Penang Day 6 │ ETS Butterworth to KL!

Going Home!

We were catching the ETS 9107 train at 1:05pm from the Butterworth KTMB station later today. We woke up at eight this morning and busied ourselves with packing and getting ready.

In the mean time I booked a 6-seater Grab car in advance scheduled to pick us up at 10:00am. At a quarter to ten we received word that the driver would be picking us up in a few minutes for a fare of RM27.00 (approximately USD/EUR6).

Sure enough by the time we walked down the staircase our Grab car was around the corner. It took about five minutes for him to drop us off at the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal.

A few minutes walk later we tapped ourselves past the ticketing turnstile with our Touch 'n Go cards  and were quickly ushered past the exit doors to the awaiting ferry that was departing at 10:00am. Talk about perfect timing! The ferry ride cost us only RM2.00 (approximately USD/EUR0.40) which we paid with our Touch 'n Go cards.

Ten minutes later we disembarked at the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal over at Butterworth and walked towards Penang Sentral.

With plenty of time to spare, rather then head to the KTMB train station we walked into Penang Sentral. We checked out the eateries here beforehand settling on Iqbal's Cafe for brunch.

We all had white rice, Cat and I had it with fried fish while Brendan had his with curry chicken. Together with a round of drinks our meals came to RM43.30 (approximately USD10/EUR9).

We left Iqbal's Cafe at 12:00pm and made our way to the KTMB train station. We were allowed to check but not to get down to the platform.

We were eventually allowed down to the platform at 12:45pm, since our luggage was quite heavy we opted to wait for an elevator instead of taking the stairs.

The ETS 9107 train left the Butterworth KTMB station at 1:06pm. The ride was uneventful and at times speeds of 140+ kilometers per hour were achieved.

The train stopped at Bukit Mertajam, Taiping, Ipoh and instead of KL Sentral we decided to disembark at the Kuala Lumpur station at almost five in the evening.

We then hailed another  6-seater for a fare of RM18.00 (approximately USD/EUR4) back to our condominium. Door-to-door it took us seven and a half hours to get from Huttons Suites to our home, which is not bad at all. 

In conclusion, if we had to do it all over again we would have taken the Aeroline bus back. Why? It was no fun lugging our heavy luggage from the Grab car to the ferry to the train then to another Grab car. Having said that, we would definitely take the train if we were travelling light. Our two cents anyway.

It's back to the daily grind after this, but stay tuned at the end of January for a special trip planned!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal Georgetown

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qmf7ZogsMiVqJD3t7

Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal Butterworth

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/9JuupU4giNDEtFwS6

Butterworth Penang Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WqtpTyaYQmjuAX8t6

Butterworth KTMB station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YhNki4fj5LFSStHE7

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pBmCDMbh4AeuDMTN6

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaMbgpguY7mawN1p9

Penang Day 5 │ Penang Chingay Parade 2024!

Chingay Parade 2024!

We picked you up again late in the evening when Cat heard a commotion downstairs.

Truth be told we were standing by to watch the Chingay Parade that was scheduled to troop along Jalan Transfer. We did not expect the parade to come by so soon based on last year's parade that marched past our homestay then (the Greenhouse at Lorong Popus) at about midnight.

True enough the parade had made its appearance along Jalan Transfer at half past seven. I immediately ran out of the hotel toward Jalan Transfer while Cat took a while to change and joined me a little later.

From several Facebook pages: "the streets in Penang will come alive with the vibrant Penang Chingay Parade! This cultural extravaganza features the awe-inspiring giant flag performances — a proud intangible cultural heritage of Malaysia. But that’s not all! Look forward to dragon and lion dances, Boria, Indian martial arts and a photography competition! The parade starts at 6.00 pm from Padang Brown in Datuk Keramat and end at the main stage in Padang Kota Lama. Plan your evening and join us for a free celebration of culture, colour and joy!"

