Readme before you journey
Hello everyone! In this blog post, I'm excited to take you on a culinary and sightseeing adventure to Penang, Malaysia. This was my first trip to both Penang and Malaysia, and I was eager to explore all that this vibrant city had to offer.
Traveling to Penang from Bangkok offers a variety of options:
- Take a bus from Bangkok to Hat Yai and then a van to Penang.
- Take a train to Hat Yai and then a van to Penang.
- Fly to Hat Yai and then take a van to Penang.
- Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Penang.
And of course, Ja Ja chose a direct flight. Airlines that offer direct flights include Thai Airways and AirAsia.
Jaja chose to fly with AirAsia (which has one flight per day) because it was more economical. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The round-trip ticket price is 5,885 baht (for 2 people + 1 checked bag). The return flight was booked one day before departure and cost around 5,900 baht (exact price not remembered).
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As you know, when traveling abroad, you need to check in two hours in advance. We had plenty of time to kill, so we walked around the airport. Since we woke up early and took a taxi to Don Mueang, we were starting to get hungry, so we each grabbed a bite at Subway. The prices were, well, airport prices (89 baht outside, 159 baht inside the airport).
After a satisfying meal, I took a stroll and tried my best to resist the allure of King Power Duty Free. However, my sharp eyes caught sight of the brand The History of Whoo, a Korean cosmetics line with stunning packaging. I decided to purchase a lipstick to test its quality, with the intention of buying more at a local counter if I liked it. But then I spotted a cushion, and I ended up buying both. It was definitely worth it! The lipstick cost 1,400 baht, and the cushion was 1,800 baht (with a refill included). As a King Power member, I received an additional 10% discount. I was so excited that I almost grabbed 3-4 more lipsticks, but my partner stopped me. Haha!
I took a plane and fell asleep before it even took off. Haha! I arrived in Penang around 4:30 PM (remember to adjust the time by adding 1 hour from Thailand).
While walking along the path, I came across a SIM card store and decided to stop by. I noticed two booths, one red and one yellow. The yellow booth was crowded, so I opted for the red one out of convenience. I purchased a SIM card for 26RM (approximately 9 THB per 1 RM at the time of purchase).
While waiting in line at immigration, a woman in her 30s suddenly approached me. I looked back and saw that the line was long and there was no room to stand. I understood that she was trying to cut in line and wait behind me. However, as soon as the line moved, she rushed forward to cut in front of me. I refused to let her, as I had been waiting in line for a long time. Her friends nudged her and told her to go to the back of the line, but she ignored them and cut in front of the person in front of me. I saw her passport and realized she was Chinese. Well, their reputation precedes them.
The immigration checkpoint at Tom. Here, you don't need to fill out any documents like you do when entering other countries, which is quite convenient.
After exiting the arrival hall, I waited for my luggage. The airport was not very large, resulting in a long queue for baggage claim. I joined the line as usual, but suddenly, a man with a Chinese appearance carrying a suitcase attempted to cut in front of me. (Why am I always targeted by people trying to take advantage of me? -_-) However, he was unsuccessful because the large Westerner behind him wagged his finger and said, "Hey! Line up!" Wow, I smiled at him then because I didn't dare to tell the Chinese man to line up myself, as there was a significant size difference between us.
The following is a description of the journey to the accommodation. I planned to take the bus because it was economical (around 4RM per person, I'm not sure). I walked out with my luggage to the bus stop, and it didn't come for a while. The sun in Penang was very hot, and it burned my skin to the max.
As I wait for the bus, a taxi driver approaches and asks where I'm headed. I reply that I'm going to Batu Ferringhi, which is located on the northern coast of Penang, while the airport is situated in the south. The driver quotes a fare of seventeen ringgit. I exchange a surprised glance with my partner, realizing the price is reasonable. We decide to take the taxi instead of waiting for the bus, as the heat is becoming unbearable.
