PENANG IS A TRAIN RIDE AWAY!

We woke up early enough to see a beautiful sunrise over Kuala Lumpur this morning!

Then off we went to KLSentral (train station) where we boarded a train for a 4.5 hour trip north to Butterworth. The train ride cost $38.00 for both of us!

Once we arrived, we hopped on a Rapid Ferry for a thirty minute cruise over to Georgetown on Penang Island! The ferry cost approximately 40 cents!

Once in Georgetown, we caught a Grab and drove through a typical downtown area that is lined with modern high rises overlooking the water (Malacca Strait). We are staying at a Holiday Inn (Batu Ferringhi) that is about a forty minute ride, that cost us all of $5.00! The beach area is beautiful (but not as beautiful as Anna Maria Island beaches!) and there are signs warning of jellyfish! We’re glad the pool is a good one!

The Holiday Inn has an amazing pool and poolside bar, where we enjoyed Happy Hour! Did I mention the high number of Arabs that are here? Again, I almost feel like I am in Dubai!

We were told by reception that there were all kinds of restaurants that were walkable from the hotel. John found a highly recommended by Trip Advisor restaurant called The Living Room, which is literally a block away! OMGOSH, if you ever get to Penang, it’s a MUST DO! The food is delicious and the owner is delightful

We didn’t know what to expect once we got on the island, but the area where we are staying has a beach feel to it. Shops and restaurants line the main road—oh, and massage shops as well! And yes, we did partake in massages, YET AGAIN! We paid under $25.00 for two hour long massages!