Met Kelly who gave us the Briefing Kit and an envelope containing S$60 as our "pocket money". We are Team No. 7 (Sue and me) and we are also required to have our pictures taken like Amazing Race. After a short briefing and photo taking, we went to check in and proceed to the departure hall to roam around. While waiting for our flight, we head down to the free internet kiosk to update our facebook and check our mails.
We board the flight at around 3:00 p.m and noticed that all overhead cabin storage were full so we decided to place our bag pack under the seat. 2 couples were late as a result our flight was delayed for a couple of minutes. The moment the couple board the flight, almost everyone on board clap their hands to welcome the late comers. Bet that they must be very embarrassed and frustrated.
Arrived safely at Penang International Airport at 4:30 p.m. and receiving a warm welcome from the Penang Tourism Board. There were kompangs, people in different costume, men in suits...felt like a princess for a day except we are not nicely dressed. Received goodie bag comprising of Penang Maps, T-Shirt (oh I can’t wear it coz the size is 2XL) and magnet. Not forgetting the handmade flowers with sweets.
Got airport transfer to hotel. There were two hotels in this challenge and we were glad that we were given Sunway Georgetown Hotel.
ITINERARY5 Important things we want to cover for this challenge
1. EAT - enjoy local food [chendol, Nasi Kandar, Roti Canai etc]
2. EXPERIENCE - local transport [Trishaw, Bus, Ferry etc]
3. SHOP - local product [Tau Sar Peah, Nutmeg oils]
4. NATURE & SCENERY - Penang Hill
5. CULTURE & HERITAGE - Unesco Heritage trail
Apart from the main itinerary, we also have our own itinerary to achieve.....
a) Girls time out and bonding - you may not believe it but this is our first trip together
b) How to maximize our "pocket money" of S$60 [RM141] in Penang - gotta be smart
c) Enjoy, Relax and Have Fun!
OUR HOTEL
Located at No. 33, New Lane (Off Jalan Macalister Road), Sunway Georgetown Hotel is within Georgetown and near to Komtar which also serve as a Bus Terminal. We got a spacious, clean room with huge wardrobe on the 10th floor .....Room No. 1003.
FIRST DAY IN PENANGDecided to roam around to get familiarize with the surroundings. On the flight, we met Philip who told us to check out the famous Penang Road Chendol and off we went to search for our Chendol. As we walked down the road, armed with maps, we were amazed by the surroundings - everything seems to be slow (compared to where we are from). Most shops have already closed ....and it's only 6 p.m.! Passed by a cake shop (can't recalled the name thou), got excited and went in. All the cakes are so vintage....cakes we used to eat when we were small..those with roses and leaves made from cream. Sue even joked that she wants to have a birthday cake something like that (maybe we should fly her to Penang to buy her own cake).
After ogling at all the cakes, we asked for direction on how to get to our Chendol. Were told that it might have closed as it was pretty late, decided to check it out. We got a little lost as we didn't know which exit to take from the overhead bridge. The map says go straight but there's no straight lane on the overhead bridge ????? We use our instinct and ask around.
Finally we arrived at our destination and lady luck was on our side. The chendol store was still opened. Ordered our delicious chendol, not to creamy, not to sweet. A bowl of chendol cost RM1.70.
FOOD (Dinner) - 1 July
After our Chendol, we strolled back to Komtar. As most shops are closed, we decided to walk back to the hotel and stopped by a shop opposite our hotel to check out our Tau Sar Peah. Uncle is very friendly and entertains our curiosity.
Asked the hotel concierge on where we can get good food for dinner as most of the stalls near the hotel sell Chinese Food (we were the only Malay team in this challenge). Were informed to either go to Padang Kota Lama which is along Lebuh Light or Padang Brown along Jalan Perak. As Padang Kota Lama is a bit too far for us to walk at night, we opt for Padang Brown. Again armed with our map and some drawings by the concierge, we head down to fill our hungry stomach. People were quite surprised to hear that we will be walking rather than hailing a cab, probably because most people in Penang either drive or ride a bike to their destination. We were also given pointers on which road we should avoid as it is not safe for us. Suggested that we tried Sotong with Kangkong, Pasembur and Satay Celop.
