local bus from Kota Bharu to cheap accommodation Georgetown

The cheapest transport throughout Malaysia is the local bus, cheap seats work for us; we tried out some dodgy accommodation in Georgetown...

We endured a chain-smoking, 'let's pass on a blind bend 'driver for our trip from Kota Bharu to Penang. The route passes through jungle terrain, and would be quite scenic during the day. RM 28.50 ea.(about AUD$10). The taxi into Georgetown cost RM35 (AUD$12.50).

There are some huge old Chinese Guest -houses in Georgetown for as little as RM22( AUD$8) a room, but without much security- beware of theives. Crystal is a good option at RM40 (AUD14.70) for 3, it includes hot communal showers, t-v, air-con and is very clean and secure.

Aunty, Shop 6, Jalan Hilir Pasar, Kota Bharu

Aunty (not her real name), is one of the cooks at this fantastic food store in Kota Bharu.

No. 6, Kedai Makan, Jalan Hilir Pasar, Kota Bharu . Aunty is the main cook at this traditional Malay eatery, providing quick self-service for local workers. An array of approx 30 dishes are on display, including crisp fried fish, chicken/mutton curries, greens , assorted egg options and sambals. A meal here will set you back a whopping Rm 3.50 (aus$ 1.50) .

Taxi from Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu

We took a taxi from the port town of Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu in the far north of Malaysia.

After a week sunning our magnificent bodies on Pulau (island) Perhentian, we took a taxi from the port town of Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu in the north east of Malaysia, close to the Thai border. (Rm 35, approx aus$12) .

Ideal Travellers House, Kota Bharu

Situated down a quiet laneway, this basic guesthouse close to the night market was busy with backpackers.

Ideal Travellers House, 3954/F, Jalan Kebun Sultan, Kota Bharu. Friendly owners run this basic, cheap and centrally located guesthouse. The oldest resident being a 100 year old turtle in charge of patrolling the back garden. The room for 3 people was Rm 28 ( aus$ 10) .

Kedai Kopi, (Coffee Shop), The Local Hangout

All throughout Malaysia you will find shops/ stalls selling sweet, thick coffee and pulled tea.

These local shops are filled all day with young and old catching up over their prefered brew. The local malay coffee is in a raw, almost crystallized form and is very strong and thick. Both tea and coffee are strained from one jug to another to mix and refine, usually served with condensed milk.. A cup will set you back about Rm 1(aus $0.35)

Kota Bharu Markets

The Kota Bharu Indoor Produce Market is alive(literally), with produce. There is an enormous array of fresh fruit and vegetables, an abundance of poultry and seafood; fresh and dried.

The Indoor Produce Market in Kota Bharu is alive (literally), with produce including an enormous array of fresh fruit and vegetables from around Malaysia and Southern Thailand. Rambutans, custard apples, lychees and jackfruit are available. Always present in the markets and on the streets is the durian- an amazingly popular fruit the size of a pineapple, with a powdery, creamy flesh and an offensive odour. It has inspired many " No Durian Allowed " signs in hotels and on public transport. We also came across salak - a brown, scaly skinned fruit with pale flesh the texture of custard apple and with a tropical flavour. There is range of poultry and an abundance of seafood; fresh and dried. We watched a woman club to death and trim a catfish for sale.
The Night Market food stalls are worth a visit for local hawker fare, including fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves
(Rm1, AUD$0.35), and bamboo skewered chicken (Rm4, AUD$1.35).