TRAVEL TRIP (MAY 2010)
Finally, I managed to escape from KL and spending few days on sandy beach. I always like ‘Beach Vacation’. Maybe because I am from KL. KL is a jungle of concretes. Rest my mind. I was close to nature.
TRANSPORTATION
1. From outside Malaysia
If you are travelling from outside Malaysia, usually you will arrive in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) before your transit to Penang. KL or Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital with lots of city attractions. I will advise you to spend few days in KL before flying to Penang. From KL you can travel to Penang by road (car/bus/taxi) or flight.
2. From inside Malaysia
By Air:
If you are travelling internally in Malaysia, try AirAsia (www.airasia.com) or Firefly (www.fireflyz.com.my). Both are Malaysian low-cost carrier and fly to Penang. AirAsia fly from KLIA2 and Firefly fly from Subang Airport. Journey is about an hour by flight. You may also check MAS (www.malaysiaairlines.com) as this is the national carrier of Malaysia, price could be a little higher. But you will be surprised during promotion, price is cheap. Why not flying with 5Star airlines if the price is almost same? MAS fly from KLIA. Pulau Pinang or Penang Airport is called Bayan Lepas Airport.
By Road:
Journey by car/bus/taxi will takes about 4 to 5 hours. If you want to travel by bus, you need to be sure which bus terminal you should go as KL has 3 main bus stations. I might be giving a wrong information as the bus departure details sometimes change from time to time. You need to check the latest information. For basic knowledge, these are the stations:
1. Pudu Sentral
The Pudu Sentral (formerly Puduraya Terminal) is located in the city centre, used to be KL's main bus station. After a complete make-over and the re-opening in April 2011, it now servers north-bound buses. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Plaza Rakyat.
2. Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS)
Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS) covers the south territory. Much of the southern-bound buses have been moved to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (Bandar Tasik Selatan Integrated Transport Terminal), resulting in Pudu Sentral losing half of the bus volume. Less traffic and congestion in the city. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Bandar Tasik Selatan.
3. Jalan Duta Terminal
Jalan Duta Terminal serving mostly express buses from the Northern states of Kuala Lumpur but more to the east coast of Malaysia. It is located at Jalan Duta, just opposite of Mosque Federal Territory and also next to the National Tennis Centre and Tun Razak Hockey Stadium. There is currently no LRT station nearby and taxis are the best way to get there.
You can check this website for more information on KL buses www.expressbusmalaysia.com.
You can check these websites for car rental:
www.avis.com.my, www.europcar.com.my, www.simedarbycarrental.com, www.iprac.com, www.mayflowercarrental.com.my, www.hawkrentacar.com.my.
By Rail:
If you want to travel by train, please check this website www.ktmb.com.my. The journey will takes longer unless you are travelling by an express train. There are 4 stations in KL: Kuala Lumpur Station, KL Sentral (advisable to departure from either these two stations), Kepong Sentral or Petaling. Bear in mind that Penang is an island. Part of Penang is on the mainland, so the train will only takes you to the mainland which are the station of Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth or Nibong Tebal. The closest station is Butterworth. You still need to take a bus or taxi to the island through the famous Penang Bridge.
ACCOMMODATION
I traveled with friends and met another friend in Penang. We chose Naza Talyya Hotel. If you are looking for a fine suite but not too luxurious, please consider this hotel. The rate that I got was also very good. We wanted 2 bedrooms but not the apartment type. I specifically also chose this hotel as it is very close to the beach. From the photo you can see how near is the distance (I took this photo from my balcony). I was also looking for a hotel with a private beach (but not too far from town) as I wanted to be free in my swimming attire. These were our factors of consideration. Thus Tanjung Bungah was the perfect choice.