It took us about 20 minutes to reach our destination. It looked like Newton Circus but probably in the olden days. Decided to order Sotong with KangKong, Pasembur and Satay Celop. This is the first time we are having Satay Celop so we were a bit suaku. There's two type of sauce - one contains peanut and the other chilli.
Sotong with KangKong - RM3, Pasembur - RM3, Satay Celop - RM4. All are delicious and YUMMY!!!!! After a heavy dinner, we stroll back to the hotel to catch our beauty sleep. Zzzzz
FOOD (Breakfast) - 2 July
Started off at 8:30 a.m. after a light breakfast at the hotel and head to the famous Roti Canai (or more commonly known as Roti Prata) along Jalan Transfer. The stall looks shabby and as we were still full, we ordered one Roti Canai to share. The owner must be thinking that we are two crazy girls who can't stop snapping photos and ordered one Roti Canai to share. Verdict: Roti Canai better than Jalan Kayu...still warm, crispy, soft and the curry is not too spicy or thick. Cost: RM0.80
Across the road, we saw a "Bengali" pushcart selling kuehs. Curious on what he sell, we went over to take more photos.
BAGPACKER HOTEL
It's not in our itinerary but we fall in love with this place. It was love at first sight! An old double storey house. It's Cheap....RM90 for a deluxe room for 2 pax with basic stuff. Hutton Lodge located at Lorong Hutton.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 1First on our list was Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion but we were informed at the entrance that opening hours is at 11am-12pm and 3pm-4pm. Since it's still early, we decided to move on to our Second destination - Town Hall.
About 10 minutes walked from Lebuh Leith, we arrived at the Town Hall but it was closed for renovation. Managed to catch a few pictures of Town Hall. The Town Hall was used for theatrical performance and weddings but nowadays people would rather have their weddings held in hotel. It will be cool to have a wedding here!
From Town Hall, we walk down to City Hall. They stood side by side, City Hall is in white whereas Town Hall in yellow. The City Hall is now used by the Municipal Council of Penang Island. Didn't roam inside the City Hall as we saw a queue of people.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 2 - CLOCK TOWERFrom Jalan Padang Kota Lama, we stroll along the seaside (Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakah) towards Pesara King Edward. The sun is blazing and we were walking facing the sun. A few minutes walk, we arrived at our destination - the Clock Tower which was built in 1897 to commemorate the 60th year of Queen Victoria's reign and decided to do our Star Jump.
Approached 2 men who apparently are the Tour Guides to help us take our photos. And specifically mentioned that we had special request - catch us in the air while doing the star jump. We had to try at least 5 jumps as it was tough for our "photographers" to catch us.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 3 - CHEONG FATT TZE MANSIONWe were 5 minutes late when we arrived at the entrance of the Mansion. Bought our entrance ticket of RM12 each and went to follow the guided tour. No pictures were allowed in the Mansion and we were also not allowed to roam around.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion won the Unesco Award in 2000. There's also a hotel or rather rooms for tourist in the Mansion, about RM380 per night inclusive of breakfast for 2. Apart from the rooms, there's also space for rent where film makers can rent to do their film. According to the guide, a French Film - Indochine was filmed there in 1992 (
http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/indochine.html)
Didn’t want to follow the full guided tour due to time constraint so we left the mansion and took our solo jump outside the mansion.
TRISHAWHeard that it is expensive for a ride. In Malacca, they charged about RM50 an hour. Was telling Sue if it's going to be too expensive, we would have to strike this off our list.
Who knows lady luck was on our side again. A trishaw uncle approached us outside of the Mansion and offered RM10 to bring us to a few places. He looked old and fragile, without hesitation we agree and request for him to bring us to two places.
Wonder where uncle got his strength to cycle with 2 girls on board?
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 4 - GODDESS OF MERCY TEMPLE
It was hot when we reached the temple. It was one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. As the temple was filled with smoke from the burning joss sticks and candles, we decided to take a picture from outside and proceed to our next destination.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 5 - THE PINANG PERANAKAN MANSION (Part I)
The Peranakan or Straits Chinese is most commonly known as Babas and Nyonyas. Most of the Babas and Nyonyas can be found either in Penang, Malacca or Singapore. They speak in a language mix with Hokkien, Malay and English - like rojak.