During the ride, the driver chatted with us continuously. He quickly introduced himself as an Uber driver, but said we didn't need to use the app. He gave us his name card and told us to call him if we wanted to go anywhere. He eagerly assured us not to worry, as taxis in this city don't cheat tourists. #slight smile
As we continued our journey, I felt nauseous due to the driver's choice of a winding route to avoid traffic. Instead of going through the city center, we were navigating a mountainous detour with countless curves. Amidst the dizziness, a conversation arose about the taxi fare. The driver mentioned that taking a taxi was the right choice, as the bus would take much longer due to heavy traffic during下班时间. The fare was stated as 70 RM. I was confused, as I had initially confirmed the fare to be 17 RM. The driver had repeatedly said "Yes, seventeen." However, upon entering the taxi, he clearly stated "Seventy." We exchanged glances, realizing that the driver had increased the fare. We laughed it off, amused by the situation.
Before arriving, a friend of my boyfriend warned me that taxis here are expensive and tend to overcharge tourists. However, it was too late as I had already been in the taxi for an hour. I ended up paying 70 RM.
The reservation was made for Roomie's suite, but upon arrival, the guest was informed that they had arrived at the wrong location and were instead directed to Roomie's guesthouse, which was approximately 700 meters away. The guest described the experience as "haunting," noting that the lower level of the building was particularly unsettling. While the upper level was deemed acceptable, the accommodation was a dormitory-style room with bunk beds, which differed from the original booking. The guest was informed that they had made an error and were directed to the correct location. The inconvenience was compounded by the need to carry a large suitcase up four flights of stairs.
Upon arrival at Roomie's Suite (pictured above), we checked in. This accommodation was a stark contrast to the previous one. While the cost per person at Roomie's Guesthouse was around 300 baht, a night at Roomie's Suite set us back approximately 1,4xx baht, including breakfast. However, despite booking for three nights, we never actually had the opportunity to try the breakfast.
This place also has many Thai people staying here.
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Image of Penang
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Plain water and peanuts are complimentary.
And settled down, haha.
The living room contains a sofa and a television. The television is not in use due to a malfunctioning remote control and a preference for individual laptop use.
The electrical outlets here are different from those in our home country, so an adapter is required. If you haven't brought one, don't worry; there's a store selling them for 14RM not far from our accommodation. How do I know this? Because I just bought one myself! Haha!
It has a clothes hanger with 2 hangers.
The small bathroom has a rain shower.
To enter the lobby, please remove your shoes and leave them outside.
The First Meal in Penang
Upon arriving in Penang, I sought a quick and convenient meal near my accommodation. After a short walk, I stumbled upon a restaurant that appeared to be Thai-owned. Feeling famished, I opted for a simple order of sweet and sour fish with rice and roasted pork with rice. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, costing around 7RM per dish. After a brief stroll around the vicinity, I headed back to my room to unpack and assess any missing necessities. Fortunately, a 7-Eleven was conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access to any forgotten items.
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After having dinner at 8:30 pm, I started to feel hungry again at 10 pm. There was a restaurant called Andrew's Kampung near my accommodation, which was full of foreigners. I decided to have a light meal there and ordered a dish called "Fried Bee-hoon". The bee hoon noodles were similar to those I had in Phuket. The food at this restaurant was delicious and to my liking. It was a stir-fried bee hoon with small pieces of fried chicken, seasoned with their own sauce, which had a sweet and spicy flavor. There were hardly any vegetables, as if they were just for decoration. However, the taste was excellent. The only downside was that it was a bit oily. This dish cost 9RM.
Upon arrival, I did not have the opportunity to explore the area beyond my accommodation due to fatigue from the journey and the one-hour time difference between here and Thailand.
The photo depicts a pale yellow building, which is where the speaker is staying. The accommodation is located inside the building, with amenities such as KFC, a spa, restaurants, and a 7-Eleven on the ground floor. A bus stop is conveniently located across the street.
On the 2nd and 3rd, I had errands to run in the morning, so I didn't get to go sightseeing. I only got to go on an adventure on the afternoon of the 3rd. So I decided to take a bus to George Town.
Penang's population is predominantly Muslim, Indian, and Chinese, with distinct residential zones. For instance, Batu Ferringhi is primarily Muslim, with a limited Chinese presence. Pork is scarce in this area, with chicken and beef being the main meat options.
For authentic Chinese cuisine, head to George Town.
