JetSaver Light Challenge - Penang Trip

A very big Thank You to Jetstar and JetSaver Light! We had an AWESOME trip. Not only was it a cultural and stomach full filling trip filled with nothing but one of the very best food :), we also experienced the affable nature of the people in Penang and most importantly, we made many friends to keep :)

Below was the itinerary that got us selected. And we're proud to say that we completed everything mentioned and accomplished even more.

Wednesday, 1st July marks JetSaver Light inaugural flight to Penang and also our, team 4's (GO! Go! team 4!!), inaugural trip to Penang on Jetstar with a budget of SGD60. After the initial briefing and collecting of our SGD60 which we converted to RM144, we were all ready and excited to jet off.

Checking out the duty free at terminal 1 before boarding.

Upon our arrival at Penang, we were warmly welcomed by a group of local performers . A surprising start to the trip. A photo taken together with 2 of the performers outside Penang International Airport.

Another good news for us was that the transfers to the hotel was included upon arrival. We were previously told that we had to find our way there ourselves. The tour guide on the bus ride gave us a good introduction to Penang and we also spotted some road names that we intended to visit.

And finally we arrived at our proudly sponsored Sunway Hotel.

Since it was almost dinner time after we washed up, we decided to visit a mall (The typical Singaporean past time at night.. shopping heh). Queensbay mall touting the title as one of Asia's and Malaysia's largest retail, dining and entertainment complex, it was our definite choice.

The bus ride there only cost us RM1.50 (RM138 left) each.

As mentioned previously about Penang people, they are really a helpful bunch!! We managed to get directions from both the bus conductor and the passengers, using a "rojak" of English and broken Bahasa Melayu.

The friendly bus conductor.

So here we are...at Queensbay Mall...

After the first effortless and perfect attempt to our star jump with just 1 shot, we just can't resist the temptation to do it again hahaha. (I'm proud of my jump :) It is definitely a perfect star shape.)

I think the adrenaline rush of the competition was so much for that day that we were feeling energetic even at 1030p.m. We can't let the day go without trying some yummy local hawker food. Thus we headed to the famous Gurney Hawker to try some local fare before we called it a day.

We ordered: BBQ sting ray, satay, wan ton mee and cuttle fish kang kong(my fav). We washed down everything with a home-made water chestnut sugarcane and sour plum lime juice.Shiokkkk... Total spent - RM27.50 (RM110.50 left)

2nd July: Day 2 started early in the morning, with us feeling all recharged to comb as much of Penang as possible.We were left with RM110.50 to achieve maximum enjoyment.

Breakfast at the hotel lobby was so packed. Fortunately, the very polite staff ushered us to another nicer and quieter lounge at the 14th floor to enjoy our breakfast.

After breakfast, we walked to our first destination on our stated itinerary for more breakfast. The famous Roti Bakar at Campbell street! Yum~ charcoal toasted bread. A set just like the ones in Ya Kun cost us RM3.80 (RM106.70 left).

Trying out some nostalgic looking shots from der's 35mm roll of black & white film...

Since we were in a new vicinity, we strolled along the "old school" streets.

More random pictures of signs we saw along the streets...

Next, we took a cab to Penang Hill for RM18 (RM88.70 left), after persistent bargain of course. Once again, the friendly cab driver pointed out places of interest and walking directions from Penang Hill to our next destination. 

At the entrance of Penang Hill. (Once again it's perrrrrfect! or can I say even more perfect *proud*)

Tram ride cost RM4 (RM80.70 left) each both ways.

We love Penang Hill. Standing at 830m above sea level, it is the highest summit in Penang where we got treated to a panorama view. It is the most memorable place for us as we can feel the drastic drop in temperature after enduring the scorching sun. Thus explains the many star jumps. A pity it started to drizzle while we were about to leave. We were a little drenched.

After Penang Hill, we walked down to the Buddhist temple KeK Lok Si, the temple of Supreme Bliss, situated at Air Hitam. We stopped for lunch along the way. Only RM9.20 (RM71.50 left) in total. I loveeee the curry mee!! The curry is not as thick & oily as the ones in Singapore. A pity we don't eat the chucks of pig blood (I gave it a try but the thought of it...erm... haha). I know my parents love it though.

