Penang is another place that definitely deserves a longer stay. Upon arrival, I was given a tourist map that informed of how much you can do on this island! The options of places to see, to indulge, and to experience are endless. Unfortunately with the time I had it left me to stick mainly with the itinerary of places I was recommended beforehand and I was very satisfied.

Once a trading port, this island brings a very relax and easy going vibe. This is probably one reason why so many people make this a vacation hotspot in Malaysia and even end up living here long term. Compared to KL, most people go out of their way to give you directions. Though there is always the bad batch of smugglers that spoils that good perspective in others as I will mention later.


Today I headed to the Tropical Spice Garden on bus #101 which takes close to an hour from Georgetown. It was the most "tourist" attraction I've been to and I definitely wouldn't have considered it if it wasn't raved about to me. Malay food and culture is imbedded with spices, from local eats to consumption of cocoa beans to ointment for the body, so it only made sense that the Spice Garden was a must as well. I got a student discount so it came to 20 Ringgit (Adult is 28 Ringgit) and with the admission price you get an audio device that you control and listen to which corresponds to the number on the plants and different areas you visit at the garden. I did the express route which took me close to an hour and I really enjoyed breathing in extra fresh air and trekking up and down while being enriched in the history behind the different types of plant species. My favourite part has got to be the giant swing near the middle of the garden. It was so much fun and also gave you a fabulous view of the surroundings (I'm a kid at heart). When I finished, I bought a bottle of Citronella Oil that prevents and helps with relieving mosquito bites as I notice my skin is reacting to the deet content in OFF! products. You could even book a cooking class here if you wanted to.
The Giant Swing! 
Just outside the Spice Garden was the shoreline that would eventually lead to Batu Feringgi. The water looked so clean and was so tranquil. It was very vacant around noon when we arrived, but I saw more families arriving by the time it was mid afternoon. Though, it will be on my list for next time! The bus ride back took the same amount of time, but what I enjoy about long bus rides is that you get to see areas that you normally wouldn't and its basically a free sightseeing tour.

One last thing I needed to do before leaving Penang was hunt down cendol! A local dessert with red beans, pandan jelly, honey and other sweet ingredients with ice. I couldn't believe I didn't have it until my last day as when I did sighted it, I wasn't craving it, and when I did want it, it was no where to be found. I was recommended to Lebuh Keng Kwee just off Jalan Penang. The most famous place here is known as Joo Hooi Cafe though the hype of it has brought forth a street of cendol carts to cash in on the traffic. Today also felt significantly hot, so it served its purpose even more!


Now I'm off again, but this time, for a special reunion.


P.S.So the not so friendly side of Penang, and Malaysia in general, and perhaps everywhere in the world as this can happen anywhere and to anyone. One of the kind ladies I met had her bag around her when a motorcycle driver caught her off guard and tugged on her bag, so she fell to the ground immediately and fortunately, the contents of her bag all fell out too so he only got a hold of her bag. Keep in mind that the bag was around her body, so when he grabbed it, she fell with it and scraped her forearm and hand. She came back to the hostel so calm, but I think it shocked many of us as you always hear about these things, but am not fully aware for your own security and safety until it happens to you. It was a very good reminder to always be on guard and to keep your cross body bag NOT facing the street side, but the sidewalk side. One bad apple does spoil the whole batch so it's always good to be safe than sorry. She's okay now, and the local police actually came shortly afterwards to bring her to the police station to write up a report. I hope whoever reading this doesn't make assumptions about Penang just based on this incident alone, as violence and crime can be anywhere like I said, and the friendly side of Penang definitely overcomes the bad side.