Hatyai-Songkhla And Penang

[abang]

I have some spare time on hand and this itinerary came to my mind. OK, Tiger Airways is well within budget and the hotels aint that expensive. I am not a travel agent and I have not visited these places for so many years. I think it is a good time to catch up with latest development there and I have this plan in mind (anyone interested?)

(Information copied from Wikitravel)

Day 1

Board the plane on Sun, Jul 24, 2011, ETD: SIN 12:35 hrs, ETA: HDY 13:05 hrs

Visit the Wat Hat Yai Nai (วัดหาดใหญ่ใน) on Phetkasem Road, near Khlong U Taphao Bridge.

It is the site of a large reclining Buddha measuring 35 metres long, 15 metres tall, and 10 metres wide, named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon, believed to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world - revered by both Thai and foreign tourists.

Day 2

Take a local bus/tour to Songkhla and the Samila Beach (แหลมสมิหลา), about 2.5 kilometres from the fresh market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban). This peninsula is well-known for its white sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid that is Songkhla’s symbol. East of this statue is cat and rat sculptures. This is a nice, peaceful beach to stroll along, plenty of benches can be found between casuarina trees.

Day 3

Take a 3.5 hrs bus/van to Penang after breakfast.

Arrive in Penang for lunch.

Check in before heading for Penang Hill for the so-called best view of Georgetown and the Penang Bridge, especially at night. Later, proceed to Gurney for the Char-kway teow and other yummy food. Shopping if necessary.

Day 4

Kek Lok Si - 极乐寺 - Temple of Supreme Bliss. A sprawling hillside structure that is reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, with the khmer/thai/chinese style Ban Po Thar (Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower) (RM4 to top via stairs) and various Buddha images in the main temple complex.

Evening stroll along the Esplanade .. There is a FREE bus that moves around the historical part of Georgetown.

Day 5.

Tiger departs Penang at 20:55 hrs. Since it is a 8 pm flight to Singapore, there is no rush

Visit the famous Chowrasta/Campbell Lane market for breakfast.

Visit the Penang International Sports Arena at Bayan Baru.

Next, head for Queensbay Shopping Mall.

Lunch and waste the hours there - foot reflexology, karaoke,shopping (Malaysia Mega Sale,no big deal lah)

Ha ha, this is how I intend to spend 5 days away from Singapore...