Have Perut Will Travel...: PEN Day 2 │ Skin Nation Tattoo • Nasi Kandar Line Clear!

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any such content, nor may you distribute any part of this content over any network, including a local area network, sell or offer it for sale. You may not alter or remove any copyright, watermarks, or other notice from copies of the content on this blog. Copying or storing any content is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the blog owner. For permission to use the content on this blog, please contact harrycath@gmail.com.

Saturday, 4 July 2026

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!