PENANG REVISITED

It was years ago when I last visited Penang. This year end my wife and I planned to revisit this beautiful “Pearl of the Orient” island of Penang. I have been to Penang many times and at times, I took along my wife to spend the holidays. We would stay in Penang and I went to do my work in Butterworth, crossing the channel by the Ferry. I would leave my wife behind on the island for her to go around the city. My wife too, who was with the Headquarters of the Health Ministry, used to go to Penang a few times, either by herself or with a group from the office, giving training, attending seminars or meetings at various levels of the management.

Among the best hotels that I used to stay, in term of its situation is the one that is near where hawkers selling various types of soup. These stall are situated in front of the hotel and the crowd will tell you that their dish is popular.

Planning the Trip

In November 2012 we went to Langkawi by the normal express bus to the Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. One way trip took about 6 to 8 hours, including a few stops along the way. For this return trip to Penang we intended to travel by the executive express bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. We saw a few of these busses during our last trip and wonder how it feels like to travel with such a bus.

We planned to go to Penang on the 26^th December 2012, staying about 4 days. I have to start looking for a room early, preferably at the hotel that I used to stay when I visited Penang. This is to avoid any disappointment as the Christmas season is still in the air and the school holiday is still in the last few days before the new term start. I browsed the internet and book a room at the same hotel and paid an advance by online on the 21^st November 2012, though it’s a bit too early but we are sure to have a room on our arrival.

I browsed the internet looking for an executive express bus, and I found one that suits our taste. The fare is quite expensive, though and costs double compared to the normal express bus. My wife insisted to travel with this bus to see how the differences are as whether it is actually an “executive” bus. I booked the return tickets on the 8^th December 2012, departing from Kuala Lumpur at about 9:20 am on the 26^th December 2012.

On 16^th December 2012 we went to the Ticket Counter at the bus terminal situated at the old KTMB to collect the boarding passes for our trip. We were given the first front seats of 2B and 2C which is the same seat numbers for our return trip.

We really do hope that the drivers did not smoke while driving, as we are a very sensitive to the smoke from any type of cigarettes, which may cause us getting the travel-sickness during the journey. Our experience with our last trip to Kuala Perlis where we were given the second row seats was that the driver did smoke, even if he opens the window beside him, we would still smell the smoke and that makes us uneasy and it may cause us with sore throats. Anyway, on our return trip from Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur, the driver did not smoke, instead he just put on an unlighted cigarette or the local called it as “rokok daun” (Home-made cigarettes from tobacco wrapped in dried palm shoot) on his lips, maybe to release his tension. Anyway, he took a good decision and his own time to smoke when we stopped at a Rest & Service area while the bus was being filled-up with fuel for the journey.

On-Line Bus Ticket Booking System

It’s about time the system to book these bus tickets online be modified to enable the customers to choose any seats available. I read a comment on my article about traveling by the express bus which was published in this blog on 26 November 2012 entitled “Returning to Langkawi”. The reader of Vri Travels from Bangalore, Karnataka, India, wrote that their system to book a bus ticket includes the choice of seat, hassle free cancellation of ticket bookings, a simple money transaction and “what you see is what you pay, with no extra charges” tickets. I browsed the Internet at www.ticketgoose.com to confirm the comment. It’s good to see the differences and the innovative others have in their system. Anyway, through experience, booking tickets with our local airlines have the options to choose our seats, but with a cost.

Luggage Tags

It’s normal that all passengers are required to place their luggage in the luggage compartment, usually at the lower part and on the left side of the bus. This compartment is locked by the driver for any trip. If any passenger would like to stop anywhere on the way, usually before reaching the end of the trip or the bus terminal, the driver has to go down to open the compartment allowing the passenger to take their luggage. The driver wouldn’t know which luggage belongs to whom, and he just have to trust the passenger. In this situation, someone may, either by mistake or purposely took someone else’s luggage, especially, when it happens that the luggage may looks almost similar among the other luggage in the compartment. The real owner of these luggages did not come down to see if their luggage is still in the compartment and not taken away by any irresponsible persons.

It would be a good practice if the bus operators would issue “Luggage Tags” to the passengers after buying a ticket and given a “boarding pass”. The “Luggage Tags” will be issued according to the number of luggage carried and placed in the compartment only. This would help the passenger to identify their luggage and the driver, in doubt, would be able check and confirm according to the boarding passes. This is one safety measures that the bus operator should take seriously and look back at the many unpleasant incidents that have caused a lot of problems, both to the bus operators and the passengers. Besides practicing a good standard, it will always help the innocent passengers and the public as a whole.

The Trip

On the morning of the trip, 26^th December 2012, I called the local taxi to send us from our home to the bus terminal at the Old Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur. We reached the bus terminal early and we have our breakfast at the station, rested at the lounge, served with no other than coffee. We were told that some kind of food would be served at the lounge for our breakfast. I have to buy some food from the shops nearby the terminal to complete my breakfast, as I did not take anything before leaving my home.

