Day 2: On the buses (Sunday 16th March 2014)

Surprisingly had a decent sleep and didn't even fall down the crack of our super sized king bed (which is actually 2 double beds pushed together). Miss 8yo says her bed is "super comfy".

We all woke at 7:45am before the alarm, which was set for 9am (all time will be in Malay time from this point on - Adelaideans add 2.5 hours). We fit in a cuppa before heading down to our enormous buffet breakfast.  The selection was huge, with usual Asian items, more Indian choices & typical Western variety (although no bacon much to Hubby's dismay - this place is largely Muslim population after all & the pig is sacred).

With full bellies we walked around the beautiful hotel grounds, for the first time in daylight checking out the great facilities and gorgeous views.

We went for a swim in the pool, before heading out in search of a supermarket to get supplies. We popped into Hard Rock Hotel (next door) where my research told me we could purchase Rapid Penang bus passports. Unfortunately we did not have enough money on us and we needed to show our passports to register. We decided to keep walking to find an ATM as the staff at Hard Rock said that money changers would not be open being a Sunday.

We walked approx. 15 mins until we reached the main intersection; the golden arches in view. We found an ATM, popped in to Maccas to get Miss 8yo a Sundae (3RM) - so much for the no junk food rule. Stole Maccas free Wif & discovered we could purchase bus passes from Lone Pine resort just up the road. I remembered I had stored photos of our passports on my phone email and figured this should be enough to register - it was!

We wandered up the road to the closest bus stop and around 20 mins later along came the bus. Hubby commented that it had been about 20 years since he'd ventured on public transport...and what an adventure it was about to be!

The bus was absolutely packed, no choice but to stand and hold on for dear life! The road was just like Gorge Road back home and the bus driver thought he was a racing car driver. We had Miss 8yo squashed between us like a sandwich so that she didn't get thrown out the middle exit doors; I was holding on white knuckle style so the same didn't happen to me!

The bus driver at least listened to us when we got on the bus & told him we wanted to go to Tesco, as he shouted out when it was our stop. Glad to escape, but laughing just the same, we wandered over to the shopping complex to buy supplies. A trolley full later including Hubby's 6-pack of 8.8% beer, totalling 160RM, we realised we had too many heavy bags (9L of water too) to catch the scary bus back home, but only had 13RM left in our pocket...plus it was raining.

We approached a taxi driver outside who informed us set fare back to Batu Ferrenghi was 25RM. We tried to barter, but he wasn't having it and told us to go upstairs to money changer. Hubby went back up, but it was closed. Although the taxi driver didn't believe us he agreed to take us back to the Hotel for $10AUD (he would've made a small tip out of us anyway).

Back at the hotel Miss 8yo breaks open the super sized prawn chips; you wont find them like this at home.  Hubby changes money downstairs at the Hotel Reception 2.79RM = $1AUD.  We decide not to venture too far for dinner and wander across the road to Enca Cafe (TA recommended) and order 1 x Garlic/Cheese Naan, 2 x Pilau Rice, Lamb Cashew, Lamb Vindaloo, Chicken Risotto, Strawberry Milkshake, Lemon Ice Tea and Schooner Local Beer; total price 98.75RM (approx. $34AUD).  Delicious Indian food!

Straight back to the Hotel, Miss 8yo showers and in bed by 7:45pm.  Although I would love a few celebratory drinks, there is no way I can keep up with Hubby and my head soon hits the pillow.