After about half an hour and with the parade getting backed up we grew hungry so made our way to Nana Tomyam just a few doors down. Without even thinking we ordered:

• Mixed Tomyam
• Beef Soup
• Plain Omelette
• 2 Sugarless Iced Tea

for a grand total of RM23.00 (approximately USD/EUR5). We then made the short walk back to the hotel.

Stay tuned as we ride the ETS back to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Nana Tomyam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5qMJqoNpyVyc5Sz5

Penang Day 5 │ Gurney Plaza • Holy Guacamole

Mall Crawling!

We picked you up again returning from our walkabout at Chowrasta morning market.

Cat tended to the laundry as always while I continued work on the large collection of videos from the past five days. We woke Brendan up at ten and left the hotel an hour later.

We walked the very short distance to the bus stop in front of 7-Eleven along Jalan Penang. After a while we caught the Rapid Penang #101 bus for free with the Mutiara bus pass all the way to the bus stop along Jalan Kelawai.

We walked across and entered Gurney Plaza, spending the next hour or so browsing the various shops and stores here. Cat got a couple of dresses from Marks and Spencer for RM154.80 (approximately USD35/EUR33).

We eventually grew hungry and after a considerable amount of time spent wandering around checking out the eateries here we finally settled on Holy Guacamole. Cat and I opted for the Loco Lunch set while Brendan went ala carte:

• Cat tried the Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with 2 Baja (Fish) Tacos and Iced Lemon Tea 
• I had the same soup with Quesadillas Calabaza (Pumpkin) and Iced Lemon Tea
• Brendan had the Beef Chimichanga and Coca-Cola 

for a grand total of RM125.30 (approximately USD28/EUR27).

We continued browsing after lunch then exited Gurney Plaza and walked across Jalan Kelawai again to catch another Rapid Penang #101 bus again for free with the Mutiara bus pass all the way back to Jalan Transfer.

From there it was a short walk back to the hotel.

Stay tuned as we join in a street parade later in the evening known as Chingay!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Gurney Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JfWAtbvJDUP1QLFf8

Holy Guacamole [Gurney] - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmEHx7ZiLpLeTQhA7

Penang Day 5 │ Chowrasta Morning Market!

Koay Teow Th'ng!

If it's something that Cat is fond of its this local Penang delicacy. Th'ng” means “soup” in Hokkien, a reference to the broth, and it's very much a Chinese style dish echoing the cuisine of immigrants who first brought it to Malaysia centuries ago. The clear, flavoursome broth, usually pork or chicken, is simple enough, and the koay teow (flat rice noodles) are slippery and soft.

For this reason we were up at half past seven before making our way to the Chowrasta Morning Market half an hour later. Brendan decided to sleep in and did not join us.

Surprise surprise Cat ordered the Koay Teow Th'ng; I ordered the customary Western breakfast (B set) and with a round of drinks our typical Penang breakfast came to RM17.20 (approximately USD/EUR4). 

We then browsed the morning market for a bit and in that time Cat managed to buy:

• a colourful Batik blouse for RM8.00
• long pants for RM20.00
• 4 sets of Batik pyjamas for RM25.00 each

for a grand total of RM128.00 (approximately USD29/EUR27).

We then picked up several packets of mixed fruits for RM9.00 (approximately USD/EUR2) and finally a couple of printed tote bags as souvenirs for friends for RM20.00 each (approximately USD/EUR4) before heading back to the hotel.

Stay tuned as we head to a mall for lunch for a change!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Chowrasta Morning Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SnosQQceBhycZhN37

Penang Day 4 │ Red Garden Food Paradise and Back!

We're back!

We picked you up again very late in the evening, having napped for a few hours in the evening before waking up at eight. We left the hotel half an hour later headed north along Jalan Penang before turning left onto Lebuh Leith. 

We continued on and eventually settled on the touristy Red Garden Food Paradise. Not one for the locals, we absolutely love this place for its noisy and hustle bustle ambience. While we agree that the prices here are inflated Red Garden more than makes up for it with its style and character.