The buses that run along Batu Ferringhi are numbers 101 and 102. Bus 101 runs more frequently and is more crowded. If you are going to the airport, you need to take bus 102.
Boarding a bus here requires you to enter from the front door. Have your money ready. Once on board, inform the driver of your destination, and they will issue you a ticket. Deposit your payment into the fare box, which does not provide change. If you do not have the exact amount, pay more but avoid paying less.
The bus fare from Batu Ferringhi to George Town is RM2.70 per person. A taxi ride would cost RM50.
While living in Thailand, I never took the bus, but here I have to. I barely get to sit down, and I stand for over an hour until I reach my destination. At first, it was okay for a couple of stops, but then the bus got crowded. And the smell of the people in India is awful. I'm standing next to the window, and the sun is scorching my skin. The smell is unbearable. Oh, my god.
Approaching George Town, the atmosphere becomes livelier compared to Batu Ferringhi. However, it is not overly crowded, likely due to the fact that it is Sunday and most shops are closed.
The red sign you see is for the SIM card network that I bought at the airport for 26RM. It's terrible! The signal is bad, and the internet is awful. It's no wonder why people are queuing up to buy the yellow SIM card. Remember, if you come here, choose the yellow network called Digi.
And then we arrived at the George Town sign, so we got off and wandered around the city. But we were starting to get a little hungry.
A short walk from the bus stop, you'll find this restaurant. Don't overthink it, just walk in.
Order "Char Koay Teow" (Char Kway Teow)
It's like our Pad See Ew, but this shop's stir-fry is sooooooo good. I highly recommend it because on this trip, I didn't just eat Char Koay Teow at this one shop, but this shop really impressed me. If you come here, you won't be disappointed.
The Komtar building is a large shopping mall and serves as the heart of George Town. Next to this building is a mall called Prankin Mall, which also serves as a bus terminal. Almost all bus routes stop here, and there are also bus queues for travel to Hat Yai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, etc.
Don't ask where this is. Just walk around without a destination, focusing on seeing the city (getting lost in style).
As the area where I was staying had a large Muslim population, I opted for more conservative attire. I wore long pants and a cover-up, which proved to be a wise decision given the intense sunlight. My primary concern was protecting my skin from the sun's harmful rays, rather than conforming to local perceptions of modesty.
We stumbled upon a striking piece of street art, one of the iconic murals in the area. However, we couldn't find any other murals after that. It seems they're not clustered together, so you have to wander through the alleyways to discover them. We were just exploring aimlessly when we came across this one.
And then I wandered around a lot until I came across this place as well.
The Camera Museum, also known as the Camera Museum, charges an entrance fee of RM20 per person. At that time, I really wanted an air-conditioned room because I was sweating so much. So I paid to go in and enjoy the air conditioning. I felt that the air conditioning was a bit expensive, haha.
Once you're here, you have to take photos to make the most of it. The entrance fee is about 200 baht per person.
This camera looks like one I've seen in old studios.
Upon reaching the second floor, visitors are greeted by a vast collection of cameras, dating back to the earliest models ever produced. As they marvel at the ingenuity and sheer size of these early cameras, one can't help but be impressed by the sheer weight they must have carried. The sheer size and weight of these early cameras is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of early photographers.
The handles are tangible, but when I tried holding them, they were all heavy.
This photo may seem eerie at first glance, depicting a person carrying a child while covered by a cloth. However, this practice was common in the past when photographing children. Due to their active nature and the limitations of early cameras, which lacked the rapid shutter speeds of modern devices, children needed to remain still for extended periods. To achieve this, parents or guardians would cover themselves with a cloth while holding the child, ensuring minimal movement and a successful photograph.
Click, click!
Upon exiting the camera exhibition room, you will find a hallway with plaques on the wall that provide information about the history of the camera, including its origins and inventors.
The old film is beautiful, isn't it?
The darkroom was incredibly eerie. Initially, we were hesitant to enter, but curiosity got the better of us. We ventured in with trepidation and captured a single, chilling photograph.
I don't know what pose to post, but I don't understand myself, am I laughing at the brush?
