Have Perut Will Travel...: August 2022

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Wednesday, 31 August 2022

MERDEKA Day Parade 2022!

It’s Merdeka Day!

Hari Kebangsaan, also known as Merdeka Day, marked Malaysia’s independence on 31 August 1957. Each year, people from all walks of life gathered at Dataran Merdeka to celebrate this important day together.

After the quiet years during the pandemic, we felt more excited than ever to join the celebration—especially with this year’s theme, “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama” (Malaysian Family: Stronger Together).

An Early Start

We woke up before sunrise and left our condo at 7:00am, walking along Jalan TAR toward Dataran Merdeka.

But as soon as we arrived, we realised just how big the turnout was. The area was already packed with thousands of people. Later, we learned that some had arrived as early as 4:30am just to secure a good spot.

Finding Our Place

With Dataran Merdeka full, we doubled back and continued along Jalan TAR. After a bit of searching, we managed to find a spot along Jalan Raja Chulan, near a bridge.

There, we waited for about one and a half hours, surrounded by excited crowds, all ready for the parade to begin.

The Parade Begins

At 9:00am, the parade finally started.

The atmosphere was lively, loud, and full of pride. People cheered, waved flags, and soaked in the moment together. The parade lasted around an hour and a half, and it was filled with colour, music, and energy.

Sometimes, words do not fully capture the feeling—this was one of those times.

A Small Note About Filming

Halfway through the parade, we switched from the DJI Pocket 2 to the Lumix GH5. Since it was our first time using that setup outdoors, we later realised the audio turned out a little harsh.

We did our best to fix it, but we weren’t able to improve it much. We sincerely apologise for that and hope it doesn’t affect your enjoyment too much.

A Gentle Reminder

Before we end, just a small reminder:

Masks may be optional outdoors
But they are still required indoors

A Day to Remember

It was a long morning, but a meaningful one. Standing among thousands of fellow Malaysians, celebrating together again after difficult years, reminded us of how important unity and shared moments are.

Selamat Hari Merdeka! 🇲🇾

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Dataran Merdeka - https://g.page/dataran-merdeka-kuala-lumpur?share
Jambatan Jalan Raja Laut - https://goo.gl/maps/jSmxppXizFFB8L4y5

Saturday, 27 August 2022

KLCC Walkabout │ Megan Avenue 2 • Suria KLCC • Simfoni Lake • KLCC Park

It’s the Weekend!

Our weekend started with a short walk south along Jalan Munshi Abdullah to the bus stop in front of Jakel Mall. We had one thing on our minds—a warm bowl of borsch soup—and we knew exactly where to find it.

A Bus Ride Across Kuala Lumpur

Just as we reached the bus stop, a RapidKL bus #300 appeared out of nowhere. There was no time to set up the camera—we quickly hopped on.

Since it was a double decker bus, we went straight to the upper deck and grabbed the front seats. From there, we enjoyed the ride as the bus moved through:

Jalan Munshi Abdullah
Jalan Dang Wangi
Jalan Ampang

Lunch at Central Asia Restaurant

We got off near Hotel Maya and walked along Jalan Ampang before turning onto Jalan Yap Kwan Seng. Our destination was Central Asia Restaurant at Megan Avenue 2.

Here, we finally had our long awaited Caucasus inspired Uzbek lunch, complete with the borsch we had been craving.

An hour later, satisfied and happy, we stepped back out into the city.

A Walk Around KLCC

From there, we walked toward Suria KLCC and out onto the esplanade. We spent some time around:

The Symphony Lake
KLCC Park

However, the heat was intense, and several walkways were closed off. That made it harder to explore fully, so we decided to cut our walk short.

We made a mental note to return another day when the weather—and access—was better.

Buses, Breaks and City Wandering

We walked back to Jalan Ampang and waited for the free GoKL Green Line bus to Bukit Bintang. After a short ride, we got off near Wisma Cosway, across from Pavilion.

From there, we switched to the GoKL Blue Line, which brought us back toward Jalan Munshi Abdullah, stopping near Capsquare.

Simple Rewards

Before heading home, we made a couple of small stops:

Tealive at Semua House for refreshing drinks
City One Plaza to pick up a couple of shawarmas for dinner

Nothing fancy, just simple comforts to end the day.

Heading Home

With that, we made our way back to our condo. It had been a relaxed walkabout—nothing rushed, nothing complicated.

A Small Reminder

As always, just a gentle reminder:

Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

Until Next Time

That wrapped up our weekend outing.

We were already looking ahead to the next one—so stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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.

KLCC Walkabout │ CENTRAL ASIA Restaurant

It’s the Weekend!

This weekend, we had a simple craving—a warm bowl of borsch. And once that thought settled in, we knew exactly where we needed to go.

A Small Find in the City

Just a few hundred metres from the KLCC intersection, tucked inside Megan Avenue 2, was Central Asia, an Uzbek restaurant we had read about online.

The place was small and unassuming, with just a handful of tables and a couple of compact dining areas. It felt quiet and personal. From what we gathered, the restaurant had managed to get through the past few difficult years thanks to its takeaway business, and it still attracted a steady crowd from the nearby offices during weekdays.

A Meal from the Caucasus

We took our time going through the menu—it was surprisingly extensive for such a small place. In the end, we settled on:

Olivye Salad – RM8.50
Borsh – RM14.50
Plov – RM16.50
4 skewers of Shashlik – RM36.00
Coca Cola – RM3.50
Uzbek Black Tea – RM5.00

And for takeaway:

Uzbek bread – RM5.00
Beef somsa – RM6.50
Chicken somsa – RM6.00

Our total came to RM101.50 (≈ USD23/EUR23).

Worth It?

It was a little pricier than our usual meals, but this wasn’t everyday food—it was something different, something we didn’t often get in Kuala Lumpur.

The flavours were rich, hearty, and comforting. The borsch alone made the trip worthwhile.

Back Out Into the City

About an hour later, we stepped back out, full and satisfied, ready to continue our walk around KLCC.

Sometimes, all it took was one meal in a quiet little restaurant to make a day feel complete.

A Small Reminder

Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

Stay safe—and see you in the next one!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Megan Avenue 2 - https://goo.gl/maps/gwLueMXvJAKWu9gp6
Restaurant Central Asia - https://goo.gl/maps/ac4wCFJyt3UZUjKm9

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.