The bus started its journey at about 9:30 am, going around the KL Sentral and the Hartamas area, if I am not mistaken, to enable some passengers to join us before going into the North-South (PLUS) highway towards the northern part of the Peninsula. On the way, we saw a skidded lorry tanker being attended by the authorities, and luckily it happened on the other side of the highway, going south to Kuala Lumpur. It’s sorry to see a long crawl for more than 5 kilometers.

The bus continues its journey stopping only at a Rest Area for about 10 minute for the passengers who might want to go to the toilet. Although it was already noon and lunch time, the bus continues its journey to Penang that took about 4½ hours from Kuala Lumpur. This is a reminder to all future passengers to be prepared with your own lunch during the trips as the “lunch” provided by the bus was only a “bun” and two (2) packet drinks which we may take it as snacks. Maybe it was a bit early in the morning. We cannot assume it as “lunch” if it’s not enough to satisfy your taste buds and hungry stomach. It does not matter if you can survive the whole trip without stretching yourself for the long hours. They should be able to prepare a real lunch, even a pack of “nasi lemak” is reasonable enough. You can make your own definitions as to whether this is actually an “executive bus” or not, and may not worth compared to the fare.

We reached the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang at about 2:30 pm. We took a taxi to the hotel at Penang Road to check-in. Our room overlooked the east, and every morning, we would see the beautiful sunrises. At the hotel, we met Mrs. Jeya who has been with this hotel for more than 30 years. We knew and remember her by her charm and the ability to speak the local Chinese dialect fluently although she is an Indian by race.

After check-in, we went for a late lunch at a restaurant. We saw these nostalgic photos in this restaurant which we would like to share. We won’t be able to see these nowadays, especially the “double-decker” busses in the city, even in Kuala Lumpur.

Later in the evening, we went around the town just to enjoy the scenery. We found there are a few shops that hire motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. It is normal to rent these vehicles nowadays and we found the same activity when we visited Labuan and Langkawi. These shops will not worry when you rent these vehicles in Labuan and Langkawi, as it is an island and there is no chance of getting out of the island with it. Except for Penang, it may cost you a bit higher with all other documents as part of the deposit, isn’t it?

For our dinner we enjoyed the “ox-tail soup” with locally-baked bread at the stall in front of the hotel.

The next morning we went to visit a friend at his office on the 37^th floor of the KOMTAR Tower. We could not meet him but left a message instead, and went down to the shopping complex. At a shoe shop, we met a lady, a supervisor, who said that she saw us walking romantically hand-in-hand while she was in the bus going to the KOMTAR Complex. She was very friendly and we have a wonderful time with her. This surprised us as the same incident did happened in Labuan, where we were seen going to the market by a lady who sells the head gear at a shopping complex. Anyway, at this age, what else do we have except each other?

The Penang Hill or “Bukit Bendera”

Later we went to the Penang Hill. We took a bus from the Bus Terminal at KOMTAR Complex that ends at the Penang Hill site, and the one-way fare is only RM2 per person. It was a pleasant drive by the Rapid Penang bus packed with both the locals and tourists alike. The ticket for the ride uphill and return is only RM4 for senior citizens like us. The crowd was beyond expectation as it was still in the school holidays, and there was a long queue for the tickets.

While queuing, I met this couple from Holland and currently living in Bangkok, Thailand. We talked and they asked if there is a possibility to walk down the hill on their return trip. I told them it is possible with the availability of the track, and it may take about 3 hours to reach at the downhill station. We departed and I hope they enjoyed their trip and wish them a Happy New Year 2013.

The trip with the new train uphill took only about 5 to 6 minutes, compared to the former carriage that took about 20 to 30 minutes. We have no chance to look around and enjoying the sceneries while going up or return. The carriage was full with standing passengers, thus blocking the views. There were a lot of difference enjoying the trip by way of the old carriage and the new current electric carriage. You may browse www.penanghill.gov.my for more information.

We reached the top of the Penang Hill or “Bukit Bendera” as the local called it, and there were a large crowd. The sceneries were still beautiful and atmosphere is still cool except that the authorities has to make sure this tourist spot is well maintained and has to limit its development as not to ruin the panoramic view of the area.

There are a lot of new developments on the hill. A food stall complex, The Cliff Café was built to accommodate the many visitors. We went to the hotel and restaurant that we used to dine to celebrate a birthday. We met the caretaker who still remembered us when we asked about the “green” snakes that used to slither among the climbers and shades looking for its favorite food, the house lizard, maybe. We remembered the hotel rooms were being renovated then and now they are ready for use.

In the evening, we walked around the city. We have this “Laksa Penang” and “Cendol with durian” at this lovely outlet of the KOMTAR Walk.

There is a beautiful and antique dressing table placed at a corner of the shop. The owner told me that this antique is as it was with no modification or repairs done, and is still in its original state.

