Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2) at 12:30 AM. Stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Day 9: Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by ETS train. Explore street art and museums. Stay in Ipoh for 1 night.
Day 10: Explore Ipoh for half a day. In the afternoon, travel to Penang by ETS train to Butterworth station. Take a ferry to Penang Island. Walk around and take photos of street art. Stay in Penang for 2 nights.
Day 11: Visit street art and museums. In the evening, visit Penang Hill.
Day 12: Shop at Komtar mall and buy some souvenirs. In the afternoon, depart from Penang Airport back to Bangkok.

Showing off a bit that I borrowed my sister's latest LUMIX GF9 camera. The cherry blossom pink color is so cute! Just seeing the color makes me scream. It's perfect for a sweet girl like me (or is it? 5555555). As for the pros and cons, how good the pictures are, follow along and see for yourself.

If you are ready, follow the airplane's wheels.

(Below the post, there are reviews of accommodation, transportation, trains, bus routes, camera reviews, small tips, and a summary of expenses for this trip.)

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Day 1: Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur (BKK - KL)

We planned to travel to Ipoh and Penang for about a month. We booked a round-trip flight with AirAsia for 3,000 baht. The flight landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and departed from Penang International Airport. We booked our accommodation two weeks before the trip and planned our itinerary three days before departure.

My friend, who accompanied me on this trip, considers Malaysia her "second home." This isn't because she found a husband here, but because she has visited four times previously (each time exploring a different city). This is her fifth visit, and I trusted her to guide the way. As soon as we landed, she sprinted like a 4x100 meter runner, leading us straight to the bus that would take us to our hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

I must confess that at that moment, I had no chance to admire or soak in the atmosphere of Kuala Lumpur Airport at night. I was so exhausted that I could barely breathe, let alone stroll around and enjoy the slow life. I had to catch the 1:00 AM bus, and if I missed it, I would have to wait another half hour. I only had 30 minutes, so I had no choice but to run as fast as I could. I didn't have time to think about anything. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't remember where to go or how to buy a ticket. The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the bus. It was quite an experience, wasn't it? (Thank goodness I didn't check in my luggage.)

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The first thing that hit me when I got on the bus was the smell. It wasn't the pleasant scent of perfume, but the pungent odor of sweat and body odor. I ended up sitting behind a large man, which made the situation even worse. I tried to endure it, but after my friend reminded me that the bus ride would last another hour, I decided to move. Luckily, the seats weren't assigned, and there were a few empty ones left. I quickly switched seats and breathed a sigh of relief.

After an hour-long journey, the bus arrived at KL Sentral, the main transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur, similar to Bangkok's Mo Chit. From here, we would catch the ETS train to Ipoh the next morning (technically, a new day had already begun, as our flight landed after midnight). For now, we decided to rest at a hotel for 5-6 hours.

The hotel we booked, My Hotel, is only a 5-minute walk from KL Sentral. It's not scary for two women to walk on the street after 1 am, as the street is well-lit. However, the atmosphere is very quiet, with almost no people around. While we were walking, two handsome Western men were walking ahead of us. Suddenly, we followed them. We didn't mean to be easy, but we just happened to be walking in the same direction. In the end, we walked our separate ways to our accommodation. What a pity! Part of me wanted to take a picture of them, even if it was just their backs, but the other part of me couldn't take it anymore. My eyes were about to close, so I put aside the idea of looking at men. Now, I want to sleep first. We'll see what happens later.

The hotel room was small but affordable. It was tolerable for a short stay. The cleanliness was acceptable, but the walls were thin, allowing noise from the hallway to penetrate. My friend suggested that the KL Sentral Hotel, located nearby, would be a better option. Although slightly more expensive, it offers larger rooms. She has stayed there on numerous occasions and prefers it. This time, however, she wanted to try something different. The outcome? Well, you can see for yourself. 555555555

Day 2: Ipoh, Malaysia

Before boarding the ETS train, we stopped by a nearby restaurant to refuel, as it would be almost noon by the time we reached Ipoh. For our first meal in Malaysia, we decided to try some local dishes. We walked into the restaurant and simply pointed at what we wanted to order. After a short wait, our food arrived: a large roti with three dipping sauces in a tray and a plate of fried chicken. Using a fork and knife to tear the chewy roti seemed impossible, so we followed the lead of the table next to us and used our hands. It was a messy but delicious experience. The most popular drink here is 'tea', so even though I'm not a tea fan, I had to try it. If you're curious about the taste, you'll have to come and try it yourself. I'll keep my comments to myself. 5555555555