Thursday, 18 August 2022

New Gear Day Olympus │ OM-D E-M1 Mark III

New Gear Day!

Sometimes, the best days came from unexpected setbacks.

During our recent trip to Penang, our trusty little Lumix GX85 gave up on us. The shutter got stuck, and just like that, we were left without one of our favourite cameras. After asking around, we found someone who could repair it—but that meant waiting.

Finding a Backup

While waiting for the GX85 to be fixed, we couldn’t just sit still. So we headed to our trusted shop, Altech Camera, and picked up a pre loved Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark IIIwith a 14–42mm kit lens as a backup.

We didn’t film that visit, but it felt like the right move—practical, and a little exciting too.

One More Thing…

Not long after, we came across another gem at Altech—a M.Zuiko 12mm f/2.0 lens. It was compact, fast, and perfect for the kind of shots we loved.

There was no hesitation. I called a Grab, headed straight there, and brought it home.

A Happy Return

Then came the call we had been waiting for.

Danny, the repairman, told us our GX85 was ready. Even better, he delivered it to us personally while he was in the area. When we held it again, it felt like an old friend had returned.

We were genuinely overjoyed.

A Small Celebration

With:

• A newly acquired backup camera

• A beautiful new lens

• And our beloved GX85 back in action

…it felt like the perfect moment to pause and appreciate it all.

So we made a short video to share our new gear and celebrate the return of our little camera that had been with us through so many journeys.

Back to the Journey

This was a small detour, but one that mattered to us.

Now that everything is back in place, we’re ready to continue our adventures as usual.

Stay tuned—regular programming resumes in the next post. 🎥✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Altech Camera - https://goo.gl/maps/Xxko6oUWhQc9k4ar6

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.

Friday, 12 August 2022

PEN Day 6 │ ETS Train Ride • Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur

Leaving Penang

Five glorious days in Penang passed in a flash, and suddenly it was time to head home. On our first day we rode the ETS to Penang, so it felt fitting to ride it back to Kuala Lumpur as well.

We spent the late morning at Penang Sentral, having brunch at KFC while I continued editing our videos. At 12:00pm, we walked over to the Butterworth station, and ten minutes before departure we were allowed to board.

The ETS Ride Home

At exactly 12:45pm, the train pulled out of Butterworth. The next four hours were calm and pleasant. Cat took a nap while I continued working on our video edits and even managed to render one full video.

The ETS fare was RM80.00 (≈ USD/EUR18) — about double the price of a bus ticket. It does save roughly an hour of travel time, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on what you value more: speed and comfort, or savings.

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur

As we reached the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, heavy rain began to fall, slowing the train slightly. We decided to get off at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station instead of KL Sentral since it was closer to home by Grab.

We arrived at 5:07pm, booked a Grab, and ended our journey there.

Wrapping Up Our Penang Trip

With this, our Penang trip — which in our excitement produced twenty posts — comes to an end. We already miss the island and its food, and we hope to return soon, perhaps without a camera in hand so we can simply enjoy Penang for what it is.

See you soon.

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:
KTM ETS Butterworth - https://goo.gl/maps/4m1GKqVskLfZorfbA
Penang Sentral - https://goo.gl/maps/U5Qyv59oAKFj8aQ39
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - https://goo.gl/maps/K2K9GTHziUQvSJsm7

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.

PEN Day 6 │ Leaving for KUALA LUMPUR

Packing Up

Five wonderful days in Penang passed in a flash, and suddenly it was time to pack our bags and head home. With no buses going directly to Penang Sentral, we had no choice but to book a Grab car. Since we had three luggage bags, we decided to play it safe and request a six seater.

To our surprise, a luxurious Toyota Vellfire pulled up. We loaded our bags and enjoyed a smooth, comfortable thirty minute ride across the Penang Bridge. The fare, including tolls, came to RM48.50 (≈ USD/EUR11) — very reasonable, especially considering that Penang’s taxi “consortium” would have charged RM63.40 (≈ USD/EUR14) for the same trip.

Waiting at Penang Sentral

We arrived at Butterworth station at 10:00am, with plenty of time before our ETS train at 12:45pm. We walked across the covered walkway to Penang Sentral and decided to have brunch at KFC. We spent the next two hours eating while I continued the never ending task of editing our videos.

Boarding the Train

At 12:00pm, we returned to the ETS station. It was quiet at first, but once the arriving train from Kuala Lumpur pulled in, the crowd grew quickly. The turnstile gates even failed under the pressure, and passengers had to be diverted to manual gates.

Ten minutes later, we were allowed to board. At exactly 12:45pm, the train pulled out of Butterworth. The four hour journey was pleasant. Cat took a nap while I continued editing and even managed to render one full video.

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur

About half an hour before reaching Kuala Lumpur, heavy rain began to fall, slowing the train down. As we approached the city, we decided to get off at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station instead of KL Sentral since it was closer to home.

We arrived at 5:10pm and booked another six seater Grab for RM32.00 (≈ USD/EUR11). This time, a small Perodua Alza picked us up and got us home in ten minutes.

Until Next Time

We already miss Penang — its food, its streets, its rhythm. We hope to return again soon, perhaps without a camera in hand, so we can simply enjoy the island for what it is.

See you in the next adventure.

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:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/NKCPhBhGrd6kCsnw6
KTM ETS Butterworth - https://goo.gl/maps/4m1GKqVskLfZorfbA
Penang Sentral - https://goo.gl/maps/U5Qyv59oAKFj8aQ39
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - https://goo.gl/maps/K2K9GTHziUQvSJsm7

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.

Thursday, 11 August 2022

PEN Day 5 │ NEW WORLD PARK Food City

Choosing a Classic Penang Dinner

For our final night in Penang, we wanted to eat at a typical Penang Chinese food court. We chose New World Park Food City, a place we had walked past two nights earlier and seen many times during our bus rides.

I spent the whole afternoon working through the huge amount of video footage we had collected over the past five days. Before we knew it, dinnertime had arrived.

Exploring Lorong Popus

We left the hotel at 7:00pm and walked along Jalan Hutton until we reached Jalan Transfer, where we turned left. We wanted to check out Lorong Popus, a quiet neighbourhood where we had read about a possible homestay.

We walked around the area and found it peaceful and convenient. If Hutton Central or Hutton Suites are ever unavailable in the future, Lorong Popus might be a good backup.

