Important information for visa runners and cheap skates

[casual inquiry]

yes that's you.

well everyone knows about the free cat shuttle in penang and yes its still there same as before, but now there is also a bus that has the number 5 (as opposed to CAT) in the illuminated display at external top front. It also has just the words "shuttle" in the destination illuminated display, and no mention of "free" anywhere, but this 5 bus is exactly the same as the free cat shuttle hop on hop off, in that it is free and goes the same route. arent you glad you know that now!

oh yeah and if you were looking for the irish pub on penang road, youre outta luck, its now called "soho free zone" or "soho freehouse" or something soho anyhows. still looks the same as before just the name has changed perhaps to appeal more to the new tourist wave.

what else has changed? two supermarkets have closed down sunshine supermarket in times square and the one in the bottom of the building next to the computer mall (Giant supermarket). gama the best one is still there. carrefore supermarket is now owned by aeon in the 4 floor of the other building in the vicinity (First Avenue?).

oh yeah and if you are planning a visa run between now and next year by train forget it, this is malaysia and we cant have too many passenger train pissing on the new dual track now can we.

Edited November 17, 2014 by casual inquiry

[MrWorldwide]

OK, so you've passed on some info that may be of value to Penang visitors, but what's with the attitude ?

[dutchisaan]

OK, so you've passed on some info that may be of value to Penang visitors, but what's with the attitude ?

Just have a look at his other posts and you understand.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[emass spomgiform]

you didnt mention that they have moved the butterworth station back to where it was before, closer to the ferry but with a pristine new station. station is so new that it doesn't have money changer or food so if you are leaving you need to walk back to where the bus station area to get your supplies. but they have got water fountains in the new station waiting area. also train ticket says departure is 2pm to bkk but train didnt actually leave time the old time of 2.20 pm (dont count on it though) but am sure my time said 6.15 on arrival at padang thats really amazing for the new track and new stations all the way. so under two hours where it used to take about 4 hours. but then they stopped in padang for what seemed like more than a hour to wait for the thais to catch up to the old times.

best exchange rate for thai baht is Broadway exchange in georgetown at the Budget Hotel of the same name.

Edited December 2, 2014 by emass spomgiform

[dogs breathe]

PETALING JAYA: A faster train service linking Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth is expected to be operational in June next year.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) Electric Train Service (ETS) is capable of travelling at speeds of 160kph. The current ones can only touch 140kph.

KTMB chairman Datuk Nawawi Ahmad said the new ride could carry 350 people with 10 new coach sets running by January 2016.

“(This is part of the) operation linking Padang Besar to KL. But first, in June 2015, it will be between Butterworth and KL,” he said in an interview.

He confirmed that the coach sets would be manufactured by China's CSR Zhuzhou which built the Class 92 trains for KTMB’s Komuter line.

ref link http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/12/04/ktmb-train-service-will-be-faster-next-year/

[dogs breathe]

^{Train to Penang?}

^{How long does it take these days...150 hours?}

only sell sleeper berth tickets:

http://www.railway.co.th/Ticket/TrainStopStation_Time_All.asp?IdTrain=35&Leg=en

so less than 24 hrs

Edited December 5, 2014 by dogs breathe

[dogs breathe]

dont forget too that the only place to change travellers cheques in penang is maybank which isnt open every day. services is so bad you will probably walk out before you complete the transaction or ever start for that matter. 3 different branches, three different days walked.

Edited December 5, 2014 by dogs breathe

[morning gory]