Penang and Perhentian Islands

From Koh Lanta we made Trang by minibus employing ferry two times in three hours. Having lunch there we transferred to another minibus and travelled another three hours for Hat Yai. Instead of 3 o’clock they put us to another minibus at 5 pm to Penang. At around 7 pm we were at the border under heavy rain. Almost no formalities at the border. We reached Penang at 10 pm in George Town.

George Town is old part of Penang Island where one can feel the British colonial. Malaysia has developed a lot. It is like a western country with her highways, cars, buses. But the religion effect is dominant.

In George Town we stayed at Mingood Hotel a little bit expensive ( 80 RM including breakfast and Wi-fi at room) but all the facilities provided.

The first day we took a public bus from Komptar which is a central and a very high building in George Town, to the cable car for the Hill and we climbed the hill by rail car to take photos of the citiy but unfortionally the mist prevented us to get good ones.

On the way back we drop at the Chinese Temple, Kek Lok Si Temple. The Temple is indeed a peacefull, good smelling , colorful and mistic music playing one.

The second day we visited Aquarium ,that is not very spesific, the Temple where the reclining Budha is and we made some shopping at Gurney Plaza.

By night bus we reached to Kuala Besut in 8 hours. Early in the morning by a speed boat we were transferred to Perhentian Islands on the North East of mainland.

There we preferred to stay on the big (Besar) island. Young people prefer to stay on small ( Kecil) island which is attractive for backpackers. We enjoyed both islands. One day we rent a canoe and kayaked to long beach on Kecil ( the best beach we have ever seen so far).

One day we made jungle treckking. The last day we took a snorkelling trip to the other parts of the islands (three points). We are proud of swimming by the sharks although Cengiz a little bit afraid ( turned back swimming in hurry). We wached the turtels under the sea and the corals were magnificant.

Both islands are very calm , quiet few visitors. No road, no TV , no newspaper. Beer is not served in every restaurant. Fresh sea food every night on BBQ.

We stayed at Mama’s Chalets in a fanned room (60 RM). There are better places in few meters reach.

The sea is crystal blue, green, clean everywhere around the islands.But except diving training, one may get bored after three days.

By sleeper night train from Tanah Merah (train station) we passed to Kuala Lumpur (KL). KL Sentral Train Station is almost like an airport. By mono rail we went to Bintang area and walked to KLCC, Petronas Towers. We wandered in the city from one mall to another especially we spent more time at The Suria Shopping Complex near the Towers. We also visited China Town and Central Market one station close to Sentral Station. One can find transport options to and from all the directions and cheap. It seems that Kuala Lumpur has solved her traffic.

Late at night we went to the airport to fly back home, Turkey very early in the morning.

Thus we have spent almost three months in South East Asia . All the countries we have been were beautiful .

We hope you enjoyed our blogs.

Terima Kasıh ( Thank You)

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