The walk up to Kek Lok Si portrays a rich mix of culture in Penang. Just along one stretch of road, we passed christian and catholic churches, indian temple and finally to Kek Lok Si, the buddhist temple.

 

We had a friend with us that day.

Kek Lok Si, built in 1886 is one of the largest and grandest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia. To get a closed up on the Kuan Yin statue, we took an incline lift up which resembles an air conditioned glass box. (A genius invention!) Use of the lift cost RM4 (RM63.50 left) for both ways and all proceeds go to the maintenance of the temple.

Up at the Bronze Kuan Yin Staute. (truly majestic)

On the way down to get the bus back, with a stroke of pure luck, we found the FAMOUS Air Hitam's Asam Laksa!! At only RM2.70 per bowl, there was no lack of ingredients. There was a generous serving of mackerel and I love the assam taste so much, i finished drinking all the soup. It is really appetizing. 

Took bus 204 back to George Town to visit more places of attraction around the area and once again the ride cost us RM1.50 (RM60.50 left) each.

Now, don't this place look familiar...

Yes! it's the Peranakan place that was shot in the well received Little Nonya drama. (I think this's the place otherwise why would they have a pic of the drama outside? hah) It's called the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. A pity we arrived at 5.15pm. The visiting hours are till 5pm on a weekday. The admission fee cost RM10.

Using film again to take the outside of the Peranakan Mansion

I like this picture best out of the roll of film. We came across it after a short walk from the Peranakan Place and thought it might turn out nice in black and white. Artistic shot!

Had the intention to walk back to the hotel but we were approached by a trishaw rider along the way. We couldn't bear to let him ride us as he looks really old and frail (but of course we know that he could be jolly well stronger than us). He was so persistent and followed us till we were near Komtar! We finally gave in for a short ride ... RM6 (RM54.50 left)

Spent like 2 hours making use of the hotel facilities before heading out to dinner.

Dinner time! After washing up, we headed down to the street hawkers just outside of our hotel. Sunway Hotel is strategically located for food lovers like us. Although we were left with only RM54.50 it is still possible to have a wonder"full" meal, now check out what we had for dinner at the road side stalls.

Penang Char Kway Tiao, Chai Tau Kway, Hokkien Prawn Mee, BBQ Chicken Wings and Chng Teng! Plus a can of Coke to satisfy Derrick's craving, we merely spent RM19.60 (RM34.90 left).

And dear family and friends, here was where we got your tau sa piah

The fifth and also the last checkpoint in our itinerary, the best pancake and ice-cream from "Crepe Cottage", located along Gurney Drive! The rest of our budget was spent on the taxi ride there and the sinful indulgence.

Crepe Cottage is like a family-owned cosy corner along the crowded street. We were greeted by the passionate co-owner of Crepe Cottage, Ben. He recommended us the "must-have" as a tourist, "Mango cup" and "Mambo Jumbo". Till now, sitting at home, looking at the photos, I can still remember the sweetness of the "Mango cup" and the delightful taste of "Mambo Jumbo". One word, SEDAP.

Here comes the proof showing the friendliness of Penang people. When we were about to leave at around 1130pm, Ben told us that there were no more buses and the taxi will "chop" us like carrot. He offered to drive us back to our hotel in the end. We'll definitely try out other dishes when we visit Penang again. They should rename their shop to "Crepe with love" instead.

Before we end this entry, we shall let our little friend do the introduction of Sunway Hotel.

RM144 got us gazillion of local delights, amazing sight-seeing, cultural immersion, a new Penang friend and many other friends too(referring to all the other friendly participants :) do keep in contact.)!

What could be better ... maybe Hong Kong dim sum, a new Hong Kong friend or friends soon?

***

Now for some super duper funny but memorable pictures of us, attempting the star jumps. No matter how many times i view them, I'm still chuckling away. Enjoy!