After some deliberations we ordered:

• Vietnamese Spring Rolls for RM16.00
• Wat Tan Hor Fun (Cantonese Fried Flat Rice Noodles with Egg Gravy) for RM9.00
• Grilled Lamb for RM38.00
• Cheesy Fries for RM15.00
• German Sausages for RM22.00
• 1 double Ambra Juice for RM7.00
• 1 Coca-Cola for RM4.00
• 1 large Heineken for RM21.00

for a grand total of RM132.00 (approximately USD30/EUR28). We were entertained by a troupe of singers that started off badly with their rendition of English songs but for progressively better when they turned to their bread and butter Cantonese and Mandarin tunes.

We added three slices of various cake amounting to RM45.00 (approximately USD/EUR10) before we left.

We needed to work off all the added calories so we walked west along Lebuh Leith before walking across Jalan Penang. We then realised that we did not have a thumbnail photo of the food court so we doubled back. We then continued northeast along Jalan Penang again before turning right onto Jalan Hutton, and back to the hotel.

Be sure to catch our next video as we have breakfast at Cat's favourite morning market!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Red Garden Food Paradise - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MP5DMyKYbzkwYpqu8

Penang Day 4 │ The Lighthouse Bakery • Chowrasta Market

Light Lunch!

We picked you up again after coming back from our long walk to and from Cecil Street.

We busied ourselves the entire morning, Cat tended to our laundry while I continued to edit the ever growing collection of footage of the past few days.

Lunchtime came and went but we did not feel hungry. However we left the hotel at two in search of something light to eat.

We walked a short distance to Emily Darling Café to find most of its cakes were sold out. Furthermore their clientele were putting on airs and graces that was very off-putting.

We continued on and eventually settled on the no frills Lighthouse Bakery. We quickly ordered:

• 2 Chicken Mushroom pies
• 1 Milo Dinosaur Ice
• Calamansi (Keat La) with Sour Plum Juice 

for a grand total of RM24.70 (approximately USD/EUR5).

We then headed back along Jalan Penang before arriving at Chowrasta Market to get some pickled fruits as souvenirs for our neighbours. From Jeruk Madu Pak Ali we got three packets of their mixed pickled fruits for a grand total of RM23.40 (approximately USD/EUR5).

We then walked into the main market and got the following from Shin Huat:

• 500gm of pickled papaya
• 500gm of pickled mango
• 5 boxes of Tau Sar Piah (sweet bean paste cookies)

for a grand total of RM77.00 (approximately USD/EUR17). 

Our final stop was an art shop selling printed bags and t-shirts, Zent & Art Souvenir where we got 2 tote bags for a total of RM40.00 (approximately USD10/EUR9). We then went back to the hotel.

Be sure to catch our next video as we have dinner at our favourite food court in all of Georgetown!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Emily Darling Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/guWZuYPL8cbnN74M8

The Lighthouse Bakery - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m3jkStk1y1idFBtz6

Jeruk Madu Pak Ali - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6c6GMjzakASHDNdL7

Chowrasta Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxcfY871suMowVgEA

Shin Huat (Pasar Chowrasta) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/L28hdCZULJBkwoAG7

Zent & Art Souvenir - https://maps.app.goo.gl/y4R9QrZ1opFerfLU7

Penang Day 4 │ To Cecil Street Food Court and Back!

Breakfast @ Cecil Street!

This morning we made a concerted  effort to wake up as early as we could. Eager to atone for the disappointment of last Christmas (we tried twice but failed to have a meal at Cecil Street Food Court) we were up at half past six!

Brendan did not wish to join us on our excursion so we left the hotel at seven and took a leisure stroll along Jalan Penang before  walking across the Octopus Pedestrian Bridge and back onto Jalan Penang before turning left onto Jalan Magazine.

We then walked across onto Lebuh McNair for about a kilometer before arriving at our intended destination.

We browsed the various food stalls here before we settled on:

• a round of drinks for RM8.00
• Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng for RM7. 00
• Western breakfast for RM6.50
• Chee Cheong Fun for RM4.50

Our breakfast came to a respectable RM26.00 (approximately USD/EUR6). 

After breakfast we took a stroll around the cake stalls and made away with RM14.20 (approximately USD/EUR3) worth of sweet cakes. 

