My Trip To Penang With Firefly

[MisterMan]

HI All,

Well I just got back from Penang and I flew Firefly airlines the new airlines that has routes from Phuket to Penang.

Naturally I was a bit hesitant but I have to say I have no complaints. It was a cheap ticket and the trip was satisfactory.

We left half hour late but that is not so unacceptable and on the way back the plane left on time.

It is a small plane, I dont know what kind but only 14 rows of 4 seats, 2 and 2. On the way there were about 6 empty seats.

Because it is a bit smaller its a bit louder and the landings were a bit bumpy.

I would definetly fly them again. My ticket before taxes was only 99 baht with tax total RT flight was 3100 baht. Cheaper then a bus! I only wish I had something nice to say for Penang.

The consul there was not good and the guy looked like he didnt know what he was doing.... I was missing a paper and didnt find out till the next day. Would have been great had he told me then (like they do in Singapore or KL ) and i could have it faxed. Needless to say I have another tourist visa......... I recomend to go to the older man, I would say he was probably Indian.

We went ourselves to the embassy and dont recomend using an agent, as one taxi driver pointed out that if they lose your passport its a big mission to KL to get to your embassy. The taxi from Chulia to the embassy was only about 120 baht. (12 ringet).

The taxi from the airport was = 380 baht and to the airport about 300.

We saw the expats doing the visa run on the mini van , the one for about 5000 baht. They all looked miserable. My buddy had a hellish experience on the van once.

My entire trip with visa, starbucks 2x , fake sunglasses, meals, taxis - motor and bicycle, room, and the movies was less then 7000 baht and I didnt have to endure 24 hours of misery on a mini van!

Even with the mini van you stil have to pay out 1000 baht or 2000 baht for the visa so it was almost cheaper. However I was traveling with a firend so we shared cost and drove ourselves to the airport.

I hope never to have to go to Penang for a 3rd time but thought some of you would be interested in at least the flight info as I have previously not heard a thing about Firefly. THey are part of Malaysia Airlines.

[BillStickers]

HI All,

Well I just got back from Penang and I flew Firefly airlines the new airlines that has routes from Phuket to Penang.

Naturally I was a bit hesitant but I have to say I have no complaints. It was a cheap ticket and the trip was satisfactory.

We left half hour late but that is not so unacceptable and on the way back the plane left on time.

It is a small plane, I dont know what kind but only 14 rows of 4 seats, 2 and 2. On the way there were about 6 empty seats.

Because it is a bit smaller its a bit louder and the landings were a bit bumpy.

I would definetly fly them again. My ticket before taxes was only 99 baht with tax total RT flight was 3100 baht. Cheaper then a bus! I only wish I had something nice to say for Penang.

The consul there was not good and the guy looked like he didnt know what he was doing.... I was missing a paper and didnt find out till the next day. Would have been great had he told me then (like they do in Singapore or KL ) and i could have it faxed. Needless to say I have another tourist visa......... I recomend to go to the older man, I would say he was probably Indian.

We went ourselves to the embassy and dont recomend using an agent, as one taxi driver pointed out that if they lose your passport its a big mission to KL to get to your embassy. The taxi from Chulia to the embassy was only about 120 baht. (12 ringet).

The taxi from the airport was = 380 baht and to the airport about 300.

We saw the expats doing the visa run on the mini van , the one for about 5000 baht. They all looked miserable. My buddy had a hellish experience on the van once.

My entire trip with visa, starbucks 2x , fake sunglasses, meals, taxis - motor and bicycle, room, and the movies was less then 7000 baht and I didnt have to endure 24 hours of misery on a mini van!

Even with the mini van you stil have to pay out 1000 baht or 2000 baht for the visa so it was almost cheaper. However I was traveling with a firend so we shared cost and drove ourselves to the airport.

I hope never to have to go to Penang for a 3rd time but thought some of you would be interested in at least the flight info as I have previously not heard a thing about Firefly. THey are part of Malaysia Airlines.

They always look miserable because they do everything on the cheap and even moan about the price of a bottle of water.

As for the Thai consulate there, I've always found them very friendly and quite helpful. Last time I went, I used an agent and was very pleased with their service and professional aproach. The most expensive room in New Banana Guest house is only about 500 baht/night with shower toilet and air con. (basic room only 200 baht for all you bargain hunters out there) Nice friendly place and very helpful. I really enjoyed my stay there and will definately use them again.

[easy_jim]

Where did you buy the tickets? I have to do the trip next month and the firefly website quoted me 4200 baht for a return flight. Did you use their website or go to a trave agent?

[Kiwi/Thai]

sitting in banana guest house now, totally happy with the staff and the room. The staff are polite and helpful and the cheapest grog in town. The rooms are clean and the beds are comfortable with cotten sheets, not crappy polyester. Penang on the whole is quaint. Have been to KL before and liked it less and less with each visit. Penang may not rock everybodies boat but it rocks mine. you can walk for as long as you like and not get lost, lots of fun and interesting shops especially cheap good bookshops. Way cheaper than phuket as far as books are concerned. Considering the visa situation a great second option to consider as far as living and enjoying. the flight was great and not so full with 18 people on board. food is wonderfull with china town and little india within walking distance of each other and many other places in between. really pretty architecture allbeit old. will be back sooner rather than later. the best thing of all is clean air!! just like phuket but better drivers lol.

[MisterMan]

Where did you buy the tickets? I have to do the trip next month and the firefly website quoted me 4200 baht for a return flight. Did you use their website or go to a trave agent?

Keep checking and check different combinations of days, like I checked m/w and sun/tues. That was teh cheapest.

I booked online but their brochure list an agent in Phuket

Phuket Crown Tours

[email protected] 076 239 980

[easy_jim]

Well I can't get the ticket prices you got no matter what combination of days I try but I still think they sound like a good option. Better than doing the bus again. Cheers for the report.

[katnwillows]

sitting in banana guest house now, totally happy with the staff and the room. The staff are polite and helpful and the cheapest grog in town. The rooms are clean and the beds are comfortable with cotten sheets, not crappy polyester. Penang on the whole is quaint. Have been to KL before and liked it less and less with each visit. Penang may not rock everybodies boat but it rocks mine. you can walk for as long as you like and not get lost, lots of fun and interesting shops especially cheap good bookshops. Way cheaper than phuket as far as books are concerned. Considering the visa situation a great second option to consider as far as living and enjoying. the flight was great and not so full with 18 people on board. food is wonderfull with china town and little india within walking distance of each other and many other places in between. really pretty architecture allbeit old. will be back sooner rather than later. the best thing of all is clean air!! just like phuket but better drivers lol.

Will have to agree with Kiwi/Thai about the Banana Guest House. Clean, cheap and friendly. I've stayed with them on my last 3 runs.

Am going to check out this Firefly flight. Am sick of the loooong bus rides.

[lordofdelusion]

I also flew Fireflz a few months ago. Was surprised to get to the airport in Penang for my return and the flight was cancelled. Their explanation.....there wasn't enough people on the plane. Their solution.....try again tomorrow. Maybe more passengers. No compensation, no apology. Buyer beware.