Day 6: Escape from Monkey Beach (Thursday 20th March 2014)

WEATHER: 33 degrees, partly cloudy, 66% Humidity

Taking our time this morning, we finish breakfast and head over to the Recreation Room in an attempt to get rid of some Malaysian coins.  Miss 8yo managed to play one game, but the machines did not take older coins, so we were still stuck with them.

For the first time, we walked in the opposite direction away from our hotel to the closest bus stop.  The bus took a while before it arrived and there was no shelter - it wasn't pleasant standing in the full Penang sun.  The bus drove past the Adventure Tree/Rope climbing park "Escape" (maybe next time?), the Butterfly Park but we decided to get off at the end of the line; the Penang National Park.

At the entrance to the park we met a lovely young lady from Germany, Nicola, who was travelling alone after visiting her friend in Kuala Lumpur.  Nicola agreed to join us on a long boat ride around the National Park shore line.  We split the cost of 180RM - us 120RM/her 60RM.

The captain of the long boat was called Sudhi and he took us first to Turtle Island.  The sand on the beach was extremely hot and the grains were larger than we are used to back home; my sandals were not the best to walk on the beach, as the grains kept getting caught under my feet.  Luckily, there weren't many visitors on the beach, so I didn't feel embarrassed about my hot sand shuffle with no shoes on.

Unfortunately, Sudhi didn't tell us that the turtle sanctuary had a rest period between 1-2pm, which is exactly when we arrived.  This meant that the only turtles we got to see were very small ones locked up in tanks with wire over top or those that were already dead and put on display.  Not the most exciting part of our holiday, we wandered back to the shore line to meet our boat and hopped back on around 1:30pm to make our way to Monkey Beach.

We didn't realise when we got off the boat that we would be left stranded here for the rest of the afternoon.  The place was just like a deserted island with a number of stalls along the shore selling snacks, drinks and floating water toys.  If you felt like risking your life, you could participate in some water sports.  The most exciting part of our stay was the evil monkey encounters.  We even spotted one just like Grandpa - he only had one arm!

It's funny how I would have never chosen to do this if I'd known we were just going to sit around on a beach all afternoon, but in hindsight, it was a perfect way to make us relax and just do nothing... I just wish I had brought my book along.  Whilst there we ordered some chicken satays cooked fresh in front of our eyes (8 for 8RM), bought 2 x 1.5L bottles of water (3RM each), can of coke (2RM) and gave Miss 8yo 1RM to buy some bubblegum.

Miss 8yo had fun playing in the sand - she even made her very own turtle.  Together we walked a bit up the beach when we spotted a big tyre swing.  Along the way she noticed a crab about the size of her hand half buried in the sand.  Miss 8yo says "I think it's dead" - I tell her it's only playing dead and poke it a few times before it jumps up and scurries into the water.  It had her in fits of laughter!  When we reached the swing, it was surrounded by monkeys.  I told her to growl at them so they would run away, but all they did was hiss back at her, which made her run for her life.

Before we knew it, it was 4:15pm and the boat was here to collect us.  We were back on the bus and arrived at our hotel around 5pm.  Hubby and Miss 8yo went down to the pool, while my mission was to find a foot massage.  The one on the hotel beach front had finished for the day.  I found Hubby and Miss 8yo playing Table Tennis, so told them I was going up the road to search for a foot massage and took our dirty clothes with me.  The local market stall just up the road "Galaxys Laundry Service" was charging 4RM per kg of dirty laundry; we had 5.2kg which cost 22RM to wash and dry and would be ready by 10pm that night... where can I find a service like that back home???

I located a massage place next door to where I dropped off the laundry, Four Seasons Reflexology - a small pokey corner shop where I got my foot massage (50RM for 45 minutes and she used some "special" nutmeg oil to help heal my dodgy foot).