We then made our way back to the hotel, first walking across Lebuh McNair onto Lebuh Cecil before turning right onto Jalan Gurdwara. We continued for about a kilometre before walking Jalan Dato Keramat and Jalan Macalister before continuing onto Jalan Penang.

We continued on and then walked across the Octopus Pedestrian Bridge back onto Jalan Penang. We thought of getting some pickled fruits from Chowrasta, but it was still closed. We continued on and reached the hotel at a quarter to nine.

 

Be sure to catch our next video as we look for something light for lunch!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Cecil Street Food Court - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lxf3PmqzWRAtZt9N7

Boxing Day│ Skin Nation Tattoo!

Boxing Day!

After lunch we walked back to the hotel, while Cat tended to laundry I picked up my iPad (essential for what I was about to do next) and headed out again.

Repeating the same route as before but this time walking across Jalan Penang before arriving at my destination. I had long wanted a tattoo of Manchester United's crest outlined in the shape of  a Red Devil holding a trident. Today was the day my wish was to be fulfilled.

Knowing that we would be coming to Penang for Christmas I contacted Darren of Guntur Tattoo in Kota Kinabalu enquiring about tattoo artists from the island. He referred me Skin Nation Tattoo which coincidentally was located very close by the hotel.

I then reached out to them and made an appointment with MC today at 1:00pm, who was ready and waiting when I arrived. We discussed the design and after a few trial placements decided on my inner left forearm. He began working on his masterpiece while I spent the next four hours listening to Joe Rogan's podcasts, which was why I needed the iPad.

We took several breaks and MC was finally done at close to five in the afternoon.

 The result? Absolutely breathtaking!

I paid MC his dues then headed out along Jalan Penang in search of Cat who was having desserts at a Bingsu cafe. We then headed back to the hotel, and with no plans for dinner plus I was knackered from the grueling four-hour session we ordered in with the Grab food app.

Stay tuned as we head out to Cecil Street tomorrow morning to finally have breakfast at its food court!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Skin Nation Tattoo - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YnB91AdarvfrWsn56

Boxing Day│ Ayam Garam Xiang Peng Peng!

Boxing Day!

We slept in again, I arose at nine to work on the footage of the last few days. 

Cat woke up soon after while Brendan arose at eleven. We all got ready and left the hotel at a quarter to twelve and walked a short distance along Jalan Penang. 

We were headed in the same direction as yesterday, but this time had plans for lunch across the road from CEKI. 

Touted as "A healthy, gluten-free, and home-made Salted Chicken prepared from a traditional recipe that has been created and existed for more than 100 years old" Xiang Peng Peng Salted Chicken caught our attention when we came across its Instagram post. We walked in at noon and had the place to ourselves, so we scanned their diminutive menu and quickly settled on:

• Half a Chicken of the Original Flavour
• Stir Fried Roasted Pork
• Plain Omelette 
• Pork Ribs Soup
• 1 Kumquat Sour Plum
• 2 Coca-Cola 

Our unique lunch came to a respectable RM110.00 (approximately USD25/EUR24), which was a little pricey by our reckoning.

We then made the short walk back to the hotel. 

Be sure to catch our next video as I add to my collection of body art at Skin Nation Tattoo!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Ayam Garam Xiang Peng Peng - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgLCprW3cNfxdZ447

Christmas Day │ New World Park Food City!

Christmas Day!

We had initially planned on Christmas dinner at a hot pot restaurant but decided against it. After two lavish meals in a row, Choux Choux last night and CEKI Nyonya this afternoon we were badly in need of something a little more down to earth.

New World Park Food City appealed mightily to us  so we left the hotel at a quarter to seven and walked northwest along Jalan Transfer for about ten minutes. The food court was brightly lit and very hard to miss, and after checking out each stall we eventually settled on:

• 2 plates of Char Koay  Teow for RM8.00 each
• 1 large serving of Lor Bak for RM12.50
• Grilled Lamb with Curly Fries for RM30.00
• 1 medium plate of Rojak Buah for RM9.00
• 2 glasses of Sour Plum for RM7.00
• 2 cans of Lemon Juice for RM5.90

for a grand total of RM93.30 (approximately USD21/EUR20) which is relatively reasonable given our recent splurge over the past few meals. As Cat and Brendan sat and waited to be served I took a walk around to check out each stall. We hope the footage will help you appreciate the vastness of this food court.