In the early days, most of the Nyonyas wore Baju Panjang over Kain Batik then they "upgraded" to Kebayas with embroideries and Kain Batik. The ladies spend most of their time sewing embroideries, beaded shoes or playing Chiki Game. Understand that the younger generation do not know how to play this game.
The Mansion was the house of Kapitan Cheong Kng Kwi. There are some similarities between Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Peranakan Mansion - the Inner Court Airwell. It is for Fengshui purposes - the Ying and the Yang. The Inner Court Airwell is usually located in the middle of the house with four pillars made from steel. The Inner Court Airwell is without a roof to allow rain water to be collected and used in the house, sunlight as source of light in the day and wind for ventilation. Most carvings in the house were craved by China men back in 1894 while the floorings by the British.
Entrance Fee: RM10 per person
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 6 - THE PINANG PERANAKAN MANSION (Part II)As we roam inside the house, we were captivated by the beauty of the wood carvings and antiques. It reminded us of our younger days. Among the antiques are the Vaseline Glasses from Britain that can hold flowers and fruits, switches, camera, Golf Clubs made from wood, record player and an old British Pram. Electricity and water only started in 1902 and prior to that they depend on well and rain water as well as Pelita (Oil Lamp).
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 7 - SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE
Located along Lebuh Queen, the Sri Mahamariamman is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang build sometime in 1800. The temple was closed when we arrived.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 8 - KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE
The mosque was built sometime in 1900s for the Indian Muslim Community in Penang. Inside the mosque, there's a small pool where Muslims who go there to perform their prayers can cleanse themselves (taking wuduk). We had a short glimpse of the interior as we didn't want to disturb people who are praying.
For ladies, we were required to wear the headscarf and long dress to cover ourselves (head and from neck down). There are a few rules to observe before entering a mosque which is listed at the entrance of the mosque.
GOLD BAZAAR
As we walked along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Lebuh Buckingham, there were a number of goldsmith shop/jewellers. It's something for us to take note of in case we wanted to design our own jewellery and have it custom made.
OUR HERITAGE TRAIL 9 - KHOO KONGSI
Located at 18 Canon Square, Khoo Kongsi is for the Khoo clan. Built in sometime between late 1800 and early 1900. The ground floor serves as a museum whereas the prayer room and rooms for worship where tablet of ancestors were located on level 2.
The Khoo clan originated from the Chan clan lineage. The Khoo Kongsi documents the ancestors of the Sin Kang Khoo clan before and after Chian Eng Keong which spans over 1,000 years. According to history, the Sin Kang Leong San Tong Khoo clan is
divided into 4 sectional groups and they formed the descendants of the Khoos from the 4th to the 8th generations. The Khoo Kongsi complex consists of clanhouse Leong San Tong, an administrative building with meeting hall and office, an opera stage and 62 units of shop houses.
Entrance Fee: RM5 per person
Things to take note: Take pictures without flash and no food or drinks allowed.
FOOD (Lunch) - 2 July
Had Nasi Kandar for lunch at a shop along Jalan Chulia. We ordered a plate of Nasi Kandar to share as we were not hungry but thirsty due to the heat.
Nasi Kandar is popular in Penang, it consists of a plate of white rice and a combination of 6 different types of curry gravy (from light brown to dark brown). We chose to add Cuttlefish curry and some vegetables.
Verdict: Not too spicy, not to sweet.
Cost: RM4
NATURE & SCENERY - PENANG HILL
We hop on Bus No. 204 from the Jetty to Penang Hill which took about 50 minutes. Our bus fare cost us RM1.50 each.
Bukit Bendera or known as Penang Hill is located along Jalan Hill Railway, Air Itam. Penang Hill is about 833 metres above sea-level.
From the base, we took a monorail up for RM4 each (return tickets). Monorail departs every half an hour and we would need to transfer to another monorail somewhere in between the 833 metres. As the cabins were full, we had to stand all the way up to Penang Hill.
We were amazed by the magnificent view. Eventhough the sky was hazy, we managed to see part of Penang and the Penang Bridge from the hill. With a beautiful view, chill weather....we did our Star Jump.
