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

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