We enjoyed ourselves here at this bustling food court as we ate and people-watched. After dinner for a change in scenery we took a different route back, exiting onto Jalan Burma headed southeast before eventually turning left onto Jalan Transfer. We then walked across and turned right onto Jalan Hutton and were back at the hotel in no time at all.

Be sure to catch our next video as we check out a salted chicken restaurant!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

New World Park Food City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/88Z9eeWBrRbTJAQC9

Christmas Day │ CEKI Nyonya Restaurant and Beyond!

Christmas Day!

We slept in and arose at half Past nine. As is the case on Christmas Day in Penang we made reservations for lunch at a Nyonya restaurant nearby.

We all got ready and left the hotel at 11:35am to make the ten-minute walk to the restaurant situated along Jalan Bahari.

Two years ago we had dinner to celebrate Cat's birthday at Bibik's Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine; last year we celebrated Cat's birthday at BaBa Phang. It was only natural for us to complete the trifecta of Nyonya restaurants along Jalan Bahari with our visit to CEKI Nyonya Restaurant today.

We were amazed by the decor soon as we walked in, and I got a little carried taking photos of the interior. 

We carefully perused the menu before settling on:

• Assam Pedas Fish
• Tau Ewe (Thick Soy Sauce) Bak
• Plain Omelette 
• Tetae Lemak (Sweet Potato Leaves) 
• Rendang Beef
• 2 Lemongrass Juice
• 1 Coca-Cola 

Our traditional Straits Settlement Christmas lunch came to RM332.20 (approximately USD74/EUR71). 

We settled the bill then walked a short distance to the bus stop in front of 7 Eleven along Jalan Penang. Here we caught a free CAT bus to KOMTAR to renew our Mutiara bus pass. I then walked into Maybank to replenish our Federal Reserves before walking across KOMTAR to catch a Rapid Penang #101 bus back to Jalan Transfer.

We alighted at the Wisma MCA stop and walked a short distance to Mydin Emporium to pick up some provisions before returning to our hotel to get out of the intense heat.

Be sure to catch our next video as we check out a hot pot joint near the hotel!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

CEKI Nyonya Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jzt4dpw5Z8AkdeeaA

CAT Station 9 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NS9agJFdubByNqB47

Maybank (Penang Road) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jNX2G34TqxNPxeWq5

Wisma MCA bus stop - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGrGh2fAxnyiMHjE9

Mydin Emporium - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVWjnaQEs93fQ1sv9

Christmas Eve │ To Choux Choux and Back!

Christmas Eve Feast!

We picked you up again in the evening after checking into the hotel apartment.

A reservation was made with Kelvin months in advance, and we made plans to share our Christmas eve dinner with Prem, Brendan's old varsity mate. Alas Prem was called away for an urgent family matter at the last minute so it will just be the three of us dining at Choux Choux.

We hailed a Grab car for a fare of RM5.00 (approximately USD/EUR1) and arrived at a quarter to seven.

Kelvin and the rest of the bubbly crew of Choux Choux immediately made us welcomed, and upon finding out that our party would be short of one person tonight Kelvin proactively adjusted our order accordingly.

In the end our Christmas eve feast consisted of:

• Phenomenal Iberico BBQ Ribs
• Organic Rotisserie Chicken
• Lamb Shoulder Braise 
• 1 French Onion Soup 
• 2 Truffle Mushroom Soup
• Green Apple Juice 
• Lemonade
• 3 Coca-Cola
• 2 Baileys Irish Cream

Our exquisite and thoroughly enjoyed meal came at a hefty price of RM680.90 (approximately USD152/EUR146) which was well worth it, after all it's not often that we splurge on a meal.

