Tuesday 26 January We decided to visit the much vaunted beaches at Batu Ferengghi, described as wonderful forrested bays and views of the Islands. A MYR 5.20 bus fare and 35 minutes later we arrived at the beach which is lined with Hotels and Beach Bars, the views are very good and the sand although coarse looked very inviting. The Sea however was very murky and smelt of sewage, so after doing the beach strolling thing we decided Beach Bar over swimming. We ordered snacks and beer and sat in the shade of a Coconut Tree, until Leo noticed we were directly under it's ripe Nuts! Enquiring with the Waitress as to the advisability of placing tables under such hazards, she replied," Oh they rarely fall on people and if they do you are thought to ... read more

Monday 25 January Decided to leave the heat and smells of the City, for the cool air of the surrounding Hills. After breakfast in McDonalds (no apologies, clean, good toilets good coffee and OK Internet) , we took a twenty five minute bus ride to the base of Penang Hill, in the district of Bukit Bendera. Purchased one way tickets for the steep Funicular rail journey to the top, 830 metres above sea level, it wasn't as exhilarating as we hoped as to keep the flow of people going the trains were fully packed so little chance to view much of the journey. Once up however, the views are magnificent. Although there are some attractions on the top we thought it a little too commercial so decided to start straight out to the descent which is ... read more

Saturday 23 January After a long night with the Chinese Funeral music going on into the early hours, we awoke bruised and limping, so our already limited options for trekking were now a complete no go. So, struggled up showered dressed and went out to see what the day would present. Light breakfast nearby the Hotel, decided to get a Taxi to Tanah Rata, which we had been told were frequent. Half an hour later, still waiting, a Taxi Driver we had talked to on Friday recognised us and although not working, stopped for us and took us to Tanah Rata. En route, he gave us information on the Trekking routes and local gossip as to the fate of Jim Thompson, the Silk King who mysteriously vanished here whilst trekking in the 1980's ? Many interesting ... read more

Friday 22 January Our journey from KL to the Cameron Highlands, started out without a hitch, travelled by Taxi against the manic flow of traffic and reached the Bus Station early, to find that our Coach was a grand Old Lady, with rusched, scooped satin curtains, heavy carpeting and seats to put Business Class Aeroplanes to shame. We had seats 1 & 2 behind the driver, which had footrests and reclined, if one wished. The Motorway Journey was slow at first, circumnavigating Kl with the famous towers always in view, but after that plain sailing, we did think the front suspension was a bit creaky but basically fine. However, that was until we left the Motorway and started to ascend into the Highlands. Our Driver Malay; started Giggling, talking in Tongues and generally acting as if ... read more

Wednesday, continued. Having finally managed to post some blogs, we reluctantly left the Irish bar and ventured forwards to klcc, near towers, close to fabulous public park/lake , where die-hard joggers pound the rubberised track, lots of yoga/exercise classes taking place, but most bodies seemed to be losing the battle ? Visited large air-conned shopping/eating centre where we had two plates of Malaysian food, recommended by the lovely English speaking lady, who we discovered was married to a Mancunian chap. Great food, washed down with iced lemon tea. Cost £5. As we prepared to leave, a young South Korean family, two cute daughters, engaged us in conversation. At first we thought they wanted our table, as we had finished eating, but NO - they wanted to be photographed with US! This made our day complete, only ... read more