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.