We settled the bill and bade Kelvin as well as his merry crew a very Merry Christmas before making the one-kilometre trek back to Jalan Hutton.

Join us tomorrow as we head to Jalan Bahari to complete the trifecta of Nyonya cuisine in the area!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Choux Choux - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6xyEZqE9QyKxHMMU6

Home Away From Home │ Hutton Suites Hotel!

Home away from Home!

We picked you up again after disembarking from the Aeroline bus at Queensbay Mall and hailing a 6-seater Grab car to Jalan Transfer.

We arrived at half past four and was greeted by Amirul, the same front office personnel from two years ago who immediately escorted us across Jalan Transfer then along Jalan Hutton to where our apartment unit was. He was also gracious enough to help us with our luggage.

He did this so that we would not have to endure the less-than-ideal conditions of the front office at Hutton Central due to its malfunctioning air conditioning.

We arrived at Hutton Suites along Jalan Hutton and were presented with the key codes to the front door. We walked up the flight of stairs then took seat at the dining table as I filled up the registration form then paid the heritage tax of RM2.00 per day totalling RM10.00.

For those who are unfamiliar with the relationship between the two hotels, Hutton Central fronts the two with a front desk, and offers one-room apartments. Hutton Suites on the other hand shares its front desk with Hutton Central and offers two-room apartments.

Billed as a "heritage hotel in Georgetown Penang that provides guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All guest rooms at Hutton Suites Hotel come with a seating area."

We last stayed here in August of 2022 some two years ago, and only had nothing but fond memories of our stay.

Most times the price listed for this apartment was quite steep, so we were in luck on this particular occasion since we managed to book a 5-night stay for only RM2,187.49 (approximately USD490/EUR470) which came to about RM437.50 a night (approximately USD98/EUR94).

The unit room we booked was as we remembered that satisfied all our needs and was in fact an exceptionally large two-bedroom apartment complete with a kitchenette and washer dryer. The bathroom was well appointed, the living room cosy and our bedroom comfortable. Brendan's room was a little small but adequate enough for his needs. The Hutton collection of refurbished shop houses have always been a firm favourite.

We hope that the footage taken will paint our thousand words in praise of this lovely apartment.

Stay tuned as we set out for a Christmas eve feast along China Street later this evening!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Queensbay Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHYfrjepXd6tH5CD6

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

AEROLINE: KL to Penang │ Here We Go Again!

Christmas Eve!

As mentioned in previous videos we planned to spend Christmas in Penang again, for the third year in a row.

We booked our Aeroline bus tickets online for RM72.00 each (approximately USD16/EUR15) and was fortunate to know someone living in our condo that operated a taxi service.

We made arrangements with Din our neighbour one floor down to meet at the car park on the fourth floor at eight this morning.

True enough Din was already there waiting for us, so as soon as we loaded our luggage he 3drove us the short distance to Corus Hotel.

We were quite embarrassed when Din refused to accept a fare when we arrived at Corus Hotel and thanked him for his generosity.

With time to spare until our departure at 9:30am we decided to try put the buffet breakfast at the hotel's Dondang Sayang Coffee House for RM34.80 (approximately USD8/EUR7) per person. We spent a relaxing hour or so having breakfast as we chatted while we waited for the bus to arrive.

At half past nine I walked over to the front desk of the coffee house to settle the bill before making enquiries at the Aeroline ticket office. Apparently the bus to Penang was delayed by an hour so we continued to wait comfortably at the Dondang Sayang Coffee House.

The bus made its appearance at 10:00am and finally departed half an hour later. We feared for a repeat of last year's nightmare ten-hour drive to Penang. Although the Malaysian government declared yesterday and today as toll free days traffic along the North South Expressway was relatively light.

At 2:00pm we made a pitstop at the Simpang Pulai rest area then resumed the journey fifteen minutes later.

We drove across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge at 3:00pm and arrived at Queensbay Mall half an hour later.

We alighted from the bus, thanked the crew and collected our luggage before walking into Queensbay Mall for a potty break.

