Penang Breakthrough

I've just returned from a weekend trip to Penang. It was a glorious way to end our 1st half of this semester. The trip was initially planned long ago but made possible only till now.

We were pretty unsure what this island could offer us for 2 days, let alone not a proper plan or schedule. So, we let our uncertainty take control. In the end, we ended up eating a lot of good cheap food, playing with reptiles, soaking the sun at the beach, had a doze of the clubbin' scene, and getting our asses numb from the numerous car rides.

Photo's with mini descriptions ahead:

We left at the break of dawn with Vincent Ng on the wheel. Had a long long journey up ahead along the North-South expressway.

The 300+ km journey was a long one, so our first major stop was the town of Ipoh.

We had dim sum for breakfast at Ipoh. It was so good, we kept taking more and more.

After Ipoh, we were greeted with the all so familiar sight of Kedah's breathtaking paddy fields

And soon, we found ourselves on the Penang Bridge, which was under expansion. Luckily the journey over was a smooth one without any jam!

That's where we stayed, Red Rock Hotel, just before the UMNO building in the middle of Georgetown. The street outside was very much congested though.

The 5 of us at the hotel lobby. Me (reflected on the mirror), Vincent Ng, Clevin, Alvin & Vincent Gan

Our comfortable hotel room. This hotel had really good facilities and clean rooms for a cheap price (RM160 per room). I seriously recommend this hotel to those visiting Penang.

View from our hotel window.

On the right, the street leading to our hotel

And on the left. Along the way, food courts litter the sidewalks, so there's not much problem finding food.

The nostalgic look of colonial shophouses. Reminds me of the shophouses back at Kuching.

Our first visit after lunch, the snake temple. Not many snakes in the temple actually. Saw only a few.

Most of them were kept in this mini snake farm beside it. Plenty of snakes, including cobras, vipers, gliders and other reptiles.

Here's a bad ass cobra.

I held an iguana/biawak for the first time. Cold blooded feeling of it. Haha

Vincent Gan even held a snake! The rest of us chickened out. =p

A huge python in its cage. This could devour an animal 3 times its size!

Headed to Queensbay after that. Least exciting part of the trip I suppose. We walked around randomly and aimlessly, not knowing what to do. You know, guys and shopping don't come together.

At night, we headed down to Gurney, together with the jam. Parking was a trouble if it wasn't for our host, Harvin, who found us a great place!

Had our dinner at the Gurney Drive hawker stalls. With so much too choose from, we didn't know what to order.

Eventually, each of us grabbed a plate of whatever we think was good and put them together. Yummy!

Winding up the night, we explored the Penang clubbing scene. Was actually one of the main reasons we ended up at Penang. Haha

Settled down at Slippery Senoritas, which was so packed with people, there was hardly any room for the 10 of us.

Managed a place near the bar top.

Fuel for the night.

A live band from Indonesia which gave us a great live performance, even better than the DJ's.

Harvin, our host for the whole trip, & his beloved, Sonia.

A group photo of the 4 of us.

No doubt, he's the man. None of us could match his drinking capabilities!

Vincent & Alvin

Me & Joyce's boyfriend. Sorry I forgot your name, but seriously, this dude could drink!

With a fellow Kuching-ian, Eilyn.

One last group shot before we retired for the night.

The day after, we went up to Batu Ferringi.

We visited The Ship which was famous serving delicious steaks.

One of the many stretches of beaches at Ferringi.

The Vin' gang chillin at the beach. The hot weather didn't stop us from walking along the beach.

And even jumping like mad people.

Alvin jumped too!

Harvin with his pose under the magnificent sky

Clevin was in a dilemma after last night. So he expressed it out

Vincent Ng and Clevin getting prep'd up for a paraboating experience. Looks like a scene from Armageddon.

A running take off

And up they went! I dig this shot!

Away and higher!

Here's a video of their landing.

After Ferringi, we went to Air Itam for a bowl of asam laksa. Not a good way to cool down after the hot sun basking, but nevertheless, a Penang trip wouldn't be complete without a bowl of this!

View from Kek Lok Si, which was our final stop of the whole journey. Was our only lookout point of Penang so far, as the Penang Hill was closed down for maintenance.

Georgetown, the capital of Penang

Improvised timed shot without a tripod, yet picture turned out damn nice! =)

Had to take a picture with my chinese zodiac.

The soon to be completed megalith Kuan Yin statue.

Amazing detail of the stone carving. Each piece is different!

Closing the leg of our Penang journey was a long 4 hour ride back to KL on the very same evening. Although quite worn out, we certainly had an enjoying time of plain silly fun in the past 48 hours. Couldn't wait for the next holiday plan. Perhaps Redang in 09'?