24 RTW Day 08, Penang

By travelerdon on May 21, 2024

Penang, Malaysia, Wednesday 3/13/24

We wake in no hurry today, knowing we don’t intend to spend every hour off the ship. When we do debark around 10AM, we are bombarded with taxi vendors off the ship. We negotiate and get a taxi for 4 hours for $50 US. A good deal. Our driver, Krishnan, has a good command of the English language, having lived in New York City for 13 years. A plus for us!

Krishnan takes us first to Penang Hill where we pay a small fee to ride a jeep to the top, some 5 kilometers each way. The views of the island are good, even though it is hazy. We don’t spend a long time as we want to maximize our time with Krishnan.

Krishnan then takes us around to different temples of note. There were two temples across the street from each other, one with a Budda lying down and one with a standing Budda. Lots and lots of money spent on statues and idols. Interesting culture. But our cameras are happy. Then, Krishnan takes us to a restaurant street where we indulge in a dessert, “Cendol”, made with frozen coconut milk, some kind of frozen noodle, Lentil and Kidney beans among other ingredients. Sounds gross but it was very good. We also share a lunch dish called, “Char Kuey Teow”, with noodles and shrimp. Also very tasty!

We also travel to a set of shops built on a jetty out on the water, “Chew Jetty”. We even spy a stand with the fruit, ‘Durian’, which hotels fine you for bringing in! Alas, they want $10 for a taste! Maybe another time! Also a Temple built on the jetty. Interesting way of life. We are tired and it is time to go back to our ship. We spend the rest of the afternoon on board, cruising the different parts of the ship and meeting new friends.

After dinner, where we get to know our table mates better, we make our way up on deck to a deck party, the “Dragon Full Moon Party”, glow in the dark party. We stay for a couple hours, relaxing in deck chairs near the pool. Not a very well attended deck party as cruise ship deck parties go. The moon was not full, there were no black lights to illuminate clothing and the party was scheduled on a port night with a port day tomorrow. Poor scheduling.

So I, at least, try a new drink, a ‘Kiwi Colada’. Sweet and cold but refreshing. Brought it back to the room and will turn in, right after I start to put a small bag together for our excursion that begins tomorrow.

Goodnight All!