MOMENT TOGETHER
Call it a romantic time together....we had a cup of Camomile Tea at David Brown's Restaurant. Apart from enjoying our quiet time together, we enjoy the scenetic view from the top. It is a great place to hold garden party. As we sip our tea, we could hear birds chirping, monkeys jumping and squirrels running around.
SHOP
From Penang Hill, we took a bus back to our hotel for RM1.50 each. Went to Hun Ming Trading across our hotel to buy Tau Sar Peah and Nutmeg Oil. Uncle suggested that we buy Nutmeg Balm instead of oil. Got a box of Tau Sar Peah, bottle of Nutmeg Balm and not forgetting the famous Shrimp Paste to make Rojak. We spent RM10 after getting discounts for our purchase.
EXPERIENCE - TRANSPORTATIONApart from the Bus and Trishaw, we wanted to try the Penang Ferry. The lower deck are for vehicles and upper deck for passengers. The ferry shuttles between Penang and Butterworth. We took a bus for RM1 each from Komtar to the Jetty and when we arrived, we were informed that the next Ferry will depart at 11p.m. It would take about 30 minutes to reach Butterworth. Ferry ride from Penang to Butterworth is Free and from Butterworth to Penang is RM1.20 each.
As it was getting late and the sky was hazy, we decided to cancel our ferry ride.
FOOD - GURNEY DRIVEFrom the Jetty, we took a bus No. 104 to Gurney Drive famous for its open air food stalls. The bus ticket cost RM1.50 each. As the bus didn't stop directly at Gurney Drive, we had to walk a short distance. By the time we reached Gurney Drive, most of the stalls are closed. We were disappointed that we are unable to get our Char Kuay Teow and Penang Laksa.
From Gurney Drive, we took a cab back to our hotel which cost us RM20. We also found out from the Taxi Driver that taxis in Penang don't go by metre but rather by price. Penang is a small island and most people already own a car and roads are pretty close to one another. After midnight, taxi fare will be charged an additional 50% but we were lucky not to be charged (maybe we look pathetic :))
LAST DAY IN PENANGReached our hotel at 1:30 a.m., had a quick shower and pack our bags before we get our beauty sleep. As our flight is at 9:05 a.m., we had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to freshen up. We were too sleepy to eat our breakfast.
We got to know Melissa and Derrick (from another team) and shared a cab with them to the airport. Our driver, Mr Rajber Singh (a colleague recommended me to contact him) fetches us at 7 a.m. We were lucky that the traffic was smooth and we arrived at the airport around 7:45 a.m. Taxi fare of RM35 was shared between us, therefore we only paid RM17.50 each.
OUR DEPARTUREApart from Melissa and Derrick, we also got to know Poh & husband, Marieanne and girlfren (hope we spell their names correctly), wished that we had more time to get to know the other teams and keep in contact with them.
Before we depart, we round up all the 9 teams (one team missing) for a group photo.
JETSTAR CREWWanted to take a picture with the Steward and Stewardess when we took the flight to Penang....but finally we managed to take one with the crew for our last league - Penang - Singapore.
BUDGET
Did we burst our budget? For this challenge, airfare and accommodation are included and hotel transfer from airport to hotel.
Our Grand Total: RM147
(disclaimer: the total does not include our personal shopping and drinks. The amount is inclusive of things we wanted to do, eat, shop and land transportation including entrance fees)
OUR EXPERIENCE
We truly enjoyed ourselves together in Penang. Eventhough it was a challenge (yes it was challenging to manage RM141 for 3 days 2 nights), we wasn't pushing ourselves but enjoying each other company. We also prove that girls can read Map!!
Through this trip, we got to know each other better and I am fortunate to have known and have a friend like Sue. We were the only Malay folks in the challenge, as most of the hawker foods are mainly non-halal we had a little tough time looking for halal food. We came back not only with a bag of goodies, extra luggage in our tummy but also fond memories of Penang and the other teams that we got to know.
Penang is a nice place, it's easy to get around and people are friendly and helpful.
If we win this challenge, we would have another bonding time together in Hong Kong.
We both had so much fun and hope we will win! :)