From there, we returned to Jalan Transfer, turned left onto Jalan Dinding, and walked to the end of the road, which brought us back to Jalan Hutton.

Arriving at New World Park

We continued northwest for a short while before turning left onto Jalan Swatow. We had arrived at New World Park Food City.

The food court was large, bright, and airy, with high ceilings that allowed excellent ventilation. We were quickly surrounded by the lively sounds, smells, and colours of Penang street food. After walking around to explore the stalls, we settled on:

Grilled Lamb Chop — RM21.00
Fries — RM9.00
Char Kueh Teow with Duck Egg — RM9.00
Tonic Soup with Rice — RM9.00
Lor Bak (large plate) — RM13.00
3 Pepsi + 1 large Carlsberg — RM28.00

Our almost typical Penang dinner came to RM89.00 (≈ USD/EUR20). It was a little higher than usual, but since it was our last night, we decided to go out with a bang.

Until We Meet Again

Tomorrow we head back to Kuala Lumpur, and we know we will miss Penang — especially its food — very much.

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:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/Sa3pp5NKAQgx5pij6
Lorong Popus - https://goo.gl/maps/X9QUxATdAcMYErJL7
New World Park Food City - https://goo.gl/maps/3ma8BRh6nUWjXHEq7

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.

PEN Day 5 │ Runaround: Weld Quay • Gurney Drive • Beach Street

A Late Start

It was our penultimate day in Penang, and we had no fixed plans except to enjoy breakfast at Roti Canai Jalan Argyll nearby. We slept in and only woke up at 8:45am. An hour later, we finally left the hotel and reached the shop at 10:00am.

Breakfast was simple and satisfying — a round of roti canai and drinks for all of us. The total came to RM13.00 (≈ USD/EUR3).

Heading to Gurney Paragon

From Jalan Penang, we caught the Rapid Penang Free CAT bus to Jetty Bus Terminal B at Weld Quay. There, we switched to the Rapid Penang #101 bus for RM1.40 each (≈ USD/EUR0.30) and rode to Gurney Paragon Mall.

We visited the H&M store in search of a T shirt I had taken a liking to, but it wasn’t available.

Birch House and 1st Avenue Mall

We then booked a Grab car to Birch House Heritage Building for RM13.00 (≈ USD/EUR3). Built in 1908, Birch House once housed the office of Eastern Smelting and is now part of Penang Times Square.

We stopped at McDonald’s for drinks and fries — RM18.30 (≈ USD/EUR4) — before walking to 1st Avenue Mall. There, we visited another H&M store and finally found the T shirt I wanted.

Lunch at Nasi Kandar Merlin

Next, we walked to the KOMTAR Bus Terminal and hopped onto another Free CAT bus to Padang Kota Lama. From there, we crossed Light Street and headed to Merlin Hotel for lunch at Nasi Kandar Merlin.

Lunch came to RM31.50 (≈ USD/EUR7) — a plate of white rice with fried chicken and a generous mix of curries.

A Sweet Treat for the Afternoon

With lunch done, we walked back to the hotel via Lebuh Campbell. Since it was our second last day in Penang, we stopped by Lebuh Keng Kwee to buy three packets of cendol to enjoy later in the room.

What’s Next

We hope to have dinner tonight at a typical Penang Chinese food court, so please stay tuned for the next post.

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)

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.

Wednesday, 10 August 2022

PEN Day 4 │ Runaround:Aik Hoe • WELD QUAY • Chew Jetty • Lim Jetty

Early Morning Start

We finally managed to wake up at the crack of dawn. Brendan had stayed up the whole night and asked to sit out today’s walk, so it was just the two of us.

We left the hotel at 7:10am and, as usual, walked toward Lebuh Campbell. We continued southeast for about half a kilometre before turning left onto Lebuh Carnarvon.

Breakfast at Aik Hoe

Our breakfast stop, Aik Hoe, soon came into view. This traditional dim sum shop has been around for many years and is considered an institution by many locals.

Cat had read that the elderly husband and wife owners may not have anyone to take over the business, and Aik Hoe might one day disappear from Penang’s colourful food scene. With that in mind, we made it a point to visit while we still could.

Aik Hoe is self service, so customers choose their dim sum from the counter. Even though we arrived early, many of the popular items were already gone. Still, we picked what was available and enjoyed a simple breakfast with a hot pot of Chinese tea.

The total came to RM30 (≈ USD/EUR7).

Morning Walk Through Heritage Streets

After breakfast, we continued along Lebuh Campbell, passed the Kapitan Keling Mosque, and walked onto Jalan Buckingham. From there, we turned right onto Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, then onto Cannon Street, until we reached the Aceh Street Mosque.

We turned left onto Lebuh Acheh and walked all the way to Pengkalan Weld. After crossing the busy road, we continued for a few hundred metres until we reached Chew Jetty.

We visited Chew Jetty and Lim Jetty, both full of history and character. Be sure to watch our video on these two fascinating jetties.

Heading to KOMTAR

We walked back out to Pengkalan Weld and ended up at Rapid Penang Jetty Terminal B, where we caught the free Rapid Penang CAT bus to KOMTAR.

From there, we walked to 1st Avenue Mall and spent about an hour browsing shops, picking up a few T shirts to replace the ones that had become discoloured in the wash.

Back to the Hotel

We returned to KOMTAR and caught a Rapid Penang #202 bus along Jalan Penang for RM1.00 (≈ USD/EUR0.20). The bus dropped us at Jalan Transfer, and we continued on foot along Jalan Hutton back to the hotel.

The rest of the day was spent doing chores, and we ordered Grab take outs for lunch. We only stepped out again in the evening.

Stay Tuned

More adventures are coming — tomorrow morning we’ll be exploring a couple of jetties.

And one last 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)

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.

PEN Day 4 │ SAF Street Pasta

Leaving the Botanic Garden

As much as we wanted to spend more time at the Penang Botanic Garden, we knew we had to move on to our next destination. With no public transport available from the gardens, we had little choice but to hail a Grab car.

Using the Moovit app, we decided to head to Adventist Hospital, where we thought we could catch a bus to Batu Ferringhi. The Grab fare was RM7 (≈ USD/EUR2), and we arrived in just five minutes.

A Small Mix Up

Unfortunately, we were mistaken — the bus to Batu Ferringhi actually passed Gleneagles Hospital, not Adventist. So we hailed another Grab car, again RM7, and made our way there.

