06:50 06/07/2013 After so many failed attempts to visit Penang from last year. Finally, we set foot on Melaka’s historical sister city, Georgetown, Penang. Big achievement for us. This wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t plan ahead of time. Like filing one day leave in advance, reserving an accommodation and overbooking a bus ticket. Yes, out of excitement. We book online, bus tickets with a day earlier of our departure. How we could miss the date? Yeah, travel jinx it is, and we learn it a hard way. Anyhow this is not a story of our pre-departure adversity. It’s all about our 3D2N adventure in Pulau Pinang (Penang Island), state of Penang in Malaysia.
Early dawn on Saturday morning, where everyone was still lying on the bed, we bid adieu from our refuge. A dramatic farewell and kiss goodbye for almost three months of travel confinement. We couldn’t hide our excitement and zoom off reaching Pudu Sentral with 45 minutes extra time before our epic adventure to Penang.
After 5 hours of smooth bus ride we reach Penang around 12:30 Noon. First thing we could think upon arrival is food. Why not? Penang is laud as the food capital of Malaysia. And said this island is the birth place of famous Char Kuey Teow (CKT). We can’t help ourselves but devoured CKT at least three times in different stalls.
Penang Laksa is definitely a must try and highly commendable. We consumed at least 3 bowls of this, with matching Ais Kacang and Cendol for desserts. Sedap! I can’t stop drooling again when I got to see these pictures. Oh Penang! Sigh!
Aside from our gastronomic affair in this quaint city. We purposely visit George Town, Penang during it’s festival. It’s a commemoration of George Town and Malacca for being listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a month long celebration acknowledging Georgetown for it’s unique architectural and cultural significance. The century old buildings, dilapidated fortress, and edifice that reminds how great this city in the past. We learned a lot just roaming this historical rich remarkable city of Georgetown.
The influence of different culture and tradition was very obvious looking to these grandiose temples all over Penang. Burmese and Thai Temples at Pulau Tikus and Kek Lok Si at Air Hitam are just few that’s worth to visit.
Our trip wouldn’t be that comfortable and convenient if we didn’t book at Reggae Penang Love Lane Hostel. A backpackers haven and party hostel in one. We’ll write our personal review on this awesome hostel.
Meeting familiar people and total strangers is not much of a difference in Penang. As we could say Penangites are one of friendliest people in Malaysia. Thanks to ya’ll folks who made our Penang trip a memorable one. Special mention to Doc Gelo of (docgelo.com) the multi -awarded blogger (residing in Penang) and his son Gabby for accompanying us the entire day. Many thanks!
This is only a prologue of our blissful short adventure on this Island. Detail stories and drama’s will be unfold on the succeeding entries. So don’t miss to follow it.
City Wanderers,
Sky and Summer
it's always nice to read a different perspective of our current home base.
maraming salamat sa special mention, joey+krissy! we had fun revisiting those familiar places with both of you. balik kayo tapos cross the borders again to where your feet lead you, hehehe! 🙂
Yes, Doc We'll intend to visit in Butterworth before we proceed up north. Hoping ma meet narin namin si Maam Tina. 🙂
Their bus looks so cool. Penang looks really elegant from your post. I should see this too as the only place I've been to in Malaysia is in Kuala Lumpur and Johour Barough.
The food on top right looks like a version of our halo-halo, and I bet those other foods in your photos are spicy and hot because when were in KL I've never tasted any food with lots of chili in, except of course their deserts. I haven't tried staying in a hostel yet, and theirs is so neat and organized which is good to be considered booking in for a budget trip.
Very nice pictures and loved reading about your journey…. I have also been to Penang… i went there last year….
To get a brief idea… what else you can do in Penang.. below is a helpful travel map of Penang… may be your readers find it useful…..
http://www.mapsofworld.com/malaysia/penang-map.html
Penang is indeed a perfect place to eat, visit historical spots, see amazing structural designs and find spiritual serenity… Wew! the foods looks yummy!
Penang is really a nice place to stay in for a while. Btw sana may ganyang bus din dito sa Manila! =)
Oh, Penang is calling me already! I plan to stay at least 2 days there. It's actually a good thing that you shared your recent trip here. 🙂 We'll be riding the sleeper train from KL to Penang, then Penang Melaka to visit you guys. 🙂 Crossing my fingers for a smooth travel. 😛 Can't wait to see you both too!
wow si Doc Gelo pala ang tour guide niyo 🙂
the hostel looks really nice.. can't wait for your post about that place..
I love the character of that hostel, PENANG just became part of my must visit places and who could say no to those Malaysian food, oh missing it right now!
wow! It's good to visit a place na friendly ang mga tao 🙂 Looks like you had fun!
City Wanderers!
I like that!
I dont know what that CKT is or the fab ingredients, but the food pic is very enticing, makes me go hungry.
A month celebration is extensive, but probably just enough considering the number of things and places that can be visited.
Franc, you should Visit Penang and as well as Malacca. You'lss urely love it.
Cendol is kinda similar with our halo-halo but both have distincive taste.
Agree! Penang is an over all package.
If our government had the will to minimize the cars run in Manila, and promote public transport, Bus is indeed a good option.
You'll enjoy the train and sunrise at butterworth when you arrive. We're excited to meet you as well.
Yes, he's currently based in Penang and knows the good spots about this island.
Reggae Penang Love hostel is such nice place to stay and yes when you say malaysian food, Penang is attach to it. 🙂
Para ka lang nasa probinsiya sa Pinas, 🙂
Thanks Francis, CKT is abbreviation of Char Kuey Teow 🙂 One with Pansit with tauge + prawn toppings 🙂
nice. we're slowly learning about malaysia through your eyes! bait talaga nila Doc Gelo and his family!
I couldn't agree more, super nice, kind and cool dad. Kelan mo kami visual tour sa Dubai? Waitin it on your blog.
Haha. Coming soon pa. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Going to Penang in a couple of days and I'm reading as much as I can! Too bad Gelo's no longer there :'(