The “Street Arts” of Penang

The next day we went looking for the road where “The Street Arts” is, where they draw on the walls of the buildings around the Armenian Road. We did asked around, but sometimes the local themselves does not know the existence of this beautiful arts. With the aid of the town map, we manage to locate the area, and of course, these drawings were in various building around the area. There are a lot of other visitors, be it local or not, will gather around to catch a glimpse and take photos with their own interpretations. 

I was wondering if our artists in Kuala Lumpur could do something like what their colleagues in Penang did. I am sure it will be another hit and a tourist attraction. Why not change those drawings along the Klang River near the Central Market. We have to do something that would show the ability of the artists themselves rather that those “unexplained” arts drawn on those walls. We have to choose the right area for these drawings as it would help the fans to enjoy them. There is no need for them to go down to the banks to admire the paintings. The water of the Klang River might rise to the level that will hinder the visitors from enjoying the arts.

On the way returning to the hotel, we met a young lady with a bicycle, waiting for her friend. She’s enjoying herself traveling around with her own bicycle that she brought along from Switzerland. My wife introduced herself and we wishes Miss Zaloda a happy holiday and New Year 2013.

The Favorites of Penang

We took our lunch at the “Line Clear” Restaurant, and this time we were a bit early and the place was not that crowded. We remembered the day before there was a long queue for the famous dish in Penang, the “Nasi Kandar”. Jokingly, I told the proprietor that the name of this stall should be “Line NOT Clear” as the name “Line Clear” does not show its ability to accept the many visitors for the favorite dish. 

After lunch, we went to the Chowrasta Market, where they sell the many types of pickles. The favorite is the local nutmeg fruits and there are various species of fruits that has turned into pickles, of which some of these fruits were brought either from Thailand or Indonesia. We bought some of these pickles for a friend who has asked us to buy for her. We were told that if you go to Penang and does not go to this market to buy at least one type of pickles, that meant you have not go to the true Penang itself. 

The Return Home

Our holiday ended on Saturday, 29 December 2012, and our return trip was scheduled at 11:00 am from the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal. As usual we have our breakfast at the hotel and I would have my daily favorite dish. 

We check out at about 10:00 am, and later left for the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal by taxi. We were about 30 minutes early, and we have ample time to relax waiting for the bus. My principle is that “I will wait for the bus because the bus won’t wait for me”, and that include air flights, appointments or anything, for that matter.

The time we step our foot at the Terminal, the touts were ready to harass us to buy tickets from them for any destination you want. It’s a nuisance even if we told them we already have our tickets, and they seem not to believe us at all. The best action is just ignore them, let them say whatever they want, and at the end, they will disappear looking for a new customer.

The bus arrived in time. We packed our luggage into its compartment, and board the bus. We were greeted by a lovely girl who was the Flight Attendant (FA) for the journey back to Kuala Lumpur. During the journey, this FA is very polite and went around asking the passengers who might need any assistance or the headphones for the video. I used my phone’s headphone to listen to the music from the video player. She would served the snacks and drinks, attending to the passengers who might want anything, such as the blanket, hot drinks or else she will be going around collecting any waste as the serving table at the seat is too small to hold these litters. We wish her success and a Happy New Year 2013.

I mentioned these facts as the FA during our trip to Penang, to my observation, did not do her job well. Although she wears her blouse uniform, but her slack is the “low-cut” that does not fit well while doing her job. She did not offer anything to the passengers, such as the headphones, hot drinks and alike. Collecting rubbish was only done almost at the end of the journey. She spoke in English, with a different peculiar slang (Indonesian?), for the announcement but did not see her attending to the passengers. Most of the time during the trip she will be just sitting attending her mobile phone, instead.

We reached Kuala Lumpur at about 4:30 pm, the bus stopped at KL Sentral to allow any passengers to disembark. We have our late lunch at a restaurant at the KL Sentral before getting the taxi to our home.

Conclusion

I have been to Penang, by flight, car and the express bus. The three different ways of traveling with a lot of memories, and as time goes by, it will be remembered only by the photos that we took. During my working days, too, I have travelled to almost all the states in Malaysia. It was something good to think of.

For the past few months, we have been travelling to a few places, some of which we have been there before. We would be able to see any differences in development or improvement since the last visit. It’s the first visit that touched our hearts to come back to recall the memories. The next place we would like to go is the cool Cameron Highlands, most likely in the coming February 2013, hopefully.

Note: Some of the comments are writer’s own, without prejudice, hoping that it will help to improve wherever needed.

Published: 13 01 13.

RETURNING TO LANGKAWI

We returned from our trip to FT Labuan in early October 2012 hoping that we would be able to visit the island again. We remembered Langkawi, a picturesque and beautiful island. I have been to Langkawi a few times when I was working with the government. My wife has also been there, attending and giving seminars and trainings when she was attached with the Ministry of Health Headquarters. Remembering the sweet memories during our past visits, we planned to go to Langkawi again, to recollect whatever we might have left behind.

Planning the trip

I used to travel to Langkawi both by land or air. If I were to travel by land, I would take my wife along to accompany me on my trip. I chose any days that is convenient to her so that she could take a few days leave for her to enjoy herself then. As usual, I prepared our own budget for this trip and make sure that every need is cared for.

