Day 2
Arrive at Penang Island
The bus reached "a terminal" at around 5:30am. It is far from dawn. I looked for a place to charge my phone and get wifi, but I couldn't. I ended up sleeping in the waiting area. My signal to move around is the sunrise.
However, I woke up at around 8am. The sun is blazing hot outside. At the moment, I still don't have an idea of where I was. When I asked our bus driver earlier, he couldn't even understand me. I was somehow sure that I'm not in Butterworth station.
Afraid of the touts, I moved out of the terminal after having breakfast. I tried to ask another local but I failed to get some concrete answers. Thank God for English.
I walked for about a kilometer and I reached a bus stop in the middle of a forest-y place. Yeah, it was a weird thing. I kept on walking but the more I walked, the more I saw trees. I decided to go back to the bus stop, where a local was waiting. I approached her and asked if she knew how to converse in English. Good thing, she did and I thanked God again for English.
I confirmed my gut feel after she told me that I am in Penang Island. This is my destination but I still felt cheated on because I was supposed to be dropped at Butterworth in the mainland. She instructed me on how to go to the Jetty by bus since it is near to my hostel.
I took bus 401. I was worried, it being my first rapidBus (commuter bus) ride in Malaysia. The walls are too thick for me to give instructions to the driver. I also felt it was too much for him to drop me in Lebuh Chulia. By the way, at this point, the only street I know is Lebuh Chulia. There were some times when I felt like it was the right place, then turns out to be a few kilometers away from my real destination.
Tip: If you are using Google Maps, you can download a portion of the Penang Island by typing "ok maps" in the search bar. This way, you can use the GPS sans internet connection. You could also ask for a tourist map of Penang from the airport or from KL Sentral Information counter attendants. This way, you'll get familiar with the street names. From the bus, you'll see the signs and you can now decide where you want to alight.
It was a good thing that I've saved a screenshot of instructions on how to get to my hostel. When I reached Lebuh Chulia, all my uneasiness was gone. The familiarity of the name was enough to make me feel safe. It was a good feeling to roam around the streets knowing that you're not too far from your temporary home.
It was a little over 9am and I still have enough time before check-in. Walking around, I saw a money changer. I had pesos changed so that I could pay for the hostel. I also scouted for places to dine in but most of the shops open are either fancy or Indian. I'm not racist but I still haven't got the guts to try their cuisine... yet.
Ten in the morning and after not trying the food, I searched the area for my hostel. I found it: the Dreamcatcher Traveller's Refuge. The lady who was in-charge of the house was very accommodating. She told me to rest inside their common room after confirming my reservation.
Later, when the guests occupying my quarters have checked out, she prepared the room and assisted me. The room is shared with two double decks and a common bathroom. I was the only one checked in the room at the time. I just enjoyed the wifi and the ac blowing 17 degrees, before taking a bath and planning my road trip.
Tip: For me, nothing beats the Dreamcatchers' as a budget hostel. They have a very clean hallway and bathroom, and their common area is so spacious for all the occupants (I compared this to The Hostel, where my newly met friends were checked in). Their house's design is the same as most Malaysian homes, with a space for a garden inside. You can book them thru airbnb or booking.com but I prefer sending an email so that I could interact with the owner. For (somehow) a more legitimate experience, you can choose them over the regular motel-style establishments. (I'm not getting anything from Dreamcatchers, I'm just really happy about how well maintained their place is. But if you wish to book them through email, a mention of this site might mean something to me. Thanks!)
Still not feeling adventurous, I sought for stalls selling Char Koay Teow. I only knew Char Koay Teow from a college friend who've been in Penang before. Trusting her food choice, I think it will be enough to get me through the afternoon. After searching street upon street, I found a Chinese restaurant carrying the dish in Lebuh Kimberley. Further research told me (Tripadvisor) that they cook one of the best Char Koay Teows in Penang Island and I could not agree more. Together with a glass of Iced White Coffee, it was enough to satisfy my hunger.
