The Plaza Apartment at Penang Times Square
 
Staying here is something that I love from time to time...the fact is there is so much food around Penang, and so much choice...yet so little time!

Now for those who do get to stay at the condo...fret not...you don't have to cook! Yes, the kitchen is there, but you might decide that you'd like to take on Penang's cuisine under the belt (or inside it...?!).

Okay, so I just want to let you know about what's nearby. Downstairs in the shopping area are several eateries, including Old Town White Coffee (coffee and tea beverages, nyonya cuisine, rice dishes, toast), White House Restaurant (many rice dishes, blended ice drinks, curries), and Roti Bakar Kopi Tiam (roti bakar meaning "toast" so you have literally toast with many different toppings, coffee and tea beverages, and other simple foods) which are all pretty similarly priced. Many of the rice dishes will set you back around RM6, toast around RM2 - RM3, and drinks around RM3 - RM6. There's also Swenson's ice cream which do sell hot foods such as pasta also. The closest fast food joint would be Marry Brown that sells mainly chicken dishes (so like your KFC), only they also sell chicken rice and Penang's famous Nasi Lemak (coconut rice with trimmings).

Now that was all just on the ground floor of Times Square. Should you walk down the road left or right, you'd reach some local eating places selling the famous "Nasi Kandar". In these establishments you'll find rice is the staple of the meal, with your choice of meat and vegetable. This will set you back around RM3! You will definitely feel full for a long time after as well! If you decide rice is not your thing, you can choose to have roti canai or paratha dishes also provided from 80 sen! No kidding! Of course here you can also delve into local drink of "teh tarik" which is very very sweet milky tea...and strong tea also. I suggest walking to and from the location so you don't feel too guilty afterward...

I think that's all I can spill for now...because I'm feeling hungry. You can also grab some brochures from the airport and what not on your way that will show you some fantastic spots to tempt your tastebuds (and perhaps set them on fire in some cases). 

Here's to good food and good times! 
 
Well, I just wanted to say a few quick things in regards to transportation. We don't have our own private vehicle whilst in Penang, so we are also in need of public transport...mainly the use of taxis as we have three kids in tow with us at all times!

From the apartment, the fastest and easiest way to catch a cab would be to walk to nearby Sunway Hotel, which is just across the road...so a one minute walk really. There, they have a taxi stand and almost always have taxi cabs on standby (I say almost always, because one night we wanted to go out for dinner...at around 8 pm and it was pretty quiet in that area). Not to worry though, because they have someone there to call the taxi for you and after a three minute wait, we had our cab!

Going around all city centra areas is a flat fee of RM10. Going to the airport RM30. If you're headed to the Gurney area...it was RM15. So, the rates are not too bad if you're coming from Australia with the exchange rate! In general though, it is pretty cheap...

If you have any more ideas on transport...or anything that might be interesting...tell me!
 
Hi Everyone. Thanks for popping in to see what we're all about. Anyway, the story is as follows: One day I was asked by my old man in Perth, Australia, to go condo hunting, just because...well and also for the fact that my parents enjoy the place that is Penang! So I went along, because I live nearby in Indonesia (a mere 30 minute flight away). The result is the apartment that you see here...fitted and furnished by my partner in crime, my husband, Hendra. He did a fine job...well I think so anyway...being biased I suppose. So...I hope you get to stay with us sometime...why not...it's more spacious than your average hotel room, and you can fix your own breakfast if you wish!

I did pop in to the apartment and stayed there last week. I wanted to live in it with a perspective of someone who may be staying there over a longer period. Well, washing was easy with the washing machine. It was an easy to use top loader. We have a drying rack in the laundry area, but I found the clothes dried faster when I put the drying rack near the main window in the living area...so when we were out and about for the day, everything was dry when we arrived back home (how domestic do I sound!). It worked out well though!

Well, my husband had a go at fixing breakfast on the gas stove. Mostly in Asia, you will find that gas is not central like in Australia. You have a gas bottle to fix under the stove (just like in your massive barbeques). So, you flip the switch on the gas to get it going...and voila, the stove alighted as it should have! Anyways, he cooked some mie goreng (fried noodles) Asian style, with fried eggs. The kids were happy with it, while I dug into some toast and coffee. Typical. Most of the time though, we ate out...easier and cheaper than cooking if you ask me...and you can find local breakfast fare for about RM 0.80 - RM 3.80. Less than AUD 2 a person!

Okay, that's all I can think of for now...but next time I think of some more domestic stuff, I'll let you know! Ciao for now...

    Author

    My name is Ericka Munday. I am currently living in Indonesia (almost two years now), but grew up in Australia, and this is the blog that goes with the apartment that you see here! I just thought you might like to know who you're (possibly) going to be dealing with over cyberspace. I help to get things (mostly) organised with my husband's (Hendra) help. We have three children (10, 7 and 3) so you get to know our perspective with staying in the apartment as a family with young children.

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