My wife and I planned to go by land this coming holiday, taking the express bus instead of driving from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis. We have been to Langkawi by the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal, but this time we will go a bit further north to the Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. From this terminal, the ferry would take a minimum of 45 minutes for the journey to Langkawi.

Booking bus tickets nowadays, with the growing internet technology would preferably do by online. I browsed online to look for the trips by the popular bus around, and found a reasonable departure time and fare. I contacted this local express bus for the journey to Kuala Perlis.

I used my credit card to book my flights to Labuan, and with that experience, booking the bus tickets is no problem to me anymore. I received my e-ticket but without the seat numbers. I inquired details on this e-ticket and received a reply by email stating the seat numbers for my trip to Kuala Perlis and back to Kuala Lumpur.

Hotel Booking

Booking a hotel room is also not so much a problem. The only problem is our return trip. The bus would depart Kuala Perlis for Kuala Lumpur at about 10:15 am, and thus I have to make sure I would reach the Kuala Perlis Bus Terminal before the departure time. I might not be able to get any early ferry tickets from Kuah in Langkawi, and the ferry to Kuala Perlis would take a maximum of 1¼ hours, not taking into account any extra time needed for any unexpected delay along the route, and thus I may not be able to catch the bus at the right time.

I have to rearrange my trip to stay for two (2) nights only in Langkawi, and then left Langkawi a day earlier to Kuala Perlis, stayed for one night to catch the bus the next day. I make an arrangement for a night stay in Kuala Perlis and I was able to book a room at a hotel nearby the Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal and not far from the Bus Terminal. I promised the hotel to see them and settled the payment on my arrival at Kuala Perlis on the 13^th November 2012 bound for Langkawi.

With that arrangement, I called a hotel in Langkawi that my wife and I were familiar with to book a room for a 2-night stay. On confirmation I paid an advance through the local bank. 

The Hotels: Eagle Bay, Langkawi and T-Hotel, Kuala Perlis

All the preparations were done to our satisfaction. I booked my bus tickets as early as 13^th October 2012 and the hotels were done on 19^th October 2012. Our trips only began on 13^th November 2012 and that was about one (1) month preparing for the trip. I have to make sure that everything was scheduled as it should be, and I prefer to prepare myself early so that I would be able to settle any last minute change before the trip. Although the trip was still a long way to go, I have no worries as the bus and the hotel rooms were ready for us, except for the Ferry tickets which I could not book online.

The trip

We hired a taxi early in the morning of the 13^th November 2012 for the Puduraya Bus Terminal, Kuala Lumpur to catch the bus that departs at 9.00 am. This is our first travelling a long distance with a bus and we hope it would be a memorable trip.

It has been quite a while ever since I travelled with an express bus. Travelling in an express bus in my younger days was something expensive. Nowadays express busses are everywhere, wherever you want to go, make your own choice which type of these busses that you like to travel with. The fares are almost the same among these busses. You may want to travel at night and reach your destination the next day with ample time to be at your office.

We boarded the Transnasional bus express at 9:00 am, 13^th.November 2012 at Puduraya Bus Terminal. This bus terminal was opened in 1976 to cater for all busses and taxis going out of Kuala Lumpur. It was recently renovated or make-over, renamed as Pudu Sentral and was re-opened in April 2012. Most of the internal parts of the building was rearranged and rebuild with a new look, with more space for the public and the food courts were moved to the top floor. However, the boarding area which is at the ground floor is still the same and some changes have to be done to the area for the convenience of the passengers.

The boarding bay could not accommodate more than two busses, thus the busses should arrive at the boarding bay in time and with enough time for the passengers to board and packed their luggage. We were instructed to go down to board the bus from Platform 10 but the bus was not at this platform, instead it was parked at Platform 9. We have to ask around for the right bus to board.

Passengers should only be allowed to go down to the boarding area after the bus has arrived, not earlier or else it will crowd the already limited waiting space. A staff should check the ticket of the passengers for a particular trip or bus before allowing them to go down to the boarding area whenever the bus has arrived and ready for boarding. The waiting area for the passengers at the first floor is a much better place to wait for the bus than crowding and standing at the boarding area. This boarding area is smoky and it’s not good to our health. 

The new look of Pudu Sentral Bus Terminal and the bus for Kuala Perlis and Kangar

The trip began when the bus entered the North-South Expressway (PLUS) going toward the northern part of the Peninsula. At one point, the bus has to crawl for almost 1½ hours due to a tanker skidded on the way nearby Tangkak, Perak. This has slowed down our trip and has made us restless for the balance trip to Kuala Perlis, hoping that we will arrive in time for the ferry to Langkawi. 