Finally arriving in Ipoh, all my frustration vanished when I saw the clear sky. It was so beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures. However, the sun shining directly on my head was also very hot. We opened Google Maps and walked to our accommodation, which was not far from the train station. Tonight, we are staying at a container hostel called The Container. It is beautiful and stylish, with a slide from the second floor to the first floor. I must say that I fell in love with the building as soon as I saw it. Among all the buildings, this one is the only one with vines growing around it, making it look very green. However, as it was not yet check-in time, we left our luggage and went out to find something to eat.

For lunch, we dined at Old Town White Coffee, a restaurant with a comfortable ambiance and reasonable prices. Wi-Fi was readily available, and the cost was not as high as we had anticipated. After satisfying our hunger, we embarked on a quest to discover the legendary street art, with each location conveniently situated within walking distance. Due to Ipoh's compact size, we were confident that we would eventually stumble upon our desired destinations.

We stumbled upon the Pet Soo Museum, which was recommended by Tripadvisor. Luckily, the staff allowed us to enter even though we didn't have a reservation. The museum is about a "high-class club" for Malay men in the past. The guide explained the lifestyle of people who frequented the club, which included gambling, opium smoking, and socializing with women. We were impressed by the life-size dioramas and the guide's engaging storytelling. Although we couldn't understand all the English spoken with a Malay accent, we were captivated by the experience. This museum is a must-visit in Ipoh.

Most Thai tourists only visit the street art, but this museum offers a unique and educational experience. We were the only Thai visitors during our tour, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

After leaving the museum, the guide recommended the adjacent Tea Museum. Compared to the previous museum, this one was less impressive, only showcasing the history of tea. There was no guide, so we explored on our own. At the end of the tour, we received free tea samples, which were delicious. We decided to purchase tea sets, and the staff member, upon learning we were from Thailand, gave us an antique teacup as a gift.

We spent time in the museums to avoid the midday heat. After exploring, we came across a popular chicken rice restaurant. The chicken was tender, and the owner was very friendly. When he learned we were from Thailand, he greeted us with a warm "Sawasdee." He even bowed to us, which was very kind.

As evening fell, we strolled across to the New Town. Tourists usually stick to the Old Town with its street art, but little do they know that the New Town also boasts a plethora of murals. While not as stunning as the Old Town's, which were created by Ernest Zacharevic, they are still quite impressive. No queues, no crowds, the entire street was ours to explore. We captured countless unique and quirky photos!

After taking hundreds of tiring photos, it was time to find food again. At night, there weren't many shops or restaurants open, and the area was quite quiet. After walking around several times, we decided to stop at a restaurant with a lot of customers. We ordered four dishes, but the price of this single meal was almost as expensive as all our previous expenses combined. On top of that, the food wasn't very delicious.

The local cuisine mainly consists of chicken and curries with spices. No wonder why people here have a strong body odor! Walking past them made my throat feel bitter. I regret not bringing any inhalant with me. 555555 Besides these, there are also bubble tea, beans, roti flatbread, and stir-fried noodles with a lot of oil, which are popular here. None of them were to my taste (but we still finished everything).

