PEN Day 2 │ Runaround: Penang Hill and Beyond!

A Slightly Late Start

We meant to leave at six in the morning, but we only woke up half an hour later. After getting ready, we walked out of the hotel and headed to the Penang Road bus stop.

At 7:30am, we caught the free Rapid Penang CAT bus to KOMTAR Bus Terminal. There, we had a simple but satisfying breakfast of Nasi Lemak and Fried Beehoon with drinks — all for RM4.70 (≈ USD/EUR1).

The Scenic Ride to Penang Hill

At 8:00am, we boarded the Rapid Penang 204 bus. For RM2.00 each (≈ USD/EUR0.50), we enjoyed a full hour of sightseeing as the bus wound its way through Georgetown. Eventually, we arrived at the Penang Hill Lower Station.

We bought funicular tickets for RM12 each (≈ USD/EUR3) and soon found ourselves gliding smoothly up the hill — always a fun experience.

Exploring the Hill

At the top, we wandered around for a bit before deciding to take a buggy tour. For RM30 per buggy (≈ USD/EUR7), we enjoyed a breezy ride with an excellent driver guide who kept us entertained throughout. Highly recommended.

After the tour, we took the funicular back down and booked a Grab to Pekan Ayer Itam for RM5 (≈ USD/EUR1). Our mission: try the famous Bisu Laksa at the food court.

*Laksa is a spicy, thick rice noodle dish served with chicken, prawn, or fish in a tangy, fish based broth.

It did not disappoint.

Another Scenic Bus Ride

After lunch, we walked to the nearby bus stop and caught the Rapid Penang 201 for RM2.70 each (≈ USD/EUR0.60). The ride took us through Air Itam, Rifle Range Flats, and eventually back to KOMTAR — another hour of relaxed sightseeing.

At KOMTAR, we stopped by Maybank to replenish our “Federal Reserves,” then walked back to the hotel.

A Late Lunch Near the Hotel

Since the laksa had long been digested, we decided on a late lunch at 126 Hui Ong Café, right beside the hotel.

• Pork Omelette with Rice — RM7 (≈ USD/EUR2)
• Pad Kra Pao — RM8.50 (≈ USD/EUR2)

Both dishes hit the spot.

We then walked over to Maliia Bakery to pick up some fluffy buns before heading back to the hotel.

We’ll be going on another walkabout this evening — stay tuned!

A Small Reminder

While masks are now optional outdoors, they are still mandatory indoors. Stay safe and considerate.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Penang Road Bus Stop - https://goo.gl/maps/PSCNjkk6yRNjxLro6

Komtar Bus Terminal - https://goo.gl/maps/mSpZ6C418JQJK6uf8

Kopi Tiam Tawfid Pawanchi - https://goo.gl/maps/LvwzSZ59ETmUYuM8A

Penang Hill Lower Station - https://goo.gl/maps/CtxqV3fG8Gva2aJQ8

Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera - https://goo.gl/maps/VVhxTsVQGjPeLcp47

Pekan Ayer Itam - https://goo.gl/maps/M1tLVwVLwKeDCYAk8

Air Itam Food Court Laksa Bisu - https://goo.gl/maps/PBfjG3bN56w7wAjv9

126 Hui Ong Cafe - https://goo.gl/maps/trjuBiqywWxhGJtm9

Maliia Bakery - https://goo.gl/maps/PHyenAXyFKTyM8bB9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.