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Home -> Travel Blogs -> Penang/Songkhla 18 Dec 03 - 22 Dec 03 Pg 1
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Just after we graduated from School of "Nothing useful was taught", thousands of worried graduates were trying their very best to secure jobs. A classic case of Demand outweighing Supply. Being the lazy and not so confident me, I got a part time job in town as a stupid clerk. It was fun, but not at all brain-enriching. The stress of not having a full time job freaked me out. Gone were the days where young graduates can spend a wonderful month touring Europe with a high paying job waiting, though I knew there were still people out there who did it. Enjoy first, career will come later. Thoughts of a trip with Bb (my ex) was postponed, though we told ourselves we will have a trip to reward ourselves once we have secured jobs.

Started planning for this trip way back in June. Melaka, Kuala Lumpur came along as part of the list of destinations that we planned. We decided on Penang finally because it sounds like a wonderful city and we would really like to try its authentic food (e.g. Penang Laska, Chendol). It also helped when Airasia started flying to Penang (from Senai) and we were able to secure very cheap tickets.

Why Songkhla (the Japanese landed here to attack western Malaya) then? I suppose southern Thailand is unique in certain ways. A special blend with Thai culture infused with the dominant Muslim population. In here, mosques replaces the numerous wats which Thailand is famous for. Songkhla was a quiet city which was way out for backpackers. It was a city which we could chill out and just walk around, eating Cornetto and drinking Singha. Though, the troubles in Southern Thailand erupted just one week after we left Songkhla.

The plan was thus set. We will fly to Penang and then take a minivan ride to Hat Yai (RM20, 4 hours). Afterwhich, it will be a 30mins bus ride to Songkhla.

Welcome to Bb (my ex) and Pp's first backpacking trip officially.
   

Finally, we were ON our way. First time in Senai and with Air Asia. Very excited. A must-take photo. As our flight was very early, we stayed in my JB auntie's house for a night and got my cousin to drive us to Senai.
Almost a day gone, we finally reached Amsterdam guesthouse in Songkhla, ran by a very nice dutch lady named Paula. The guesthouse was extremely cozy and cost us 180B/nite (S$9). I immediately took photos of Bb (my ex) running around. Here's one where she posed by the window on the 2nd floor.
Sun rise in Songkhla City. Very lovely indeed. 6am in the morning. Bb (my ex) woke up and took pictures while I was still asleep. This picture captures the quiet and tranquility of Southern Thailand. The peace before the storm.
Me outside Amsterdam guesthouse. Notice the postcards pinned on a board held outside.
Me at the dysfunctional Songkhla Train Station (Rot Fai). The train station was closed after World War II and turned into a morning market.
At another train location board. The surroundings have became a carpark.
A poodle at the train station. Kinda of cute, though I thought it was abit dirty but Bb loved it.
Morning in Songkhla at the train station. Here we see a hawker peddles a stall for a day's work in the market. Life goes on.
Our room at Amsterdam guesthouse, 3rd floor had a balcony. Bb (my ex) took a picture of me staring blindly onto the streets of Songkhla.
Up on Khao Tang Kuan, a Singhalese-style chedi on a hill. A wonderful to place to catch a view of Songkhla City. It is possible to view this place from different parts of Songkhla City as well. The local authorities kindly built a lift (30B/head) so that we can "avoid" climbing 305 steps.