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Published: September 23rd 2009
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Singapore
From Brisbane we flew to Singapore where we met my old chum, Jude, who kindly let us stay at her gaff. The first night we had dinner and a few beers before heading off to bed. The next day we didn’t manage to drag ourselves out of bed until 4pm but it was all good as there were huge rain storms!!!
The second night we headed towards the waterfront and had dinner, v impressive. Thereafter, Jude, great tour guide that she is, showed us the Merlion, symbol of Singapore. It’s cross between a fish and lion which apparently represents Singapore’s strength etc.
We didn’t see much of Singapore but from what we did see we would agree with the general view that it’s quite a clinical place, everything is pretty much perfect. I think we felt it lacked any really edge. Nevertheless it was great to see Jude and thank you again for your kind hospitality.
Kuala Lumpar
We took a very pleasant 5 hour bus to KL where we met Elaine and Martin (Neil’s mate, Jim, his Mum and Dad live in KL). They let us stay in their rather lush (to say the
least) city centre apartment. Gym and pool amenities plus a fab view of the Petronas towers, absolutely brilliant. The first night Martin and Elaine took us to Suzie’s Corner, a little local place where they treated us to delicious steak and rotti (a flakey kind of bread with curry sauce, yum). Thereafter, we went back to the apartment where Martin almost killed us with his lethal alcohol/mixer combo. We all put the world to rights before retiring to bed a little tipsy, a very enjoyable evening.
The next couple of days entailed Neil and I using the gym and pool, hoping on the hoponhopoff bus around KL, bartering in China town for some fake watches and purses, enjoying a delicious meal that Elaine had made (thank you) and generally just living the life of Riley!
Elaine departed for the UK on Thurs night and therefore was absent for our Friday night out. Martin took us to a company function evening celebrating Ramadan, a Muslim religious festival involving fasting. Anyway, it was a load of delicious free grub for all of us and we of course filled our boots. However drinking is obviously not allowed, therefore we quickly departed
to get the bevies in. Martin showed us the delights of the KL nightlife whilst introducing us to some of his work colleagues. We saw a few hookers in the process which is always good fun!!
The next day Neil and Martin went off to an Aussie Rules tournament. Thereafter we said our goodbyes and made our way to the airport.
We would just like to say a huge thank you once again to Martin and Elaine for putting us up, it was fantastic, we loved every minute of it.
Kota Bharu and Perhentian Islands
Kota Bharu is not particularly remarkable other than to say it’s the starting point by which to get to the Perhentian islands. We stayed in a complete shit tip for one night in KB whilst waiting to catch the death ride of a speed boat to the islands the next morning. It was ironically called Ideal Hostel!! Coming from the lush pad of Mart’s and Elaine’s in KL we were drastically brought down to earth with a bump when we landed here! Oh how the mighty have fallen!!
In respect of the islands, which are located on the north east
coast of Malaysia, it’s fair to say they’re a little slice of paradise. Neil and I only heard about them due to my good mate Roisin who went last year. Cheers Rois for your recommendation, we loved it! We stayed on the smaller of the two islands, Kecil. We spent one night on Long beach and then moved for to Coral Bay for three nights. It was incredibly relaxed and we did pretty much nothing apart from eat freshly caught bbq’d blue marlin or shark each night followed by a mango lasse! As it’s a fairly strict muslim culture the availability to buy alcohol was limited although possible, however we had a bit of detox after Mart tried to destroy out livers in KL.
The best day was snorkelling in various spots around the two islands. The coral is amazing and we swam with black tipped sharks, turtles, nemo fish etc etc. V good day indeed.
Next stop Borneo to meet up with Neil’s wee sis, Charlotte and her mate, Anna.
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