Penang to Padang Serai: With a loop to the botanic gardens and Tesco as

warmup!

Wednesday January 24, 2018, 36 miles (58 km) - Total so far: 3,223 miles

(5,187 km)

I was all set for another night in Georgetown but Ed had itchy feet. It is a bit on the touristy side, and we're keen to get exploring, so we came up with this compromise. A loop to the botanic gardens and tesco (stocking up for the jungle adventure!), lunch in Georgetown, then hit the road. It worked out well, as it was actually a fair bit cooler in the afternoon.

The ride wasn't our favourite by a long shot. Coming through Butterworth was ok (better than the other day actually) but once we hit the small road.....it just didn't get much quieter! Not loving Malaysian drivers, and there was hardly any shoulder. Still, it was only a short ride and we arrived without incident.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1372608474

There isn't a huge amount to Padang Serai, but there is the 'Smile Inn' - simple accommodation but it's spotless, has a nice communal area, and we have Angry Birds sheets (what more could you ask for). It was less than £11 on Agoda which seemed like an absolute bargain - twin room with shared bathroom, but there's no one else here. Ed carried the bikes up the stairs so they're all tucked up safe. No wifi, otherwise it would be perfect...... Note we discovered later that the Smile Inn is next door but one to a nightclub. Apparently we were there the day before a holiday, so the music started at 9pm and didn't finish til 4am. Good job we brought our earplugs.....

We dodged the thundery showers to find some dinner - cheery little restaurant just a few doors down from Smile (turn right as you leave the building). We even managed to order vegetarian food with zero common language - although I did end up with vegetables and rice instead of vegetable fried rice. Still, it was tasty and very very cheap!