So after a bit of research and traveller advice along the way- we have been advised to go to Georgetown on the island of Penang. So we got in to looking at how to get there, we were originally thinking that we would get the overnight train and then the first ferry over in the morning. As the overnight train accommodation had been quite comfortable and we knew we could actually sleep on them. However, this was sold out so if this is an option that you wish to do I would advise you book it slightly more in advance than a couple of days especially on the weekend.
So we were a bit stuck. So the research started again and we found that we could travel with a reputable bus company (Konsortium) on an over night bus without having to get on the ferry because we would get across of the bridge.
The station to get the buses from in KL is Pudu Sentral which is close to Central Market. It about a 40 minute walk, 20 minute taxi ride. We took the free bus on the purple line and it dropped us off around the corner. Just keep alert because the bus does not always stop at each stop.
You need to arrive 20 minutes before you are due to depart and you are required to swap your boarding pass for an actual ticket. There is no seating down at the platforms so I would advise staying upstairs if you get there early like we did.
The buses themselves are really nice. They make the greyhound buses look very cramped indeed. As always, just be careful with your belongings here. We had no trouble on our bus but we have been told stories by people that have.
The journey seemed to go really quickly and soon we had arrived at the bus terminal. The downside of getting the bus is that you are on the other side of the island. However, the 401 costs RM2 to get to the part of Georgetown where we were staying. It took about 20 minutes and a local man let us know when to drop off. If I were you I would take a picture of the bus stops as they are all street names and go off that.
Batu Ferringhi
Once we arrived, we knew we didn't want to do anything too taxing and thought being reunited with the beach would probably be the best option! The closest beach on the island to Georgetown is Batu. It takes about 40 minutes (depending on the time of day) to get to this beach. If you stay on Lebuh Chilua as we did, catch the 101 which will cost you RM2.70 The bus stops here are a bit strange and hard to see sometimes so once you see sea and sand press the buzzer. There is a walkway between the hotels to get to the beach.
Once there, unlike every other beach I have ever been to the sun loungers are free. Due to the sky high temperatures in Penang, the beach does not get busy until later on. I have been told that the sunset here is really nice however it was blocked out by the mountains for us which was slightly disappointing.
To get back to Georgetown is quite easy. You again just get the 101 from the opposite side of the road that it dropped you off at. However, this time it cost slightly less; RM2.
Funny story actually- we realised that the reason it had cost more on the way there wasn't due to the time of day but actually because we had gotten off before the main beach. So we returned to see what all the fuss was about and don't get me wrong the beach was nice but I actually preferred the first one. I think it's because it's more remote and chilled, plus they had nicer sun loungers! There are several market stalls here which is good if you haven't brought food and drink etc.
Red Garden
I was actually recommended this place by a friend. Situated on Leith Street it's right in the middle of town therefore easily accessible. When we arrived it was thriving with locals AND tourists which we always think is a good sign.
*WORD OF WARNING* The first stall as you walk in on your right is the most expensive place in there! Look around before you buy!
We ended up eating at a thai stall where I had pineapple rice because it sounded interesting and different and for RM5.50 which is just over a pound, why not ay!? I am so glad I did because it was so nice! I would definitely have it again. We were feeling (slightly) very glutinous so treated ourselves to a waffle with peanut butter and ice cream. Retrospectively, we should have shared this but hey ho.
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