After dinner, we took a walk to digest our food and admire the evening lights at Ipoh Railway Station. During the day, the station may seem ordinary, but when the lights are turned on, it becomes beautifully illuminated and shimmering. The highlight of the evening was that we stumbled upon a religious procession! During this procession, people pierce their bodies with metal rods and walk around the city with a large crowd of people joining the procession. The sound of drums was loud and lively. When we took a closer look, it was a bit scary and thrilling at the same time.
After returning from Malaysia, I had the opportunity to talk to a Malaysian friend and ask about the ceremony. I learned that it is called the Taipusam Festival, a Hindu tradition where people pray, chant, and make offerings to the gods. Sometimes, they may self-harm by piercing their bodies with metal rods to ask the gods for forgiveness for their past wrongdoings. The festival is held only once a year. (The information may be inaccurate because I asked a Muslim friend who is not Hindu. If anyone knows or has any corrections, please let me know.) It was fortunate that we got to witness such a local tradition.
After a long day, we returned to our container hostel. The interior was in great condition, looked new, and had a key card security system. Upon check-in, we received a welcome pack containing a large towel and a bottle of water. We booked a mixed dorm.
To be honest, this was my first time sleeping in a mixed dorm! Previously, I either slept in a female dorm or rented a whole room for 4 people. This was my first experience staying in a mixed hostel. At first, I was worried. Would I be safe? I didn't dare tell my mother for fear of her worrying. 55555555 (Don't exaggerate! Every time I travel, I only tell her where I'm going, who I'm with, and how many days I'll be gone. That's all. 555555) But on the other hand, I thought that I'm an adult now and should be able to take care of myself. It wasn't as scary as I thought because there was a group of 4-5 Malaysian girls and one guy staying there on the day we went, so it wasn't that scary. (The hostel review is at the bottom of the post.) In conclusion, my first experience sleeping in a mixed hostel was a good one. ....
If we were to compare Ipoh to a woman, she would be a lovely woman. She is captivating and makes you want to take pictures of her all the time. Although she is quiet, she has a friendly personality. This is Ipoh in my memory.

Day 3: Penang

After reviewing photos taken in the hostel's container room the previous night, a man from the opposite container struck up a conversation, asking where we were from and our travel plans. We exchanged travel information and within five minutes, we were exchanging Facebook profiles. Don't get any ideas! It was a new experience to meet a fellow traveler (who was several decades older) who shared our passion for travel and provided an opportunity to practice our language skills. He was quite handsome, by the way. This man, named John, was a Malaysian of Chinese descent born in Penang but working in Singapore. He had recently quit his job and was taking a well-deserved break to travel. He had already visited Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and other countries, and was planning to visit many more. After our conversation, we went our separate ways to sleep.

The next morning, we exchanged a few "Good Mornings" and then headed out to find something to eat. When unsure of where or what to eat, we employed our usual logic: follow the crowds. So, we decided to try "Restoran Thean Chun." They offered a variety of dishes, including satay, noodles, and a delicious pudding for dessert. A little tip: when your food arrives, be prepared to pay immediately, as they typically charge per dish. At first, we were confused as to why we were being asked to wait. We just wanted to eat! But when our friend paid, it all became clear.

After a satisfying meal, we took a short stroll and snapped a few more photos before returning to the hostel to pack our belongings. There, we encountered the young man from the container across the street once more. He inquired about our whereabouts and expressed his desire to join us for dim sum. Alas, it was too late, and we missed the opportunity. We bid farewell with a commemorative photograph, and he playfully reminded us to tag him in the photos. This is the allure of hostels: pure joy.

Before checking out, my friend realized that she had lost her hostel key card! This was a big problem, as the key card deposit of 50 ringgit (about 500 baht) would not be refunded. The key card must have been lost after we finished eating and went for a walk to take photos, but we didn't know exactly where or when it happened. She ran around town looking for it, and eventually, the locals helped her by announcing it and even riding a motorbike to tell her they had found it! Wow, I was really impressed. The people here are so kind, even though they may not look it at first. 5555555

We boarded the train at the same spot we had disembarked in Ipoh, continuing our journey to Penang. The train here was impressive, a far cry from the ones back home in Thailand. The air conditioning was cool, there were TVs to watch, the seats were comfortable and clean, and the train moved swiftly. We were even provided with snacks (of course, we had booked Platinum class). The overall feel was reminiscent of Japanese trains. This time, the experience was pleasant, and we were happy to be free from the annoyance of restless children kicking our seats.

Disembarking at Butterworth station, I boarded a ferry to Penang Island. Following the signs, I purchased a ticket and boarded the large vessel. As the ferry departed, a cool breeze caressed my face, tousling my hair like an MV protagonist. Everything seemed idyllic until a group of Indian men stood upwind, arms akimbo, reveling in the fresh air. Did they even consider the stench? The pungent odor was suffocating, making me long for the comforting scent of a Pojsean inhaler.

