PEN Day 2 │ Kongsi Cerita Street Festival • The Jetty Food Court • Walkabout!

Saturday Night in George Town — Full Episode

After lunch at Nasi Kandar Line Clear, we headed back to Unit 128B and spent the entire afternoon indoors, letting the city slow down around us. By eight at night, we stepped out again, ready for a long walk through George Town’s shifting moods.

Jalan Hutton — Slipping Back Into the Night

The moment we left the apartment; the air felt cooler and the city had eased into its Saturday rhythm. Warm streetlamps stretched amber light across the pavement, and the quiet hum of passing motorbikes set the tone for the night ahead.

Lebuh Campbell & Buckingham — Movement and Stillness

Crossing Jalan Penang, the energy picked up. Lebuh Campbell still carried its daytime pulse: bright clothing shops open late, friends chatting under five foot ways, and the smell of frying noodles drifting from a corner stall.

Turning into Lebuh Buckingham, everything softened again. Shuttered shophouses lined the street, their metal grilles catching the glow of streetlights. A lone convenience store buzzed quietly, its fluorescent spill lighting up the pavement. Someone stepped out with a drink, the rustle of plastic echoing in the stillness. It felt like a gentle pause between livelier scenes.

Lebuh Armenian — The City in a Tender Mood

Further along, Lebuh Armenian greeted us with lanterns swaying overhead and murals softened by the dim light. Cafés were closing, chairs being stacked, quiet conversations drifting from doorways. A motorcycle hummed past like a brief whisper. The street felt contemplative, intimate — George Town in its gentlest form.

Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling — Festival Found

Reaching Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, the quiet dissolved into celebration. The 18th George Town Heritage Celebrations were in full swing. Under the theme Kongsi Cerita, the festival highlighted everyday traditions that shape the UNESCO listed city.

Music floated through the night — drums, chatter, laughter — while strings of lights illuminated stalls showcasing crafts, snacks, and stories from 51 community partners. The Kapitan Keling Mosque glowed softly in the background, temples nearby added incense to the air, and the whole stretch felt like a living tapestry of cultures sharing one joyful evening.

The Historic Open House opened 12 historic buildings for exploration, inviting visitors to step inside clan houses, mosques, memorials, and community halls to understand George Town’s Outstanding Universal Value through firsthand encounters.

The Jetty Food Court — Music, Crowds & Our Final Meal

Before we knew it, our walk carried us to The Jetty Food Court, buzzing with weekend energy. After browsing the stalls, we settled on dry and souped Bak Kut Teh, white rice, Loh Bak, and a Coca Cola — our final Penang meal, totalling RM60.00 (≈ USD15/EUR13).

At the centre stage, an accomplished trio belted out current hits and classics from yesteryears. Their voices filled the entire food court, kids danced near the stage, aunties swayed, uncles tapped their feet, and the whole place pulsed with music, food, and laughter.

Closing the Night — Back to Jalan Hutton

The walk back was a glide through shifting moods — quiet, festive, contemplative, vibrant — each street offering its own slice of George Town after dark. From Jalan Penang, we slipped back onto Jalan Hutton, where the night settled into calm once more.

Back at the apartment, it was time to pack for our bus ride to Kuala Lumpur.

Stay tuned — the next chapter begins with an early morning departure!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site - https://maps.app.goo.gl/S5xm9ztkcyuEK2M96

Lebuh Armenian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XU3hfJT3AZcB4nPdA

The Jetty Food Court - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WMXgDpmaZKqdgcFp7

PEN Day 2 │ Skin Nation Tattoo • Nasi Kandar Line Clear!

Tattoo Touch Up Begins

Back at Unit 128B after stowing our Chowrasta haul, we took a quick shower and headed straight out again — this time for my tattoo touch up appointment with MC of Skin Nation Tattoo. The studio buzzed with that familiar hum of machines and disinfectant. While I settled in, Cat asked MC for a good foot massage spot, and he pointed her toward Revive Reflexology on Jalan Penang.

Needles & Pampering

We bade farewell as Cat left for her two hour full body and foot massage, ready to sink into reflexology bliss. Meanwhile, MC got to work on the Manchester United piece on my left arm, refreshing the colours and tightening the lines. Two very different afternoons unfolding side by side — Cat relaxing, me bracing for the sting of fresh ink.