I organised the hotel shuttle to take us back to Long Beach for dinner and waited in the foyer with another family from Melbourne to get on the mini bus at 7:30pm.  Knowing it was our last time at Long Beach, we went a bit crazy and ordered like it was our last supper: Cappuccino Blended Ice drink (5RM), Chocolate Blended Ice drink (5RM), 2 x 660ml Tiger beer (17RM each), Cheese/Garlic Naan (5RM), 2 x Spring Roll (4RM each), 10 x Chicken Satay (8RM), Chicken/Hawaiian Pizza (10RM), Tai Lok Mee-Pork/Prawn Noodle (5RM), Plum Chicken/Rice (10RM), Mixed Fajita (18RM), 2 x Fried Ice-cream (8RM each).  All of this cost us a grand total of 124RM / $43AUD).

Of course this meant that we had to do some more shopping on the way back.  I found a different design batik style bag, similar to my favourite one I got from Bali, that is long enough to fit across my body.  I couldn't be bothered bargaining hard, so just paid 20RM (it was probably worth only half of that).  I also got 3 more OPI nail polishes (10RM each).

We stopped at a stall that stood alone, away from the bustle, just a short distance from our hotel.  Here we met a local man about our age, who calls himself Danny.  He was really friendly, so we didn't mind buying a few things from him: 3 x singlets (15RM each), 1 x Twin Tower statue (15RM), 2 x girl dresses (22.50RM each).

We picked up our clean clothes, ready a bit before 10pm, on the way past and had Miss 8yo showered and in bed by 10:15pm.

Day 5: Breaking the code (Wednesday 19th March 2014)

WEATHER: 36 degrees, mostly cloudy, 47% Humidity

Woke around 7:30am, recharged with some caffiene and repaired my "Day 2" blog that crashed after I'd spent yesterday morning by the pool putting together.  Blog uploaded, I checked out "Break the Code" website and made us a booking for later that day.  Best thing about the online booking is that we could choose a "pay later" option - I like that!

We went down for breakfast around 9:30am, with Hubby and Miss 8yo going for a swim after while I hung out in our room continuing my blog.  Soon there was a knock at the door "Housekeeping"... They worked around me, but I couldn't help chatting to one of the lovely young boys who just happened to be from Indonesia.  I distracted him so much that he forgot to take the dirty pillowcases with him.

I decided my feet needed a little TLC, so I left Hubby and Miss 8yo at the hotel and wandered up the main road in search of a comfortable day spa.  I popped my head into one place, but there was a room full of Indian people, who looked more like family members than employees; there was even a small toddler crawling around on the floor.  Not a single customer inside, the owner who greeted me was enthusiastically (a little too much) trying to get my business.  I was a bit overwhelmed and did not feel like this environment would be relaxing, so continued up the street a short distance before I came across a small place called "Belleness".  The door opened straight into four lounge chairs where one customer was already being pampered; only a very small space looking directly at a TV screen - the movie "Skyfall" was being played. I asked for a Mani/Pedi package, costing 100RM which included a beverage from the Garden Coffee Cafe across the road.  I was handed a coffee menu and chose a "Rose Milk Tea" beverage... just for something different.

Once the other customer had left, I didn't feel so much pressure to remain quiet and began chatting with the local Malay girl giving my manicure.  We talked about travel, food, retirement and many other things, but we didn't even exchange names.  She told me that she has travelled to Japan, so although it would take her much longer to save for an overseas holiday (around 3 years on her wage), travel is possible for working locals.  She commented on my choice of toe nail polish, stating that it was "special" as noone else had picked this colour yet.  She encouraged me to stay as long as I liked: "stay and finish watch the movie" but I looked at the time and realised it was nearly 4pm and we still had to catch a bus and find "Break the Code".

