Day 2 - The Split

We woke up at 4am to catch the flight to Solo, Indonesia. Dima and myself did not have visas, but we firmly decided to play a bit with check-in crew and sneak into the country.

First of all we tried self check-in service, but smart system has sent us for a visa check :) Then we tried wonders of storytelling at the actual check-in, but the guy was very firm and our attempts failed.

Zoli and Vlad boarded the Solo flight, while Dima and myself bought tickets to Penang - an island up north in Malaysia - 1 hour before the departure.

At 8am we landed in Penang in the middle of poor housing and a bit shocking reality in terms of expected beaches.

The reason we went to Penang in the first place was the Indonesian consulate in George Town. It was saturday, so two more days before we can apply for a visa, and we did not want to spend those days in the packed KL surrounding.

We took a bus to George Town and enjoyed a rare case of tourist free walk around local houses, small sewing factories and infinite palm trees.

Around 11am we took a taxi to the only decent beach area of the island - Batu Feringhi. Guesthouses were in the worst traditions of offering compared to prices they asked for.

We decided that during these first days of the trip after our long passport story we deserve a luxury hotel and went for Parkroyal Resort.

Just for a change we can make exception to our ultimate backpacking style... Swimming pool, recreation areas, nicely decorated room - we are well set till the critical monday in Indonesian embassy :)