The rest of the afternoon was devoted to roaming around, on a loaned bike. For RM10 a day, this rate goes a long way. Familiarization of the immediate area will also be an asset in my arsenal.
Tip: Biking is not that safe in the major streets (like Lebuh Chulia). There could be buses and private cars anytime and most of these four-wheeler drivers won't make way for you, so unless you have enough left-hand side road experience with a bike, go on and rent one.
Sunset, I went back to the Refuge and met the other travellers staying there. I had dinner with them in a busy hawker station somewhere in Penang. I ordered White Curry Mee and Iced Kacang, which really go well together. The mee was too spicy for my taste but the kacang took away the heat. We ended the night by sharing stories of our hometowns and of the travels we made in the past.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Going Solo: Malaysia 2015 Part 1
Roughly a couple of weeks ago, I embarked on a six-day lone tour to Malaysia.
(I will recount the events as chronologically as possible. I will also include the mishaps for guidance.)
Day 1
Depart MNL, Arrive KL
Who wouldn't say I'm excited? I think the Terminal 4 guard will. I arrived at 12mn only to know that they will open the gates at 3am. I had to stay on the waiting area just across the gates and tried to get a decent nap. Well, better than what could've happened if I overslept at home: There's a big chance I'll miss the 6:15am flight.
After checking in (I won't elaborate on the faux-concerned immigration officer), I had breakfast. I should've stuffed something in my bag. The food is way too expensive on the departure hall.
The plane ride is four hours long. I haven't got enough sleep though. The girl on the seat behind me made odd noises whenever I reclined my chair.
Anyway...
Touchdown KLIA2. So, this is how their "low cost" airport looks like. It is way cleaner, bigger and better looking than NAIA T1, T3 or T4. It is a long walk towards immigration area. The immigration procedures were a breeze. I had Php1000 changed to RM (Malaysian Ringgit). Airport rates are not really friendly. Exchange a lower amount if you just need it to pay for fare.
My first destination was KL. If you are not pressed for time, opt for the buses (RM10) instead of the expensive KLIA express (RM35). I took a bus to the city. The ride terminates in KL Sentral, a stop and hub for trains going around and out of the city. KL Sentral is a busy place and it is a terminal to at least four train lines. You need to buy tickets at separate ticket counters for a different line.
I temporarily got disoriented. I was very hungry and I didn't want to eat in McDonald's. I wanted to ditch the backpack, too. I used the locker service for the backpack (RM5), and thought of eating at any restaurant near the first tourist spot I'd be in.
There is no free wifi in KL Sentral.
I decided to go to Batu Caves since this was the first thing on my "plan". In actual, my plan was nothing but a MENTAL list of where to go. Nothing more. This is the time when you'll realize how badly I need the internet connection. I needed it so bad because I will get lost due to lack of information. My lack of real plans is starting to play tricks with me.
I did reach the Batu Caves. The tall golden statue of Lord Murugan (a Hindu deity) can be seen from the train station. I looked around for something local to eat. However, the choices revolve around Indian food. I haven't tasted anything Indian more than chicken curry. I didn't feel adventurous so I made a hike to the 272-step high staircase to the cave. On a hungry stomach!
There are many monkeys on the way up. They were not harmful but I've read somewhere that they steal food and probably other food-looking things from tourists. If you plan to bring snacks, good luck. I won't suggest anything more than water for replenishment. It's a religious place, after all.
Personally and coming from a non-Hindu visitor, if you only plan to take photos, the long stairs and the gold statue would do it. Otherwise, check the whole place. You might find something else to suit your travel goals.
When I got back to the Batu Caves train station I was already very hungry. I bought a Nescafe iced coffee drink. It wasn't stellar but it somehow took away my hunger.
Tip: Trains to and from Batu Caves depart at 30-minute intervals. Plan your spelunking accordingly to avoid missing a train.
I ate Nasi Goreng in a resto on the second level of KL Sentral. It was a good meal and a pleasant welcome.
