Monday, December 8, 2025

[Travel Penang] 3 Days 2 Nights at Citadines Connect Georgetown Block B @ Lebuh Noordin, Makan @ Moh Teng Peow and Penang Road, Dinner at Duan

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My friend texted to share that they are on their way from Penang Airport to the hotel. Good gracious, ok. Checked out from Ascott Gurney and was waiting for Grab to take me to Citadines Connect Georgetown Block B. I was dropped off and then, I spent nearly 10 minutes trying to find "Block B". Even the entrance to Block A also hard to find, if one is not familiar...

Finally, I walked past an entrance and the doorman opened the door as I was looking up at the sign which has Chinese characters but no words like Citadines... I asked them, "Is this Block B?" They smiled and said no, this is Block A. Great, so I asked them to show me the way to Block B and they stepped out of the entrance and just pointed to the right. "There." They said. 

Ok, I headed towards that direction and came to a small road. There was a small sign indicating "Block B" at the street level. Crossed the road, went pass the "Bila Bila Mart" and voila, found Block B. Oops, sorry to WP and Grace who waited for my arrival.

Stored my luggage with the hotel as we are going off for lunch!


Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay


entrance

been around since 1933


My friends did the ordering and we're having kueh's and some mains to share share. The rempah udang from the kueh platter was memorable because it was super tiny for RM2, like half-a-bite?

assorted kuehs with price ranging from RM0.80 to RM2.50

roti jala set

nasi ulam

jiu hu char

First time I'm encountering "jiu hu char" dish which has turnip mixed with shredded dried cuttlefish (jiu hu), carrots, mushroom and usually served with lettuce and a side of sambal. A healthy, tasty wrap.

The must order here would be the assam laksa. Broth was lovely with tangy assam, flavours of fish yet not overpowering.

assam laksa

After the meal, we walked to nearby Penang Road to have desserts. Wait, what? Aren't those kueh kueh considered dessert? Apparently, not! Haha!


Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

It was less than 15 minutes walk, but the weather was hot and humid. So, a bowl of chendol sounds welcoming.

We walked to their shop and informed the staff that there were 7 of us to eat in and she informed us to walk further towards one of their shop. 

Staff inside the shop found us a table within 5 minutes. I think he was happy we ordered other things too.

Penang Road Famous Chendul



The system here is to pay as the food is served to the table.

cuttlefish kangkung 

lorbak

duck egg char kway teow

Our very first plate of duck egg char kway teow, finally! Made it our mission to try a few of these char kway teow.

The lorbak was nice as it was freshly fried upon order. Didn't need any sauce. 


Citadines Connect Georgetown Block B

We were tired, so we walked back to our hotel (10 minutes) to do our check-in and to freshen up. Discovered that breakfast would be at Block A and each lobby offers complimentary coffee to hotel guests. The coffee machine is operated by the frontdesk staff, so guests will have to inform the staff if they would like a latte or cappucino.

Deluxe Room


the mini fridge was useless as it wasn't cold

instant coffee

Drinking water is available at the dispenser at the hallway. Hot and cold water options are available.

Otherwise, if you need anything else, there's a convenience store downstairs next door (Bila Bila Mart). For local biscuits shopping, the Fu Lu Shou shop is just 5 minutes away. Brought myself prawn crackers to eat. Big packet and recommended by Grab driver who fetched me from airport.

bathroom


good shower strength

The room size is adequate for a solo traveler and probably a tad squeezy for two pax. Location is great though.


Dinner at Duan

It was time for dinner but it was also raining. The group selected Duan's as the dinner venue because of its closer proximity to our accommodation.

Umbrellas out, and so we walked. 15 minutes walk they said. It felt like 25 minutes though.

The place was packed when we arrived. We still tried our luck and staff managed to get a table for us to squeeze in.

Duan seemed to be a place where locals might bring their tourist friend to sample some Asian fusion cuisine.


chicken sate

nasi goreng with ayam goreng

char kway teow

beef noodles

The prices here are cafe pricing. I enjoyed the warm bowl of beef noodles. Flavourful broth with plenty of assorted parts in it. The beef slices were tender.

The char kway teow was also good. 


Breakfast at Block A


egg station, not quite ready at 710am

noodles station

porridge station

Hmm, the bowls/plates for breakfast at the outdoor carts, seemed to have sauce stains on them. Cleanliness definitely needs improvement.

Went to sit at the indoor area as they have more food inside.

sausages was nice

broccoli for breakfast? Yes pls

fried chicken


indoor dining


plain porridge with condiments

breakfast platter

omelette

The food tasted healthy with little seasoning. Liked the chicken sausages, the turmeric fried chicken and the broccoli. 

We spent quite some time catching up in the hotel lobby, and during breakfast.


Citadines Connect Georgetown 

Address: 202, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Websitehttps://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines-connect/malaysia/citadines-connect-georgetown-penang


Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay

Address: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/penangnyonyakuih/

Business Hours:

Daily: 10 am–5 pm


Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

Address: 435B, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Websitehttp://www.chendul.my/

Business Hours:

Sun-Fri: 12–7 pm

Sat: Tuesday, 12–6 pm


DUAN @ George Town

Address: 251, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/duan251

Business Hours:

Sat-Sun: 9:30 am–9:30 pm

Mon-Fri: 10:30 am–9:30 pm



Saturday, December 6, 2025

[Travel Penang] One night staycation in Studio Premier Club @ Ascott Gurney Penang

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My old classmates decided that in Year 2025, we should do a girls' trip and meet up in Penang to celebrate our years of friendship. I've been friends with Adeline since kindergarten (that means 45 years ago!) and the rest I've known since Convent Kajang Primary school days. Adeline visits Singapore pretty often, so we last met about 2 years ago while the others, maybe we have not met up since 30 odd years ago? Wow. So excited for this trip!

