My Ever Dearest, Singapore

Singapore Suggested Itinerary with Budget

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For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here

Going the Distance, Penang

Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. It is composed of two parts – Penang Island, where the seat of government is, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malay Peninsula. The National Physical Plan of Malaysia envisages a Conurbation of George Town encompassing George Town and surrounding areas. The greater metropolitan area of Penang consists of highly urbanised Penang Island, Seberang Prai, Sungai Petani, Kulim and the surrounding areas. With a population of approximately two million, it is the second largest metropolitan area in Malaysia after the Conurbation of Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley).

(Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang)

Penang from Kuala Lumpur is approximately 12 hours by bus. Luckily, I found a cheap round-trip airfare (via www.airaisa.com) to and from Penang. Since my flight was early in the morning, I decided to stay overnight at LCCT. Sleeping at LCCT was not as good as sleeping at HKIA. So extra caution is needed. 

Penang Suggested Itinerary with Budget

Notes and Highlights

1. Penangites are warm and friendly people. Though many of them do not know how to speak English,  this does not hinder them to respond to lost tourists asking for some direction. 

2. Prepare exact amount when riding the bus. There's still no MTR/MRT in Penang/Georgetown, and so the bus is the best transport to use.

3. Georgetown is an old town. There are lots of old structures and houses. Even the hostel I have stayed in is a very old house. It's creepy, yes, but the place is homey and peaceful. 

4. At first, I was intimidated by the empty streets of Georgetown. It was raining that time, which might explain why they were empty. But soon after the rain stopped, I have seen lots of tourists, mostly Europeans, wandering around. 

5. Penang "PBB Teens" Story. When I found the signage "Muntri", I walked in and went straight to the receptionist. To be honest, he is damn cute "korean-looking" guy. So and so, I handed my passport and told him I booked through www.booking.com. As he was looking for my reservation, I interrupted him with too many questions, like: what is the fastest way going to the airport, where's the nearest money changer, etc. He was too kind to answer each of them. He went back looking for my reservation and asked me if I had printed it since he could not find my name on their list. I handed a copy and after looking at it, he gave me the cutest smile and told me, I entered the wrong guesthouse. It was Muntri House where I made a reservation and not Muntri Guesthouse. I just smiled and apologized then I walked away. But before I stepped out of the house, he called and told me: "Miss beautiful, would you mind if I ask you for a dinner tonight?" Guess what my response was? I said no. Haha! Suplada lang.

6. I expected too much from Penang. And so, I was kind of disappointed when I saw the city hall. It's not in a good condition, at all. 

7. If antiquity and history amaze one person, he will definitely enjoy Penang/Georgetown. 

For maps, click here

For more pictures, click here

For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here

For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here

Magnificent Melaka

From KL, one may visit Melaka as a side trip, travel of which is approximately 3 hours by bus. Buses are stationed at Bandar Tasik Selatan, a very efficient and organized bus terminal. We had no problem in booking our tickets even if we bought them on the same day of travel. Nothing to worry as there are plenty of bus companies selling them. 

Melaka is a small town and tourist spots are close to each other, making it perfect to be explored by walking. What I enjoyed in Melaka are the cute tuk-tuks, and the feeling Melaka gave me as if I went back in time.  

Melaka Suggested Itinerary with Budget:

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For Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, click here
For Penang Itinerary, click here
For Singapore Itinerary, click here

Culture-Shocking Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, sometimes abbreviated as K.L., is the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic center of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. 

(reference and lifted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur)

Kuala Lumpur Suggested Itinerary with Budget:

Notes and Highlights

1. One thing I like in KL is that the sun sets around 7 to 8 pm, making days longer for roaming around the city. 

2. I will never, ever (if I will go back) trust Malaysian taxi drivers. Upon arrival at KL Sentral, we looked for the monorail as this would be our transport to our hostel. Unfortunately, we failed to locate the monorail station and so we decided to ask for some directions from the taxi drivers stationed  just outside KL Sentral. One of the drivers, seemingly sincere and kind, told us that the monorail is blocks and blocks away. Because we were too exhausted, plus we're carrying our luggage and it was already dark, we decided to ride his taxi for 35 ringgit (around 500 pesos). The next morning, since we were all energized, we tried finding the monorail station. To our surprise, it's just across the street from where we have asked the driver. 

3. Petronas is indeed a classic piece of architectural treasure. One should visit it at least twice, one during day and one at night. 

4. I was not mesmerized by Batu Cave. Maybe because I have seen caves in Cagayan which are better than it. Plus, I am afraid of monkeys.

5. Like Petronas, KL trip is not complete without visiting Putrajaya. I'd rather go back to Putra than to explore Batu Cave again. 

6. Putrajaya tours are provided by legit taxi drivers just outside Putrajaya Station. The tours vary per hour and per number of destination.

7. I did not enjoy Jalan Alor Street. Maybe because of three things: I was too exhausted; the place was too congested; We ate at a not so good restaurant. 

8. The KL transport system is good. At least better than Philippines'. The use of MRT is the best option to explore the city. The bus terminal in Bandar Tasik Selatan is indescribably organized and efficient.  

9. Sleeping at LCCT is permitted but do exercise extra caution. 

For maps, click here

For more pictures, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here