As you descend, you will encounter souvenir shops and a café selling cakes. If you're feeling hipster, this could be a good spot.
We then ventured out into the sunshine, and the cityscape in this zone was strikingly similar to Phuket's Old Town. The buildings were in the Sino-Portuguese style, and there was even a Chinese temple, although we didn't go inside.
And then I found another one next to the wall, so I posed for it too.
While walking, I came across a street I didn't recognize and saw a Chinese restaurant with a variety of dishes, so I decided to stop in. I ordered Bak Kut Teh, which came as a set with rice and youtiao.
The bak kut teh is delicious and flavorful.
The Wantan Mee here tastes just like the bamee nam in Phuket. It's exactly the same, and it makes me miss home again. Haha! They don't have any condiments like chili powder or fish sauce here like we do back home, so you have to eat it like this. If you really like spicy food, you might not like it.
While I was eating, the grandmother at the next table looked over and smiled, speaking rapidly in Chinese. I was confused and could only smile awkwardly. When the grandmother finished eating and was about to leave the restaurant, she stood near me and spoke in Chinese again, her face beaming. I had no idea what she was saying. It wasn't just a couple of sentences; she spoke for a whole minute. When she walked away, the Chinese family at the next table all looked at me with curious expressions. I was wondering what the grandmother had said, so I quickly finished my meal and left.
Having just enjoyed a hearty bowl of noodles, I stumbled upon "Ban Heang," a charming shop specializing in local delicacies. Despite my recent indulgence, the allure of these tempting treats proved irresistible, and I couldn't resist stepping inside.
The storefront also has items that resemble fried buns and pineapple cakes, similar to those found in Phuket. There are also steamed buns with custard, which are familiar sights from my frequent visits to Phuket.
The products look good, the packaging is beautiful, and the price is not too expensive. You can try everything, so I just walked around trying them. Except for durian, I skipped it. Most of the snacks I found were like the local Phuket snacks, and they tasted delicious.
If you're looking for souvenir snacks, I highly recommend this shop. They have multiple locations, including branches in shopping malls and even at the airport, suggesting their popularity.
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The coffee here is famous, but I bought White Coffee at the Chocolate Museum and I think it tastes better than here. It's a bit more expensive, though.
Naturally, upon seeing this menu, there was no way to miss it. Ja Ja loves to eat sweets.
I bought one of each to try them out, even though I had just eaten noodles 10 minutes ago.
I bought one deep-fried red pork bun, which was incredibly delicious. I wanted to buy ten more, but I was afraid they wouldn't last long. The chicken puff was also very good. The egg tart was just okay, but the coconut pie was delicious and a best seller.
After a short stroll, Ja Ja boarded the bus back to her accommodation. Unsure of the bus schedule, she realized she should have inquired about it earlier to extend her walk. The photos were taken around 7 pm, and the sun was still blazing.
Upon arriving at our accommodation, we took a stroll along the Night Bazaar by the beach and decided to try a random restaurant by the sea.
We accidentally stumbled upon this restaurant, which specializes in Pakistani cuisine with a focus on seafood and Indian dishes. We ordered a dish each (around 9:30 PM) and enjoyed it with beer and wine. We had originally planned to have a fancy and expensive dinner before leaving, but this turned out to be quite affordable, costing only 107RM (around 1,000 baht).
And then it was the last day. I woke up at 8 am and checked out of the accommodation at 10 am so that I would have time to stop by Georgetown for a bit. As usual, I didn't eat breakfast. I had breakfast at Starbucks on the first and second days. This was the last day I would be able to eat local food, and of course, I wouldn't be eating Muslim food anymore.
I boarded the bus to Georgetown with my large backpack, which was quite cumbersome due to its size and the crowded conditions on the bus. There were no available seats, and I struggled to hold onto my bag. Fortunately, a kind foreigner sitting nearby offered to help by holding my bag between his legs to prevent it from falling over. I was unable to hold onto it myself as I needed to hold onto the handrail for balance, and even then, I almost lost my footing.
On my way to George Town, I noticed a large restaurant with many customers. I got off the bus and walked back about 500-600 meters to the restaurant.
