Total Damage: RM107 (including accomodation and bus ride back to Singapore)
Penang is the food capital of Malaysia. And one do not leave without eating to their fullest potential. Food game better be strong people (bold, highlight, underline). A bus ticket from Lumut to Penang costs a mere RM18. Sure, why not? Beats wasting 9 hrs waiting for a bus back to Singapore. Waiting game not strong enough. #storyofmylife
And that's in the nutshell of how I ended up at Penang with no plans , no accomodation, and limited cash. Well well, Lyrenna, what have you got yourself into? I was extremely hungry and falling sick, but that does not stop me from venturing out. Well, not that I have much chances to carry out adventures like this, especially when the daily school routine kicks in. #collegegrinds
Struck up a conversation with Taqiah , a local school teacher who teaches Arabic language while waiting for the bus at the bus terminal, and after our short conversation, she took out a RM1 and gave it to me, and said that it was for my safety and good luck. It wasn't a grand gesture, but certainly one that touches my heart. That was sweet, thanks Taqiah and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.
It took a 4 hrs bus ride to reach Butterworth, and an additional 30min ferry ride to reach Pulau Pinang. Thanks Terrence for guiding me through the maze of people and allowing me to leech on your mobile hotspot. There were some delays due to heavy traffic and the crowd heading to Penang for Deepavali. Literally googled for the cheapest accomodation while waiting for the ferry and it costs only RM35?! That's a steal considering you get free breakfast, towels, wifi and a nice comfy bed.
Upon arrival at Pulau Pinang, I took a CAT rapid bus, which was a free shuttle transportation around Georgetown. I alighted at the bus stop No. 15 and walked to my hostel, which was 5 min away. The Frame is conveniently located at the central of the attractions, at Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown. It has this rustic feel to the interior and alot of grey areas. (Screams instagrammable)
That's John and Carol, coincidentally both are from Scotland, who were my dorm mates for the night. Had a really long chat before bedtime, learning about one another and they were really friendly and easy to talk to.
Set off at 630 AM in the morning to catch the sunrise yet again. Absolutely love chasing sunrise/sunset especially when I am travelling. Here's some snippets of my morning adventure.
The famous clock tower
They say locals are the best tour guide. Couldn't agree more. Met this couple coincidentally while I was eating char kway teow at the street stall alone the previous night and we striked up a conversation instantly. I was blown away by their hospitality, they offered to give me a full day tour around Penang. Captured picturesque views of sunrise, roadtrip to the beach, hunt for street arts, shopping at the Sunday flea market, and of course the best food spots around Georgetown. I literally did not have to pay for most of my food except the char kway teow because they insisted on giving a treat. Thank You once more. <3
After my morning endeavours, my dormmate, John Easton and I headed to the Georgetown Camera Museum. He's a part Malaysian, part Scottish, and he has been on a solo adventure for three years now and he is heading back to Scotland in three weeks. I gathered that he is a vegetarian/ green finger/ yoga enthuist / meditation / surfer/ diver / photographer after chatting with him. Had a really long chat about travels and Scotland, discovered that he climbed a mountain in Nepal?! I did not have any plans to head over to Scotland initially, but now it seems like I have a reason to check it out. Can't wait to meet up with him again when I head over to UK next year for my exchange programme.
Before heading to the jetty , Lee, John and I ate assam laksa and chendol before taking a roadtrip down to Miami Beach (Yes, there is a Miami Beach in Penang) We literally slurped up the Assam Laksa (extremely delicious), pretty much half sniffling because we have pretty low tolerance when it comes to eating spicy food. To John, I hope you still remain the idiot you are when I am in Scotland! Cheers.
With my favourite people.
Thank You so much, Penang. Stay Beautiful. It's been so long since someone has done something so sweet for me. Came back to SIngapore with a positive mood and feeling recharged to start the semester despite feeling the fatigue from the 10 hrs bus ride. Xx