I walked fast back to the hotel; they were both anxiously waiting for me.  Straight to the bus stop and on the bus at 4:30pm - we had an hour to get there and according to Google Maps that was about how long it would take... uh-oh!  We made it with plenty of time, getting off at the correct bus stop and finding the place right away.  Miss 8yo and I needed the toilet, which was out in the main complex and let me tell you, pretty much disgusting.  It was probably better than it has been in the past, considering the sign on the back of the door.  I don't think I'll quite ever get over my first world expectations of clean and tidy toilets.

We play a few games of this number eliminating electric shock device (I so wanted to buy one - would be a great party trick!) before we enter our game room "Pirate Ship: Lost Treasure of Kathubu" around 5:40pm and the attendant gives us an explanation of what to do with some hints and tips.  This game is best played with 8 adults who have different ways of thinking - we've got no hope!  The aim is to solve puzzles in order to find numbers to unlock padlocks.  The first room had three puzzles; the first to open a small chest; the next to open a bigger chest; the last to open the door to the second room.  There are 5 rooms in total and 60 minutes to get through them all and the only allow you 3 hints.  We got the first puzzle solved in around 15 minutes, but it took us nearly another half hour before the attendant came in to help us open the bigger chest - we didn't even push the hint button, I'm pretty sure they were watching and laughing at us on security camera.

In the end they gave us at least half hour more time than we were supposed to have and we still only just managed to open the door to the third room; that is after they helped us with 4 out of 5 puzzles.  We were definitely over-thinking the puzzles, but the cultural differences might have contributed somewhat, e.g. a picture of a tree represented the number 3; a picture of an egg = the number 8.  Overall, it was a great concept and excellent value for money at a total cost of 64.80RM (Miss 8yo was free as they were not covered for U/9yo and I liked/checked-in on their Facebook page while waiting so got 10% discount), but we needed more people to make it more interesting... maybe we can open one of these up  back home?  Afterwards, Miss 8yo had fun in the foyer playing dress ups with the costumes they supplied.

We walked up the road to the shopping complex; another Gurney, but this one is the Paragon, next to the Plaza - so many shopping complexes in such close vacinity.  We only went in to find a Money Changer who gave us  2.92RM for an Aussie dollar.  Across the road to the bus stop, we walked back one stop from the one we knew was packed last time - thank goodness we did as some people didn't even manage to get on at the next stop.  I only had to stand a short while before someone got off and I stole their seat.

We jumped off the bus at the stop across from Long Beach and excitedly ordered a range of different dishes to try: 1 x Pink Guava Blended Ice drink and 1 x Strawberry Blended Ice drink (4RM ea), 2 x 660ml Anchor Beer (16.50RM ea), 10 x Beef Satay (8RM), Hokkien Mee Prawn Soup (4RM), Fried Oysters w/ Egg noodle (6RM), Calamari/Chips (19RM), Surf & Turf (24RM) - TOTAL bargain price of 102RM/$35.

Night market shopping tonight consisted of 4 x decorated makeup mirrors (20RM for 4), 4 x bracelets (10RM for 4), 2 x (Toyota/Honda) Keyring (10RM for 2), 1 x Penang doll (10) keyring (8RM - so ripped off at other stall yesterday), 3 x OPI nail polish (10RM ea).

We were all hot and bothered by the time we got back to the hotel at 10pm, so showered ready for bed.  I do love my showers, but another first world problem had me showering twice a day.  I sent a message to our driver Mr Raja to organise transport to the airport in 2 days time.  Although he was not available, he said he would organise another for us and confirm the next day.  We would have loved to organise a day tour with Mr Raja, but there just wasn't enough time.  We will have to come back to Penang one day and will defintely contact Mr Raja again.

Day 4: LONG BEACH... love you long time! (Tuesday 18th March 2014)

WEATHER: 32 degrees, cloudy

We head down for breakfast around 9am; Miss 8yo is scared to eat for some reason.  She assures us she is not feeling sick, but her reluctance does have me worried, although we have been sneaking probiotic powder into her "pink milk" in the morings.  We convinced her to have some fruit after Grandpa had sent a message suggesting this and then she found the small prawn wontons and hash browns.

