Readme before you journey
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August 2016 Travel Log
Hello, my name is Pan. I recently had the opportunity to visit Penang, and I'm excited to share my experience with you. I flew into Hat Yai Airport and took a van from Kim Yong Market to Penang. Our trip consisted of three people, and we had three days and two nights to explore. Some might say that's not enough time, but I believe it's sufficient if you consider the journey itself as part of the adventure. In reality, I only had 43 hours in Penang, which is quite short.
Upon exiting the airport, you can choose your preferred mode of transportation to reach the van terminal. For budget-conscious travelers like Pan, walking to the main road is recommended. Look for a blue songthaew (shared taxi) with the words "ขนส่ง สนามบิน" (Airport Transportation) written on it. Hop on and enjoy the ride to Kim Yong Market for only 30 baht.
The journey takes about ten minutes. Get off at the VL Hotel in Hat Yai and cross the street to the market. Ask around for the minivan station to Penang and walk there. If you don't want to walk, you can take a motorbike taxi. I prefer to walk through the market, find some food, and watch the houses and people.
Upon reaching the van terminal, a popular choice for many, "K.S.T. Travel," you can reserve your seat before your trip.
The provided text contains a hyperlink to the website "http://www.ksttravelthailand.com/".
Pan booked a noon tour, leaving plenty of time to exchange money. The current exchange rate is as follows:
1 Ringgit is equivalent to 8.6 Baht. You can check this on the website http://th.coinmill.com/MYR_THB.html#MYR=1. There are many money exchange places around Kim Yong Market. You can ask the van drivers when you arrive at the van terminal. It's not far. I chose to exchange money here because the staff was friendly and gave me advice on how to use the money. They were so nice! It made things much easier for a clueless person like me. I exchanged 3,000 Baht and spent it all. Let's see how much I actually spent on this trip.
It's time to get on the van. The van is very comfortable, it's a 11-seater van. You can stretch your legs as you like. In about an hour and a half, we will arrive at the Sadao checkpoint. Then we will be able to leave the country.
Please keep your passport and ID card with you at all times for easy inspection by officials. There will be two checkpoints. At the first checkpoint, you will submit your passport and receive an entry-exit form. Then, you will board a van to another checkpoint for fingerprint and luggage inspection. Don't worry if you're unsure what to do; the van driver will guide you. You'll also be accompanied by other passengers in the van. It took me about an hour to clear both checkpoints, even though it was the low season and there were a lot of people. We continued our journey, and the van driver took us through gardens, over mountains, and past villages. I was a little startled at first, wondering if we were being taken somewhere to be sold. But after a while, I calmed down and looked out the window. I realized that this was the way to go, and we weren't being sold. On the contrary, we were able to enjoy the scenery. I'll post a link to the video I uploaded to YouTube because I don't know how they uploaded the video.
After a long journey through the dense jungle, I finally arrived at my destination: the Second Penang Bridge. This bridge connects mainland Malaysia to Penang Island and is the longest bridge in both Malaysia and Southeast Asia, stretching an impressive 24 kilometers. The bridge towers 16.9 kilometers above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The van driver dropped us off at our respective hotels, as we had informed him earlier. My accommodation was at the Old Penang Guesthouse, which I reached around 5 pm. Penang time is one hour ahead of Thailand. The guesthouse is perfect for budget backpackers like me, offering affordable rates and a taste of Penang's old-world charm. My travel companion had booked a mixed dormitory room with bunk beds through Booking.com for 280 baht per person.
Overall Impression of the Accommodation
The accommodation was aesthetically pleasing, with an old building repurposed into stylish rooms equipped with air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, and breakfast. This is typical of guesthouses in general.
The location on Love Lane in Georgetown was convenient for exploring the city and finding food. A 7-Eleven, shops, and bars were all within walking distance. After purchasing a SIM card, we went in search of food.
The first food I had today in Penang was...
Lok lok is a type of street food in Thailand where customers select various ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and mushrooms, and dip them into boiling water themselves. Once cooked, they are typically dipped in a variety of sauces. The name "Lok lok" is derived from the sound made when the ingredients are dipped into the water.
After satisfying our hunger with local delicacies near our accommodation, we continued our journey to the heart of Georgetown, Gurney Drive, a renowned food haven.
