Penang Transportation Tips by ellielou

'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: I took the bus to Butterworth from KL...it was a relatively pleasant ride, about 4 hours. When I bought the ticket, I heard that the ferry from Butterworth to Penang ran 24-hrs a day. (My Rough Guide said the same thing.) Well, it DOES NOT.

The ferry stops running around midnight. Make sure you time your arrival before that time, or you'll be stuck for the night in Butterworth, or have an expensive taxi ride across the bridge to Penang.

The ferry is inexpensive, under 1USD, I believe, and very pleasant.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: The bus from KL takes about four hours. It is a fine busride, on good roads. There are about two stops along the way, since there are no toilets on the bus. (which is actually a good thing, if, like me, you're stuck in the back, where the toilet would normally be).

I found the people on the bus very friendly, and, since I was the only 'tourist,' and traveling alone, people were somewhat curious and somewhat protective. I also ended up meeting someone on the bus who's uncle, a cab driver, ended up taking me to my hotel in his taxi for free....

The rest stop for food was fascinating....and, as is the case in most of Malaysia, the food looked great.

And, although Malaysia is very hot....bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or blanket for the cold, cold bus!

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