Why Tattoos Fade & Why Mine Needed a Touch Up

A multi coloured tattoo never fades evenly. Lighter pigments like yellow and pastels break down fastest, losing brightness within a couple of years. Reds and blues dull more slowly, sometimes shifting tone. Sun exposure, skin texture, and the way my body heals all play a part. Over time, the colours drift out of balance, leaving the tattoo looking softer and a little tired.

And since it had been over two years since I first got the Manchester United piece, the fading was clear. A touch up simply restores harmony — reinforcing weak colours, sharpening edges, and bringing contrast back to life.

MC worked with quiet efficiency and finished in one hour. We chatted about everything from his dream back piece to the new home he’d just bought. I paid him his dues and stepped out at 2:30pm, my arm refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.

Reflexology Wrap Up & Late Lunch

I walked over to Revive Reflexology and waited on a bench until Cat emerged at 3:30pm, glowing from her massage. Hunger kicked in, so we crossed over to Nasi Kandar Line Clear for a late lunch. We both ordered the same Nasi Kandar with Fried Chicken, plus Iced Milk Tea. The bill came to RM25.50 (≈ USD/EUR6) — hearty, simple, perfect.

A Sweet Pitstop & A Slow Walk Home

After lunch, we strolled south along Jalan Penang, the city easing into late afternoon. Soft traffic, warm light, and the gentle clatter of cafés winding down. 

Turning east onto Jalan Hutton, the street grew quieter — heritage shophouses casting long shadows, motorbikes buzzing lazily past. We crossed Jalan Transfer but  buttery aroma pulled us into Malila Bakery, where we grabbed a couple of pastries for later. We then returned to Hutton Central Hotel, slipping back into Unit 128B for a well earned rest.

Stay tuned for the next episode — we head out to experience our first Penang Street Festival at night, and it’s going to be a whole new adventure!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Skin Nation Tattoo - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tUTJA9Sitao3HQaHA

Revive Reflexology - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xgicvB4bNaPQ3PpC6

Nasi Kandar Line Clear - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rNPZpE3B2r8aTmK68

Maliia Bakery - https://maps.app.goo.gl/S3AgVVAHR72BGhXG8

PEN Day 3 │ Hutton Central • Queensbay Mall • TRX Mall!

Our Final Aeroline Journey — Full Episode

Our short 48 hour trip to Penang ended almost as quickly as it began. We woke at six in the morning, the sky still dark and quiet. Because most of our packing was done the night before, we moved calmly through the apartment, checking chargers and zipping bags. By 6:45am, we stepped out for what could be our last ride on an Aeroline bus.

Leaving Penang at Dawn

We had booked a Grab Car Plus for seven o’clock, paying an inflated RM52.00 for peace of mind. With road closures expected for the George Town Heritage Celebrations, we did not want any delays on the way to Queensbay Mall.

The driver arrived early at 6:45am, and to our relief the roads were clear. The twenty minute ride was smooth, and he dropped us off at the Starbucks in the North Zone. The café was still closed, so we waited quietly as the mall slowly woke up. At 8:00am, the shutters opened and we ordered a latte to start the day.

Boarding Aeroline

More than an hour passed, and at 8:10am, our Aeroline bus — VLT8817 — arrived. Five minutes later, we boarded and settled into the cool cabin. At 8:30am, the bus pulled away right on time, beginning our journey back to Kuala Lumpur.

Why Aeroline Is Leaving Kuala Lumpur

Aeroline had recently announced that it would stop serving Kuala Lumpur after more than twenty years. Rising costs, operational challenges, and new regulations made it difficult to continue. Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency required all buses to operate only from licensed terminals, which would increase expenses and weaken Aeroline’s premium service model.

The company had moved its Kuala Lumpur stop to TRX Mall, but it was not allowed to operate there. Instead of raising fares or lowering service quality, Aeroline chose to exit Kuala Lumpur completely and focus on other routes. More details on future schedules would be announced later.

Arrival and Trouble

We reached Kuala Lumpur at 1:45pm, but the arrival was disappointing. The bus dropped us off beside an electrical substation inside a car park, directly across from TRX Mall’s main entrance. A proper covered bus stop stood empty just fifty meters away, yet the driver and conductor chose the car park instead.

Then things got worse. Cat became violently ill, throwing up again and again until there was nothing left but bile. The cause was clear to us — the Fried Rice Vermicelli Aeroline had served earlier that morning.

