I know it’s been awhile since I have last updated Hello Saigon and am re-starting with a post about a recent trip to Penang, Malaysia. Also, since we’re entering Hello Saigon’s birth month of November, am lining up some activities that I would like to share with you soon.

You know the feeling of staying in one place for a time and you’re itching to go somewhere? Well that’s how it was for me since our last trip was early this year. I just wanted to get out of Saigon and fly somewhere else. So when my husband said we could tag along with him to Penang, I was ecstatic.

I love Penang. We spent our first year wedding anniversary in Penang and Langkawi. Then the second time, we went with my eldest son. And now, my youngest could get to know Pulau Pinang too.

Penang in 2005 is oh so different from Penang of 2017. The airport is much bigger and nicer, the streets are more crowded, and there actually is traffic. But still, getting out of Saigon is a huge breather.

Honestly, I didn’t research much on places to visit except that I wanted to visit the Street Art in Georgetown and hit the bookstores for some English books. Plus, I really was looking forward to a lazy and relaxing trip.

Penang in October is humid. HUMID. And on the day we decided to do a walking tour in Georgetown, it was alternately hot and drizzling. Good thing, it was just a drizzle because with two kids in tow, I wouldn’t know how to manage. It was already a challenge itself having two boys wanting to go back to the hotel as soon as we stepped on the street.

Before we hit the alleys, it started to rain a bit. Since we were not prepared, we dropped by a local souvenir shop, Pinang to buy a couple of umbrellas. I super love this shop. The price of souvenirs is affordable.

Ofcourse we ended up not just buying umbrellas. 😛

The area reminds me of Hoi An with the alleys, ancient homes, and temples.

And the postcards! I just had to get them all!

There were other interesting street art that weren’t part of the “official” street art but hey, you have to admire the work as well.

The Little Children on a Bicycle is one of the most popular mural in Georgetown. In fact, we had to wait for our turn to be able to get a shot. The fact that this ain’t closed to vehicles, was another challenge.

Now the photo above is definitely an alternative rock band.

We didn’t get to all the murals unfortunately as my boys were both whining about how far they’ve walked and how hot it was.

You cannot imagine my happiness when my boys agree to have their photos taken despite the weather on these murals. The eldest would just do so because he knew we’d take a much longer time if he didn’t agree to have his photo taken. While my little one would happily pose as long as his brother does so too.

The Container Hotel was right by the corner from the kids on the swing mural. It stood out amidst the old neighborhood.

And there was a postcard shop right across it too.

I just wished we had more time to explore this area of Georgetown.

Should you visit? Most definitely.