George Town, Penang Malaysia

My mother and brother returned to Singapore with us last week when we flew back from Victoria. After their first five days exploring the red dot we took a side trip to Penang. We flew in on Tiger Airways, which is cheaper than even buying the gas to get there. 

We lucked out in the accommodation department and scored a two bedroom apartment at the Straits Collection which is right in the UNESCO heritage area we came here to see. It's a row of converted shop houses which are now restored and full of antique furnishings and some modern amenities like a/c. 

Our first day took us around only half of the heritage walk suggested by our host. It was actually too hot for us to even walk outside after noon. I thought Singapore was hot but Penang takes the cake. I think it's the lack of foggy atmosphere and also the lack of trees and shelter along the streets because the temperature is supposed to be cooler than we are used to.

After a brief siesta [watching old movies and drinking cold beer] we headed out to find the best place to eat Nasi Kandar. According to locals it's at Line Clear on Penang Road which was just as we had it described to us, down an ally way and full of people and it didn't disappoint. 

Overall, our first impression has been pretty good. We have all enjoyed the architecture and are looking forward to more in the next few days. The drawbacks? Open sewers and steaming piles of garbage baking in the sun smell absolutely awful. It makes us value public sanitation in a whole new way.