Upon arrival, Penang's bustling atmosphere was immediately apparent. The abundance of cars and motorcycles created a sense of chaos, reminiscent of Ipoh. However, the presence of handsome foreigners provided a welcome distraction. Their attractive features and impeccable style were a highlight of the experience, offering a brief respite from the overwhelming traffic. While the initial impression was one of disorder, the undeniable charm of the foreign visitors added a touch of allure to the otherwise chaotic scene.

Forget about it, don't worry, don't care, let's go for a walk around the city and hunt for street art. Penang is a much larger city than Ipoh, so there are many street art spots. We walked until our legs were tired. Some of the paintings are hidden in nooks and crannies, while others are on buildings. If you don't look back, you won't find them. So I suggest you just collect the highlights on the map.

Those who want to walk until their legs are tired can do so at their own pace, or they can ride a bicycle if they are not afraid of being hit by a car. However, if you come in a group, there are also bicycles that can be ridden by 4 people. You can choose whichever option you like. #AnythingGoesAsLongAsYoureHappy While walking and taking pictures along the street art walls, I believe that everyone will encounter the masses of people who are waiting in line to take pictures after us, forming a long queue. I understand that they don't mean to put pressure on us, but I can't help but feel that way. Sometimes I just want to pose in a strange and funny way, but why do all eyes have to be on me? So I can only take pictures quickly and leave. I believe that those who have been there will understand this feeling very well. 5555555

Dinner time again! The food here is better than Ipoh, with more options, but mostly noodle dishes. They are either stir-fried with sauce, made into noodles, or heavily spiced. If you don't know what to order because you can't read the menu, there are no pictures, and the seller doesn't speak English, just look at the tables around you. If it looks good, point and order it! 5555555 This time I got a dish that looked like instant noodles with tom yum, with 3 pieces of battered and fried fish. It was delicious! I felt a little more spicy and exciting in my life. 5555555
It is recommended to eat just enough to satisfy your cravings and then go for a walk on the night market street. There are plenty of street food options. As far as I have read in reviews, everyone says that you must try "Lok Lok" when you come here. I searched for a long time and was about to give up and walk back to my accommodation, but finally found Lok Lok!

"Lok lok" is a street food stall similar to a hot pot, with various skewers of food, such as meatballs, bacon, vegetables, mushrooms, and fried items. To eat, you grab a plastic-wrapped zinc plate and choose the skewers you want to dip in the pot. Once cooked, you drizzle them with satay sauce and enjoy them standing up (similar to Korean eomuk). The more people standing and eating, the more lively it gets. Even attractive foreigners join in the fun, standing around the pot and dipping skewers together. It's a fun atmosphere. After you finish eating, you pay for the skewers based on the color-coded price at the end of the handle. Mission "Lok Lok" accomplished and successfully completed! I'll be back tomorrow for more, haha. P.S. At night, be sure to explore the night market on Lebuh Chulia. It's full of foreigners, which is a feast for the eyes! It's like walking down Khao San Road. In the small alleys, there's music playing, and foreigners are sitting and drinking along the street. However, most of these good-looking guys are usually with their wives, haha. But hey, at least they're eye candy, right? I'm going to sleep soundly tonight, hehe.

Day 4: Penang
This morning, I went out for a walk to find something to eat, and as usual, I didn't have any particular restaurant in mind. I happened to walk past "Kedai Opi Kong Thai Lai" and seeing that it looked decent, I decided to go in. There, I met the friendly owner, who, like many others I've encountered on this trip, was incredibly kind. Looking around the restaurant, I noticed that it had been featured in a local newspaper, with the article proudly displayed in a frame. This served as a guarantee of its deliciousness, and I was immediately reassured that I was in for a treat. 5555555

The menu only had noodles, so I decided to order some. However, over the past few days, I've noticed that the word "noodles" means different things at different restaurants here. At some restaurants, I ordered noodles and got white noodles in soup. At other restaurants, I ordered noodles and got yellow noodles stir-fried in black sauce. At still other restaurants, I ordered noodles and got something that looked like stir-fried soy sauce. And at some restaurants, I ordered noodles and got something that looked like Pad Thai. What is the standard for the word "noodles"? I'm so confused! I guess I'll just have to take my chances. Every meal is a gamble, I tell you! 555555 In addition, there was rice wrapped in paper on the table. So I opened it to see what it was. Once I opened it, I had to eat it, right? Inside was something like rice with chili paste, fish, and boiled egg. It was okay.

