Penang It is an island in northern Malaysia connected to the peninsula through a wonderful bridge, although perhaps to reach the largest city, Georgetown, it is better to take the ferry that only takes 10 minutes to cross the tongue of water. The impression we have left after spending 5 days here is that it does not resemble any of the islands we have been on, it is more, not even one has the feeling of being on an island.
Georgetown itself is a city to be discovered quietly in several days and if you want to make an excursion just take one of the many local buses that form an enviable transport network throughout the island (there is even a free bus that runs along the historical center of the city). In addition there are no typical paradisiacal beaches in this part of the world. And it is not even necessary to take a boat to get here.
The city of Georgetown may be one of the main centers of development in all of Malaysia, with its shopping centers, office buildings, business people ... but it is also a important gastronomic center. The mixture of cultures means that in a few meters you can taste very different dishes, and all delicious, in addition to trying my beloved Teh Tarik again! There are even guides that suggest restaurant routes to avoid trying even one of the many typical dishes.
Although we liked the route of religions, being several the origins of the population, in the same street you can see Buddhist temples, mosques, Christian churches, a Jewish cemetery, Taoist or Hindu temples ...
A few kilometers away the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia: Kek Lok Si. It is part of a set of temples around a square on the side of a hill, on whose top stands a statue of a goddess of almost 40 meters, truly spectacular. I don't know if it was the emotion of the moment but we came to think that it was the most beautiful temple we had been to.
We also wanted to see the northern part of the island, the so-called Batu Ferringhi, where they spend their vacations and leave their money many local rich people. Of course, for this visit we hardly got off the bus ... and it is that a little air conditioning in these sultry days is not bad. We hope to spend less heat at our next destination, the Cameron Highlands.
Transport. How to get to Georgetown, Penang?We bought the combined bar + mini van ticket at Koh Lipe, 850 baths at one of the agencies closest to the port. We leave at 8 and arrive at 6.
If you arrive in bus You probably do it to Butterworth Bus Terminal, from here to Georgetown you will have to take the ferry at the Ferry Terminal next door. The ticket costs 1.20MYR. From here to the center is a walk that you can easily do. You can also take the free bus "City Hop On" or CAT (Central Area Transit) at the ferry terminal stop (see below for more information on the free bus).
If you arrive in planeFrom the airport of Penang to Georgetown there are buses that take you downtown by 2-3 MYR. They are on the ground floor and you will have to buy the ticket at the counter. There are several lines so ask which one leaves you more central.
Accommodation. Where to sleep in Georgetown?In the Hang chow, in front of the Oriental. 33 MYR double night without bathroom. Very quiet and nice. In general there are good hostels for backpackers, it is best to look in the area of Love lane.
Excursions in Penang:
- Visit the temple of Kek Lok Si. To get there, take bus 201, 203 or 204 that leads to the town where it is located: Air Itam Village. It costs around 2MYR. It is very worth it.
- Tour the coast: you can take bus 101 or 103 and travel along the coast of Penang Island and stop at a beach in the Batu Ferringhi area to take a bath (although not a big deal). It is the most developed area of the island, where people with more money have second homes and there are hotels.
- Rent a motorcycle and tour the island. If you have enough time it is not a bad plan. You can take a tour of different beaches, visit the National Park or Penang Hill.
Free bus in Penang:There is a free bus that takes a tour of the downtown area of Georgetown, which by the way is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has 19 stops, from the Jetty to Penang Road. You will see it because on the front it has written Hop On Free ”and on the side“ City Hop On ”and“ Central Area Transit ”.
More info at www.penang-traveltips.com/sightseeing-with-cat-free-shuttle-bus.htm
What to eat in Penang?
One of the most famous typical dishes is chicken-rice that although it seems bland and boring (rice with chicken) we assure you that it is delicious.