After a short wait, we boarded what we thought was the correct bus. Sadly, it wasn’t. We had taken the Rapid Penang #104, and the driver rudely told us to get off. We finally caught the right bus, the Rapid Penang #101, for RM2.00 each (≈ USD/EUR0.50).

Arriving in Batu Ferringhi

Evening rush hour traffic was heavy, but it cleared after Tanjung Bungah. We reached the bus stop opposite the Golden Sands Hotel at 7:30pm.

If you’ve followed our earlier posts, you’ll know we had previously tried — and failed — to eat at SAF Street Pasta, a stall highly recommended by YouTuber Ken Abroad. This time, we arrived at the right hour and were soon placing our orders.

Dinner at SAF Street Pasta

I ordered the same dish Ken Abroad had. Brendan chose the Carbonara Meatballs and added a bowl of Mushroom Soup, while Cat went for the Seafood Aglio Olio. We devoured our plates with pure joy. Together with a round of fruit juices (Brendan had two), our dinner came to RM63.70 (≈ USD/EUR14).

Heading Back to George Town

After dinner, we hopped onto another Rapid Penang #101 bus for RM2.70 (≈ USD/EUR0.60) back to George Town. Forty minutes later, we got off at Jalan Transfer and walked past the hotel to the 7 Eleven on Jalan Penang to buy a few bottles of drinking water.

That wrapped up our adventurising for the day. More stories are on the way.

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:
SAF STREET PASTA - https://goo.gl/maps/yYZKDDxTzSnUS6Br9

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.

PEN Day 4 │ PENANG Botanic Gardens

A Slow Afternoon

After returning from our morning outing, we spent the rest of the day indoors. We ordered Grab take outs for lunch and caught up on chores. Evening arrived, and it was time to cross out another item on our Penang bucket list — the Penang Botanic Garden.

Getting There

We checked online and found that there was no public transport that could take us directly to the gardens. In the end, we booked a Grab car. The fare was RM21.00 (≈ USD/EUR5), and the ride took only fifteen minutes.

A Short Walk in Nature

The moment we arrived, we felt the calmness of the place. We strolled along the paths, enjoying the peace, the fresh air, and the soft sounds of nature. We thought about taking the longer scenic route, but in the end we chose the “short course” and finished our walk in about half an hour.

A Garden with a Long Story

The Penang Botanic Garden was established in 1884, around the same time as the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens in Perak. It was once known as the Waterfall Gardens, named after the large waterfall hidden within the valley.

The first curator was Charles Curtis, a Briton who transformed an old granite quarry into these English style gardens. His name lives on today at the Curtis Crest walkway on Penang Hill. The gardens were originally used to study spices, but Curtis also focused on Penang’s native plants and helped classify many species.

During World War II, the Japanese used tunnels near the Lily Pond to store ammunition. In the 2000s, the gardens expanded to 242 hectares of protected land, now home to macaques, giant squirrels, and dusky leaf monkeys.

Until Next Time

We will surely return one day to walk the entire length of this beautiful garden. But for now, a street food stall in Batu Ferringhi was calling our name.

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 Botanic Gardens - https://goo.gl/maps/brPuAW4YYJbniv6z7

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.

PEN Day 4 │ WELD QUAY Walkabout • Jetty Hopping

Starting the Morning

Today turned out to be a day of crossing items off our Penang bucket list. High on that list was a visit to the Weld Quay area, especially the famous Clan Jetties. We reached Chew Jetty early and realised it wasn’t fully open yet.

To pass the time, we stopped at a nearby café for drinks and two half boiled eggs. The small breakfast cost RM7.40 (≈ USD/EUR2).

Chew Jetty – A Living Heritage

At 10:00am, we walked into Chew Jetty and caught a glimpse of what life might have looked like in the late 1800s.

Chew Jetty has been home to the Chew Clan for more than a century. These wooden houses on stilts were built by poor Chinese immigrants who worked near the port in the nineteenth century. Many came from the southeastern coast of China, escaping hardship back home. Later, they brought their families and built a community on the waterfront.

Today, Chew Jetty is still home to hundreds of people, though their lifestyles have changed with the times. Walking through the narrow wooden walkway felt like stepping into a living museum.

Lim Jetty – History and Change

We continued along the same direction until we reached Lim Jetty, one of the six remaining clan jetties in George Town.

Known as Snaeh Lim Kio in Hokkien, it sits closest to the ferry terminal at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda. Lim Jetty was completely destroyed during the Japanese bombing in 1941 and rebuilt after World War II. Its main temple, the Sun Moon Temple, honours the Lim clan’s patron deity, Lim Tai Cor, along with other deities. The busiest time here is during the feast day of the sea goddess Mazu.

Much of Lim Jetty has changed over the years, with parts of the waterfront reclaimed for development, including a parking area. Just south of it sits Chew Jetty.

Moving On

We didn’t have enough time to visit the remaining clan jetties, so we walked to the nearby bus terminal and caught the free Rapid Penang CAT bus to KOMTAR.

That wrapped up our morning adventure. See you all soon for the next chapter.

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:
Clan Jetties Of Penang - https://goo.gl/maps/MuJbn4egb2moxiDD7
Chew Jetty - https://goo.gl/maps/R9GMEVPvrYo438XJ7
Lim Jetty - https://goo.gl/maps/8QqS1AyWm4NPBvRt7
Rapid Penang Jetty Terminal - https://goo.gl/maps/dteRXf5Z4aHhXTub6

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.

Tuesday, 9 August 2022

PEN Day 3 │ Runaround: GURNEY DRIVE and Back

A Little History

We were finally visiting Gurney Drive, a place almost everyone connects with Penang Island. It sits on reclaimed land that once formed part of Teluk Ayer Rajah, the bay between George Town and Tanjung Tokong.

According to the Penang Fandom website, plans for a coastal road began in the 1930s. By 1934, North Beach was extended into what later became Gurney Drive. More land was reclaimed in the late 1940s, and in 1952 the road was renamed Gurney Drive in honour of Sir Henry Gurney, the British High Commissioner of Malaya.

Getting There

Our evening began with a short walk to the bus stop along Jalan Penang, right in front of the 7 Eleven. We caught the Rapid Penang #101 bus and rode it to the Sleeping Buddha stop on Jalan Kelawai. The fare was RM1.40 each (about USD/EUR0.30).

