Hat Yai - Penang (Malaysia) Trip: Splitting Costs for a 4-Day, 3-Night Budget Adventure

Penang: A Backpacker's Paradise

This trip takes us to the island of Penang, Malaysia, on a budget-friendly backpacking adventure. As a first-time visitor to Penang, I relied on reviews and YouTube videos for travel inspiration and planning. This review offers a unique perspective on exploring Penang's highlights, navigating its streets, and overcoming potential challenges, all within a budget of 5,000 baht. Join me as we embark on this exciting journey!

Day 1: Bangkok - Hat Yai

Day 2: Penang Hill and Love Lane

This sentence describes the second day of a trip, which includes visiting Penang Hill and Love Lane.

Here's a breakdown of the translated text:

• Day 2: This indicates the specific day of the trip being described.
• Penang Hill: This refers to a popular tourist destination in Penang, Malaysia, known for its scenic views and hiking trails.
• Love Lane: This is a historic street in Georgetown, Penang, known for its colorful murals, street art, and vibrant nightlife.

The sentence provides a concise overview of the planned activities for the second day of the trip.

Day 3: Kekleksi Temple - Street Art - Gurney Drive Street Food

This sentence describes a potential itinerary for the third day of a trip, likely in Penang, Malaysia. Let's break it down:

• Day 3: This indicates the specific day of the itinerary.
• Kekleksi Temple: This refers to a specific temple, likely Wat Kek Lok Si, a renowned Buddhist temple in Penang.
• Street Art: This suggests visiting areas known for street art, possibly in Georgetown, Penang, which is famous for its vibrant murals.
• Gurney Drive Street Food: This points to experiencing the local street food scene at Gurney Drive, a popular waterfront area in Penang known for its diverse culinary offerings.

Day 4: Chew Jetty Fishing Village - Hat Yai Kim Yong Market - Bangkok

This trip focuses on backpacking with a limited budget throughout the journey.

On June 15th, 2018, we gathered at Don Mueang Airport at 6:00 PM. The flight was scheduled to depart at 7:55 PM, but it actually took off at 8:55 PM. We arrived in Hat Yai at 10:05 PM, starting our trip quite late.

Upon arrival, a van from the hotel will be waiting to transport you to your accommodation. We stayed at Hat Yai Dee Hostel, which is conveniently located just 200 meters from the train station and close to various food options. The hostel caters to backpackers and offers both private rooms and bunk beds. The shared bathrooms are exceptionally clean and the rooms are air-conditioned with cable TV. Complimentary tea and coffee are available in the mornings. For inquiries, please contact 091-0492737, 074818737, or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HATYAIDEEHOSTEL/.

▶️On Saturday, June 16, 2018, we left the hotel early in the morning to travel to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station, a distance of only 200 meters, so we walked there leisurely.

The original plan was to use a second-class air-conditioned train, but due to the limited number of carriages (only 3), it was not sufficient to accommodate the high passenger volume. Therefore, a third-class, non-air-conditioned train was used instead. The train runs from Hat Yai to Padang Besar twice a day, with four round trips daily. The trains depart from Hat Yai at 7:30 AM and 1:05 PM, and the fare is 50 baht per person.

▶️ The train departs from Hat Yai Junction Railway Station at 7:30 AM and arrives at Padang Besar at 8:25 AM.

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Arrival at Padang Besar Station and Immigration Procedures

Upon arrival at Padang Besar Station at 8:25 AM (local time), remember to adjust your watch to Malaysian time, which is one hour ahead of Thailand (current time in Malaysia: 9:25 AM).

After disembarking from the train, proceed to the following steps:

1. Purchase Train Tickets: Head to the second floor of the station to purchase train tickets to Butterworth. The ticket price is 11.40 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) per person.
2. Immigration Procedures: After purchasing your tickets, return to the first floor to complete immigration procedures. This involves two steps:
   • Exit Thailand: Get your passport stamped at the Thai immigration counter.
   • Enter Malaysia: Join the queue to have your passport stamped at the Malaysian immigration counter.

These procedures typically take around 30 minutes. Once completed, you can relax and wait for your train at Platform 2.

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Train from Padang Besar to Butterworth

Departure: 10:25 AM (Malaysia Time) from Padang Besar Station Arrival: 12:15 PM at Butterworth Station Train type: Komuter (similar to BTS in Thailand) Train composition: 6 carriages, including 2 ladies-only carriages Frequency:

• Every hour from 10:25 AM to 14:25 PM
• Every 2 hours from 14:25 PM to 15:25 PM
• Every hour from 15:25 PM to 21:25 PM

▶️ After getting off the train, we walked to the free shuttle bus from Butterworth Railway Station to the pier to cross over to Penang Island.