After collecting a lot of street art yesterday, we decided to visit some museums today. Our first stop was the Camera Museum, but on the way, we stumbled upon the Chocolate Museum. Admission was free, and they offered samples of various chocolates. Visitors were welcome to purchase chocolates as souvenirs or simply enjoy the tasting, with no pressure to buy.

After walking a little further, we arrived at the Camera Museum. The entrance fee was 20 ringgit per person (almost 200 baht). Personally, I thought it was a bit expensive, but once we entered, it was okay. There were various types of cameras, from ancient models to Lego cameras. There were also Leicas, Rolleiflexes, and even a darkroom where you could see how film was developed. One interesting fact I learned here was that selfies have been around for over 90 years. The cameras back then were large boxes, and the way to take a selfie was to hold the big box and take a picture of yourself. My favorite part was that there were props to take pictures with the old cameras, and the angles were set up perfectly. After taking pictures, we went downstairs to a coffee shop where we could relax and have a drink. If you want to write postcards to send back to Thailand, they have that service here too.

The next stop is the National Museum, or Penang Museum, with an entrance fee of only 1 ringgit. Although the museum's interior may seem a bit old, it offers a wealth of knowledge. Inside, you'll find exhibits on the history of Penang, showcasing the actual belongings of the local population. The population of Penang is 90% Malay, Chinese, and Indian, so you'll see a diverse mix of cultures from all ethnicities, from cabinets and furniture to household items and clothing. Penang's famous coffee shops, or kopitiams, have been around for a long time and serve as a gathering place for locals. While they used to only sell coffee, they now also serve food, most notably "noodles." The next stop is another highlight of the day, a must-do mission: visiting the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, ranked number one on Tripadvisor. Upon arrival, you'll discover that it's also a Unesco world heritage site. The entrance fee is expensive at 21 ringgit per person, but it's definitely worth it. This was the home of the upper class in the past, with luxurious furnishings and belongings. The value is self-evident, and judging by the number of security guards, it's not hard to guess. The mansion is open to the public, with guides leading tours of the different areas of the house.

It was fortunate to have this guide narrate the tour. Despite his age, he frequently cracked jokes, keeping the audience entertained. Initially, I struggled to understand his humor due to the English language, but eventually, I found myself laughing along with the others. Honestly, if we had explored on our own, we would have likely taken a few photos and left like most tourists. However, having the guide explain the history behind each artifact was fascinating. Every object had a story, and it was truly amazing to hear them. I was incredibly impressed (a million exclamation marks).

Wealthy Chinese homes in the past featured open-air courtyards without roofs. During rainfall, water would drain through surrounding channels, preventing flooding. In terms of feng shui, rain symbolizes wealth flowing into the home, bringing good fortune. Another example is the unique infinity-shaped chair designed for two people to sit facing each other. In feng shui, this represents yin and yang, promoting balance in the living space.

In traditional wedding customs, women would meticulously embroider a cloth for their own wedding ceremony, a process taking up to five years! On the wedding day, the groom would place money and gold on the cloth as part of the dowry, then wrap it up. This meant that couples had to prepare the embroidered cloth five years in advance, preventing spontaneous weddings. After the wedding, the groom would wear a garment embroidered with 100 gold flowers for one day, signifying perfection and his new marital status.

These fascinating insights kept me engaged throughout my two-hour visit. I highly recommend this museum to anyone who understands English, or even those who don't, as the architecture alone is worth seeing. It's truly a worthwhile experience! I have no affiliation with this museum, but I simply enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with others.

As we exited the museum, we were eager to ascend Penang Hill, the highlight of our evening. However, the weather seemed to have other plans, as dark clouds loomed in the distance. Checking the weather forecast confirmed our fears: rain was imminent. Faced with this dilemma, we opted to abandon our initial plan and embark on a quest to discover the remaining street art. Our revised itinerary included a visit to Komtar, a shopping complex in the vicinity, where we intended to purchase souvenirs. We planned to postpone our ascent to Penang Hill until the following day. Boarding bus route 101 or 102, we anticipated a 15-20 minute journey to Komtar. Upon reaching our designated stop near the shopping complex, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the rain had subsided. Seizing this opportunity, we altered our plans once more, opting to take bus route 204 directly to Penang Hill. The journey to the ticket booth, where entry to Penang Hill costs 30 ringgit per person, took approximately 40 minutes. We then patiently awaited our turn to board the tram that would transport us to the summit of Penang Hill.