We then hailed a 6-seater Grab car, but the first driver Teh Ah Mong cancelled on us. The second Grab car picked us up eventually at 3:40pm for a fare of RM24.00 (approximately USD/EUR5) to Hutton Central Hotel.

Be sure to catch our next video as we check into our two-bedroom converted shop house apartment!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

Corus KLCC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fX88AZfLFZE4czpU8

Dondang Sayang Coffee House - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Wh21pMc6Ugyu6qq8

Aeroline (KL) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vvQno2NEqV5ncmQh8

R&R Simpang Pulai Northbound - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BUBgWMiBR1BqWnii6

Aeroline Queensbay Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qAzcm4qNVEBNXqzn7

Hutton Central Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUGAtyMMvLa79Afj9

Hutton Suites Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZ99jYPEefN3xasR7

Ode to KL's Public Transport │ Xmas Decs: 7 Mall Hop!

Happy Winter Solstice!

It being a Saturday and with Christmas right around the corner we ventured out of our condo at half past nine in the morning bound for Capital Cafe along Jalan TAR. Alas it was closed so we walked across Jalan TAR and eventually found ourselves at the lower ground floor of Sogo KL where we had breakfast at Bungkus Kaw Kaw. 

We then headed up a floor and walked to the main foyer of Sogo KL, the first of seven mall that we hoped to visit today. The reason? We wanted to capture the Christmas themed decorations at each of the seven malls that we hoped to visit today.

We then exited Sogo KL via its adjoining crosswalk with the Bandaraya LRT station. We then caught a train for a fare of RM1.10 (approximately USD/EUR0.20) to the PWTC LRT station and walked into Sunway Putra Mall to check out the Christmas themed decorations here.

We then returned to the PWTC LRT station and hopped into another train for a fare of RM1.70 (approximately USD/EUR0.40) and disembarked at the Hang Tuah station. We exited the station and walked a short distance to LaLaport BBCC. Here we captured footage its Christmas themed decorations which left us underwhelmed as well.

We then exited LaLaport BBCC and walked across the footbridge onto Jalan Imbi headed east. After a little while we entered Berjaya Times Square. The Chinese New Year themed decorations here were quite underwhelming, but it did not matter since we intended to have lunch here anyway. Be sure to catch the upcoming video of Vinh City Vietnamese Cuisine!

A little under an hour later we walked out of the restaurant then rode an elevator down to the surface level and walked across Jalan Bulan 1. We headed southeast before making our way across a footbridge that took us into Berjaya Times Square.

We were not disappointed as it was obvious that the mall made an effort with its Christmas themed decorations. We then made a pitstop at LC Waikiki to get ourselves matching Christmas T-shirts for our trip to Penang.

We then exited Berjaya Times Square and walked across another footbridge onto Jalan Bulan 1 headed north, before walking across and into Sungei Wang Plaza. Its Christmas themed decorations left us underwhelmed as well and we exited via another footbridge onto Jalan Sultan Ismail headed north before eventually ducking into the MRT station underpass to get across Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Unimpeded by the swell of humans that congregate along Fahrenheit88 and Starhill we found ourselves at Pavilion KL. Here we captured their immaculate Christmas decorations both at its Crystal Fountain outside as well as the main foyer inside.

We then exited Pavilion KL and made our way into the Bukit Bintang MRT to catch a train to the Tun Razak Exchange MRT station for a fare of RM1.20 (approximately USD/EUR0.30). We disembarked and made our way into the seventh and final mall of the day, The Exchange TRX.

The exquisite Christmas themed decorations here was worth the effort, and as our feet ached we returned to the Tun Razak Exchange MRT station to catch another train for a fare of RM1.80 (approximately USD/EUR0.40) to the Muzium Negara MRT station.

We disembarked and negotiated a maze of escalators before finally arriving at Nu Sentral. Here we walked around in search of lunch before finally settling on Tea Garden NU Sentral. We perused their menu then scanned the QR code to order:

• Cat's Hor Fun Soup
• my Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken
• our Calamansi Juice with Sour Plum
• and my Ribena Lemon Soda

for a grand total of RM76.00 (approximately USD17/EUR16).