Nevertheless, I've decided to fly-in earlier to Penang to have a mini solo R&R before joining the girls the next day. Decided to try Ascott Gurney because I wanted to enjoy a bit of sea view.

external facade

It was fairly easy to get a Grab from the Penang airport but do note that the e-hailing pick-up point is at the carpark next to the airport (need to cross the road to the carpark building). The ride from airport to Gurney was around half an hour as the traffic was alright on a weekday morning. Paid about RM27.30 for the ride.

hotel lobby

another view

The staff informed that the room was pending the final checks by the supervisor so I waited for about 10 to 15 minutes before getting the room keycard.

looks like need to prebook the shuttle service?

I've booked a Studio Premier Club to see what's the club benefits are like in Malaysia. The staff mentioned that there's evening cocktails served at the Resident's Lounge at Level 7 from 5pm to 7pm but she wasn't sure if there will be food. Hmm. Breakfast was not included. No issue in obtaining a late check-out for 2pm the next day.


Studio Premier Club (44 sqm / 474 sqft)

view from the window

workdesk area and TV

sustainable property

wardrobe area

well-equipped kitchenette

no coffee machine in a 5 star establishment?

I can't reach the top though...

toaster, kettle and water jug

The drinking water tap is located at the kitchen sink.

using Appelles products


nice fluffy towels

shower

The apartment has a washing machine/dryer but one needs to bring own washing pods/powder.

washing machine/dryer

oh oh, it's raining

The bedroom slippers were ultra comfortable, fluffy and evidently of good quality. 


complimentary canned drinks and snacks for guest in Club Room, and message from GM


Though the room was checked by the housekeeping supervisor earlier, I found a note from the housekeeping unit but has someone else's name. Perhaps a souvenir from the previous occupant?

Try as I might, I didn't find any in-room dining menu, be it physical menu or virtual. Perhaps can consider making it easier for guests to access the in-room dining menu?

The Resident's Lounge is at the same level as the swimming pool, gym and The Glass bar. 

swimming pool



The gym was well utilized as I observed there were people exercising in there. No one was at the pool because it was raining.


The Glass Bar


Visited The Glass bar at about 530pm, and asked the lone staff in there on what's good. The first thing he said was that the bartender is currently not available and he is unable to serve any drinks. However, he offered to call his colleague, should I need to order any drinks. Hmm, it's ok. Maybe some other time.

Next, I checked out the Resident's Lounge as it was time for evening cocktails. There was not a single soul in there but there were food and drinks available.

Residents Lounge

interior

fried rice and pasta

fried rice with prawns

dessert


canapes

tartlet was good

soft drinks, soda, wine

red wine and liquor


Was it supposed to be a self-service concept? I remembered during check-in earlier in the day, that the staff mentioned that there will be someone stationed at the lounge. Hmm.

Went down to the lobby frontdesk to ask but the staff on duty was also unsure about whether there will be any staff in Resident's Lounge during evening cocktail hours, so he checked with another colleague (who appeared to be slightly upset/frustrated as she had just finished attending to a phone call) and confirmed that indeed, guests can just self-service in the Resident's Lounge. Okay...

Decided to order supper after the rain had stopped. Grab delivery can deliver to the hotel lobby so that was rather convenient. 

Ordered kway teow soup and braised chicken feet from Tian Huang Chicken Feet Koay Tew Soup (天皇卤鸡脚 粿条汤) Kimberley Street. It costs around RM21.30 inclusive of delivery fee.



fishball

braised chicken feet


Food portion was good but had expected more umami from the koay teow soup. Plenty of ingredients though. Chicken feet had a somewhat slightly smokey caramelized mellow taste.

morning view


Ordered breakfast from Grab as I wanted to eat the ark tui mee sua 鸭腿面线 (duck drumstick rice vermicelli in herbal soup, one of my childhood food that has gone extinct).

I think it is from a famous stall

well packed


Was quite impressed with this shop as the food was really packed for delivery. There's even a small plastic container for the chilies. Spring onions for garnish was also provided. Very good.

duck drumstick, mee sua and herbal broth


The food arrived hot and it was a simple meal, that brings back good memories related to this dish. Lovely to be having it again.

iced hor kar sai


The meal from Sg Pinang Duck/Chicken Drumstick Noodles from Lebuh Sandilands including the iced-coffee was RM30.80 (incl. of delivery fee). 

Turned out I had to check-out by 1230pm as my friends had arrived. So we will be staying at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang Block B. Stay tuned for the next reunion, and next adventures!


Ascott Gurney Penang 

Address: 18, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-the-residence/malaysia/ascott-gurney-penang


Super Star Koay Teow Soup

Address: 78, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
Closed on Wed.
Thu to Tue - 8 am–11 pm


淡水湘鸭腿面线 Sungai Pinang Duck Drumstick Noodles

Address: 1, Lebuh Sandilands, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
Closed on Wed.
Thu to Tue - 7 am–2 pm


 
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