The day we went was right after the "Hari Raya" festival, so there were a lot of people, similar to the New Year or Songkran festival in our country. We had to wait in line for a long time to board the ferry. We boarded the ferry around 2:00 PM. The ferry ticket cost 1.20 RMY per person. This ticket is only for the outward journey; you don't need to buy a ticket for the return journey. The ferry used was a large ferry that could also carry cars. The ferry took about 20 minutes to cross the island. There were snacks for sale on the ferry. ^^

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After disembarking from the boat, we were a bit disoriented. We had to rely on Google Maps to navigate to our pre-booked accommodation (it's recommended to download an offline Google map beforehand). The accommodation was only about 700 meters away from the pier.

▶️ We stayed at "Red Inn Court," a hotel with air-conditioned rooms and bunk beds at a reasonable price. However, the service charge for foreigners was expensive. In addition to the standard RM10 per person charge for foreign guests, we were also charged a 5% foreign tax and a 2% local tax. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, including tea, coffee, toast, and fruit.

4:00 PM: Penang Hill Adventure

Our journey to Penang Hill began with a short walk to the nearest bus stop. We kept an eye out for buses displaying "Komtar" on their signs and hopped on board. Komtar serves as the central hub for Penang's bus network, with almost all routes originating there. The starting fare for buses in Penang is a very reasonable 1.40 MYR per trip per person.

▶️ To komtra, we are waiting for bus number 204, standing in lane 2, to go to the final stop at Penang Hill. The bus takes about 40 minutes to travel and costs 2.00 RMY (note that buses in Penang do not give change, so you need to have the exact amount).

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Penang Hill Adventure: A Breathtaking View with a Long Wait

At 4:40 PM, we arrived at Penang Hill and purchased tickets for 30 RMY each to ride the funicular railway to the summit. However, we were met with an overwhelming crowd. The queue stretched on and on, and we ended up waiting for a staggering three hours to board the train.

Despite the long wait, the view from the top was truly breathtaking. The Skywalk offered panoramic views of Penang city bathed in the golden glow of dusk. The 360° vista was simply mesmerizing. Penang Hill also boasts numerous other attractions waiting to be explored.

▶️ At this point, the skywalk is a highlight that everyone who comes to Penang Hill must take a picture here. If you don't believe it, try it. We don't believe anyone who comes here and doesn't take a picture here. ^^

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Penang Hill: A Scenic Ascent

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is the highest peak in Penang, reaching an elevation of approximately 833 meters above sea level. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of Penang city and the surrounding coastline, it offers tourists a captivating escape.

The ascent to the summit is an experience in itself, achieved via a scenic funicular railway stretching 1,996 meters. This journey provides opportunities to disembark at designated stations, allowing exploration of various points of interest along the way.

After visiting Penang Hill, we queued to take the funicular back to our accommodation. The return trip was not without its challenges, as we had to queue for another hour. The last bus from Penang Hill is at 10:00 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to call a Grab.

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As dusk fell, we strolled through the Love Land Night Market, situated a short distance from our accommodation.

This street is full of delicious food. 55

On Sunday, June 17, 2018, we set out early in the morning to grab breakfast and visit Kek Lok Si Temple (also known as the Turtle Hill Temple), the largest Chinese temple in Southeast Asia. It is situated on the Air Itam hill.

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We opted for our usual travel method, taking a bus to Komtra and waiting for bus number 201 or 202. However, we chose bus number 203 as it goes directly to Kek Lok Si Temple. We waited at lane 2, and the fare was 2.00 RMY per person. The journey took approximately 30 minutes, and we were able to disembark right in front of Kek Lok Si Temple. The area in front of the temple resembles a local morning market, primarily offering Chinese cuisine. We decided to have lunch there.

Following a hearty breakfast, we embarked on a scenic hike to Kek Lok Si Temple. The trail offered numerous photo opportunities, with the highlight being the majestic statue of the Goddess of Mercy perched atop the temple. Access to the statue requires an elevator ride, costing RM6.00 per person.

Kek Lok Si Temple is a Chinese temple with 100% Chinese architecture. The atmosphere around the temple and the buildings make you feel like you are really in China. There are many interesting things to see, such as the prayer hall, pagoda, bell tower, and turtle pond. You can visit all year round. The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and there is no entrance fee.

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▶️ Kek Lok Si Temple offers a plethora of photo opportunities, ensuring an enjoyable half-day visit. The temple boasts numerous souvenir and gift shops, catering to diverse preferences. Visitors can explore at their own pace and arrange a meeting time for convenience.

After visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, we returned to the bus stop where we initially disembarked. We waited for bus number 202 or 203 to return to Komtar. The return fare was RM2.00 per person.

▶️Komtra is a transportation and shopping hub.
All buses pass by this building, and you can transfer to other buses to various destinations from here. The Komtra building is a cylindrical building that stands out from other buildings, and the surrounding area is full of shopping malls. There is also a Skywalk on the top floor for sightseeing.
▶️From Komtra, we took a free bus (the word "CAT" indicates that it is a free bus) and got off near our accommodation. Then we went our separate ways to walk around the street art in "George Town". The buildings are similar to those in the Sino-Portuguese town in Phuket, Thailand.