After an hour and a half, we finally reached Penang Hill. Fortunately, the sun had not yet set, and we were able to enjoy a 180-degree view of the city. However, the sky was overcast, and it looked like rain might be on the horizon. We waited for almost two hours, hoping to capture the city lights at night. (At 7 pm, the sky was still bright, making it seem like it was only 5 pm.) If you plan to visit in the evening, bring a jacket, as the wind gets stronger as it gets later. In the end, we were rewarded with stunning photos. Mission accomplished! A big thank you to my friend for waiting with me until it got dark without complaining. The weather forecast on Google is unreliable! I must whisper that Penang Hill is amazing. The view is breathtaking, but the people are even better. There were so many foreigners! I wanted to take them all home with me. Oops! 555555555555

Malaysia Day 5 (Last day): Penang

Finally, it was the last day to be here. Today's mission was to eat dim sum, which I had been craving since the first day I arrived. My good friend immediately searched for the best and most famous places. She found out which ones were worth trying, how to get there, which bus to take, and whether the restaurants were open. In the end, we decided on "Restoran Zim Sum". We were not disappointed at all! There was a wide variety of dim sum, dumplings, buns, har gow, fried food, bread, soup, and egg tarts. We could just walk around and pick whatever we wanted. We would pay after we finished eating. We had no idea how much the food on our table cost. 55555 We were so hungry that we ordered a lot. You wouldn't believe that all the food on the table was eaten by just two small women (really? 55555). In the end, I turned to my friend and asked if we still had enough money to pay for the food and if we wouldn't have to wash dishes to pay for it. 55555555 When we paid the bill, we were relieved because it was not as expensive as we thought. This was the best meal ever!

During the time I went to get the egg tart to eat as a dessert, my good friend encountered another peak incident. After she finished eating, she sat at the table alone, waiting for me to get the egg tart. Then, a Thai lady stood near the table and said, "Why don't you get up and give your seat to others after you finish eating? Why are you still sitting here?" Little did she know that we are also Thai people. We can understand Thai language. With a bit of strength and annoyance, my friend picked up her phone and pretended to talk on the phone in Thai loudly for the lady to hear. As expected, the lady looked at her face in shock and walked away. At this point, Mentor Lukkade stood up and applauded, crowning my friend with the crown immediately. 55555 I understand that there are a lot of people and no tables, but we haven't finished eating yet. This teaches us that if you're not sure, don't gossip in Thai!!!
When I had the opportunity to take the bus to Penang Hill and eat dim sum, I must say that I was very impressed with the buses here. Not only do the buses here look much better than the buses in Thailand, but they are also very orderly. Passengers can only get on through the front door and get off through the back door. The driver is very kind. If you want to get off, tell the driver. If you don't know where to get off, open Google Maps and show it to the driver. The driver will issue a ticket and tell you the price, and then let you put the money in the box yourself. But you have to prepare the exact amount of money because there is no change. When I got on the bus once, I didn't have enough coins. It was actually more than 28 baht (2.8 ringgit), so I was going to pay with the smallest banknote I had, which was 50 baht (5 ringgit). The driver immediately said that there was no change. The two of us searched for coins, but we only had this much. The rest were banknotes. So the driver said that we could pay 20 baht and put it in the box. Wow!!! I was so impressed. They even gave me a discount on the bus fare. Is this okay? 55555 But thank you very much. The people here are lovely and kind, the opposite of their looks. It's not as scary as I thought.

After finishing our meal, we went for a walk around the Komtar shopping mall, hoping to do some shopping. However, to our surprise, the mall was practically empty. Some of the shops were even abandoned. So, we decided to stop by a nearby supermarket and bought some tea and chocolate to take home instead. After that, we went back to our hotel to pack our bags, checked out, and took the bus to the airport. (See the travel details at the bottom of the post.)

