Blogs from Malaysia, Asia - page 768

Crossing the causeway to Malaysia was quite easy. We hired a taxi that was able to do the cross border trip and got lucky enough not to have to get out and open our suitcases for a search. They just waved us through. Things seemed to be going smoothly. We got ourselves to the Hyatt in Johor to pick up our rental car, again planned out by Jo’s sister. The only thing was that the car wasn’t there where we we’re told it would be. Hmmm, okay we’ll just hang out a while. We finally managed to get the car delivered up to the hotel only to discover that we could have picked it up right by where the Singapore taxi had dropped us off. Two hours wasted, but no problem. We got on the road ... read more

After not visiting a beach for what feels like a lifetime, we headed to the east coast of Malaysia for a tranquil laid back time. The first stop was a small town called Cherating. It was dark as the coach driver suddenly braked and threw us off. We were the only ones who got off and we had no idea of where to go, but after a trek down the darkest of dirt tracks, with dog barks circling us, we found the town. We couldn’t tell until the morning but the beach was beautiful, with the coast sweeping round for miles. Apart from swimming, sun bathing, sports playing, drinking and eating, there was nothing else to do. I even found time to read a book. After a few days we heading further down south to the ... read more

Templetastic I got a bus out of GT up to the Kek Lok Si Temple complex, a veritable tourist trap 30 minutes from the ferry terminal. It is a large and imposing complex, and it is clearly visible on the hillside from the village below. As you near the temple the street vendors get ever more touristy - practical goods like food and drink make way for the more profitable pocket sized buddahs and fake designer clothing. Eventually you break through to the actual temple which frankly I didnt rate. It was big, and complex and there were some nice features. But it clashed, the colours were often washed out and it seemed that statues had perhaps been randomly placed around. There were impressive views out across Penang Island though, and some parts were very impressive, ... read more

After our meal at the Irish bar, we both crashed out at around 9:30 for me, Andy and 10:30 for Mel...................................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 11:00am the next day after about 13 hours kip we awoke. I, Andy slept like a log!!! We had a bit of lunch, then had an hour on the internet intending to do some research for Thailand as there as been floods up north, as you may have heard, so we are trying to avoid any adverse weather. I, Andy started to feel rough (with a headache) so we went back to our room where I stayed until the next day. As usual Mel looked after me very well. I had some paracetamol and a re hydrating salt. Mel brought me supper in bed (a pot noodle). I slept on and off until the next ... read more

Up early and packed our stuff, as we came to a decision not to stay, without even speaking to each other!! Put our stuff in our car, ready for our move to our new motel. We then went to the lobby where we met Nisha and david for breakfast!! Did we get another free breakie?? I hear you ask!! Listen to this!! We headed off down the stairs to where the staff greet the guests with there breakfast cards. It was busy, a good sign. Nisha and David were first and obviously showed their card, slowly followed by a cautious Melissa and an even more cautious me (Andy) One guy caught David and asked again to see his card, in the confusion we had created this gave me and Melissa an opportunity to evade the many ... read more