Papa had always wanted to go back to Penang...we tried doing so in 2010 but he was asked to go to the USA for a 6-month course and off we went to the Land of the Free.
Then we thought we could go to Aunt Melody and Uncle Zack's wedding in Penang but Covid hit and noone was allowed to travel...We finally booked tickets to go with the triplets after Covid...but luck would have it...Papa was down with Covid so we missed the trip after all.
So his ex boss Mr Gan asked if he would like to go to Penang to eat durians in July, so off we went! It was in early July so we took it as our anniversary celebration.
First stop - a famous durian stall in Georgetown
We tried Hei Ci and Mao Shan Wang. Creamy and smooth
Wanted to try the renowned Tupai King (the most expensive of all the durians) but the seller said he did not think it was worthwhile at all...so we took his advice
Smelt and looked good
The beginning of non-stop eating
Next up - we went to an open-air food court which locals patronised.
Duck egg char kway teow...so it was a little salty
Uncle Qinghuan, the foodie, said someone told him that this nasi lemak was a must-try. One could not even choose the ingredients. There was a few options and you just picked the type you wanted. The chili was really good.
We had or luah too...it was not too bad, but paled in comparison to the one we had on the second day...but of course, we did not know it then...
Checked into Shangri La Rasa Sayang. It was a posh old hotel that had been beautifully maintained and stood in its charming splendor...
We got an upgrade to the small suite as Mr Gan knew one of the hotel staff...
Luxurious room ...with an outdoor bathing area...
Big table for Papa to do his work
And assembled all the cute toys
Mr Gan and Uncle KC had high tea while Papa and Mama went for a massage by the sea.
It was at this seemingly makeshift place at the beach. It looked kind of shady and we would probably not have walked to this part of the beach or dropped in for a massage even if we spotted it, if not for Mr Gan's passionate recommendation.
It turned out to be an amazing experience. The massage therapists were really experienced and warm. Such deft touches with the right touch of pressure...Thought it would be really hot there but the calming sea breeze was delightfully cooling!
Had to take a buggy ride to go to the other lobby to board the Grab taxi.
Went to a high-end mall
At night, we went to the famous Gurney hawker place. It was something like our Newton Circus Hawker Centre.
The highlight of the dinner was the wanton noodles from a nondescript and quiet stall with no queue! Did not expect the noodles to be so tasty. We bought two plates but did not even take a picture!
Took a walk around the area after dinner. Saw this rather intriguing ship restaurant.
2nd Day
Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at this quaint Xiao Hong Mao Char Kway Teow stall!
The noodles were indeed flavourful.
My favourite was the orh lua. The eggs were really smooth and tasty.
Fruit rojak! The gravy was delicious. Wish they had the usual you tiao.
This fish otah was nothing to rave about in my opinion. The meat was rather mushy...
Mr Gan said that he visited a really charming cafe when he came in March. Thus on the spur of the moment, we decided to take the 40-min ride up to this cafe which was nestled in the mountains.
The place was pretty crowded. People had probably flocked to this place because of the online reviews and IG-worthy photo spots and item.
Never thought I would like durian cake but this tasted like preserved fruit and was rather yummy. We bought a few back to give to Waipo, Ah Gong and Uncle Qinghuan.
The cookies and cream cake was moist and not too sweet.
It turned out to be a really interesting place. There was a stall selling durians and a really lovely cafe manned by a pretty lady (daughter of the durian seller).
Third Day
We took a cab (60RM both ways) to go to this renowned durian plantation that was up high in the mountains
Greeted by this 85-year old tree when we alighted. Apparently, good durian trees required some 10 years of growing before they started bearing fruits. Recently technology had accelerated it to 5-7 years, but gosh, that was still a really long time before money could be made!
Ah...so when we ate a durian, we were partaking into a slice of history and time...
Picturesque scenery
tried 5 types of durians - the red prawn was so amazingly sweet and creamy. The boss introduced a new variety called Jantung to us. Creamy with sweetness and a hint of bitterness. Erm...NICE. The Mao Shan Wang was creamy, more bitter and buttery with a strong fermented alcoholic aftertaste. The massage therapist recommended Qing Pi (green skin) and we decided to try it as it was a local variety and not exported to Singapore. Gosh, it was heavenly too. It tasted just like Mao Shan Wang but it had a sweet aftertaste, so I really liked it. It was the most affordable too as it was only 35RM per kg, while MSW was 78 RM. The boss also let us try some D11 which tasted really creamy and sticky and left a heavy aftertaste...Very intriguing taste but not something I would buy.
Bustling place. There were tour groups at this place.
Mr Gan was relentless and kept asking about the famed Tupai King (150RM per kg!)...but someone had already ordered these 4 pieces. The boss told us to come back next year.
The Green Skin variety. Ah CHEAP AND GOOD! It was definitely an eye-opening experience to sample durians up in the mountains. Ah...the durians were truly heavenly..so would we be willing to pay exorbitant prices for durians that would not taste as good as these back in Singapore? Maybe we would have to make this an annual trip since Papa loved durians SO MUCH. LOL
Aunt Gaik Lean's restaurant
Went to this Michelin star Peranakan restaurant
It had just renovated so the interior looked really nice and new. The owner's son was the one taking the orders and he was a funny and friendly chap.
Delicious food
Did not think I would like brinjals very much but these were yummy
There was a snaking queue outside so it was a good thing that we had made a reservation.
Ah...then back to the hotel for a short rest and it was time to head home to the babies!
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