Penang is a modern woman with a vibrant personality. She enjoys parties and colorful experiences. While she may appear quick-tempered at times, she is genuinely kind, sincere, intelligent, and quick-witted. This is the essence of Penang in my memory.

Accommodation Review: The Container Hotel, Ipoh

This review highlights the positive aspects of The Container Hotel in Ipoh. The reviewer praises the hotel's modern design, comfortable sleeping pods, and convenient location.

Key Points:

• Modern Design: The hotel's use of shipping containers as sleeping pods creates a unique and stylish atmosphere.
• Comfortable Pods: The pods are spacious enough for one person and offer privacy with curtains and individual lockers.
• Convenient Location: The hotel is situated in a central location, making it easy to explore Ipoh.

Additional Details:

• The reviewer mentions that the lack of windows in the pods did not bother them, as they primarily used the space for sleeping.
• The shared bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with separate facilities for men and women.
• The reviewer notes that the metal doors can be noisy when opening and closing, which might disturb light sleepers.
• They recommend The Container Hotel for travelers seeking a unique and convenient accommodation option in Ipoh.
• The reviewer also mentions that the hotel has a branch in Penang.

Accommodation in Penang: Time Capsule

The capsule is quite modern, with blue lights that give the impression of being in space. Everything is touch-operated, and there is an SOS switch for emergencies. There is a TV at the end of the bed, with a metal panel and chain lock from the inside. The bunk bed is easy to climb, with staggered steps. There are lockers on the side wall, and a space to sit in front of the capsule. The location is good, with buses passing by. Overall, we felt that the place was well-used, or perhaps it has been open for a long time, as some things were old and broken, such as the locker doors and various switches. The bathroom was usable, but it smelled a bit, as if it hadn't been cleaned. The door is made of frosted glass, and there is actually a gap between the door and the frame if you want to peek. The bathroom is shared, with the men's first, followed by the women's. The shower and toilet are separate, and there is a hairdryer provided. Compared to the host container, we both preferred the container.

Camera review

As mentioned earlier, I borrowed the newly released Lumix GF9 camera from my sister. The camera is a beautiful sakura pink color, which made my heart skip a beat. The pastel color is so cute! The camera is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It has a silent mode, which is perfect for taking photos without disturbing others. I especially love the silent mode because it allows me to take photos of people without them noticing.

Another thing I love is taking photos of beautiful people! After transferring the photos from the camera to my phone via Wi-Fi, I upload them to Facebook. My friends always comment, "Why are you so beautiful?" Do they normally think I'm not pretty? Are my friends secretly teasing me? Haha! If I reply that it's because of my good looks, I'm afraid they'll call me arrogant. So, I just say it's because the camera is good. Haha! The camera has a portrait mode that's specifically designed for taking photos of people, and the colors are great – not too dark or too yellow. It's even better for taking landscape photos.

Nighttime photography requires minimal adjustments, with minimal camera shake, surpassing the performance of previously used DSLR models. A dedicated mode for capturing starbursts instantly transforms point light sources into radiant streaks, eliminating the need for complex shutter speed or aperture adjustments. However, this mode may introduce an excessive amount of visual flair.

The 180-degree flip-up screen is a great feature for selfie lovers, making it easy to capture the perfect shot. However, as someone who doesn't enjoy selfies, I found this feature to be of little value. The battery life is a major drawback, especially for heavy users. The battery can easily drain by the afternoon, even with the automatic sleep mode enabled. Additionally, the lack of a charging dock (which must be purchased separately) is inconvenient. While the camera can be charged directly via a cable, the need to frequently connect it to a power bank or outlet can be cumbersome. Overall, the portability of the camera is compromised by the frequent charging requirements.

Trip review throughout the journey

From Kuala Lumpur Airport to your accommodation near KL Sentral.

After exiting the airport, follow the "Bus" signs to the ticket counter before leaving the Arrival Gate after collecting your luggage. There will be a sign at the exit that says "Buy ticket here." The ticket costs 12 ringgit per person. After purchasing your ticket, board the Aerobus on Level L1. Buses depart every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Get off at the last stop.