From there, we crossed Jalan Kelawai, walked onto Jalan Concordia, and continued northeast until the road ended. At last, we reached Gurney Drive.

A Change of Plans

We soon learned that the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre was closed on Tuesdays. We had not checked beforehand, so we simply went with the flow and chose the first lively place we saw — Coco Island Street Food.

It was bright, busy, and full of choices. We enjoyed our dinner there, and after about an hour, it was time to head back.

Walking Off Our Dinner

We had eaten a little too much, so instead of taking the bus, we decided to walk the whole way home. We followed Gurney Drive southeast, enjoying the sea breeze and the evening lights, until we reached the end of the road. Then we turned left onto Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.

We continued southeast, crossed the road near Istana Kedah, and walked onto Jalan Larut. At the next junction, we turned left again onto Jalan Hutton — the home stretch.

About twenty minutes later, we reached our hotel. Our feet were a little sore, but our dinner had fully settled.

What’s Next

Please stay tuned for our next post as we explore a couple of jetties tomorrow morning.

And one last 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:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/LyX27z6dX3KBnH7F7
Sleeping Buddha - https://goo.gl/maps/WwhjQ2PNojYAeARTA
Jalan Concordia - https://goo.gl/maps/aMSA9UUztcnK3zxPA
Coco Island Street Food - https://g.page/CocoIsland?share
Persiaran Gurney - https://goo.gl/maps/ArNno4vfcQBGfjmb8
Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah - https://goo.gl/maps/7s1T6vjmLP5jsPHk7
Jalan Larut - https://goo.gl/maps/jv7wdjKznefhagrA7
Jalan Hutton - https://goo.gl/maps/5LkU5U5wkJm8xw3V8

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.

PEN Day 3 │ COCO ISLAND Street Food

Looking for the Famous Hawker Centre

It was finally time for dinner at Gurney Drive, and our plan was simple: eat at the famous hawker centre. Yes, it was a tourist trap, but we still felt we should visit it at least once.

Unfortunately, we only realised after arriving that the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre was closed. We had not checked beforehand, and by the time we found out, it was too late to change plans. Still, when life gives us lemons, we go island hopping — so we walked over to Coco Island Street Food instead.

Coco Island to the Rescue

Coco Island turned out to be bright, lively, and full of energy. It more than made up for our earlier disappointment. We took turns walking past each stall, enjoying the smells and colours, before finally choosing our dinner.

We ordered:

• Wat Tan Hor — RM11.50

• Fruit Juices — RM11.70

• Pork Chop — RM18.00

• Fries — RM8.00

• Fish & Chips — RM16.00

• Penang Rojak — RM13.00

• 20 sticks of Satay — RM29.00

We admitted we went a little overboard. The total came to RM97.20 (≈ USD/EUR22). It felt a bit high, especially since we didn’t even have a beer, but considering the location, we were not too surprised.

A Small Reminder

Before ending the night, we reminded ourselves — and everyone else — that while masks were now optional outdoors, they were still mandatory indoors. A small act of care that keeps everyone safe.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Coco Island Street Food - https://g.page/CocoIsland?share

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.

PEN Day 3 │ Runaround: KOMTAR • BALIK PULAU and Back

We’re Going Someplace New!

After a short break at the hotel, we stepped out again—this time with a new destination in mind. We wanted to explore a part of Penang we had never visited before: Balik Pulau.

Heading to KOMTAR

We walked to the bus stop along Jalan Penang and caught Rapid Penang bus #201 to KOMTAR for just RM1.00 each (≈ USD0.20/EUR0.20).

At KOMTAR Bus Terminal, we made our way to the last lane and waited for bus #401E, which would take us across the island.

The Scenic Ride

We boarded the bus at around 11:20am and paid RM4.00 each (≈ USD0.90/EUR0.90).

The journey was long, but interesting. Over the next hour, we passed through several areas:

Gelugor
Sungai Nibong
Queensbay Mall
Bukit Jambul
Penang Airport
Teluk Kumbar
Genting

It felt like seeing another side of Penang—quieter, less touristy, and more local.

Arrival at Balik Pulau

About 1 hour and 20 minutes later, we arrived in Balik Pulau. After asking the driver for advice, we got off at Pekan Kongsi.

The town felt small and laid back, a complete contrast to Georgetown.

Lunch in a Quiet Town

After a short walk around, we settled on Nasi Kandar Roundabout for lunch. We ordered:

Rice with fried chicken (for two of us)
Fried noodles (for Cat)
Drinks

The meal came to RM25.70 (≈ USD6/EUR6)—simple, tasty, and very satisfying.

A Quick Haircut

Since the weather was getting warm, I decided it was a good time for a haircut. I walked into Sri Mun Barbershop, where a friendly young barber attended to me. The haircut cost just RM13.00 (≈ USD3/EUR3)—quick, neat, and well done.

Missing the Bus… and Waiting Again

After leaving the barbershop, we just missed our bus. A different bus—#502—arrived, but it didn’t go back to KOMTAR.

So, we waited.

The Journey Back

Eventually, another #401E bus came along. We boarded again for RM4.00 each (≈ USD0.90/EUR0.90).

The return journey took just over an hour, and we were back at KOMTAR by mid afternoon.

Wrapping Up the Day

Before heading back, we stopped by Maybank to settle a quick banking matter, then walked back to our hotel to rest.

It had been a simple but memorable trip—exploring a quieter side of Penang that we had never seen before.

What’s Next

We won’t be done just yet. Another evening walkabout is coming up.

Stay tuned! 🌄

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/Sa3pp5NKAQgx5pij6
Komtar Bus Terminal - https://goo.gl/maps/kiMomEA7ye3HuNVU6
Pekan Kongsi - https://goo.gl/maps/qF6GYCAZXtLwyeq6A
Nasi Kandar Roundabout - https://goo.gl/maps/yJFsDQnnRd9kDLz97
Sri Mun Barbershop - https://goo.gl/maps/whiGjiVwKXQFrpEH8

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.

PEN Day 3 │ Walkabout 6: CHOWRASTA Market Hunt

Penang Day 3!

We had planned to start early, but as always, plans changed. We overslept and only managed to leave the hotel at 9:05am.

Breakfast at Hutton Lane

Our first stop was a well known breakfast spot nearby—Hutton Lane Roti Bakar. We walked across the street and headed southwest along Jalan Penang, arriving just in time to join a long queue.

