Perhentian Paradise

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September 17th 2006

Published: September 19th 2006

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Of Adventure

My Bungalow

Very cosy apart from the splinters

Got to the Thai/Malaysian border, had to take some individual moped rides in monsoon rain to the border crossing, these people have no concept of 'stopping distance' Walked over the bridge from Thailand into Malaysia and got through no wories (the border has a bad reputation and they do say not to cross at night) Then got a taxi to the nearby border town, one hour aqua plane session, I do wish those drivers would not sit on each others butts.

Got to Kota Bharu, booked into a right dive for one night, this town is an excellent example of Islamic Culture. Sadly we chose that night to enjoy a Pizza Hut meal, a not so excellent example of Western Culture. On return braved the most disgusting showers in the world for a 30 second skoosh.

Next morning got the most deathtrap looking taxi we could find and drove for an hour and a half to the leaving point for the Perintian Islands. A speedy boat crossing to the smaller island of Kecil which lies about 20km off the coast of Malaysia. Booked into some rustic but cosy chalets in the right location near the beach, but in the

Coral Beach

Just a stroll through the jungle

jungle.

Spent 3 days on the Perhentian, was excellent for snorkelling, and on one day we went out all day in a boat to the best spots, included swimming with the sharks, but only 1 metre long black tips, they shoot off as soon as they see you, hopefully not to thell the Tigers etc that we are there. Have done so much swimming in deep water it's good for the old water confidence, but it helps when the water is so warm.

Other activities included some unwise treking off the beaten track into the jungle, and sitting on the balcony of my chalet. Spent a lot of time in the nearby bushes trying to photo lizards, and that's the story I told the Malay authorities and I'm sticking to it! (ha ha)

One night was particularly pleasant, walking through the jungle path to the other beach of Coral Bay and enjoying a BBQ and sitting out for hours watching the amazing lightening displays (free of charge) then stumbling back in the dark through thick jungles, trying not to trod on the massive lizards that hang out there.

So to be fair the Perenthians proved to

Long Beach

cos it's Long

be pretty much the not yet spoiled (watch this space) bit of paradise that made us endure the journey to get there. Were sorry to leave but they don't have cash machines on the island so we had no choice. Our little group extended to five as we met 2 lads from Birmingham. Boat journey back was a bit bumpy and my hat flew off and out to sea almost hitting the driver in the face. Found a taxi back to the Thai border, for once nice and slow, the police are cracking down thank god.

A short but sweet little sojurn into Malaysia, and means another 30 days on passport in Thailand.

I have a load of good photos now, on my new camera purchased in Singapore, will try and upload some soon, and then put a whole shedload onto this site on my return to Scotland.

tbc.

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