After breakfast, Hubby and Miss 8yo decide to splash about in the pool. I, however, use this as an opportunity to kick back listening to music and updating my blog - I never get to do this and it feels great!  Surely it's "Beer O'clock" somewhere in the world, so I order a frozen Margarita (22RM), Schooner Beer for Hubby (16RM) and Vanilla Milkshake for Miss 8yo (12RM).  Add 10% sevice tax and 6% government tax for a total of 58RM (almost $30AUD - not drinking at this expensive bar again!).

After finishing a day's blog entry, I decide to jump in the pool for a bit and our lazy morning winds up around 2pm.  We get back on the bus and head to Penang's major shopping complex, "Gurney Plaza" so that Miss 8yo can spend her holiday money on more Monster High dolls.  We find Toys R Us and she spots a number of dolls that we don't think are available back home (at least we haven't been able to find them so far) - oh the squeals of delight!  Each doll was 89.90RM each (approx. $30AUD); a little cheaper than the equivalent at home.  She also buys a Monster High puzzle for her friend (31.95RM).

We pop into a cafe called "Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf" (CBTL) and spend about 50RM on two latte shakes, a frozen (blinky) lemonade and a choc muffin.  The money changer in the shopping complex gives us 2.92RM for an Aussie dollar.

The bus stop across the road is already crowded and chances of getting a seat on the jam packed bus are slim to none.  We push our way to the back of the bus and a nice young man and his friend offer me and Miss 8yo a seat each.  As the ride back is about 1/2 hour long through winding bits of road, I am grateful for the seat.  I have Miss 8yo give her seat up immediately to an older woman and she plonks on my lap.  We reach the bus stop outside our hotel around 6pm and visit the local deli across the road to purchase 3 x 660ml Tiger Beers, 5.5L bottle water, 5 x bandaids (for my sore little toe) & 40ml bottle leave-in conditioner (this humidity ruins my hair) for a total of 49.50RM.

Miss 8yo would have been happy to play with her dolls in the room for the rest of the evening, but we threaten to take them away if she doesn't eat something for dinner.  At 7pm, we walk down the main road in search of "Long Beach" food hawker stalls and realise it's really only 15 minutes or so away from our hotel.  It only really comes alive at night, so hasn't stood out to us before now.  The place is amazing!  Buzzing with people from near and far, all hungry and wanting to try cheap and delicious food cooked fresh in front of your eyes.

It's like a big food court in a shopping centre, but tucked back off the side of the road; with so much variety from all different cuisine types - even western food to please Miss 8yo.  The place is not pretty, but there are ceiling fans everywhere and surprisingly the toilets are fairly decent.   The prices are dirt cheap!!  We order 3 x cans of coke (2RM each), 2 x Spring Rolls (4RM each), 1 x stir fry Cuttlefish/rice (9RM), 1 x Calamari/chips PLUS 1 x Chicken snitzel/onion rings/chips (27RM) and it cost us a ridiculuous amount of 50RM (approx. $17AUD).

As you walk back along the main road towards Batu Ferrenghi, the entire side of the road has magically been turned into market stalls for the night market.  I conveniently do a little bit of shopping on the way back to our hotel, including Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones (25RM / $9), 2 x lanterns (20RM / $7 ea), 3 x socks (10RM / $3.50), Fan (5RM / $2), 3 x Penang doll keyrings (50RM / $17.50), 2 x girl outfits (45RM / $8 ea), 1 x singlet (20RM / $7).

It felt so good to experience the real Penang... WE ARE DEFINITELY COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE!!!

We send Miss 8yo to bed around 9:30pm and sit up sharing a few bevvies before crashing ourselves.

Day 3: I would walk 500 miles...around Georgetown (Monday 17th March 2014)

WEATHER: 31 degrees, mostly cloudy

Woke this morning 8:30am, back from breakfast 9:50am (found the Danish treats this morning... Uh-oh).