We all ordered the same thing:

Toasted bread
Two half boiled eggs
Drinks

Breakfast came to RM18.00 (≈ USD4/EUR4)—simple, classic, and satisfying.

Exploring Chowrasta Market

After breakfast, we crossed over to Jalan Chowrasta to begin our market walk.

Chowrasta Market was one of the oldest markets in Penang and sat within the UNESCO heritage zone. It was known for its wide range of local products—from pickled nutmeg to traditional pastries.

We first walked along the street outside, browsing the various stalls. There was plenty to see, but nothing really caught our attention.

Inside the Market

We then stepped into the market itself. Inside, we found:

Pickle stalls selling local favourites
Fresh produce and dried goods
A wet market section with meat, seafood, and vegetables

Cat stopped at one stall and bought:

Pickled mango – RM7
Pickled papaya – RM7

We walked through the entire market, taking in the sights, but didn’t pick up much else. Since we were travelling, we didn’t have the option to cook anyway.

We even went up to the first floor—but found only a couple of clothing stalls open.

Street Finds and Small Purchases

Back outside, we continued along nearby streets:

Lebuh Tamil
Jalan Kuala Kangsar

Here, the morning vendors were busy selling clothes and everyday items.

Cat found a batik blouse and shorts set that she liked and bought it for RM30.00 (≈ USD7/EUR7).

Before leaving, we stopped at a fruit stall and picked up:

A bunch of bananas
Half a watermelon

All for RM13 (≈ USD7/EUR7).

Back to the Hotel

With our small haul, we made our way back to the hotel to rest a little before heading out again later in the day.

A Quiet Morning Well Spent

It wasn’t a hectic morning, but it felt productive:

• Good breakfast

• A walk through one of Penang’s oldest markets

• A few small local finds

Sometimes that was all we needed.

A Gentle Reminder

Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

We’ll be heading out again shortly for more exploring—stay tuned! 🌿🍉

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/Sa3pp5NKAQgx5pij6
Hutton Lane Roti Bakar - https://goo.gl/maps/BUYbu79qFE4Ebs5J6
Jalan Chowrasta - https://goo.gl/maps/Bx4J7oB9vujBfed26
Walk@Chowrasta - https://goo.gl/maps/kPt3h3aratWACcwA7
Chowrasta Market - https://goo.gl/maps/KWWD8nnu1Fh3TxN89
Shin Huat (Pasar Chowrasta) - https://goo.gl/maps/Qhu8p6VAKvDscDsC8

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.

Monday, 8 August 2022

PEN Day 2 │ Walkabout: Pengkalan Weld • JETTY Food Court • Lebuh Armenian

We’re Off on Another Walkabout!

After spending the afternoon relaxing in our apartment, we stepped out in the evening once the temperature had dropped. It felt like the perfect time for another easy walk around Georgetown.

Walking Through Campbell Street

We left Hutton Suites and headed southeast along Jalan Hutton, crossing over to Lebuh Campbell.

Campbell Street had a long and colourful history. It was named after Sir George William Robert Campbell, an important official in Penang during the 1870s. But long before that, locals simply called it “new street” in Hokkien and Cantonese.

Over time, the street developed a more colourful reputation, and different communities gave it their own names—some reflecting its past as an area of nightlife and trade. Walking there today, though, it simply felt lively and full of character.

Through the Heritage Streets

We continued along Lebuh Campbell until the very end, then crossed into Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and turned into Lebuh Armenian.

Here, we passed one of Penang’s most famous sights—the “Kids on Bicycle” mural. Even though we would return later for photos, it was still nice to see it again as we walked by.

Soon after, we reached the waterfront—and our destination for the evening.

Dinner at The Jetty

We arrived at The Jetty Food Court, where we had planned to have dinner.

(You can catch the full details of that meal in our previous post!)

With full stomachs and a bit more energy, we began our walk back.

Quiet Moments on the Way Back

This time, the streets were quieter. With fewer people around, we took the chance to snap a few quick “wefies” with the mural.

Along the way, a bundle shop caught Brendan’s eye. He spent some time looking through the racks of second hand shoes—always fun to browse, even if nothing was bought.

Looping Back Home

We continued looping through familiar streets:

Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Jalan Kampung Kolam
Lebuh Carnarvon
Back to Lebuh Campbell

Before heading home, we stopped by the fruit stall we had visited the night before. This time, we picked up fresh fruits and a packet of steamed chickpeas—a simple but satisfying snack.

A quick stop at 7 Eleven for a large bottle of drinking water, and we were ready to head back.

Ending the Night

We crossed back onto Jalan Hutton and returned to our apartment.

It had been another easy walk—nothing rushed, nothing planned too tightly. Just exploring, eating, and enjoying the rhythm of Penang at our own pace.

A Gentle Reminder

Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

More walkabouts to come—stay tuned! 🌙✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/LyX27z6dX3KBnH7F7
Kids on Bicycle mural - https://goo.gl/maps/i5xCtRRs8DfvfN7x7
The Jetty Food Court - https://g.page/thejettyfoodcourt?share
KeninCaliq Bundle - https://goo.gl/maps/jdCjERXApJ7t5bzy9
7-Eleven Jalan Penang - https://goo.gl/maps/C1miQtYD7eHLEoxy5

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.

PEN Day 2 │ The JETTY Food Court

Time for Dinner!

The whole point of our evening walkabout was simple—we wanted dinner at The Jetty Food Court. Cat had read plenty of glowing reviews online, so naturally, our curiosity was piqued.

A Quiet Monday Evening

When we arrived, we quickly realised that not many stalls were open. It was a Monday night after all. Still, we made the most of what was available and began piecing together our meal.

Our Seafood Feast

After walking around and browsing the options, we settled on quite a spread:

Char Kueh Teow – RM5.00
Fried Chicken – RM10.00
Wanton Mee – RM6.00
Sotong Kangkung – RM13.00
Vietnamese Spring Rolls – RM10.00
Dry Bak Kut Teh – RM16.00
Yam Rice – RM2.00
Drinks (including a large Heineken) – RM27.50

Our dinner came to RM89.50 (≈ USD20/EUR20).

What Did We Think?

For the variety and location, we thought the price was very reasonable.

If there was one small complaint, it would be the Dry Bak Kut Teh, which was a little too salty for our taste. But overall, the meal was enjoyable, and the variety made it a fun way to sample different local dishes all in one place.

Worth a Visit?