It was around 3PM when I finished eating. I had coffee in Starbucks KL Sentral just so I could charge my phone and get wifi. After that, I withdrew my backpack and changed my clothes. I then took a train to Pudu Sentral.
Pudu Sentral is a hub for buses out of the capital. There were touts when I got off the station. One of them was too pushy. He got me though when he tried to speak in Tagalog. I took his service and he booked me a night bus to Butterworth (Penang). I paid RM35 for a six-hour uninterrupted bus ride.
Tip: When choosing any bus, check the fares. Usually, ticket counters are close to each other. Resist any tout and ask the person in the counter directly if the differences of RM5~RM8 matter to you. Otherwise, entertain the poor guy (I think getting a customer from the station gets them commission). Just don't forget to follow him and ask about every step that he makes. Inquire about the condition of the bus. Take the first class for trips greater than 3 hours.
Tip: There is a sleeper train to Butterworth from KL Sentral. However, tickets need to be reserved as early as 60 days in advance to ensure that you'll get a berth. Usually, these seats will already run out a week or two from the date of departure. Plan the return dates and book early.
After getting my ticket for a bus leaving at 11:30PM, I decided to roam around the city some more. I asked a local on how to get to the Petronas Twin Towers. She told me to take a train to KLCC station. This station is underground, located a few meters from the building itself. There is a mall after the turnstiles which spans a big floor area and is maybe a part of the towers.
I walked a few meters from the station to the designated picture spot in front of the towers. This area is lined with plant boxes and a fancy fountain.
After taking pictures of the famous twins, I went back to the station to head to Bukit Bintang. I've read something about this place and I just felt like I needed to go there while waiting for the time to pass.
Just before the flight of stairs going into the KLCC station, there is a Rotiboy store selling kopi roti, or coffee buns. The smell wafting around the place will guide you to where it is. Their kopi roti is the best I've tasted. Sadly, they only had Rotiboy, the original recipe, at the time. I roamed around the mall a little bit before heading to Bukit Bintang.
Mishap: Due to lack of research, I could've easily reached Bukit Bintang from the KLCC station by walking to the other end of the underground mall and taking an levated walkway to The Pavillion, a few meters from the Bukit Bintang station.
I didn't regret taking the train, though. I was able to see what Bukit Bintang is all about. It is an upscale lifestyle center with malls, fancy restaurants and bars. It is the type of place that could easily get featured in urban themed magazines. The "closest" (read: a fraction) to this setup in our country is Bonifacio High Street.
After passing the stretch of bars and restaurants, this is when I learned about the walkway which led me back to KLCC. I took a train to Pudu Sentral, had dinner in a Marrybrown outlet inside the transport hub, and waited until I could board the bus and leave for Penang.
(I will recount the events as chronologically as possible. I will also include the mishaps for guidance.)
Day 1
Depart MNL, Arrive KL
Who wouldn't say I'm excited? I think the Terminal 4 guard will. I arrived at 12mn only to know that they will open the gates at 3am. I had to stay on the waiting area just across the gates and tried to get a decent nap. Well, better than what could've happened if I overslept at home: There's a big chance I'll miss the 6:15am flight.
After checking in (I won't elaborate on the faux-concerned immigration officer), I had breakfast. I should've stuffed something in my bag. The food is way too expensive on the departure hall.
The plane ride is four hours long. I haven't got enough sleep though. The girl on the seat behind me made odd noises whenever I reclined my chair.
Anyway...
Touchdown KLIA2. So, this is how their "low cost" airport looks like. It is way cleaner, bigger and better looking than NAIA T1, T3 or T4. It is a long walk towards immigration area. The immigration procedures were a breeze. I had Php1000 changed to RM (Malaysian Ringgit). Airport rates are not really friendly. Exchange a lower amount if you just need it to pay for fare.