The accident on the North-South Expressway and the long queue

We arrived at the Kuala Perlis Bus Terminal at about 5:30 pm, almost 2 hours late. We rushed to the Ferry Terminal for Langkawi, and luckily we were able to get the ferry tickets which were for the last trip, leaving at about 7:00 pm. The ferry terminal was crowded with passengers, mostly locals who are either returning back to Langkawi or those who came from the various states in the Peninsula for a holiday in Langkawi, not to forget the foreign tourists too. The ferry terminal is in a sorry state as it is under repairs and renovation without any proper planning. They have to partition the area to separate the working area with the crowd. The whole terminal is in a mess with not enough facilities. Glass panels were broken everywhere, not enough lighting and fans, lack of chairs in the waiting area and most of the passengers have to sit on the floor, children screaming and crying as the whole area were warm and hot that makes the passengers restless while waiting for the last ferry to Langkawi. Adding to that, it was a very dirty place, with rubbish all over the area. Not enough signage to inform and educate the public. Something has to be done by the management of the Ferry Terminal for the best interest of the passengers and the public as a whole. 

The crowd, both inside and at the porch of the Ferry Terminal

It was already dark when the Ferry started its voyage to Kuah, Langkawi and we could not see anything from the window. It looks like the journey took a much longer time. We reached the Kuah Ferry Terminal at about 9:30 pm, took a taxi to the hotel and check-in at about 9:45 pm. We were very tired and hope we would be able to enjoy our holiday in Langkawi as from the next day.

A signage that says a thousand words

Before coming to Langkawi, my wife browsed the internet looking for any car-rental service. She found one through a blog http://www.cekmatfm.blogspot.com of whom the blogger is currently working in a government agency and now a loyal resident of Langkawi. We paid the rental through a local bank, and on the specific day accepted the car, a Perodua Kembara from a very friendly and talkative mother of four children. We were very fortunate to have met this family and would like to say “terima kasih” to them for the generosity and hospitality given to us. I am sure it would be totally different if we were to accept the car rental that was ushered to us when we arrived at the Ferry Terminal. Rest assured we would definitely contact them again for our next trip to Langkawi and may recommend their service to our friends too. 

Our transportation

We went to the main town of Kuah for lunch and we were very surprised to see a large crowd enjoying their shopping. They were mostly from the mainland Peninsula coming down to Langkawi to shop for cooking utensils, clothes, sweets and chocolates, travelling bags that is big enough to be filled with whatever they bought or anything else that they can make profits of. The crowds include all levels, the young and the old looking and buying whatever they need.  Langkawi is a free trade zone and the price may be cheaper than that on the mainland, we wonder!

We were also told that almost all places of interest were crowded with either tourist that comes in busses or groups and families in rented cars. The roads were packed with various types of transportation, travelling around the island. There are a lot of differences between the “old” Langkawi that we know of than that of the “today’s” Langkawi. During our earlier visit, the streets are not as busy as today. Some of the shops have been replaced with new buildings. The roads are well kept, no more the blackish estuary of the river that flows dividing the town of Kuah. The food stalls by the river facing the sea is no more to be seen. That was quite a long time ago, and we are proud of the new developed Langkawi. 

The pride of Langkawi

We visited a few tourist spots such as the “Princess Mahsuri’s tomb”, the “Galeria Perdana”, the hot spring at a place of the same name “Air Hangat”. Not to forget the “Eagle Square”, the landmark and the pride of Langkawi, the place with a lot of memories during our last visit.

At the “Princess Mahsuri’s Tomb” we found that the area was completely different from what we saw during our last visit. A new building was built near the tomb, as a museum, to display the historical items that were left of this popular history or legend. The Princess’s well which was originally small and naturally built have been enclosed with concrete and thus there is no more originality of these monuments and its historic legends. The house which was said belonged to this Princess is about time needed to be restored. These places were crowded with tourists and visitors that came in busses, cars and vans that parked along the road. The small parking space is not enough to accommodate all these vehicles. 

Top: The Princess Mahsuri's Tomb; Below from Right:
Visit to Galeria Perdana; Hot spring "Air Hangat"

Preparing for the return trip

We have to stay in Kuala Perlis for a night to catch our bus the next day. We check-out of the hotel and left by ferry to Kuala Perlis at noon. I bought the tickets a day earlier to avoid any disappointment, and as usual the Terminal was crowded with passengers. The condition of this Ferry Terminal is no difference with that of the Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. The crowd have completed their shopping spree and are returning home with the most luggages they could carry. We have to make our way through the crowd and make sure we were able to wait nearest to the boarding gate so that we will not miss the trip.

It took 1¼ hours to travel by Ferry from Kuah to Kuala Perlis. We check-in at the hotel in Kuala Perlis which is in-front of the Ferry Terminal. It was booked and confirmed when I arrived earlier on my way to Langkawi. Kuala Perlis is a small town, but the most crowded is near and around the Ferry Terminal. The few restaurants are continuously crowded with their patrons; the road-side stalls are selling various local products especially those which are the favourite in this small northern state of the Peninsula.

