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Published: February 15th 2007
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Do we look the part?
Linds and I at the oldest Mosque in Penang - we had to cover our scantily clad tank tops Lindsay and I left the Cameron Highlands on route to the island of Penang - this time we SPLURGED on a VIP bus. Yeah, for an extra 3RM ($1 CAD) the VIP bus was a definite worthwhile investment. Completely recommended ~ express transit, no highway stops, comfy seats that recline, adjustable air con. Nice work. We arrived on Penang (via the Penang bridge, in case you're wondering how the bus traversed the sea) by mid-afternoon.
Disclaimer: the next paragraph explains one girls account of her experience on Penang - in the city of Georgetown and the beach/resort town of Batu Ferringhi. I will limit my complaining to only one paragraph...somehow I don't think I'll be getting much sympathy from those suffering in the cold.
In hindsight, I would skip Penang all together. Skip the dirty, congested city of Georgetown. Skip the ridiculously overpriced taxis. Skip the run-down, stale smelling Oasis Guesthouse on Love Lane in Chinatown (did we really expect more from "Love Lane"?). Skip almost passing out from heat exhaustion in Penang's oldest Mosque as the man tries to convert me to Islam with propoganda. Skip staying in the room next to 3 (or maybe more?) Asian drag
Kek Lok Si Temple
The ONLY highlight from Penang queens who come alive at night by giggling, screaming, squealing and throwing up into the wee hours of the morning. Skip the dirty toilets that I still haven't figured out how to flush. Skip the street vendors who try to take advantage of the tourists. Skip the beach at Batu Ferringhi that is littered with garbage, tree needles and fallen, rotten fruit. Skip being awakened at 6:15am by the Muslim prayers blaring over a loud speaker. Finally, skip the absurd 50RM ferry off the island (it's probably that much because people will do or pay anything to get the hell out of Penang!!!)
Thanks for listening...I'm finished now. 😊
Linds and I arrived to the serenity of Langkawi. Beautiful clear blue waters, lush green islands dotting the horizon, clean (litter-free) white sand, beautiful sunsets, and a wonderfully clean guesthouse! We met up with our friend Valerie who had scoped out the Cenang Homestay. We have been living in a couple's home for the last few days, so it has felt like a dream. Dave and Su are from the UK and have just openned up this homestay in Langkawi, very close to the beach, yet still far enough
Batu Ferringhi
At least the sunset was beautiful away to feel the peace and quiet.
We've spent 4 days on the island, which has included LOADS of beach time and working on my tan. We had a fabulous adventure, as Linds and I rented a motorbike!!! I am not kidding - I've turned into a motorbike diva! At first, I was quite scared and wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. But 2 hours of practicing on the quiet country roads, one encounter with a barbwire fence and several episodes of driving on the right (wrong) side of the road, Linds and I felt we could take on the world! We drove around the island, up and down winding mountain roads, across a VERY long bridge up to the Cable Cars. We had a great view of the island and the surrounding islands - my pics definitely won't do it any justice. Next, with our shirts flapping in the wind, we cruised to Seven Wells and the Waterfall. We were so hot (read: sweaty) when we hiked up to the falls that we joined a Malay family and went swimming in the waterfall rock pools. How absolutely refreshing. The kids were super cute, and were very
Langkawi Beach
Beautiful clear blue waters, lush green islands dotting the horizon and clean (litter-free) white sand - THIS is what a beach should be! friendly as they practiced their English. This was definitely a highlight of the trip so far! The next day we took the motorbike for a spin and then sadly had to return it. Maybe I'll be trading in my Civic for a crotch rocket soon?
On Tuesday, more beach time as we indulged in an Island Hopping Tour. We met the boat early in the morning (before the sun was too hot) and cruised to Pulau Besar Basah. It was a beautiful beach - more fine white sand, clear blue waters, hardly any tourists, and some shade for poor delicate Emily. We relaxed for about 45 minutes! Next we went to an Eagle Feeding...no one was interested as swooping eagles are very difficult to take pictures of. Plus, its kind of fake as the boats leave food for the eagles to eat. Its no wonder the eagles come swooping out of the sky! Anyway, next we were off to Pulau Daytang Bunting, which is the Island of the Pregnant Maiden. As the boat slowly cruised passed, the island's hills illustrated a pregnant woman lying on her back. The boat docked and we hike about 10 minutes to a fresh
water lake, named (no kidding) the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Legend says anyone who swims in the lake will one day bear children. Valerie, Lindsay and I jumped in - but there is NO contest to have babies first. Haha. Anyway, it was really relaxing because there was a group of about 10 who had the whole lake to ourselves for the majority of the time. Fresh water was a pleasant change from the salty ocean.
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day, Linds and I are saying good-bye to Malaysia, and heading into Thailand. Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day, spending it with someone you love. I'll be on a ferry and a bus all day - nice way to spend V-day this year! 😉
PS. Got some kickin' pics of me on the motorbike! It's going to be a while before I put them up though -oooh, the suspense!
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Alan
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Leaving Malaysia Hello Thailand
Dear Em Your island hopping sounded like a great time! Can only imagine watching the Eagles soaring. Reminds me of the trip to the Arctic with Mark as we watch Eagles. But nobody left food for them! Have fun on the bus and ferry. We await those kickin' pics. Love Dad.