The name of the restaurant, "Restoran Zim Sum," suggests that the food will be delicious. Since I regularly eat dim sum for breakfast, I entered the establishment. The staff led me to a table, and I was able to choose the dishes I wanted directly from the display.
There were many dishes available, with more in the kitchen that I didn't photograph because it was crowded and I was hungry.
Upon being seated, the server inquired about our preference for hot tea, which we accepted as it is customarily paired with the meal. Subsequently, they presented us with a basin containing plates, spoons, and chopsticks, filled with hot water for sanitation purposes.
This is your table number. When you are finished eating, please call a staff member to calculate the bill. Then, take the bill to the counter at the front of the store to pay.
Every dim sum dish was delicious.
"Restoran Zim Sum" is a restaurant that Jaja recommends. If you come to Penang, you should really try this restaurant. It is delicious and affordable, with breakfast costing only around 10 ringgit.
After a satisfying meal, I headed to the free bus stop, as time was running short and I couldn't afford to explore the city on foot. I didn't want to miss my flight. I waited at the bus stop, looking for a bus with a sign on the front that read "Free Shuttle Bus." When one arrived, I hopped on. There were plenty of empty seats. As I rode, I admired the cityscape, regretting that I hadn't taken a sightseeing tour the day before. I had missed so much. But at least I got to see the city on this last ride.
The car stopped at the bus stop next to the pier. I got out and waited in front, then used the Uber app to call a taxi to take me to the airport. I was worried that if I took the bus, I would miss my flight. I tried calling a taxi, and the price was not expensive. I recommend that if you want to take a taxi, use Uber to call one. Don't hail a taxi on the street because they don't have meters.
Upon arriving at the airport, I stopped by another shop for tea and noodles. This particular shop didn't quite suit my taste, but it's worth noting that they are generous with their shellfish ingredients.
After that, I spent a little more time browsing for souvenirs.
These are the snacks and souvenirs I bought. The coffee is a souvenir, and I ate all the Jah Jah snacks myself. Haha!
Many things are gone now. I'm someone who likes to eat snacks, and they're delicious too.
This trip didn't cost me much, even though I wasn't careful with my spending. I went to Starbucks a lot, but there weren't many places to shop for anything other than snacks, so I didn't spend much. I exchanged 1,150RM (about 10,000 baht) and came back with 400RM left.
The round-trip flight tickets were not booked at the same time, so they were a bit expensive. The tickets for two people cost more than ten thousand baht, which is almost six thousand baht per person.
The room rate for a 3-night stay is 1,400 baht per night, which is reasonable overall.
Tips for Visiting Malaysia
General:
- Many restaurants in Malaysia are Muslim-owned, so avoid ordering pork dishes. Starbucks does not offer ham and cheese sandwiches.
- Be cautious of men staring, especially those of Indian descent. Their gazes can be uncomfortable and intrusive. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
- Carry an umbrella as the sun is intense. Apply sunscreen liberally to prevent sunburn.
- Most shops are closed on Sundays. The city is less lively and not ideal for sightseeing on this day.
- Have coins or small bills ready for bus fares. The minimum exchange rate is 10RM, but bus fares range from 1-3RM. Drivers do not provide change.
- Board buses from the front and exit from the rear. Priority Zone seating is strictly enforced. Avoid sitting there unless you are elderly, a child, pregnant, or disabled, as you will be glared at by other passengers.
- Purchase a yellow SIM card for convenient internet access, which is essential for navigating the city.
- Environmental awareness is prevalent in Malaysia. Many establishments use fans instead of air conditioning despite the hot weather. Convenience stores may not provide bags for small purchases, unlike in other countries.
- Bread in convenience stores is not recommended due to its thick dough and minimal filling.
- Use the Uber app for taxis instead of hailing them on the street. Uber is more affordable and reliable. It is readily available and has no additional charges for airport trips, unlike taxis in other countries that charge a flat rate of 500 baht (excluding expressway tolls).
Additional Notes:
- Be cautious of taxis, as some drivers may stare at passengers in the rearview mirror.
- Consider purchasing a travel insurance plan to cover unexpected events.
- Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a pleasant and culturally enriching experience.
kittyjaja
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:30 AM
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