25.10.09 SUN Penang

Beforehand, Grandpa had collected quite a number of clipping which introducing fantastic food in Malaysia. Guess what's in my hand now. It's one of the well-known food in Penang --> Asam Laksa!! Yea Yea..
We were happily looking for it, based on the address we got from the newspaper cutting. Good news is, we found it. BUT.. It was closed!!! Errr.. After driving for miles, finally found the place and now you're telling me it's CLOSED?! Are you kidding me?.. Frankly speaking, I'm seriously pissed-off at that moment because.. I'M STARVING!

I WANT FOOD! I WANT FOOD!

We saw a banner stated "The Best Prawn Noodle In Penang" while walking down the street. Wooo.. At first, I was wondering how good it would be.. Or it's just someone bragging around?

**Prawn Mee King** Typical hawker stall.. See that little clippings? Their food was published in newspaper and magazines tho!

**Pai Guat Prawn Mee aka Prawn noodle with pork rib**rm5** I never have pork rib in my Prawn noodle before. Creative huh? Tell you what. The soup taste real good! Must be one's secret recipes. No doubt, I'll definitely rate it 10 out of 10. Full marks!!

**FYI** The owner gave us her name card.. By the way, "Kopi" at this hawker center is a MUST-TRY as well! Love it!

We were loitering in the town (again) after I did some shopping at Gurney Plaza..

**Kota Kubu ??** Cloudy day. Seems like it's going to rain very soon. We had to get things done in hurry as there's no shade at all. **sigh**

The little castle is located right at the beach side.. It's such a nice view but we only managed to drop by for couple of minute.. How I wish to stay just a little bit longer..

Ehem.. At least, I can prove how strong the wind blown..

That's it for now..

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our Next Stop
BANGKOK 28.11.09-2.12.09
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

24.10.09 SAT Penang

BUSY... BUSY... BUSY...

This is what we used to heard especially from those who live in the downtown area of a city. **Tension** Like others, me either. Deadline is around the corner, I'm kind of uptight with my Insider articles. You know. Dealing with people will never be an easy thing, especially upper management. Agree?.. Yes?.. No?..

Whatever it is... I NEED A BREAK!!! I need some fresh breath out of the town.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Granpa and I had been driving down to the South --> JB and Singapore earlier on. So now, it's time to the North --> Penang! Yes! Another accomplished road trip in our list, right after Malacca.

Well, my previous visit to Penang was a "back pack trip". Obviously it was not so relaxing. As in like, walking for miles with kilos and kilos of bags! Can you imagine that? Back pack no more!

Frankly speaking, Penang is always one of the top 3 places that I would like to go for a short vacation. "Short" as in like 2 or 3 days. Apparently, I just wanna off to somewhere else. I mean anywhere as long as it's out of KL. Penang is famous for their historical landmark and also some local food, which is similar to Malacca. If you're one of those who doesn't like history much like us, I'm afraid there's nothing much you can do in Penang, except E~A~T~.

Ok now.. Stories time.. Here we go..

**Penang Bridge** It's about 4 hours driving distance from KL. Plus and minus, we paid approx rm50 for tolls and rm100 for petrol.

P~E~N~A~N~G~ Yeah~ I'm here!!!

Thank God! No more ancient hotel with aging furniture! We checked in Bayview Hotel where it's only 5 minutes way to the most happening night life spots in Georgetown. Without any booking in advance, we'd been charged rm160++ for a night. I would say it considered a good deal, seeing that room was well kept up and also the ideal location. Furthermore, it has a best view ever, facing towards Komtar as well as the town. Penang Bridge on my right while seascape on my left! Such a nice view from my room huh?..

Guess what. This is where we're going next! Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion aka Blue Mansion!

The Mansion is located right opposite Obake-Ya Restaurant which is only 10mins walk from Bayview Hotel.

**Blue Mansion**rm10 per entrance** Admittance ONLY at 11pm and 3pm. If you missed both session, I'm afraid you might have to come back the next day.

**Random**

**Main entrance** We had a tour in the premise, conducted by a macho guy named Adrian. In the course of walkabout, we were told of stories and basically, it's all about Mr. Cheong Fatt Tze. It's simply gorgeous! Believe me, it does worth you money.

Oops.. Sorry.. No pictures allowed!

Oh ya.. They have even opened up for accommodation services now. I would definitely love to spend a night at this cool place on my next visit.

The tour took us almost an hour. We end up with 2 traditional rice-paper-and-bamboo umbrellas, as souvenir. Looks familiar? Yes! That's the one I had mix and match for my Halloween "Siu Fu Yong" (chinese ghost) outfit. ;p

**Front yard**

Before I go.. http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/

Alright! Grab a seat! It's time for lunch! Char Kuey Tiow with big big shrimp!

Exhausted~~

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

We were loitering in the town and got some random pictures..

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

**Komtar** Now function as a bus terminal..

**Wisma Kastam**

**Loong Nam** I found this shop on my previous visit. They're specialising in local chinese traditional delicacies, offered various of self-invented homemade "Pheah" (biscuits). All the biscuits was freshly baked. It's burning hot from the oven! Among those, I love their 'Dao Sa Pheah' the best.

**Ming Xiang Tai** I had tried once and now I'm back for MORE~

The Best Egg Tart I Had Ever Eaten!!

**Mini beer jug** We were having a few sip at the hotel before hunting for dinner, and found these funny stuff..

**Mini Cue**

**Fried Oyster** Initially, I was attracted by the long queue at their stall. I guess it should be one of those delicious food at Gurney Drive. Must-Try!

I'm not sure how people named it but I call it "Malay Cake". I love the mild brown sugar taste from the first bite! I never see it in this shape in KL as it's used to be in big square slices!

**?** In colloquial, Grandpa call it "mini conks" which I don't understand why..

Gentlemen.. Get ready with your "weapon"!

Tasteless but great chewy texture! Taste even better with their chili sauce.

**Slippery Senoritas** Last stop of the day.. Surprisingly, it was exceeded my expectation as their live band performance was just splendid!

Out of coincidence, Grandpa met his lost-contact-buddy who's a champion bar tender in Malaysia. No jokes! I never had such great cocktail before! 200% out of 100%! I'm not bragging! He such a talented one. Sadly, he had left Malaysia to Borneo by now..

If You Have A Dream

You Can't Sit Back

And Wait For People To

Call You

15.11.09 SUN

A message received
Grandpa
15.11.2009 7.04am
Help! Let us out! We're in your bag..

**What's that? I'm wondering..

I opened my bag and found them..

What can I say?
I LOVE ULTRAMAN!!!

They make my day~~~
Thanks!

Insider In Progress..