just an update on my previous post on transportation

i had to go to the airport today cause my brother came back for 3 weeks from the States. I was quite impress with the effort of the tourism board of Malaysia in setting up a huge booth with colourful banners and shelves that contain a few brochures for any tourist's perusal.also, there are 2 workers to assist you with any questions that you have (tho i cannot tell their level of proficiency of the language) but i guess they can speak moderately well, enough to understand and communicate with you i guess.Even though you cant be understood, there are a few brochures that perhaps might answer any of your questions, you can also ask me! hehe. i'm here to assist you in whatever way possible,but note that since i am not a trained tour guide, and run this blog for a non profit, what i tell you might be different from those prescribed from brochures or travelogues. what i say to you is from my perspective as a local, how i see my country and my beloved island.

I would also like to add that arriving here by flight, you have no problems in finding a cab, literally it is just in front of you the minute you walk out the airport! serious! hehe.well, yeah, the cabs are located in the first lanes, and is nearest to the exit so you dont have to walk far to get one.If you want to rent a car, you just have to walk to your right and there are several booths offering different cars with different prices(not sure how much they charge or which is better,sorry) if you feel hungry, there is a cafe on your left the minute you leave the arrival hall, but i would think that it is expensive and not as yummy as the food you can get elsewhere.if you crave for something western, i suggest you go to the top floor(same floor as the departure hall) as they have coffee bean and tea leaf cafe there and also nando's peri peri chicken.

Well that's all i have to say.(yes the Penang international airport is small)
tip* oh yes, note that if you use any toilets here(or elsewhere in penang or malaysia) please bring your own tissues because many dont provide them.also there's is no such thing as toilet seat covers, so please be forewarn and bring more tissues incase you want to wipe the toilet bowls.some toilets dont offer a place to hang your bags, so its advisable not to bring any into the toilet.also, you might have to pay for using toilets (yes,such a rip off!!) but usually it cost around 20 cents per entry, and there's no such thing as kids getting it free or stuff like that! oh yes, another crucial thing! some of our toilets dont have toilet bowls, but just a hole,er (tiled hole) for you to pee in (applies to both men and women) so be prepared to squat.hehe! however,rest assured that all toilets have doors (unlike china).
So my tip to you is to use toilets in malls and hotels.most of those toilets have toilet bowls, so you need not squat =)

oh yes, i forget to add that you can fly cheaply with our domestic cum international flights, provided by air asia and fireflyz(under Malaysian Airlines) so if you book reeeeeeeal early, you can get super cheap rates! some tix are like a dollar (minus airport taxes and etc) so it's pretty cool.do check these two airline carriers yeah.i cant provide you much info as i've yet fly to on board via airasia or firflyz.

Also not forgetting the new line of buses i mentioned earlier,rapid penang, i had my first ride on board their buses just a few days ago and i am quite impressed with their cleanliness.the buses are quite new but sad to say, they dont stick on schedule(so please allocate 25-30 mins beforehand) different routes cost differently, so please bring along exact change before boadring
tip* i suggest you change alot of one dollar notes and shillings if you wish to travel by our public buses. i am not quite sure of the rates, however you can always ask the conductor when you board certain buses!

tune in for my next post; i'll be touching on our local heavenly street food,and provide you tips and how to go about getting the best(seriously you wont find this in brochures)!you wont want to miss this! =)