The Final Straw

After many attempts, we finally managed to hail a Grab at 2:30pm for RM23.00, right there beside the electrical substation. The driver struggled to locate us, and by the time he arrived, we were drenched and exhausted.

Twenty minutes later, we reached home — relieved but deeply disappointed.

As far as we were concerned, Aeroline had burned its bridges with us. What once was our bus service of choice had become an abomination of its former self!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Aeroline Queensbay Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qAzcm4qNVEBNXqzn7

Aeroline (TRX) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7BHpRM5PnmTfucoA7

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

PEN Day 2 │ Ah Boy • Weld Quay • Air Hitam • Chowrasta Market!

Day Two Begins — Breakfast at Ah Boy

We woke later than planned on the second morning of our 48 hour Penang sprint, only stirring at 8:45am after the late night at Red Garden. By 9:15am, we finally stepped out of Unit 128B, a little slow but ready to settle unfinished business — the breakfast we missed on our previous trip.

A short walk brought us to Ah Boy, already buzzing with the late morning crowd. Despite the rush, a small table opened up just as we arrived. We both ordered their signature Kueh Teow Thng, light and comforting, paired with a round of drinks. Our very typical Penang breakfast came to RM17.80 (≈ USD/EUR4) — simple, satisfying, and long overdue.

CAT Bus to Weld Quay

We wrapped up at a quarter to ten and headed to the bus stop in front of the 7 Eleven on Jalan Penang. A few minutes later, the cream and blue CAT bus pulled up, Penang’s free shuttle gliding us smoothly toward Weld Quay. The ride was breezy, the city easing into late morning as we rolled south.

Renewing the Mutiara Passes

We arrived at 10:20am and made our way to the Rapid Penang kiosk to renew our Mutiara bus passes. With fresh, reactivated cards in hand, we hopped onto a waiting #201 bus bound for Pekan Air Hitam, settling in for the hour long ride.

Air Hitam Market — Mid Morning Treats

By the time the bus reached Air Hitam, the morning market was already winding down. Vendors were packing up, trays half empty, the early buzz fading into a quieter rhythm. We grabbed a bunch of bananas for RM6.40 (≈ USD/EUR2), then stepped into the nearby food court.

Both of us ordered Cendol — RM5.00 (≈ USD/EUR1) each — shaved ice melting fast, gula melaka syrup dripping down the sides. We sat and enjoyed the cool sweetness while soaking in the softer, end of morning atmosphere.

The Noon Pivot — Grab to Chowrasta

We returned to the same bus stop hoping to catch a ride back toward Jalan Transfer, but the road stayed stubbornly quiet. With no buses in sight, we switched plans and hailed a Grab at noon. For RM18.00 (≈ USD/EUR4), we rode straight to Chowrasta Market, back into the heart of George Town.

Chowrasta Market — Pickles Secured

We arrived around 12:30pm and headed straight to Aik Lee, our favourite pickle stall. Two kilograms of pickled Ambra, two kilograms of pickled Mango, plus 500 grams extra — our usual haul. The total came to RM84.00 (≈ USD21/EUR18), a familiar ritual and a must buy every trip.

Back to the Apartment — Midday Reset

With our goodies in hand, we walked back along Jalan Penang, then Jalan Hutton, the midday heat settling in as the streets grew quieter. A few minutes later, we reached Unit 128B and stowed our haul — jars and bags lined up neatly, mission accomplished.

Stay tuned for the next episode as I head out for an appointment with a tattoo artist!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Ah Boy Koay Teow Th'ng - https://maps.app.goo.gl/StdjCGoC8GaskwdH8

Weld Quay Jetty Bus Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LYwLeEWTCxBSiuRKA

Pekan Ayer Itam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPGtkPsNTqrzSDQF9

Chowrasta Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yqGkzS1PcibGwbDe6

PEN Day 1 │ TRX to Queensbay • Hutton Central • Pokok Ketapang • Red Garden!

48 Hour Sojourn to Penang Begins

We kicked off our Penang getaway bright and early — up at seven, out by 7:40am. Brendan was working from home but still had time to send us toward TRX Mall, our launch point. Traffic was light, though we missed a turn and had to loop around; even so, we reached TRX by 8:25am, the city warming up and our short, energetic run officially underway.

