Leaving on a jet plane..
Flight doesn't leave until 1 pm so plenty of time for a leisurely stroll down to the bus station. Forget trying to ride the local bus, since the vehicle will almost guaranteed be packed to the rafters! Ultimately, the destination is Penang, only decided on a few days ago. A flight to Penang tonight is costing just a little more than it would cost to stay over in kuala Lumpur and get a bus the next morning, thanks to Air Asia. Just hope there will be a place to stay since arriving anywhere late evening can often leave a visitor the undesirable task of wandering around quiet streets at night. This will be the second time in Penang, and there seems to be an abundance of accommodation all over so a calculated risk perhaps.
Anywhere from 600 down to 200 rupees from tuk tuk drivers as I hike along Sea Street towards town. Unfortunately for them their persistence is fruitless and soon I'm too close to town, the touting ceases. One last Sri Lankan style breakfast then, grab some snacks for the plane, and hop on the airport bus 240. About 20p for the short ride along the relatively quiet highway, and no extra charge for the baggage!
The bus stand is practically opposite the airport, with the terminal building further along opposite the tobacco leaf factory. 100 for a tuk tuk ride, but it's close enough to walk. Following the wall of the tobacco factory and crossing the highway, it's a 15 minute hike to the terminal, a small building compared to most gateway airports but set in some lush palm surroundings.
Climbing out towards Malaysia as Sri Lanka slips away below. Crossing the hill country and out over the southern beeches - white sand and deep blue waters, next time. Sad to be leaving such a charming place with warm, friendly people. Good value for money, but naive visitors will be fleeced, no doubt about that as a few horror stories did the rounds. The key is to research - wandering around clutching guidebooks is probably not the best thing to do here. Those making advanced bookings via the Internet proved the biggest victims. An advanced train ticket for a German tourist was $20, 60p on the day for the seat in front for me! And so with the next month in Malaysia, I can look forward to more exciting adventures and of course food heaven.
Flight doesn't leave until 1 pm so plenty of time for a leisurely stroll down to the bus station. Forget trying to ride the local bus, since the vehicle will almost guaranteed be packed to the rafters! Ultimately, the destination is Penang, only decided on a few days ago. A flight to Penang tonight is costing just a little more than it would cost to stay over in kuala Lumpur and get a bus the next morning, thanks to Air Asia. Just hope there will be a place to stay since arriving anywhere late evening can often leave a visitor the undesirable task of wandering around quiet streets at night. This will be the second time in Penang, and there seems to be an abundance of accommodation all over so a calculated risk perhaps.
Anywhere from 600 down to 200 rupees from tuk tuk drivers as I hike along Sea Street towards town. Unfortunately for them their persistence is fruitless and soon I'm too close to town, the touting ceases. One last Sri Lankan style breakfast then, grab some snacks for the plane, and hop on the airport bus 240. About 20p for the short ride along the relatively quiet highway, and no extra charge for the baggage!
The bus stand is practically opposite the airport, with the terminal building further along opposite the tobacco leaf factory. 100 for a tuk tuk ride, but it's close enough to walk. Following the wall of the tobacco factory and crossing the highway, it's a 15 minute hike to the terminal, a small building compared to most gateway airports but set in some lush palm surroundings.
Climbing out towards Malaysia as Sri Lanka slips away below. Crossing the hill country and out over the southern beeches - white sand and deep blue waters, next time. Sad to be leaving such a charming place with warm, friendly people. Good value for money, but naive visitors will be fleeced, no doubt about that as a few horror stories did the rounds. The key is to research - wandering around clutching guidebooks is probably not the best thing to do here. Those making advanced bookings via the Internet proved the biggest victims. An advanced train ticket for a German tourist was $20, 60p on the day for the seat in front for me! And so with the next month in Malaysia, I can look forward to more exciting adventures and of course food heaven.
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