It is not unusual that we used to look for anything that could not be found in our hometown, be it anything that we could taste and enjoy. We walked along the food stalls that was built along side the beach, and was introduced by the owner of a stall to a green brinjal which tasted sweet when roasted and taken with hot and spicy sauce. The shellfish called “mentaram” looks very unfamiliar as we have not seen it before. It looks ugly and dirty but tasted awesome when cleaned and cooked, roasted or fried. We will not forget these new dishes although it tasted hot! 

The Green Brinjal and the "Mentaram" shellfish

We tried to get a taste of the “Laksa Ikan Belut” or “noodles with eel meat” but we could not find any. They told us to get this dish near the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal. The ordinary noodle they called as “Laksa Kuala Perlis” is just fine with us. I tasted a plate of glutinous rice served separately with some coconut milk and few fresh durians. This dish is one of my favourites and the taste differs from the dish I used to enjoy, where the coconut milk is cooked along with the durians and later the thick gravy would be served mixed with the cooked glutinous rice. They told me that they are familiar with the various types of this dish but they have to consider avoiding it being stale, as their stall opens until late night.

The Return Journey

The next day was our last day in Kuala Perlis. The bus terminal is only a walking distance from the hotel. For the convenience of the public, a covered pavement was built from the Ferry Terminal to the Bus Terminal. We hope that the Kuala Perlis Town Council would be able to keep and maintain this pavement, not only collecting the rubbish but the grass and weed that have been growing needs to be cut and trimmed. There are some people doing their business on the pavement which is an obstruction for the public using this pavement.

Our bus departed from the Bus Terminal at about 11:00 am almost an hour late. This Bus Terminal is only to fetch passengers for the trip, usually the bus would leave the Kangar Bus Terminal, stops over at this station before continuing their journey to anywhere they are scheduled.

On our way from Kuala Lumpur, the bus stopped at the new Amanjaya Bus Terminal, Ipoh, almost midway between Kuala Lumpur and Kangar. This bus terminal was officially opened in September 2012. All busses, both the long-distance or express and the stage busses are required to stop at this terminal either to drop off or taking passengers. This terminal provides a food court, rest rooms, prayer room and kiosks, among others for the passengers to rest while waiting to continue their trip.

On our return trip the bus did not stop at any of the Rest and Service areas along the PLUS highway although it was already lunch time but instead drove on southward to stop at this terminal. It was already quite late in the afternoon, about 3:00 pm and we have a very late and quick lunch to ease our hunger. 

The new Amanjaya Bus Terminal, Ipoh, Perak

We reached Hentian Duta Bus Terminal at about 7:00 pm, travelling for about 8 hours including a few stops. We should thank the driver as he drives at a steady speed, very calm and patiently during the trip of almost 500 kilometres. It’s not that we wanted to reach our destination early but safely.

This holiday seem to be a bit hectic as there are a lot of visitors to this island. We were told that some of these visitors were not able to enjoy themselves as the crowd at each of the tourist spots were uncontrollable. When we asked around on this issue, we were advised not to visit Langkawi during the school holidays. The numbers of visitors and tourists during this period or any public holidays are more than the normal days in the year. That’s it! We will never forget this advice.

Last but not least, the writer is no Viking warrior!

Note: Comments written on the few issues are writer’s own and may be considered wisely by those concerned.

A TRIP TO FT LABUAN

(Our memories)

Planning

We planned to go on a holiday to the Federal Territory Labuan. This is a follow-up after our last two holidays to Ipoh, Perak and Alor Setar, Kedah. I have been to Labuan when I was working with a federal government agency. My wife, who is still working in a federal ministry, used to travel on official duties to almost every state in Malaysia, including a few remote towns along the Sungai Rajang in Sarawak but did not have a chance to visit Labuan. That was the reason why we chose Labuan this coming holiday. I started to collect information for this trip as early as July 2012. I prefer to prepare myself much earlier so that I would be able to overcome any obstacles early, and to make sure the plan would run smoothly.

Hotel Bookings

I browsed the internet searching for a reasonable hotel in the Labuan town area. It’s a bit surprise that about 90% of all the hotels in Labuan did not have their own website or even an email address to contact. Most of the booking for these hotels were done through a third party. It’s a bit difficult for us to get more info except by phone. We can have the phone numbers of some of the hotels through the Malaysian Yellow Pages.

The Hotel

Browsing the internet, I happened to come across a few websites of hotels in Labuan. I sent emails to inquire further on room rates and other information from these hotels which I feel it is reasonable and economical enough to stay. Only one of my emails was replied and I hold-on to book until I have finalised my flight.

Flight Bookings

There are daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Labuan. The Low-Cost Airline (Air-Asia) offers a flight to Labuan too early in the morning and we may not be able to catch the flight in time. One of the daily flights offered by the Malaysian Airline System (MAS) departs from KLIA at 9.00 am and expected to arrive in Labuan at 11.30 am. We chose this flight as the other flights would either depart a bit late in the afternoon or that would stop over at Kota Kinabalu to arrive at Labuan late in the evening.