Getting to Gurney Drive is a breeze. Simply hop on bus number 101. Ask locals which side to board, or if you're feeling adventurous, head to the starting point at Komtar, the island's iconic landmark and tallest building. If you get lost, just look for this towering structure, and you'll find your way back to your accommodation. The bus station here is top-notch, with clear signage and designated lanes for each route, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.
Pan opted to walk to the starting point, enjoying the sights of the city along the way. The building was situated within walking distance of her accommodation. The fare was 2 ringgits, and she alighted at Gurney Plaza. Similar to express buses in her home country, the fare varied depending on the distance traveled. Upon boarding, she informed the driver of her destination, who then quoted the fare. She deposited the money into a box beside the driver. If she lacked the exact change, the driver would provide change, alleviating any concerns.
After a short car ride, we arrived at Gurney Plaza. We walked through the mall to the back, and followed the road until we saw twinkling lights in the distance. That was our destination.
I'm not sure what each of the things I ate was called. Some were delicious, others not so much, it depends on your taste. After spending some time at Panshing, I returned to my accommodation. To get back to Love Lane, walk to the end of the market, cross the road, and continue walking until you see the bus stop. Wait for bus number 101 again. This time, the return trip cost me only 1.4 ringgit. To be honest, the food I ate earlier had already been digested, so I went looking for food near the entrance of my accommodation. I found this...
More amazing than anything I've ever tasted, it's rice wrapped in banana leaves for a mere 1.3 ringgit. If you're ever in Penang and come across this, be sure to try it!
And that's the end of day 1. Let's summarize the expenses for today. This does not include the cost of the plane ticket and van, as the plane ticket depends on the promotion we can find, and the van round trip is 800 baht.
Accommodation fee: 28 Ringgit
The cost of Lok Lok food is 4.5 ringgit.
The cost of a SIM card is 25 ringgit.
The bus fare to Gurney Drive is 2 Ringgit.
The cost of food at Gurney Drive is 6.5 ringgit.
The bus fare back to the accommodation is 1.4 ringgit.
The price of a triangular rice packet is 1.3 ringgit.
Total 68.7 Ringgit
The new day began with Pan waking up at 6 am. After showering and having a simple breakfast of buttered toast provided by the guesthouse, Pan checked out and left their luggage at the accommodation. Stepping out of the alleyway into the bright morning sky, Pan felt the pleasant weather. They headed towards the Comtar building to wait for bus number 204. Today's destination was Penang Hill. The bus fare was only 2 ringgit, and it took almost an hour to reach the destination.
A train ticket, please. It costs 30 ringgit.
Students can enjoy a discounted price of 15 ringgit by presenting their student ID cards.
Let's get on the train! Pan chose to sit in the last carriage. I highly recommend this if you want to see the most open view. It's like riding a slow roller coaster. You have to be in the last carriage.
Let's continue. After reaching the highest viewpoint, let's see what Pan found.
The beautiful flowers are in full bloom, their vibrant colors captivating the heart. It would be a shame not to capture this moment in a photograph.
Lush greenery and refreshing air abound on this mountain. Visitors to Penang who skip this peak are missing out. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the hill also boasts an art museum and 3D exhibits (entrance fees apply, but student IDs receive a 50% discount). Penang Hill even features a "love lock" installation, reminiscent of those found in Korea. Surprise your significant other with a padlock to symbolize your enduring love.
As we walked, the sky began to darken, a common occurrence on islands near the sea. Rain, rain, rain is coming.
Seeking shelter from the rain, Pan decided to grab a bite at the food court. After a satisfying meal, she boarded the train, choosing the last carriage for the ultimate experience. Pan recommends arriving early to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenic views in peace.
Let's head back to the accommodation to prepare for a relaxing evening with street art.
Upon arriving at the accommodation around noon, Pan retrieved her luggage and began searching for a place to stay for the night. After walking approximately seven steps, she stumbled upon a suitable option. It's worth noting that the street was lined with guesthouses, making it challenging to choose just one. Ultimately, she opted for Casablanca56. It's unclear whether reservations can be made through Booking, but a Facebook page is available for reference: https://www.facebook.com/casablanca56lovelane/?pnref=story
This place is amazing! It may not look like much from the outside, but once you step inside, you'll be blown away. I especially loved the family room we stayed in. It was originally priced at 108 ringgit, but we got it for only 100 ringgit! The room had one double bed and one extra bed, so we had plenty of space to relax and enjoy our privacy.
Okay, after we've finished packing and resting, let's go explore the street art scene.