Walk to Aeroline & Breakfast at TRX

From TRX Mall, we took a ten minute stroll to the Aeroline waiting area near the MRT station. With time to spare before our 9:30am departure, we slipped into Kopi Malaya for breakfast — drinks and shared toast for RM17.40 (≈ USD/EUR4) — a calm, comfortable start before the long ride north.

Shuttle to One Utama

Back at the waiting lounge, a small crowd had gathered. At 9:15am, staff ushered everyone upstairs to board the shuttle bus for One Utama, where the main coach awaited. The transfer was smooth and well timed, setting a steady pace for the day.

Departure from TRX (Round Two)

A slight delay cropped up when two passengers went missing, so the shuttle only pulled away at 9:40am. The half hour ride through late morning traffic brought us to the Aeroline bay, where VH8803 stood ready. Fifteen minutes later, the coach eased out and began the long northbound journey.

Northbound to Penang

VH8803 settled into a smooth rhythm up the peninsula. At 12:45pm, we stopped at Simpang Pulai for a quick fifteen minute break. Two quiet hours later, we passed the Bandar Cassia Toll Plaza, gateway to Penang’s southern corridor. By 3:15pm, the coach rolled into Queensbay Mall, marking our arrival.

Aeroline’s Final Chapter

This run carried a bittersweet note. Aeroline had announced it would cease Kuala Lumpur operations after more than 20 years, following a directive requiring all services to operate strictly from licensed terminals — a move that undermined their premium point to point model. Unable to operate from TRX Mall and unwilling to raise fares or compromise service quality, Aeroline chose to exit KL entirely. As VH8803 pulled into Queensbay, it struck us that this was our last Aeroline ride out of KL.

Travelling Light (On Purpose)

For this short run, we left our yellow submarines at home. The coach’s luggage compartment tends to pick up grime, so we brought our grey goblins instead — smaller, lighter, far less precious, and perfect for a quick 48 hour sprint.

Arrival at Hutton Central Suites

From Queensbay Mall, a RM13 (≈ USD/EUR3) Grab picked us up at 3:25pm. Twenty minutes later, we reached Hutton Central Suites and checked into Unit 128B at 3:50pm. At RM300 a night (≈ USD74/EUR64), it remained solid value — comfortable amenities and easy access to Chowrasta Market, KOMTAR, and our usual haunts.

Late Lunch at Nasi Kandar Pokok Ketapang

Hunger finally caught up with us, so we crossed Jalan Transfer to Nasi Kandar Pokok Ketapang, a long standing favourite. Cat chose fried chicken, I went for mutton; two iced lemon teas cooled us down, and we packed a Nescafe Tarik for later. Total: RM29 (≈ USD7/EUR6).

Afternoon Pause

With the late afternoon heat settling in, we returned to Unit 128B and rested before the night’s plans.

Friday Night Walk to Red Garden

At 9:30pm, we stepped out for supper at Red Garden Food Paradise. The fifteen minute walk carried that unmistakable George Town Friday night energy — warm air, glowing shophouses, humming motorbikes, and drifting scents of garlic and charcoal. Jalan Sri Bahari offered a quieter stretch before neon signs and weekend crowds thickened near Jalan Penang.

Supper Spread and Live Music

Inside Red Garden, we browsed the stalls and ordered our usual favourites: German sausage, fried flat noodles with duck egg, oyster fried omelette, a small Heineken, and Ambra juice. A troupe of energetic singers, backed by an accomplished keyboardist, kept the food court buzzing. Total: RM67.80 (≈ USD17/EUR15).

The Walk Home

Near eleven, we eased into a slow walk along Lebuh Leith. Jalan Penang was winding down — neon signs glowing, dessert stalls closing, charcoal scents lingering. Crossing toward Jalan Transfer and turning onto Jalan Hutton, the streets grew quieter. Another easy fifteen minute stroll and we were back at Unit 128B, well past our bedtime.

Stay tuned for the next episode as we try to wake up bright and early for breakfast at a nearby stall!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8
Aeroline (TRX) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7BHpRM5PnmTfucoA7
Aeroline Queensbay Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qAzcm4qNVEBNXqzn7
Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9
Nasi Kandar Pokok Ketapang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1uyiV3psT3CojbTF8
Red Garden Food Paradise - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tStcckDivai7zaDBA