We hope to be able to reach KLIA before 8.00 am to catch our flight. We have to hire a taxi from our home in Taman Seri Gombak (TSG) to Kuala Lumpur Sentral – Transit Hub (KL Sentral) in the earliest hour. We would check-in at the Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KL CAT) before 7.00 am, and then travel to KLIA by the Express Rail Link (ERL). We would then have ample time to have our breakfast at the KLIA or, maybe we can have our breakfast during the flight. Our return journey would not be a problem as the daily scheduled flight departed from Labuan at 5.20 pm to arrive at KLIA at 7.40 pm.

I used to travel to Sibu and Kuching, Sarawak when I was attached to a private company after my retirement from the government service. During those days, booking a flight was a straight forward matter. I went to the MAS office counter, inquire about the flight, fares and any discount for a senior citizen like me, usually 50% on domestic air fares, pay up and got the tickets. Nowadays, this system is history, even the MAS office I used to go to has moved to other location. That shows that I have not travelled by air for quite sometime.

My wife and I went to the nearest MAS counter at the KL Sentral. The customer service was very patient with me and I thank her for the time she took to bear with my curiosity. I was advised to book my tickets online by the internet as this is already a trend nowadays. I was told that the fares would be much less than that at the counter and that there aren’t anymore direct discounts for senior citizens.

Whether I like it or not, I have to book our tickets online. This is my first experience and I have to be very careful so as not to make any mistakes. I have to browse the airline webpage many times to understand all the features and get all the online help to understand how it should be done. It looks easy enough.

For two (2) days I tried to book my tickets three (3) times but it seems does not work. My booking was not approved. I called the airline customer service and I was told there was nothing wrong with the way I did my booking only that it does not reached the approval stage. I kept wondering where I did wrong during my transactions.

It was then I decided to call my credit card provider to inquire if there is any problem with my card. They told me I have to activate a feature in the credit card website for my account to enable me to use the credit card for any internet transactions. Walla! (French for “Here it is”) That was the only problem and after I activated the “Secure Code” I was able to do my internet transaction without any hassle. The fares were reasonable and I received my E-ticket by email a few minutes after I completed the transaction.  I felt relaxed, at least I have done what I wanted to accomplish. That was on 15 August 2012, and it was too early before our trip scheduled for 29 September 2012.

So, for those who intended to use your credit card for any internet transactions and for the very first time, inquire from your credit card provider for all these details. I still have a lot more to learn!

I sent an email to the hotel in Labuan to confirm of our arrival and departure to enable them to reserve a room for our holiday.

The Trip

A day before our departure, I called the hotel in Labuan to check on the status of my booking and other relevant matters. Everything seems to go on as planned.

I called a few taxi services to fetch us from our home to the KL Sentral early in the morning. I did make a good decision as to which would give me a better service and charge for the trip. The first wanted to charge me exorbitantly while the other did not. These are legitimate services but it’s up to us to make our choice.

I was sleepless the whole night worrying if the taxi did not come and that we would have a problem to rush to the airport. We were relaxed when the taxi came much earlier, and at 6.00 am on September 29^th, we started our trip to KL Sentral. We want to make sure we won’t be late to catch our flight. As planned, we checked-in at the KL CAT and then took the ERL to KLIA arriving at about 7.15 am. We have our breakfast at a fast-food outlet in KLIA.

My favourite pancakes for my breakfast at KLIA

Smiling all the way to Labuan

Welcome to Labuan

We arrived at Labuan Airport at about 11.30 am. We took a taxi and checked-in the hotel which is situated in the town and it is an easy access to the many places around.  It’s time to pose for our collections, using only our mobile phones cameras.

Posing ... Posing ... eh
In Flight - Top Left: A happy couple; Right: Life MUST go on"
On Arrival - Bottom Left: Arriving by car?; Right: Welcomed by Marlin of Labuan

We have our lunch at a restaurant nearby which served local delicacies that satisfies our taste. After lunch we walked around the area where they were preparing for the Sunday market. The Labuan Walk is beautiful scenery but the surrounding area was not. These photos say a thousand words!

This photo (Left) shows how beautiful this Labuan Walk is; but the photo on the right says otherwise.
These photos were taken on the same day at about the same time.

Enjoying our breakfast; as usual, the baked beans; the hot-dogs are once a favourite of someone.

The next day, after breakfast we walked to the dry market looking for anything that could not be found in our hometown, be it anything that we could carry and take home. At the dry market, we bought some rice which was brought from Bario, Sarawak besides a few types of local cookies, such as “kueh cincin”, “sotoku”, to name a few.

At the dry market looking for something that never exists elsewhere?

I remembered, when I was a young kampong boy, I used to buy some sweetmeat made from sago, in the form of “powdered” and packed in a cylindrical plastic and called it as “sesagun”. I found this at a stall and the seller introduced us on how to enjoy this delicacy with bananas. We tried it and it’s just awesome. We also found a new snack and we just call it “Pulut” as we have forgotten the actual name given by the seller at the open market. This snack is made of cooked glutinous rice wrapped with either pandan or coconut leaves.