My first destination was KL. If you are not pressed for time, opt for the buses (RM10) instead of the expensive KLIA express (RM35). I took a bus to the city. The ride terminates in KL Sentral, a stop and hub for trains going around and out of the city. KL Sentral is a busy place and it is a terminal to at least four train lines. You need to buy tickets at separate ticket counters for a different line.
I temporarily got disoriented. I was very hungry and I didn't want to eat in McDonald's. I wanted to ditch the backpack, too. I used the locker service for the backpack (RM5), and thought of eating at any restaurant near the first tourist spot I'd be in.
There is no free wifi in KL Sentral.
I decided to go to Batu Caves since this was the first thing on my "plan". In actual, my plan was nothing but a MENTAL list of where to go. Nothing more. This is the time when you'll realize how badly I need the internet connection. I needed it so bad because I will get lost due to lack of information. My lack of real plans is starting to play tricks with me.
I did reach the Batu Caves. The tall golden statue of Lord Murugan (a Hindu deity) can be seen from the train station. I looked around for something local to eat. However, the choices revolve around Indian food. I haven't tasted anything Indian more than chicken curry. I didn't feel adventurous so I made a hike to the 272-step high staircase to the cave. On a hungry stomach!
 |
| The facade to Batu Caves |
 |
| Some of the monkeys siting on the handrails of the staircase to Batu Caves |
When I got back to the Batu Caves train station I was already very hungry. I bought a Nescafe iced coffee drink. It wasn't stellar but it somehow took away my hunger.
Tip: Trains to and from Batu Caves depart at 30-minute intervals. Plan your spelunking accordingly to avoid missing a train.
I ate Nasi Goreng in a resto on the second level of KL Sentral. It was a good meal and a pleasant welcome.
 |
| Nasi Goreng and Madu Lemon Tea |
It was around 3PM when I finished eating. I had coffee in Starbucks KL Sentral just so I could charge my phone and get wifi. After that, I withdrew my backpack and changed my clothes. I then took a train to Pudu Sentral.
Pudu Sentral is a hub for buses out of the capital. There were touts when I got off the station. One of them was too pushy. He got me though when he tried to speak in Tagalog. I took his service and he booked me a night bus to Butterworth (Penang). I paid RM35 for a six-hour uninterrupted bus ride.
Tip: When choosing any bus, check the fares. Usually, ticket counters are close to each other. Resist any tout and ask the person in the counter directly if the differences of RM5~RM8 matter to you. Otherwise, entertain the poor guy (I think getting a customer from the station gets them commission). Just don't forget to follow him and ask about every step that he makes. Inquire about the condition of the bus. Take the first class for trips greater than 3 hours.
Tip: There is a sleeper train to Butterworth from KL Sentral. However, tickets need to be reserved as early as 60 days in advance to ensure that you'll get a berth. Usually, these seats will already run out a week or two from the date of departure. Plan the return dates and book early.
After getting my ticket for a bus leaving at 11:30PM, I decided to roam around the city some more. I asked a local on how to get to the Petronas Twin Towers. She told me to take a train to KLCC station. This station is underground, located a few meters from the building itself. There is a mall after the turnstiles which spans a big floor area and is maybe a part of the towers.
I walked a few meters from the station to the designated picture spot in front of the towers. This area is lined with plant boxes and a fancy fountain.
 |
| The tallest structure in Southeast Asia: Petronas Twin Towers |
Just before the flight of stairs going into the KLCC station, there is a Rotiboy store selling kopi roti, or coffee buns. The smell wafting around the place will guide you to where it is. Their kopi roti is the best I've tasted. Sadly, they only had Rotiboy, the original recipe, at the time. I roamed around the mall a little bit before heading to Bukit Bintang.
 |
| Best Kopi Roti I've tasted |
I didn't regret taking the train, though. I was able to see what Bukit Bintang is all about. It is an upscale lifestyle center with malls, fancy restaurants and bars. It is the type of place that could easily get featured in urban themed magazines. The "closest" (read: a fraction) to this setup in our country is Bonifacio High Street.
 |
| The waterwork near Suria KLCC |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)