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Following that, we dispersed to capture the essence of George Town in a brief appetizer-style exploration, which proved to be quite tiring.

▶️ Murals can be found in various locations. If you have a map to track them down and take pictures of them all, it's a fun activity.

In the evening, we went for a walk at Gurney Drive, a street food haven. Starting from the KOMTAR building, we took bus number 103 for RM 1.40 and got off at Gurney Plaza. Walking straight through the back of the mall, we reached Gurney Drive, the beachfront area of Penang Island.

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The main attraction for tourists is the local cuisine, and this area is another popular spot for tourists to stay. It offers a relaxed suburban atmosphere without being too crowded, yet it has a shopping mall (Gurney Plaza) and dozens of restaurants where you can find something to eat all night long. Visiting Gurney Drive is definitely worth it. Food stalls at Gurney Drive start selling in the late afternoon, creating a lively atmosphere with many people passing by and vendors calling out their wares. It's a great atmosphere for sightseeing.

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This place isn't particularly famous for its sea. In fact, I was planning to come here to see the sea, but when I arrived, I was surprised to find that the sea had been completely filled in. However, the day I visited, it happened to be raining heavily.

Oh no, this isn't what we agreed on! We were having a nice meal when suddenly a storm hit, forcing us to run for cover in the mall.

On our way back, we exited Gurney Plaza and crossed the street. We walked straight to the end of the alley, where we found a three-way intersection. We turned left and found a bus stop. We took bus number 102 to KOMTAR, which cost 1.40 RMY. We then strolled back to our accommodation.

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This evening, we had dinner at Love Land, which had more food stalls and shops than yesterday.

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Chew Jetty: A Glimpse into Penang's Maritime Charm

Our journey into the captivating allure of Penang begins at Chew Jetty, a unique waterfront community where houses stand on stilts, resembling a miniature harbor village. Reminiscent of traditional fishing communities, this wooden walkway leads visitors through a captivating alleyway, offering a glimpse into the lives of the local residents. Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Chew Jetty provides a captivating experience, immersing visitors in the maritime charm of Penang.

Chew Jetty: A Historic Waterfront Community

Chew Jetty is a historic waterfront community located in Georgetown, Penang, near the Penang Ferry Terminal. The community is characterized by its traditional wooden houses, which blend Chinese architectural influences with local styles. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the community, exploring its shops, souvenir stalls, and peaceful atmosphere.

Getting to Chew Jetty:

Reaching Chew Jetty is a straightforward process. From Komtar building in Georgetown, board a CAT Jetty bus, identifiable by its CAT Jetty sign on the front. The fare is 2 MYR per person, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Note: The text mentions that the author chose to walk to Chew Jetty instead of taking the bus.

▶️We checked out of the hotel at 9:30 AM and walked to the pier to cross the island to catch the train at Butterworth station. On the way back, you don't need to buy a ticket anymore. The boat departs every 20-30 minutes.

▶️On the way back, we took a free bus from the pier to Butterworth Railway Station and bought tickets for RM11.40 each.

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We opted to take the 12:25 p.m. train from Butterworth Station, aiming to arrive in Padang Besar at 2:15 p.m. Malaysian time (or 1:15 p.m. Thai time).

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At 2:15 PM (Malaysian time), the train arrives at Padang Besar station. (Remember to adjust the time by -1 hour to Thailand time, which is 1:15 PM Thailand time.) We then proceed to have our passports stamped to exit Malaysia and then have them stamped to enter Thailand. It's important to note that upon our return, we must wait for the passengers arriving from Hat Yai to complete their exit procedures before we can proceed with our entry into Thailand.

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Upon arriving in Hat Yai, we deposited our luggage at the Hat Yai Dee Hostel before strolling through the Kim Yong Market. We then proceeded to Hat Yai Airport for our return flight to Bangkok. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hat Yai Dee Hostel for facilitating our enjoyable trip.

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▶️ 8:30 PM. The van from Hat Yai Dee Hotel took us to Hat Yai International Airport for our return flight to Bangkok (Don Mueang).

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We safely returned on Nok Air flight 21:55, arriving at Don Mueang Airport at 23:05.

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This trip ended perfectly and safely because of the cooperation and disciplined travel of all 22 members. It was another fun and exciting trip with some unexpected situations, but we were able to return to our accommodation safely. We came from different places, some went for the first time, some went alone, some went as a couple, but in the end, we traveled together, we became friends, brothers, and sisters who traveled together. Thank you.


.....Thank you for reading until the end, or even if you just look at the pictures, we are happy. This review may be helpful as a guideline for those who love to travel, more or less.

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