It's the halfway point of this tour and now everything goes into reverse. We've managed to get more comfortable at Bishop Hotel now we know how things work, but that doesn't compensate for what we've paid for it. It certainly would have been better to move away from the old town as we did on the first visit here. Anyway the experience is moving to the back of my mind and today should be more relaxed as we go exploring again.
The first job this morning is to arrange breakfast and I know where I'm going. The food court at the end of the street does a good American breakfast and I'm soon there ordering a takeaway. We can now get on the buses again.
My plan is simply to have a look around the island as I did yesterday but instead of heading west along the northern coast, I'm heading south towards the airport. We leave from the Jeti bus terminal on the 401. It's a long journey down the east coast with so many stops. What surprises me most is how developed things are with shopping malls, high rise apartment blocks and other buildings that have sprung up in recent times. Penang Island is booming and a haven for the wealthy. Once you leave Georgetown, the colonial past is left behind.
As mentioned, for no apparent reason we arrive at Telek Kumbar, but once again there is nothing of interest here except the imposing Lexis Suites, but otherwise seemingly we've reached the not so wealthy. We double back on bus 401 but soon have to switch as there is finally an attraction I can count on. At Kampung Bukit we wait for the 302, a bus that carries on around the south and east of the airport. We find the stop we need, but there is a problem. The attraction is a kilometre away and all uphill. I clearly haven't deleted the way Thailand does things from my head. There is only one option: Walk.
It's quite hot, but I can't give up now. I just have to make it to the Penang War Museum. Arriving at the museum I'm surprised how poorly it's supported and not well promoted. It's position on a hill at the southeastern corner of Penang Island is not so much to annoy me but rather the enemy who were the Japanese at the time in WWII. The island was garrisoned by the British with its command centre on Batu Maung Hill.
After the stiff climb, I reach the museum where there's an entry fee of 38 Ringgit, not a great deal but not in my budget. Inside the open air museum you are free to walk around a trail which takes in the features of the stronghold. Here there were trench works, gun emplacements, barracks for officers and men of British, Indian and local forces and all support services including ordnance, medical, catering etc. What isn't clear is what part it played in the war, but the museum covers the Fall of Malaya with a time frame of events. Much more about the war in this theater is also recorded. At the end of the day, Penang Island was taken over by the Japanese and there is much graphic detail here of how those who did not support the occupation suffered. It seems all forgotten now which is I pity.
So I've added a bonus to my stay which was never about adding anything significant to my notes. As we face another long walk in the heat, thankfully downhill, I solve the puzzle regarding lack of transport. I should have remembered that Malaysia has adopted GRAB more than any other country I've visited. It proves to me how progressive this country is. Unfortunately I'm now down to my last Ringgits before I return to Thailand. I will just put up with it for now and take the slow lane 302 bus back to Georgetown.
Back in the town, we go for individual meals. For my part all I want is a rest. Eventually I go out exploring and find yet another food court and that will be it for our final night here.

Source: Visit