We then walked across NU Sentral and into Nitori in search of a replacement for my tattered old office chair. We found the exact same model and placed our order for the chair which will only be delivered after New Year's.

We then finally made our way to the KL Sentral Monorail station. For a fare of RM3.40 (approximately USD0.80/EUR0.70) the train took us to the Medan Tuanku Monorail station.

We then walked the short distance back to our home.

In our next video we will be catching the Aeroline bus to Penang, so please stay tuned!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8
SOGO Kuala Lumpur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7VR1F5HLefBcD75i9
Sunway Putra Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/t1wLtfSvdSSeJTgZ9
LaLaport BBCC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qzvyBt2vFKXgLgVSA
Berjaya Times Square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgBc7xqYnNTjmCdU9
Sungei Wang Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qbiptseoozosHwnJ7
Pavilion KL - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dYGnyFes9mJ8t3N58
The Exchange TRX - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kibCsYAs1DXvE9m76
Nu Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/y1j55VRVhrvawhMm6

Putrajaya to KL │ Yuen Chun Heong BKT

Going home!

After the exertions of last night I slept in and arose at nine this morning.

I began packing up and woke the rest up to get ready. I took one final sweeping footage of the Airbnb before leaving, and by the time we deposited the unit's key cards back into the mailbox it was ten to eleven. We then punched in our destination for an early lunch at a restaurant in Seri Kembangan.

Brendan left first with Puteh, while we settled the key deposit with BiBi.

We arrived at Yuen Chun Heong Bak Kut Teh Restaurant twenty minutes later, and quickly settled on:

• 2 servings of Bak Kut Teh soup
• 1 serving of dry Bak Kut Teh
• 3 servings of Yam rice
• 2 servings of Yu Tiao
• 3 glasses of Iced Chinese Tea
• (Brendan later added) 1 Coca-Cola

Bak Kut Teh is a popular pork rib dish cooked gently in a complex broth of herbs and spices for hours and is a national heritage food of Malaysia. While Bak Kut Teh translates to “meat bone tea”, no tea is used in its preparation. Rather, the “tea” refers to the Chinese tea that is traditionally served alongside the dish.

Our herb-infused lunch came to RM84.40 (approximately USD19/EUR18).

We then resumed our drive and reached home at a quarter to one. We will be heading to Penang for Christmas a week from now, so please stay tuned!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

 📍 Location:

Clio 2 Residences - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fN4gFwQ7Y4goF6Yq8

Yuen Chun Heong Bak Kut Teh - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kDojHK2BHWJnQ7BV7

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

Le Méridien Putrajaya │ Sound Check • Annual Dinner

Le Méridien Putrajaya!

Today is the day of my office's annual dinner, and our band was asked to assemble at the event before nine this morning for sound checks. We left the Airbnb at about half past eight and by the time we arrived at the hotel some of my fellow bandmates were already waiting patiently.

While we waited for our sound check session Brendan and Cat went exploring the vast expanse of space that is IOI City Mall adjacent to the hotel.

Turned out the event's sound engineers were only able to set up our musical instruments two hours later, and we went through a few songs to make sure the audio balance was just right. Half an hour later we were done and since we did not have a bite to eat all morning we headed to the nearest Mamak over at the Conezion cluster of shops and residences.

We got back to the Airbnb and rested the entire afternoon before making our back to the hotel. Brendan dropped me off at the hotel then parked Puteh after which they both continued exploring IOI City Mall.

The annual dinner was a joyful occasion and our band's performance was a roaring success. We shared a few snippets here and there, be sure to catch the entire performance here at my other channel, Fatboy Blimp https://youtu.be/9s3icaTU8Yw.

Be sure to catch our next video as we check out of our lovely Airbnb unit and head out for an early lunch!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

 📍 Location:

Clio 2 Residences - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fN4gFwQ7Y4goF6Yq8

Le Méridien Putrajaya - https://maps.app.goo.gl/2x1tNL1xmRov6ZXa7