Penang Trip (4-6 Apr 10)

Went on a short trip to Penang at the beginning of the week. Amidst the heavy workload and the heat, my hubby & I decided to take a break.

Penang was really hot, not a good place to escape to. Thank God, the heat was forgotten with the great place I stayed and good food that we feasted over the few days.

We stayed in G-Hotel. This is a new hotel that is by the beach. Being new, the place is clean and service is good. There is welcome ice-cream served upon check-in, the room smells really good. Porters are always there, friendly. Breakfast - the usual.

Location is the best part. It is away from Georgetown, thus away from city hussle. Beside the hotel, is Gurney Plaza, shopping centre owned by Capitaland. Normal shopping centre. Beside Gurney Plaza is the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre - best place to feast on local specialities.

Upon arrival, we went Gurney Hotel and had naan for lunch. Quite normal actually. Being first time in Penang, we went round on foot. Walked all the way to Georgetown. On the way, we hopped into Hot Wok for dessert. My fren told me the chendol is nice so, must eat la! Indeed, very special, and good for the health conscious. No coconut milk used; soya milk replaced it! Good twist to my liking.

Went round looking at other makan places, though can't bring myself to swallow more food. Dinner was the best - at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. What did we eat - 1 plate char kueh teow, 1 plate fried oyster, 1 bowl penang laksa, 1 plate rojak, 1 plate fried chicken + chicken skin. All in less than RM25.

Next day, went on a half day round island tour. Felt like a queen. During this low tourists season, we were brought round in a private car. The driver cum tour guide was very friendly and helpful and customized the trip to our needs - which means breaking the rules. At the end of the trip, he sent us back to hotel, to down our load of penang snacks, then dropped us at Penang Road for lunch. This time, had just laksa and chendol. Missed the famous chendol though, but its ok, 'cos this is with coconut milk.

Dinner is at Song River Cafe for another load of local specialities. Roasted drum stick, lor-bar, roti babi, etc.

Verdict 1: Can't beat Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. So, went there for part 2.
Verdict 2: Bad idea to eat there on Monday night, as half the stores are closed, including those I feasted on.

Last day - glutton me decided to have bak-kuet-teh at Zealand BKT for breakfast instead of eating hotel food. Not bad, except a little bit pricey.

Before flying back - we went New World Park for lunch. ARGH... nothing worthy to mention!

Conclusion: best place to eat - Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
When not to go - Monday
Where not to eat - New World Park Hawker or foodcourt.