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Published: April 9th 2006
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Georgetown
Capital of Penang, and first stop in Malaysia. Brilliant place. Hello and welcome to my blog of Malaysia. Apologies for not writing sooner but I’ve been a right busy bee seeing all the delights of this brilliant country. It seems that this country is more developed than any of the previous ones I have been to, and people generally have a better standard of living. Because of this, I think, they are not so annoying towards Westerners, trying to get your business or dragging you into places. I like it!
My first place of call was the ole British colony of Penang. I’m not going to bore you with all the history and bravado that many people feel necessary to link with this place- all Ill say is its wicked! Arrived there on a very humid Wednesday afternoon and found a hostel where it had a dorm- this is the best way I’ve found to meet people when you’re travelling on your larry. The first night here I went out with a guy from London who has been teaching English in Bangkok for a year- inevitably got hammered and finished the drinking off with Indian pancakes with a random middle-aged South African at 6am- who didn’t believe in the holocaust-the nobhead!
Vernicular Railway up to top of Penang Hill
Some great views combined with a bad hangover! Penang is more of a place to actually live in rather than to sightsee. Its cultures are so unique and varied. Although predominantly Muslim, there’s loads of Hindus and Buddhists about and also 30% Christian. You can hear the Muslims pray in the early evening (god they are so intrusive!) but also see the fantastic Buddhist temples, smelling so sweet of Joss sticks (see photo of Chris outside one). The main landmarks of interest are the areas known as Little India and Chinatown, both so unique in their layouts of individual restaurants and shops. The smells and sounds as you walk through both these areas are amazing, particularly Little India at around 6pm, where the streets come to life with Indians. All you can hear is Punjab dance music pumping out, with some dodgy Indian trying to sell you “the best” gold bracelet around- is a fantastic experience.
I used Penang as a bit of a drinking place, Malaysia is generally a non-drinking state, so when there is a chance of cheaper booze you jump at it. In Penang it was relatively cheap at the hostel, as well as the drinking culture is a bit of laid-down rather than elsewhere.
Arrival of Bully in Penang
Joss Stone Sticks outside a buddhist temple So of the 4 nights I was there, booze flowed the first three of them! Chris surprised me and turned up on the Friday and we had a very alcoholic reunion that night, boogying away with the local band who played everything from Black Eyed Peas to the Eagles. Wickedy!
The only sight seeing I did do was to go up to Penang Hill for a bit of a look across the island. It took a mammoth effort as I was feeling particularly dodgy that day. An hour on a bus, followed by a 20minute walk, and then half an hour of a Vernacular railway and I was there, admiring the beautiful views.
It was time to move on and the next destination was Cameron Highlands, an area of Malaysia in the hills that they use for tea plantations. As a huge tea drinker, I felt it only right to attend!
We arrived at the main town, Tanah Rata to admire the stunning views of rolling hills. Here drinking is not of the essence so I spent the next few days sipping my tea! The first day, me, Chris and guy called Lee we met did a days trekking up
Me infront of a tea plantation
Great photo of me perhaps in heaven!! Shame about the ever growing out of control hair tho! a massive hill. Was bloody hard work and really knocked me for 6! I was knackered for the next 2days. The final day I spent there I attended a day trip exploring all the local habitats. For starters we went to the Tea plantation, and learnt how they grow and process tea leaves. We got to drink a cup of the fine stuff on a veranda overlooking the plantations. We then were taken on an hour or so’s trek through the forest with a guide who explained all the local fauna and wildlife. There are plants here that can do amazing things- from help asthma, slowdown cancer, kill wild buffalo, to getting an insect pissed. I’m not a big wildlife or plant lover but this was great! In the afternoon we were taken to a traditional Malaysian tribal village where we were greeted by all the kids at the entrance. These people live very short lives with a life expectancy age of just 40. Mainly because of their shit diets. We didn’t help cus we had to feed the kids sweets on arrival!! We got to try using the local hunting weapon- the blowpipe. I couldn’t hit a target from
A pissed plant?
Guide shows us a plant which kills its prey by making them drunk! The flys drink the alcoholic juices and then cant get out. Reminds me of holtby after one drink!! 5 metres- the pros fire and kill from 50metres. I was terrible. We also got to try the local tea, which was the best I’ve tried all trip- really sweet and fruity, as well as Tapioca, a potato food stuff. Overall a great day trip experiencing true Malaysia!
From Cameron Highlands I went to Taman Negara, a national park deep in the jungles of Malaysia. I was a bit scared cus there were rumours of more leeches. Luckily it didn’t rain when I was there so didn’t see any. Here I travelled with Lee and Carolyn, 2 people I met at Cameron Highlands. We did quite a lot in the 2 days we were there- swam in the jungle at a fresh part of a very dirty river; went caving deep in the jungle and saw bats and a snake- this was brilliant as we really had to scramble around underground; and I also did the Canopy Walk, a walk across ladders and ropes in the trees about 40-50metres from the ground. At times it rocks and shakes, and could be a bit scary if you don’t like heights. I was there on my own so could go at my
own pace across the canopy.
The national park is very much more jungley than the forests of Cameron Highlands. The wildlife is much more exotic, with toucans, geckos and monkeys hosting the area. The heat is overpowering at times also. I really enjoyed my time here but due to being knackered from the all the trekking I had done over the past few days I thought enough was enough and must get back to the town. I swiftly decided to go to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, that night- what a crap decision.
After catching a bus to Jerantut, the most backward place in Malaysia, I had to wait for 3hours in my wet gear as the heavens had opened when departing Taman Negara. I eventually caught a train at half 12, only to find it had the coldest air conditioning I’ve ever experienced on public transport. I was cold and damp and this just made it worse. I got no sleep and so feel like crap today!! Arrived in KL and found all the other boys at the hostel we had planned to meet in.
Overall an eventful few days on the course of Malaysian culture. I
plan to spend a few days here and then travel down to Singapore. Then its Oz on Saturday- woo hoo!!
Hope everyone is good back home and not bored from reading this epic blog?! Jonny x
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