The problem with Penang, albeit a happy one, is that there are too many food places that we wanted to try but too little stomach space. And this morning, we went for two rounds of breakfast and roti canai (or roti prata), was the first stop of the day.
This little roadside eatery was conveniently located just around the corner of the hotel.
Do not disturb. Chef hard at work.
The roti canai here is a little crispy and slightly thicker than the ones we have always had. I would say the taste is comparable since flour is well…just flour.
We also ordered a drumstick but it was rather undercooked. Don't know if it's an India-style because I have had one before that was undercooked as well back at home.
Next stop was over at Line Clear for Nasi Kandar, which is apparently rather popular.
Here you can pick and choose your dishes.
We chose the omelette egg and some prawns, or rather just one pathetic prawn. It was probably slightly above average but that's only for its curry sauce. And for that, we were grossly overcharged at around RM20 if I am not wrong :(
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After breakfast, we headed for the 11am guided tour at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. But before that, we came across this chocolate and coffee museum. And since we still had some time to spare, we popped in to have a look.
There was a quick run-through on the history of coffee beans by the staff and then it was onwards to their products on sale. Though we didn't buy anything, we sure did a good share of sampling. Lol.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or Blue Mansion, was definitely worth the visit. For just RM12 per pax if I am not wrong, you get to visit a UNESCO heritage conservation site, coupled with a fantastic tour around the place.
The inner court where tourists gather for the start of the tour.
The awesome tour guide, one witty lady who could handle all the questions to come.
We supposed this is the resident cat. And a rather grouchy one.
Rooms are also available for rent at the mansion. The area is closed off during tour times but we could still sneaked a peek into the front yard.
One of the most incredible board game ever invented.
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After the visit to the mansion, it was a test of endurance here forth since the rest of the day is mostly about walking from one place of interest to another.
It was horrible walking under the hot sun in Penang. Especially so when you are not familiar with the area and may have to take a little small detour or two. It was a little walk to the nearest CAT bus stop for a short ride to the 3D Museum near the Clan Jetty.
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The price of the 3D Museum tickets was on the steep side. It was RM30 per pax for foreigners, although you do get a pretty decently designed pin badge to bring home as a souvenir.
The 3D Museum has a mix of expertly crafted miniatures and cleverly painted 3D murals where visitors can take pictures and become part of the murals. It is not a very large museum and it tends to be crowded. It is probably good for people who ain't shy about doing funny poses for the photos, hence not really our cup of tea, or at least not mine.
The miniatures were rather life-like.
That also means it can get pretty eerie as well.
One of the many 3D murals designed to trick the eyes.
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After the 3D Museum, we headed over to the Pinang Peranakan Museum. The entrance fee was at a hefty RM20 per pax, much more expensive as compared to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Though it must be mentioned that the premise is huge.
Tour guide is only available for a group of 6 and above if I did not remember wrongly. Otherwise it's simply wandering around the place on your own. Even so, you could listen in to the other groups while going around the Museum. The tour guides weren't that fantastic anyway.
The Pinang Peranakan Museum is within walking distance from the 3D Museum but walking under the hot sun probably made the distance seemed longer.
The Pinang Peranakan Museum was also a shoot location for the hit drama "The Little Nyonya".
One of the many exquisite furniture you can find here.
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It was back to walking under the hot sun again after that. This time round, we were heading over to the Jetty Clans and Chew Jetty is probably the most happening one.
The entrance to the Chew Jetty.
Nostalgia lines up the walkway. Families here would set up stores to sell all sorts of old-school toys and memorabilia.
The walkway is also home to many families.
And some have their very own balconies to look out to the sea.
Along the way we had some durian cream puffs as recommended by "我的好朋友". It was above average but definitely not "wow" but it was a good snack considering it was only RM5 for three of them.
More snack time, at Tan Jetty this time round.
The deadly combination of deep fried, super crispy prawn fritters, fried tofu, and lor bak. Fat die me.
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Next was exploring the Penang street art and wall paintings in the George Town heritage area. There are a lot of bicycles for rental here that would help you in covering most of the street art scattered around the area though we didn't use that option (cue the "awesome" taiwan experience). I shudder at the thought. Lol. Anyway, the series of mural spamming below is all we have got, on foot.
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Dinner was at this place called the Red Garden, which was around the vicinity of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. We wanted to take the CAT bus back to the area since we have been walking around for most part of the day. But after waiting in vain for 20 mins or so, we decided to just make one last push to walk to the Red Garden.
The place wasn't far, much to the relief of the cat. Never doubt my navigation skills.
Red Garden is a rather spacious open air hawker centre. It is supposedly even more happening at night with an open stage for KTV singers and dancers. But we didn't stay till that late to witness the awesomeness. Lol.
We went for the prawn noodles, which had a lot of newspaper clippings on the store front, but the taste was not as critically acclaimed as it should be.
The oyster omelette was also disappointing, partly because the best is still at 85. It was the soggy type, with a rather bland chilli sauce to go with.
The clay pot curry fish head that we were here for, under the recommendation of Anthony Bourdain. I am not a fan of fish so I can't comment much but the curry sauce was decent enough for the rice.
Supper was 10 sticks of satay and 2 chicken wings which we ordered for takeaway.
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Today was the toughest day of this trip with all the walking. I estimate that we probably walked a good 5 kilometres in total, and mind you that is under the freaking hot weather. But kudos to the cat for being the most hardworking cat I have even seen. And it is truly my blessing to have you meow.
In the meantime, it's satay, chicken wings, and Chelsea. More chicken wing for the cat. Lol.
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