Here's a rough overview. There are actually a lot of photos, and I've chosen some of my favorites. I almost forgot to mention that for sightseeing and photography, you can walk, cycle, or rent a tricycle, depending on your budget. The sights are not far apart, so you can get a map from the van terminal. I think it's easier to understand than the hotel maps, but it's up to you. One more tip: bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at your accommodation, as buying water outside is expensive (RM2 per bottle). Since we're on a tight budget, refilling from the accommodation is the way to go.
After walking around all day, we returned to our accommodation and looked for dinner nearby. We have to go back tomorrow, and it feels like time has flown by. Let's summarize the expenses for the second day.
Accommodation cost: 34 ringgit (split among 3 people from the full price).
The bus fare to Penang Hill is 2 ringgit.
Entrance fee to Penang Hill is 15 ringgit (discounted with student card).
The cost of food at the food court on Penang Hill is 5 ringgit.
Other food expenses, including dinner, amounted to 9.3 ringgit.
Total 65.3 Ringgit
On the last morning, I felt a little sad. Today I had to go back. I haven't been able to see everything yet. I wanted to go to the sea and see the national park, but I ran out of time. Penang will definitely have to wait for next time. I'm starting to fall in love with this place. Today I only had half a day because I had arranged for a van to pick me up at noon, so I had a little time to walk around and collect memories.
Today, I bought a few souvenirs, which I will not include in the trip expenses. Let's summarize how much I spent on my 43-hour trip to Penang.
The cost is 134 ringgit, equivalent to 1150 Thai baht.
Living comfortably, the cost of the flight depends on the actual promotion. Anyway, I hope my friends will find the most worthwhile promotion and save the most on their trip.
Let's summarize the highlights.
Penang: A Traveler's Perspective
Disadvantages:
- Internet: Both the SIM card I purchased and the Wi-Fi at the guesthouses were unreliable. This could be due to the network provider (Digi) or the island's location.
- Public Transportation: Buses in Penang drive incredibly fast, with sudden braking. While exciting, it can be jarring.
- Traffic: Drivers in Penang can be aggressive, and pedestrians need to be cautious when crossing roads. Frequent honking can be startling.
- Dietary Restrictions: As a predominantly Muslim population, pork is not widely available. Respecting local customs is essential.
- Food Preferences: Some dishes may not appeal to all palates. However, embracing new culinary experiences is highly recommended.
Advantages:
- Architecture: Penang's stunning architecture, particularly the Sino-Portuguese style, creates a captivating atmosphere. Every corner offers photo opportunities.
- Culinary Diversity: Penang's diverse population offers a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Muslim options, catering to all tastes.
- Artistic Charm: Penang is a haven for street art, with hidden artistic gems around every corner. It's a true paradise for art enthusiasts.
- Penang Hill: The natural beauty of Penang Hill is breathtaking. Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a refreshing climate create a rejuvenating experience.
- Pleasant Weather: The island's frequent showers keep temperatures moderate, offering a mix of sunshine, wind, and rain. However, those who dislike rain may find this less appealing.
- Affordability: Food and goods in Penang are reasonably priced, similar to those in Thailand.
- Extended Daylight: Penang experiences late sunsets, offering more time for evening strolls.
- Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Guesthouses offer incredibly affordable rates, especially for walk-in bookings.
- Language Accessibility: The prevalence of foreign tourists makes English widely spoken, facilitating communication.
- Easy Navigation: Penang's well-organized street layout makes it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
- Efficient Transportation System: Penang's public transportation system is well-organized, with clear routes, designated lanes, and readily available information at stations and bus stops.
- Diverse Transportation Options: Various rental options are available, including bicycles, motorcycles, and trishaws.
- Lively Nightlife: Penang offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous food stalls and entertainment options for late-night revelers.
- Spiritual Atmosphere: The numerous mosques and the sound of prayers create a unique and comforting ambiance.
- Unforgettable Experience: Penang offers a truly captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Additional Tips:
- The return journey by van takes only 3 hours, arriving directly at the Kim Yong Market.
- Don't miss the opportunity to explore the market for delicious food and souvenirs.
- The fried chicken at the market is highly recommended.
- When returning to the airport, take the blue van marked "Airport" from the market side. Avoid other vans offering rides and negotiate the fare beforehand.
- Confirm the fare of 30 Baht before boarding.
Enjoy your journey.
MEEpanda
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:24 AM
