Train to Penang

Well after four days in Singapore it was time to tackle customs and the Malaysian train system and make our way to Penang. A quick recap on our final night in Singapore first. We managed to make it to Gardens by the Sea and were again blown away by the efficiency of Singapore and the stunning architecture found everywhere. We had my favourite meal for dinner – chicken satay (served in batches of 20,40,60 etc) and my childhood favourite – ice kachang for dessert. We were able to walk through that incredible building with the ship on top (Marina Bay Sands hotel) before catching the MRT back to our hotel room.

The following morning found us up at seven and in a taxi to the nearby Queen St bus depot. Here we had the choice of a special taxi that conveys one over the causeway from Singapore to Malaysia (costing around $80) or catching the local bus for about $3.30 per person. The taxi would be simple and straightforward whereas the bus involved getting off one bus, traversing crowded Singapore customs then hopping on another bus the other side. This bus would then drop us at the Malaysian customs. Being such a challenge – of course we chose the complicated but cheap bus option and 90 minutes later were very proud of ourselves.
It was then quickly onto a train and we were on our way. Prior to our departure from Australia I had researched the trains and a lot of the comments had mentioned how cold the air con was. They were not kidding. In order to reach Kuala Lumpur (our stopover for the night) we had to catch two trains and both were beyond freezing. Apart from that however, the journey was easy and relatively peaceful.
We arrived in KL that afternoon and managed to find our hotel which was within walking distance from KL Sentral train station without too much hassle. Although in a nice and convenient location it was a bit dodgy and we were glad it was only for the one night. It was booked more to give Darryl a rest from extended sitting than for anything else.

The following day saw us up again nice and early and sitting in another ridiculously cold train. Four hours later and we arrived at Butterworth – the mainland stop for Penang. From Butterworth one then catches a ferry over to Penang island itself. Costing only 30 cents, while ancient its the easiest way of getting there. Hopping into a local (meter on please) taxi and 20 minutes later we arrived at our home for the next six nights.