Absolutely.

If you were looking for a casual spot with many food choices, The Jetty Food Court was a great option—especially if you didn’t want to commit to just one type of cuisine.

A Quick Reminder

Before we go, just a gentle note:

Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

Stay tuned—more food adventures coming your way! 🍜

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
The Jetty Food Court - https://g.page/thejettyfoodcourt?share

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.

PEN Day 2 │ Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si

We got off the Rapid Penang #201 bus at Air Itam Market and walked toward a small alley near Kong Min School. At first, we tried climbing the steps up the hill, but after a few breathless minutes, we decided to turn back.

Instead, we made our way to the foothill car park area, right next to the school—and that turned out to be a very good decision.

A Much Easier Way Up

Here, we discovered what felt like a new and very welcome addition—a series of inclined lifts and buggy rides that took visitors all the way up to the temple.

For RM16 (≈ USD3.60/EUR3.60), the journey included:

An inclined lift to Station 2
A buggy ride to Station 3
Another inclined lift to Station 4

It saved us a lot of time and energy, and it was well worth it.

About Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Southeast Asia.

The name meant:

• “Temple of Supreme Bliss”

• Or simply, a place of “great joy”

It was also sometimes called the Temple of Paradise, reflecting its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

The Goddess of Mercy

At the top awaited one of the temple’s main highlights—the Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) statue.

The bronze statue stood at over 30 metres tall, replacing an older structure that had been damaged years earlier. Above it was a large pavilion supported by bronze columns, creating an impressive and serene space.

Standing there, it felt calm, quiet, and deeply meaningful.

Exploring the Grounds

After taking in the view, we wandered around the zodiac garden and explored the temple grounds further. There were small waterfalls, statues, and quiet corners perfect for photos—and of course, a few “wefies.”

When we were ready, we made our way back down:

• Inclined lift to Station 3

• A relaxed walk past the rows of Buddha statues

• A buggy back to Station 2

• Final lift down to the foothill

Heading Back

From there, we walked back into Pekan Air Itam, bringing our visit to a close.

A Must-Visit in Penang

Kek Lok Si was truly an experience not to be missed. Together with Penang Hill, it remained one of the island’s most important landmarks.

We would recommend both without hesitation.

A Gentle Reminder

Before we end, just a small note: Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

Until Next Time

It was a peaceful morning, filled with history, culture, and quiet moments.

And just like that, our Penang story continued. Stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Pekan Ayer Itam - https://goo.gl/maps/M1tLVwVLwKeDCYAk8
Kek Lok Si Temple Car Park - https://goo.gl/maps/k68vJPwvzqCaQrbn8
Kek Lok Si’s Pagoda - https://goo.gl/maps/dQUjbL1PBNjr5de5A
Kek Lok Si Temple - https://goo.gl/maps/tPsCXddRm7dTMNjE6
Guan Yin Statue - https://goo.gl/maps/CkG8f1TBATdgCr5LA

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.

PEN Day 2 │ Kopi Tiam Tawfid Pawanchi • Kek Lok Si • Pekan Air Itam • KOMTAR

It’s Our Wedding Anniversary 💛

Today marked a very special day for us.

We were married 24 years ago at the Kuala Terengganu Catholic Mission, and to this day, it remained the best day of our lives.

So, to celebrate, we planned something meaningful—a visit to the beautiful Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam.

An Early Start

We woke up early and reached the Penang Road bus stop by 7:45am. From there, we caught a free Rapid Penang CAT bus to KOMTAR.

Before heading up the hill, we made a stop at our new favourite breakfast spot, Tawfid Pawanchi.

A Simple Breakfast

We kept things light:

Nasi lemak
Fried noodles
A couple of doughnuts
Drinks

The total? Just RM7.70 (≈ USD2/EUR2)—incredible value.

Journey to Air Itam

From KOMTAR, we boarded Rapid Penang bus #201 for RM2.00 each (≈ USD0.50/EUR0.50). About thirty minutes later, we arrived at the busy town of Air Itam.

We made our way through the morning crowd and headed up toward Kek Lok Si Temple.

A Peaceful Visit

We spent around an hour at the temple, taking in the calm surroundings and the beautiful views. It felt like the perfect way to mark such a special occasion—quiet, reflective, and meaningful.

Second Breakfast (Because Why Not?)

Back in Air Itam, we found a small, unnamed food court and couldn’t resist having a second breakfast.

We ordered:

Kueh Teow Thng
Char Kueh Teow
A small Western breakfast (toast, eggs, bacon, sausages)
Drinks

All for RM24.50 (≈ USD6/EUR6).

A Few More Stops

Before heading back, we picked up a bunch of bananas for just RM5 (≈ USD1/EUR1).

We then caught the #201 bus back to KOMTAR for the same fare.

A Small Setback

At KOMTAR, we stopped by a camera shop to check if our Lumix GX85 could be repaired. Unfortunately, it was beyond their expertise.

A bit disappointing—but we moved on.

Back Toward Home

We walked past the hotel and stopped by Maliia Bakery, picking up a bag of soft, fluffy buns for RM10.80 (≈ USD2.50/EUR2.50).

Next door, at 126 Hui Ong Café, we grabbed some Thai style fried snacks for RM24 (≈ USD5/EUR5).

A Day to Remember

It wasn’t a grand celebration. There were no big plans or fancy meals. Just:

Good food
A peaceful temple visit
Small, meaningful moments together

And honestly, that felt just right.

Looking Ahead

We weren’t done yet—we had another walkabout planned for the evening.

Stay tuned for what came next!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/Sa3pp5NKAQgx5pij6
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
Pekan Ayer Itam - https://goo.gl/maps/M1tLVwVLwKeDCYAk8
Kek Lok Si Temple - https://goo.gl/maps/Vn3Lz59icVJU31zL9
Maliia Bakery - https://goo.gl/maps/PHyenAXyFKTyM8bB9
126 Hui Ong Cafe - https://goo.gl/maps/trjuBiqywWxhGJtm9

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.

Sunday, 7 August 2022

PEN Day 1 │ Walkabout: KOMTAR • Chulia Street • Pasta Path

We’re in the Mood for a Walkabout!

After a refreshing afternoon nap, we felt recharged and ready to head out again. Georgetown was calling, and we were eager to explore.

A Slow Start… and a Sudden Problem

We stepped out of Hutton Suites, made a quick stop at Mydin for some basic supplies, then returned briefly to drop them off before heading out again.