Another bus adventure planned for today; back row seat at 10:45am, starting to get the hang of this. We jumped off the bus around half hour later in the middle of Little India. Without a map in our hand we felt a lot lost. We wandered up the street a bit before I decided to ask a local what way we should head.

We spotted a sign that read Fort Cornwallis, which was one of the things on the list Hubby wanted to see. Closeby was a playground, so Miss 8yo had a play and met a little Chinese girl that didn't speak English.  Miss 8yo realised that a lot can be said with body language.

Our visit to Fort Cornwallis cost 2RM for adults & 1RM for kids. Lots of history, nice views, but not overly interesting for 8yo's. By this stage I realised that forgetting to put on sunscreen this morning was a very big mistake - I was so angry at myself for forgetting! We asked the young man at the desk if there was a Farmasi (chemist) nearby - he didn't think so, but gave us a map.

A short walk dodging traffic to the Penang State Museum, which cost 1RM each adult (kids free). It wasn't very big and the history wasn't very old, but another thing to tick off the list.

Miss 8yo started whining about now, so we thought we had better do something kid friendly. I figured we were close to the Interactive Museum, so asked a guard for directions and tried to follow the map. I knew we were on the right road, but we'd been walking so long we just about walked to the airport! We were all about to die, when I gave up and asked a local where we needed to go. She told me "long walk back" the way we come...  WE HAD WALKED RIGHT PAST IT!

Hubby hailed a taxi, 10RM and a 2 min drive later, we were at the entrance to the Interactive Museum. Yes, we had walked right past, now recognising the painted mural down the alley, but didn't feel so bad as there was no clear signage. Unbelievably, we were still talking to each other too ;-)

We bought a can of drink (2RM) and paid 75RM entry fee (30RM adults/15RM kids), which included a souvenir badge and fancy tickets to use inside that can be kept as bookmarks. We had lots of fun inside, making silly poses to take awesome photos... Scrapbookers heaven!

When we walked out, we still didn't have our bearings, so ended up walking aimlessly around the block before spotting a money changer and getting 2.92RM for $1AUD - the best rate yet! Hubby asked for directions (can you believe it?) to the nearest bus stop, which ended up being the depot, across the road and up a bit from the Interactive Museum...URGHHHHHH!

Back on the 101 bus, the driver tried to be funny by telling me our passes weren't valid; lucky I was too tired to bite back. The bus was already full with only a few seats left - no way I'm standing! I spot a seat up back and end up sitting next to a lovely young lady who tells me she is from KL. We pass a local catholic  cemetery and she shows sign of respect. I ask if she has family buried there and she tells me she lost her brother just over a year ago in an accident; she now stays here to help care for his 3 small children. We chat for a while before she gets off at her stop. I'm enjoying catching buses to get the chance to meet local people and learn their stories...it's good to chat or just watch.

We get off at our stop, just a short walk across the road to our hotel and freshen up before heading back out for dinner. We wander back down the road to eat at TA #2 recommended restaurant "The Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery". Here we met one of the lovely owners Amy (her partner Ben did not move from the bar), who chatted to us frequently throughout our meal. She asked if our hotel was busy and thought there weren't many tourists around, as they weren't as popular as usual. Miss 8yo had the biggest Strawberry milkshake you've ever seen, so big she hardly touched her meal. We ordered 3 milkshakes, 6 chicken satay, 3 spring rolls (not those dodgy small ones either), Pork ribs/chips (one of the few places you can get pig), black pepper chicken/rice, Chicken snitzel/chips (like a large battered chicken nugget), 2 soft drinks and the total was 133.10RM ($45 AUD). Reasonable price for delicious food and very nice staff too!

Our 10 minute walk back to the hotel helped to tire Miss 8yo, who showered and went straight to sleep. Hubby and I had a few quiet ones before I went to sleep while he stayed up watching Sweeney Todd on the hotel TV.