Day 4 - Penang, the highlight
Feat. A full paid Business class ticket (for 1 hour flight to Penang 😂)
After much anticipation, the day finally arrived! While Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are familiar stomping grounds, Penang was the star of this trip for me. I was eager to dive into its Peranakan culture and vibrant diversity, which I’d only glimpsed through my travels in Singapore and Malaysia.
Why the extra excitement? This leg of the journey was a fully paid Business Class trip. Laugh all you want, but for a short-haul flight of just an hour, the splurge felt justified—especially with extra luggage to haul and limited time in Penang. The flight from KLIA Terminal 1 started with a little hiccup as I mistakenly queued at the economy check-in (rookie move). Later I discovered that the Business Class counter, which felt like a secret club hidden in plain sight (so remember to find right counter next time!).
After check-in, I rushed to the lounge, curious about the food offerings. It was cozy but packed, with a mix of local treats and Western options like Aglio Olio pasta. Still stuffed from breakfast, I stuck to fruits—lounges are nice perks, but this one wasn’t as luxurious as others I’ve visited (though definitely a notch above Sydney’s Qantas Club). With little else to explore in the terminal, I killed time eye-shopping before boarding.
Boarding was chaotic, with no one respecting group zones. Priority boarding signs weren’t clear, but I noticed a few savvy travelers skipping ahead. I joined them, and voilà—priority boarding achieved! Once onboard, the spacious seat was a win, and getting my luggage first was an even bigger one.
The short flight included a quick meal service with two options: Chicken Sandwich or Dosa. I picked the Dosa, because when else would I? It was an odd experience—barely five minutes after serving, they were already cleaning up. For $100 AUD, was Business Class worth it for this route? For the comfort and speed of disembarking, absolutely. Otherwise, economy with extra baggage would’ve done the trick.
From Penang International Airport, a Grab ride to my hotel, Nam Keng Hotel, cost just 25 MYR (~$8.50 AUD). The 40-minute journey offered a mix of old and new scenery: weathered buildings reminiscent of 1990s Korea, interspersed with early-2000s-style high-rises. As we neared George Town, the charm of traditional shophouses, narrow roads, and locals lounging outside became apparent—it felt like stepping back in time.
I chose Nam Keng Hotel for its traditional style, central location, and affordability, plus a sweet bonus: x9 Qantas Points during a promotion! It ticked all the boxes for a unique and memorable stay.
After checking in, I took a quick stroll. George Town wasn’t as bustling as other tourist hubs, but it had a lively charm with colorful tiled footpaths and beautifully painted shophouses.
I stumbled upon the Beryl Chocolate Museum, drawn in by the air-conditioned bliss escaping through the door gap. A quick cool-down and some chocolate browsing later, I wandered further to the Jetty area, where I snapped photos of surnames like “Yeoh” and “Tan” to send to friends who share them.
Initially, I had a reservation at Kebaya Dining, but a friend vetoed it as “not authentic enough” and steered me to Winn’s Cafe near Gurney.
This bustling spot is apparently the “fancy side” of everyday dining, according to my Grab driver. I ordered Nasi Ulam (vegetable rice) with fried chicken, spring rolls, and sambal prawns. The portions were massive, but I managed to finish—earning side-eyes and surprise from the table of aunties next to me.
To walk off dinner, I strolled along Gurney Drive, which reminded me of Honolulu with its beachfront road flanked by high-rises and malls. While the shopping center didn’t impress much, I picked up chocolates from another Beryl store for souvenirs.
Next up: a day of coffee spot-hopping and a tour of the iconic Blue Mansion. Stay tuned!