Our route took us along Jalan Hutton, across Jalan Penang, and toward the Octopus Pedestrian Bridge near KOMTAR. The evening light was soft, and it felt like the perfect time for photos.

That was when things went wrong.

While taking pictures of KOMTAR at dusk, our Lumix GX85 suddenly jammed. A warning appeared on the screen asking us to restart the camera. We tried everything—turning it off and on, removing the battery and memory card—but nothing worked.

It was a tough moment. That little camera had been our trusty companion for so long.

Carrying On

With no choice but to improvise, we switched to our smartphones. Thankfully, they could shoot in RAW, so we could still edit the images later—but it just wasn’t the same.

Still, we decided to move forward and enjoy the walk.

Exploring the Streets

We stopped at an ATM along the way, then doubled back across the bridge and continued along Jalan Penang. A fruit vendor caught our eye, and we picked up a small bag of fresh fruit before continuing.

From there, we wandered through:

Lebuh Campbell
Jalan Pintal Tali
Chulia Street

Looking for dinner, we came across L Kitchen, but it had just closed. We were minutes too late.

Finding the Right Spot

Since it was Brendan’s birthday, we wanted something a little more special. We briefly considered Rockafellas, but the empty atmosphere made us think twice.

So we kept walking.

Eventually, along Kampung Malabar, we found Pasta Path. It looked cozy, welcoming, and just right for the occasion.

The funny part? We went to a place called Pasta Path… and didn’t order any pasta.

Dinner came to RM115.30 (≈ USD26/EUR26), and it turned out to be a great choice for a quiet celebration.

Back to Base

After dinner, we walked back toward Jalan Penang, and before we knew it, we were back at the hotel.

It had been a full walk—one with a small setback, but still filled with discovery, food, and moments that mattered.

A Day to Remember

Yes, losing the camera (even if temporarily) was frustrating.

But the walk reminded us of something important: sometimes, it wasn’t about the gear—it was about the experience.

And this was one we wouldn’t forget.

Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come from Penang!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/LyX27z6dX3KBnH7F7
Octopus Pedestrian Crossing Bridge - https://goo.gl/maps/NFoxzxe9mVzpijSK8
Komtar Walk - https://goo.gl/maps/5MCYxPH8RoDdRSBXA
Maybank KOMTAR - https://goo.gl/maps/3V72mndii34z5CBE6
L Kitchen 李月香粥麵饭 - https://goo.gl/maps/fo29LYzVkrbeqqQd8
Rockafellas Kitchen & Bar - https://g.page/rockafellaspg?share

Pasta Path - https://goo.gl/maps/BFqc71SnvC4vA96eA

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.

PEN Day 1 │ HUTTON Suites Hotel

We Are Checked In!

The hotels managed by Penang Hotel Collection (PHC) had quickly become one of our favourites. On our last visit, we stayed at Hutton Central Hotel and loved everything about it—from the furnishings to the location.

A Pleasant Surprise

This time, however, we needed a two bedroom unit since Brendan was with us. Hutton Central didn’t offer that, so upon arrival, we were informed that we had been moved to their sister property, Hutton Suites, just a short walk away.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Location wise, it was even better—just metres from Jalan Penang and within walking distance of all our favourite spots in Georgetown.

A Great Deal

We had always thought the rates here were a little high, so we felt lucky to secure a five night stay for RM1,396.30 (≈ USD313 / EUR313), which worked out to about RM280 per night (≈ USD63 / EUR63).

For what we got, it felt like great value.

Our Home in Penang

The apartment suited us perfectly. It was:

Spacious and well laid out
A proper two bedroom unit
Equipped with a kitchenette and washer dryer

The bathroom was well stocked, the living room felt cosy, and our bedroom was comfortable. Brendan’s room was smaller but still adequate for his needs.

At that point, it became clear—Hutton Central (for two of us) and Hutton Suites (when Brendan joins) would likely become our regular stays whenever we visited Penang.

A Small Trade Off

Of course, no place was perfect.

At night, it could get a little noisy due to a bar downstairs with karaoke. But we chose to look at it differently—those slightly off key Canto pop renditions became our unexpected lullaby.

A Gentle Reminder

Before we end, just a quick note: Masks may now be optional outdoors, but they are still required indoors.

Settled and Ready

With that, we were all checked in and ready for the days ahead.

Penang always had a way of making us feel at home—and this stay was no different.

Stay tuned for what came next!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hutton Suites Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/Sa3pp5NKAQgx5pij6

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.

PEN Day 1 │ AEROLINE KL to PENANG

We’re Taking a Bus to Penang!

The last time we took an Aeroline bus was many years ago—on a trip to Singapore. So this time, instead of the train, we decided to travel to Penang by bus.

A Comfortable Choice

Aeroline promised a premium experience. Their coaches came with:

Comfortable seats
Cabin crew service
Meals and hot drinks
Blankets and pillows
Personal touchscreen entertainment

We were curious to see if it still lived up to these promises.

Boarding with Care

At that time, travel came with extra steps. Passengers needed to show proof of full vaccination and a negative test (within 72 hours) before boarding.

We followed all the requirements, presented our documents, and were welcomed aboard.

On the Road

The bus left slightly later than planned at 9:40am.

At around 12:00pm, we made a stop at Simpang Pulai R&R near Ipoh. It was a welcome break to stretch our legs and grab snacks. After about twenty minutes, we were back on the road.

The journey was smooth and relaxed, and by 2:30pm, we arrived right on time at Queensbay Mall Penang.

Was It Worth It?

The ticket cost RM60.00 per person (≈ USD13/EUR13)—about 50% more than a regular bus.

But for us, the extra comfort, space, and overall experience made it worth the price. Would we take Aeroline again? Definitely!

A Small Reminder

Before we end, just a gentle reminder:

Masks may now be optional outdoors
But they are still required indoors

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the journey matters just as much as the destination.

And this time, the bus ride itself felt like part of the adventure.

Stay tuned—Penang was just the beginning!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Aeroline (KL) FLY From the City - https://g.page/AEROKL?share
Hotel Corus Bus Stop - https://goo.gl/maps/1ywGtHpiWzYqcnX68
Simpang Pulai Northbound LayBy - https://goo.gl/maps/2uM5gaPgYKNts2pp7
Queensbay Mall - https://g.page/QBMPG?share

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.