The newly introduced local delicasies
Left: "Sesagun" with bananas; Right: "Pulut"

Nearby the dry market are rows of bazaars that sell dresses, clothes, and accessories. My wife was looking for a headdress to go along with her dress, and when she could not find any that suits her taste, she turned to look for accessories instead.

The right accessories for the right dress.

On our way back to the hotel, we passed by this signage “Siswazah Corner” or should it be “Sudut Siswazah”?. We were wondering as to why that particular area was named as such; is it that the area, with a few stalls and food kiosks were maintained and run by the “siswazah”; or is it that area are where the “siswazah” sat and discussed their studies or preparing their thesis? We asked around but no one could give us a good reasonable answers.

The only "Graduate's Corner in Malaysia

We went to the Financial Park that has become the main attraction in Labuan for the local and tourists alike. During lunch, we met a few new students from the Peninsula who recently enrolled to study at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan. We wish them success in their studies.

The Financial Park, Labuan

At one of the stalls selling various kinds of dresses and headdress, my wife found what she have been looking for, at least she had something to bring home. At this stall, the owner was not surprise to see us. She said she saw us in the morning, most probably during our walk to the bazaar looking for the headdress. We asked her why, and she told us that she’s touched to see us walking hand-in-hand as a very romantic and loving couple. My wife smiled and thanked her for the comment.

Labuan is a Duty Free island and we went around for window shopping. There are quite a number of shops selling chocolates and sweets. We bought some sweets and this would always remind us not to take a lot of sugars, or else, maybe someone would end wearing this Extremely-Extra Large Size pair of Jeans.

The chocolates may end you to this Extra Large pair of Jeans

There is a ferry service for those who wish to travel to the Sabah mainland or to Brunei Darussalam. For the local or those from the mainland Sabah or even from Brunei Darussalam this service is their favourite mode of transportation to visit friends, relatives or shopping in Labuan.

Going somewhere?

The drivers in Labuan are very considerate lot, no matter what they drive. They are willing to stop just to let us or anyone to cross the road, anywhere in the town. The town is a small busy town, you won’t get lost! But if we were to do the same in Kuala Lumpur, I am sure we’ll be honked by the drivers behind us persuading us to move on. We may not be able to try this hospitality in Kuala Lumpur. That’s the beauty of Labuan, among others.

Around the town area, there are rest areas where they build shades and chairs for the town folks to rest and chat. The greens which are well kept would be a good shade and cooling from the heat of the afternoon sun. No doubt, Labuan is a small island but it has a lot to offer to visitors.

The History of Labuan (Middle) and the rest areas in the town center.

The Return Journey

We enjoyed our stay in Labuan. We plan to visit Labuan again, but we would like to go by way of Kuching, Sarawak and then to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. From there on, we would take the Ferry, either from Kota Kinabalu that would take 2½ hours or from Menumbok, Sabah that will take 1½ hours to reach Labuan. Actually, this plan was discussed sometime ago, and hopes to realise it when the time comes. It would be a memorable holiday for us then. How’s that? Whatever!

We kept ourselves busy during this holiday, thus forgetting “whatever” problems that have been haunting us all these while. We do hope this holiday will give us some peace of mind when we return home, leaving the pain and frustrations behind on this island.

We left Labuan on the 2^nd October 2012. We have to check-out of the hotel by noon, sent to the airport with the compliments of the hotel’s management. We check-in for our flight scheduled at 5.20 pm to KLIA and have to wait for few more hours. My wife has her chance buying a dress that she had longed for from a boutique at the airport which she found out to be much cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur.

Our trip back home. Top: Waiting for the flight; Bottom: Travel by ERL to KL Sentral

We reached our home at about 10.00 pm, tired but happy. Anyway, we are a bit unlucky when we board a pre-paid taxi from KL Sentral. It was driven by a young driver who started “campaigning” from the moment we board his taxi until we reached our home. That would add more tiredness on us.

It’s good to be back at “home, sweet home” and nothing better than to get a good rest.

The smiles of happiness

Note: Something to ponder!

Whenever we travel by air, we were instructed to switch-off our cell phones, hand-phones, smart-phones, tablets, notebooks or whatever we call it that are all categorised as “phones” and electronic devices. We were not allowed to switch on these items during the flight as it may interrupt with the flight system. Fair enough!

We saw a lot of passengers did not abide by the rules. The smart-phones and tablets are still being used during the flights and enjoyed by some. What are the differences between these items if we were to categorise them as “electronic devices”? If “smart phones” does not comes with the category stated, it’s a bit odd as “smart phones” are “cell phones” or “hand phones” too, and it has no difference in usage, to make calls, play games or even snaps a few photos. From www.webopedia.com it explained that “A smart-phone is considered to be the combination of the traditional PDA and cellular phone, with a bigger focus on the cellular phone part”.

There should be a full explanation as to why we cannot use our cell phone or mobile phone during flights? Some phone owners may not want to make calls, but merely for using the phone camera. Just wondering … Browsing through the internet, there are a few countries that have already allowed the usage of these devices during their flights.