Before deciding a place to stay in Penang, I would advise you to consider which beach is your favourite. Penang has 6 famous beaches:
1. Batu Ferringhi
Batu Feringghi has been well-developed as a recreational spot teeming with resorts, restaurants and stalls that specially cater to the European tourist market. Batu Feringghi's atmosphere and feel can be likened to Patong Beach in Phuket, minus the pole dancers of course! There's a wide range of accommodation available that will suit even the tightest budgets. This is one of Penang’s most popular destinations (in fact, it’s the second most popular destination after Georgetown), Batu Feringghi consists of a long stretch of soft, white sandy beach along a winding road named Jalan Batu Feringghi, filled with a host of accommodation and dining options. Its night market is quite legendary, while its waters are popular spots for a range of water sports activities such as parasailing and windsurfing.
2. Tanjung Bungah
Located close to Georgetown between Gurney Drive and Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah is hidden among lush greenery and rocky landscapes. Some claim that the views of the horizon from the beach are simply the best in Penang! Several upmarket hotels cater for various accommodation needs, letting you enjoy the pristine and serene surroundings. Literally meaning ‘Flower Cape’, Tanjung Bungah is a seaside suburb located between Gurney and Batu Feringghi, about a half-hour’s drive from Georgetown. Originally a sleepy fishing village, it has risen in popularity over the years to become one of Penang’s most popular destinations. Watersports activities are most popular in Tanjung Bungah, with Penang Water Sports Centre based here. Built amongst its spectacular natural landscape are world-class hotels and resorts, offering guests the utmost comfort and luxury in an idyllic location.
3. Teluk Kampi Beach
An hour away from Kerachut Beach in Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kampi is the longest stretch of beach in the Penang National Park, offering a variety of recreational activities including swimming, camping and bird-watching. Between February to April, Teluk Kampi becomes a turtles’ breeding ground – an opportunity which you should not miss to witness.
4. Aman Island
Pulau Aman stands for 'Island of Peace' in Malay. Located some 2.5 nautical miles off the mainland state of Seberang Perai, the island is a tranquil place with a population of only 300 people living in a quaint village, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. A short boat ride from the town of Tambun will take you here.
5. Jerejak Island
Located just off the island’s south-east, Pulau Jerejak is a lush tropical island with a rich and colourful past. Once ‘Malaysia’s Alcatraz’, Pulau Jerejak has been developed into a major tourist attraction, with a resort, a Spa and a number of recreational facilities available for visitors to this island. The island’s jungle, one of the few remaining rainforests in Malaysia, is said to be more than 400 years old. There is a ferry service from the Pantai Jerejak terminal in Bayan Lepas, which takes visitors to and from the island daily.
6. Teluk Bahang
The scenic beach of Teluk Bahang is rocky, shady and serene - perfect for a weekend retreat minus the large crowds of nearby Batu Feringghi. Those who crave isolated beaches should go to Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Kerachut or Pantai Mas – all only accessible via trails around the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve in Teluk Bahang. There are camping grounds available for you to spend a night under the stars and in the morning, head to the recreational forest for jungle-trekking or visit the Forestry Museum. Coastal villages dot the area where evenings signal the return of the fishermen from the sea with their day's catch. Look out for great seafood in Teluk Bahang - it's one of the best!
Source: http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/beach.htm
We checked in our premier suite, and the view was magnificent! I didn’t regret at all stayed at this hotel. It has a private beach and the swimming pool is connected to the beach behind. From our balcony, you can see that the ocean is just few feet away.
I enjoyed myself at the beach with my CK Trunk. LOL. Less people. Less families around. I felt free.
That late afternoon we went to Feringghi Beach to watch the sunset and later spent our money in Feringghi Night Market. Feringghi Beach was packed and crowded! The beach was too open and dirty. Even the 5Star hotels beaches were not private and clean. Anyway, you will enjoy the Night Market of Feringghi! Many things with very cheap prices for you to splurge!
Finally we were hungry, so we went to grab our supper and to taste the famous "Pasembor" of Penang. If you go to Penang and did not eat Pasembor, your trip is not complete! Food in Penang are awesome! You must try:
1. Pasembor
2. Penang Char Kuey Teow
3. Celur-celur (Steamboat)
I had a good time in Penang with my friends! We enjoy the break, we enjoy the food, we got a good host!
-Alvy-