From KL Sentral accommodation in Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

To book your ETS train tickets in advance from Thailand, visit the website http://www.ktmtickets.com. Check the schedule and timings carefully. The price is 35 ringgit per person, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. The boarding point is Senrtral Kuala Lumpur, and the arrival station is Ipoh (Ipoh train Station).

From Ipoh Train Station to The Container Hotel.

Just open Google Maps and walk, it's not that far.

From Ipoh Train Station to Penang

To book your ETS train tickets in advance from Thailand, visit the website http://www.ktmtickets.com. Check the schedule and timings carefully (there are 5 trains per day from Ipoh to Penang). The ticket price is 42 ringgit per person, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. The boarding point is Ipoh train station, and the arrival station is Butterworth.

From Butterworth Railway Station, Penang, cross over to Penang Island.

After exiting the train station, follow the signs to the ferry terminal. Payment can be made at the ticket booth for 1.20 ringgit per person. The ferry ride to Penang Island takes approximately 15 minutes. The first ferry departs at 5:20 AM, and the last ferry departs at 12:40 AM. Ferries depart every 20 minutes until 10:00 PM, and then every 40 minutes thereafter.

From Penang Island to Time Capsule accommodation.

Walking from here to Google Maps is quite a distance.

From Time Capsule accommodation to the bus stop near Komtar Mall.

Take bus number 101 or 102, which costs RM1.40 per person.

From Komtar Bus Terminal to Penang Hill.

Take bus number 204, the fare is 2 ringgit per person.

From Penang Hill back to Time Capsule accommodation.

Take bus number 204 for 2 ringgit per person to Tham Kom Ta. Then, take bus number 101 or 102 for 1.4 ringgit per person (the same route as the way there).

From Time Capsule accommodation to Penang Airport.

Take bus number 101 or 102 for 1.4 ringgit per person to the Komtar Mall area. Then, take bus number 401 or 401E to the airport for 2.7 ringgit per person.

Handy tips for this trip

The cost of living here is comparable to Thailand, perhaps slightly more expensive. Street food can be found for as low as 4 ringgit (40 baht), while more expensive options range from 8-12 ringgit (80-120 baht). To easily estimate the cost in baht, multiply the price in ringgit by 10.

Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand, so the sun sets around 7-8 pm. This gives you plenty of time to explore during the day (unless you get tired first).

When visiting this country, it is highly recommended to bring plenty of tissues and wet wipes, as most restaurants do not provide them. Additionally, many dishes are eaten with hands, such as fried chicken, roti bread, and curry. This can leave your hands feeling quite greasy by the end of the day. However, if you prefer using cutlery, that is perfectly acceptable. Most importantly, don't forget to bring an inhaler, as the heat and spices can be overwhelming.

When taking the bus in Penang, be sure to have plenty of coins on hand, as buses do not provide change.

The electrical outlets used here are square, three-pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal adapter and a power strip, but the plugs in the hostel's accommodations will be compatible with Thai plugs.

For those who do not enjoy tea, purchasing a large bottle of water and dividing it into smaller bottles for consumption throughout the day is recommended. However, water is relatively inexpensive here, costing approximately 10 baht per bottle.

Ensure access to restrooms in large venues such as cafes, museums, shopping malls, or hostels.

The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, which connects automatically. However, it is recommended to have internet access during the day to search for information, bus routes, tourist attractions, and restaurants. Our female friend had already purchased a mobile phone package from Thailand to stay connected with her boyfriend, so only one person needed it if they were not heavily reliant on social media.

Book your ETS train tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey. This will give you an estimated arrival time. Avoid taking a chance by not booking, as trains often fill up quickly.

Total expenses

- Round-trip airfare costs 3,033 baht.

Accommodation fee for 4 nights is 1,695 baht.

Night 1: My hotel costs 350 baht.

Night 2 The Container Hotel Price 365 Baht

3+4 nights Time Capsule 2 nights Price 980 baht (approximately 490 baht per night)

The total cost of the car is 850 baht.

The ETS train to Ipoh costs 295 baht.

The ETS train to Penang costs 355 baht.

Bus fare is 200 baht.

Food expenses for 5 days totaled 1,630 baht.

Other expenses (museum entrance fees and miscellaneous) totaled 838 baht.

The total cost of this 5-day, 4-night trip is 8,046 baht per person.