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
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