Advice on Penang

[Chlorpheniramine]

In summary, Penang is a disappointment, overhyped and over-rated. Food is so-so. If we have to go to the trouble of looking for specific stalls with good food, i believe we can do the same in Sg also.

Frankly, you should have stayed in Georgetown and explored Chinatown instead. Gurney Drive is Penang's equivalent of our Newton and I usually avoid it. There are plenty of good food joints in the Chinatown area, all within walking distance. I was there again with my companion over the new year. Aside from enjoying the good food, we also witnessed an electrifying getai performance, with very traditional-looking Taoist rites taking place at the same time in the same compound, where some devotees even took turns at self-flagellation. We saw the blood, the scars and the "tools" used. At its conclusion, a huge crate of fireworks was placed in the square with cinderblocks surrounding it to hold it in place. It was then lit, exploding beautifully right over our heads, with some debris falling onto us. It lasted several minutes. No barriers, no police presence, no restrictions. We could really get up close and personal to take photos. Quite an experience compared to the dreary, sanitised scenes we get in Singapore.

There was also a fireworks display at the Padang on new year's eve, and we guessed correctly where the firing point would be, and stood strategically right below, with the bursts filling our vision.

In all my visits to Penang, I've always found it hugely worthwhile and eye-opening. And this latest trip was one of the best.

 

[suangern]

the ferry is still running. It is free going out of the island but you need to pay when you return. It is not that far from g hotel. Go down gurney drive and follow the road to town. Once you reach the port area you should be able to see sign to the FERI (that is malay for ferry).

Not sure what is good in Butterworth but heard of some good food there too.

Cheers

Butterworth got a bird park. 3 major shopping malls - Megamal, Sebarang Sunway something (got Giant) and Carrefour. Further away from B'worth is Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal and Kedah state liao.

 

[Franzz]

Frankly, you should have stayed in Georgetown and explored Chinatown instead. Gurney Drive is Penang's equivalent of our Newton and I usually avoid it. There are plenty of good food joints in the Chinatown area, all within walking distance. I was there again with my companion over the new year. Aside from enjoying the good food, we also witnessed an electrifying getai performance, with very traditional-looking Taoist rites taking place at the same time in the same compound, where some devotees even took turns at self-flagellation. We saw the blood, the scars and the "tools" used. At its conclusion, a huge crate of fireworks was placed in the square with cinderblocks surrounding it to hold it in place. It was then lit, exploding beautifully right over our heads, with some debris falling onto us. It lasted several minutes. No barriers, no police presence, no restrictions. We could really get up close and personal to take photos. Quite an experience compared to the dreary, sanitised scenes we get in Singapore.

There was also a fireworks display at the Padang on new year's eve, and we guessed correctly where the firing point would be, and stood strategically right below, with the bursts filling our vision.

In all my visits to Penang, I've always found it hugely worthwhile and eye-opening. And this latest trip was one of the best.

Hey man, you might want to check out their Thaipusam in that case. The junction where the Penang Chinese Girls School is, leading up to the Botanic Garden, is where the action at.

The devotees would play drums and have steels in their body walking that road up a hill nearby where there is a temple at the top. Along the way, they have all the festivities and lots of Indian bazaar.

Imagine a cow passing by all that action right on the main road! You don't see those kind of things in Singapore. An interesting thing to note, you can find loads of Chinese joining in as well. That is multi-racial right there. Take note though, it is damn hard to get a parking place on that day. But I would say worth the hassle for the experience.

Then in Dec there is also the original Chingay, lots of flags from different associations being parade near the Padang. I told the locals about our Chingay in Singapore, and there were saying we 'stole' it. Chingay supposed to mean flags, so they were saying how can you hv a Chingay without traditional chinese flags. Lots of banters!

I am going over after the CNY to bask in the fun there again. FYI, during this period, Kek Lok Si is opened at night, with lights all over the temple. Quite a sight to behold, and it is one of the main reason why I am going over AGAIN. ANd prolly follow my gf praying at various temples, it is sort of a rituals for the locals there, again a new experience.

 

[myben5]

hi, can recommend inexpensive/budget accomadation near komtar bus terminal
going april
thanks

 

[H4rzog]

tune hotel

 

[MrTheROCK]

same here. thumbs up...cheap and good

 

[myben5]

tune hotel

same here. thumbs up...cheap and good

thank you

booked, less than RM40/day

 

[myben5]

it's advisable to buy a week rapid bus pass?
do you think it's cheaper?
thanks

 

[chawamushi]

Bros and Sis, need some advice on trip to penang. I'm planning a 3/4 days trip and is deciding which is the most value for money hotel. I've came across recommendations about Gurney Resort Hotel and find that the 2 bedroom suite promotion is tempting. works out to be around 550RM with taxes included. Anyone can give give suggestions on where should i go in Penang if I'm staying in that particular hotel. And anyother alternatives. I'll be going over from Sunway by coach and will stop at Queensbay Mall best if anyone can tell me cab fare from there to the hotel too. Thanks!

 

[YewBoon]

Bros and Sis, need some advice on trip to penang. I'm planning a 3/4 days trip and is deciding which is the most value for money hotel. I've came across recommendations about Gurney Resort Hotel and find that the 2 bedroom suite promotion is tempting. works out to be around 550RM with taxes included. Anyone can give give suggestions on where should i go in Penang if I'm staying in that particular hotel. And anyother alternatives. I'll be going over from Sunway by coach and will stop at Queensbay Mall best if anyone can tell me cab fare from there to the hotel too. Thanks!

how many of u going?

i have contacts for minibus & taxis in penang.

can PM me if u want.

 

[zachary_l]

Hi friends,

i'm just got back from Penang. Rented a car from Hertz. They are having a RM50 promotion currently and i ended up paying $120 for 3 days rental with 0 excess and personal accident insurance. Worth considering

 

[Thanatos_Wraiths]

Hi friends,

i'm just got back from Penang. Rented a car from Hertz. They are having a RM50 promotion currently and i ended up paying $120 for 3 days rental with 0 excess and personal accident insurance. Worth considering

Sounds like a great deal. What car model was it?

 

[zachary_l]

Sounds like a great deal. What car model was it?

Hyundai Matrix 1.6, Hyundai Elantra 1.8 or Proton Waja 1.6 CPS =)

 

[takuyazzz]

are there any buses from georgetown to the airport? Will be staying at tune hotel, need some advice on airport transfer to the airport. thanks! also, how do i get to tune hotel from komtar, is it within walking distance? will be carrying some luggage cos coming over from hatyai...

 

[987654321]

check out rapidpg.com.my
theres a bus from airport to george, but it will take an hour or so.
from komtar to tunes, i not sure. can any bros help him?

 

[MrTheROCK]

401E from airport to komtar.

from komtar to tunes, walk la. about 10-15min.ask people for directions. better if u ask those 7-11 people or shop owners. u need to walk pass komtar shopping centre, a bridge, a long pavement....by then, the tune hotel is within sight!

 

[synapse]

anyone stayed at thie hotel "Hotel Evergreen Laurel" before? Any comments? I was looking at the map of gurney and there seems to be 2 of this hotel with the same name?

 

[chech01]

anyone stayed at thie hotel "Hotel Evergreen Laurel" before? Any comments? I was looking at the map of gurney and there seems to be 2 of this hotel with the same name?

Good hotel. Nice food at the chinese restaurant. not bad lounge too. But I prefer G hotel which is down the road from this. Cheers

 

[oblivionstalker]

Is G hotel more worth it?

 

[synapse]

Seems G Hotel is newer and in a better location but quite ex (i feel).. in the end booked gurney hotel