So 7am Saturday, I spring out of bed, jump in the shower to wake up, get ready, grab my things and rush downstairs for breakfast to set myself up for the day. I got to the bus station at 8.30 to collect my ticket and get on the bus ready for my 5hr journey. I took my bag on the bus not trusting anyone but the company looked quite reputable so I don't think I need to worry. You here dodgy stories about these bus trips. The bus was big and nicely air conditioned so I plugged my iPod in ready to leave. I slept for most of the journey on and off but did see some amazing scenery travelling through the mountains and I woke in time to view the bridge crossing into Penang. A 13km bridge takes you from the main land to the Ireland.
View through the bus door on the bridge going home
Once in Penang after a fairly comfortable journey I jumped off and looked for a taxi. The bus station was a few miles from George town where I would be heading. By now it had been raining solid for about 3 hours and I didn't bring my umbrella. Luckily there was no need to go outside. So I got my taxi an headed to the hotel. Once checked in I relaxed a little and thought I would wait for the rain to stop before heading out. I'd picked up a map so I plotted my route.
Harbour in the rain @ Straits Quay
By now it was nearly 5pm and I was hungry. I was close to George Town so I headed to little India which has been recommended by Ginny. Kapsitan was the restaurant I was after. Ginny and Zoe ate here 3 nights running stating it was one of the best meals they had the whole trip so it was a must, and I must say it was rather good. After this I had a good walk round, taking in the Indian culture here in little India before heading to the more touristy part. I managed to find a converse outlet store and pick up some new converse for £16. Steel I think. By now it was 8 so I headed back to drop of my new purchase,tidy myself up before I heading out to find a pub for a drink.
Harbour in the sun George Town
What I managed to find was a strip of 2 or 3 bars showing the football. So stayed there for a bit and watched the end of the Chelsea game while listening to a mix of live Chinese and English music. The guy singing wasn't great and it started to grate on my ears after a while but I hung it out. Penang was rather quite for a Saturday night and there didn't appear to be many travellers, but I guessed they in a backstreet pub somewhere and I didn't have the time to explore to find it so 3 pints and Man Utd win over QPR later I headed back.
Looked better in the sun on SUNday
I had breakfast included in my hotel but missed it getting up to late as usual. I got myself and my stuff together and left by 11. I was told I had to try the local Indian breakfast so I got some directions to a good restaurant and went for a Nasi Kandar. Curry for breakfast again but it was worth it. After I jumped on a bus to the closest beach about 30min away. When I got there I was a bit disappointed. Not the clear, sandy beaches I ha hoped for. The water was rather murky but this might have been due to the rain, but luckily the sun was scorching hot so jade the most if it and relaxed for a couple of hours. After this I headed back to George town and planned to head round towards the old jetties. I had quick look round Penang fort which they used to defend the island during the war and had a but of a history lesson though there wasn't much information.
The Streets of Little India
Slightly overcast shot of the beach
I then headed to jetties which was much more interesting. I walked down the first one and watched some young locals doing some fishing. I went for a walk weaving in between the old wooden houses on stilts. In one the front door was wide open and I could see an old lady just sleeping on the floor. No Mattress or nothing living in a house with no furniture. The was a young child couched in front of tiny TV in black and white. The house only appeared to have 1 room and a small kitchen and toilet.
Fishing of the jetty
The next jetty I went to more was clearly the tourist one. Walking down every house had been turned into a miniature shop selling all the usual arts and crafts or different types of fresh fruit drinks or sweets and cakes. There was lots of holiday goers here snapping away at the scenery with there big zoomed cameras, and having group family photos doing the usual 2 finger pose all Asians do in their photos. By now the sun had started to get to me and I was worn out and starting to tire. I had an hour to kill before I had to head back so i grabbed some food and then jumped in a taxi to bus station. The sun had definitely taken its toll because when I got on the bus home I was sleep before we got across the bridge. Overall it was a good journey and I think if it hadn't of rained on the Saturday I would have enjoyed it more and got out a bit and seen more sights. It was a long way to go for night and not seeing much. Lessons learnt, give yourself more time to explore as I think Penang had a lot more to offer.
Funny painting on the side of the house
Of the end of the Jetty
Pavilion Shopping Centre - KL. They have nothing on Queensgates Decs
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