KTM's ETS Kl Sentral - Butterworth starts from RM64 one way.

Ferry ride to Penang island RM2 one way

In Georgetown go to Rapid Penang's kiosk at KOMTAR bus terminal and get a Kad Mutiara for RM10 and have unlimited rides on all their buses. Just remember to tap out before stepping off the bus.

Don't forget to change Moovit app's location tab to Penang

save yrself the dithering over plane ticket, fuel etc costs. just go when it's comfortable to do so.

IMO you'll need 2-3 weeks stay of u wanna do justice to Penang foods. And you may wanna check out the New World Park food city too. It's huge. Just stay away from the crap piano at the intersection of jln burma and lorong abu siti; avoid it like the plague

crappy vid of new world park march '24 https://streamable.com/7h5bb1

there are cheaper decent beachside hotels at half that price, but since you are currently flummoxed by plane ticket prices already, just shop around when u can comfortably plan such a trip.

rainbow paradise, tanjung bungah.
hotel sentral seaview

you're welcome.

generally speaking tanjung bungah has a more of a residential neighborhood vibe.

if one's objective is to seriously video penang foods, lounging at a beach resort should not be on any itinerary till after task completion.