Penang!

I am back from Penang. It was a good and deserve break for myself. I've been wanting a break from work, gym and life in general just to recharge myself. But I must say that the trip didn't have a good start because my car broke down near Bukit Beruntung. Before the trip, my god-brother Marcus helped me to check my car - water, battery, oil and et cetera. It was fine.

Yasmin and I started the journey at around 9ish in the morning, driving happily up north and just a few kilometers before Bukit Beruntung toll, my car decided to gave up on me without any reason. I tried to accelerate but no response. I quickly drove my car to the emergency lane while it is still moving. I practically panic! Tried to start the car again but no response. Thank God the Plus Peronda was behind me and they helped to tow my car to Bukit Beruntung toll.


There were some mechanics working at a nearby workshop and they towed my car to their workshop. Yas and I had to wait in the mamak shop next door because the workshop is not open. Waited for almost 40 minutes or so, I lost my mood to go to Penang. In my heart I just hope that whatever that needed to be fix is minor and it would not cost me a bomb. Mechanics came, check my car for almost 1 hour or so; they still couldn't find the cause of it. Later on the boss told me that it's my car's CU board (circuit board) and it will cost me about RM1,000 +++ to get it fixed. Hearing that I quickly call dad and Kurnia insurance helpline. I told the mechanic that I want to take it back to KL to fix. He was not happy at all.



Lesson learn: never let people near the toll to tow your car. They are a complete rip off!

Waited in the mamak again for Kurnia people to come. Dad told me he couldn't come to get me; I ended up calling Marcus to come and save me and thank God he is able to. It was also his birthday! About an hour later, the Kurnia guys came. One of them tried to start my car and guess what? It started!!!! I was so surprised but to ensure the car is ok, I told the guys to tow my car back to Perodua service center in Cheras. Furthermore, Marcus is just a few minutes away.

I practically gave up going on this trip but Yas kept on insisting us to go. She suggested to go by bus. But knowing that public transportation in Penang is horrendous, I refuse to take the bus. It took me hours to catch a cab in Penang once so I know no car, no Penang. Back in KL, it took hours for the mechanics in Perodua to check my car. The end result...there's nothing wrong with my car. Mysterious I know. I ended up exchanging cars with my sister instead to go to Penang.

I am not really sure why this happen but I believe there is a reason behind it. Dad told me that there's possibility that God did not want me to go to Penang at that certain time due to some reason. Whatever it is, I thank God that my car did not break down in the middle of nowhere or somewhere far to the extend that nobody is able to come and get me or help me. I thank God for the experience and to learn to trust in Him at all times for He will take care of me wherever I go.

We finally made it to Penang at about 10ish and our adventure began!!!!! If you did not try the char kuey teow here means you haven't been to Penang at all! One of my favorite char kuey teow stall is on the way to Feringghi. Charcoal fried noodles are the best because it gives a great aroma and flavor to it. The price? RM.3.50 per plate garnish with big prawns. The prawn noodles is just RM2.80 per bowl. Dirt cheap!

We spent the night in Ria Apartments in Feringghi - located opposite of Shangri-La Spa resort. The beach is just across the street, less than 3 minutes walk. The sea breeze, the sun and the sound of the waves was calming, perfect for tanning.

Our stomach was growling again in the evening and our food adventure began again. Another food that you can't miss is the Lorong Nasi Kandar. Located at a small alley in the heart of the town, hygiene is definitely not the first priority for this particular stall. People tend to say, the best food tend to be located in the dirtiest place. If you do not mind the dirty surroundings, food exposed and the overall cleanliness, then go and give this Nasi Kandar a try. The curry, spices, rendang is just superb! Eating with your hand is definitely one of the best option.

A few shops down the road from the Nasi Kandar stall, is a corner shop that sells lobak and pig intestine soup. The lobak was fresh and crunchy while the soup was hot and the pepper was not too strong which makes it perfect! During the day, this shop sells the famous char kuey teow, assam laksa and also cendol. Many people would come here for the cendol.


Him Heang is one of the famous confectionery company to do some biscuits shopping. People would usually come here to get some souvenirs back home. We bought heaps I would say. I refrain myself by overspending (which I already did in this trip).

Another option to go back to the mainland from the island is by ferry. Since I've never taken the ferry before in Penang, only in Sydney; we decided to go for it. It's a absolute different experience. What is there to do while waiting? Take pictures loh.


Despite a bad start, it was a fun trip! Wish to do it again soon!