Review of Air Asia flight Singapore → Penang in Economy

Last weekend, I did a foodie trip to Penang, just to savour the local Penang food again. Would be flying up on AirAsia and returning on Jetstar. Checked in online on AirAsia's website up to 2 weeks prior to departure, but I forgot to print my boarding passes and thus had them printed at the airport counter.

AirAsia boarding pass, though on a thin slip of paper, is nicely designed.




It was a lengthy walk to the gate at D49. Aircraft had arrived early and boarding had commenced.





17 February 2017
Air Asia
AK 756
Singapore (SIN) - Penang (PEN)
A320
9M-AHZ
Economy Class
Flight Time: 52M


Boarding the aircraft with the crew cheerfully welcoming us onboard.








The standard tight LCC seat pitch.




View out the window.




Reading materials.




Boarding was quick and orderly even though the flight was totally full. Doors were closed right on schedule.




Had a long taxi to Rwy02C for departure for the slightly less than an hour flight to Penang.






Video of takeoff.




Cabin service started immediately after seatbelt signs were switched off, with pre-ordered meals delivered followed by BOB service.




We had pre-ordered meals for the flight. At only S$4 (or RM10) per meal with drink, I would say that the price is resonable, considering that the Singapore LCCs would charge at least S$12 for a hot meal. Dessert is an additional S$3 top-up.






Roast chicken with cream sauce and vegetables. Came with a cup of mineral water or a small can of Thai-branded cola. The meal was piping hot and tasty.










The other selection is the seasonal special, Nonya prawn curry with rice. Did not look very appealing but was spicy and good as well.




The red velvet cake, which came in a round container, was surpringly sinfully rich, creamy and yummy.




Very soon we were descending into Penang and landed on Rwy04 15min ahead of schedule.






Parked at the terminal. We were the last international arrival for the day.




Disembarking using stairs.




Immigration and customs was hassle free and a 15min overpriced and speeding cab ride later, we were at our hotel in Georgetown. Stayed at Hotel Jen again and upon request, was allocated one of the refurbished rooms which is much more modern than the older room. The entire hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment.

Lift lobby of one of the refurbished levels.




Guest room. The smell of new furniture is still evident.




New and simply furnished as according to the Hotel Jen theme.




The next morning, we walked to Lebuh Chulia to try a stall, Wai Kee, famous for its roast meats. The char siew and roast duck simply tasted heavenly!








Round the corner is a nonya kueh eatery, which offers a wide selection of tasty and colourful nonya kuehs. It is famous for its nasi lemak as well, was is indeed very lemak (coconutty) and fragrant! Great place for a taste of traditional nonya kuehs and cuisine.














Some street art.






Some more of the famous Penang street art.




After a relaxing foot massage at Prangin Mall and a movie at 1st Avenue, it was time for dinner. Unfortunately, the famous duck kuay chup stall along Kimberly Lane was closed, so we tried other local food stalls instead.

Ee-mee




Penang Char Kuay Teow




Penang Laksa




This was followed by supper at New Lane Hawker stalls. Ordered curry mee, more char kuay teow and Lor Bak.










Brunch for the last day was at Leong Kee Tim Sum Restaurant. The piping hot custurd bun with oozing custurd filling is simply awesome!








Not forgetting the original Penang Road Teochew Chendol.