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Published: March 18th 2009
Well we knew our 8 week visa had to expire sometime but even so we were sad to leave Thailand after spending 2 whole months travelling around this beautiful country! From the beaches to Bangkok, China Town to Chiang Mai we've loved every place we've visited which was a surprise for the both of us not knowing what to expect before we set off.
All good things must come to an end as they say so we set off for Malaysia. Our planned 1 bus and ferry turned out to be 3 minibuses, 4 pick-up trucks and then the ferry so we arrived on the island of Langkawi after a 12 hour trip instead of a steady 6 hours. I dont know what it is about Thai travel agents but this is actually par for the course, they make the most complicated arrangements for you so to get from A to B you have to pass through C to Z first..crazy!
Langkawi is only a stones throw from Thailand but quite a lot different from what we were used to. Firstly Malaysia is a muslim country so all of the women were obviously dressed accordingly, even in the sea.
Booze was not as widely available as in Thailand but due to Langkawi being a tax free island we found out that it was even cheaper when it was available. There were lots more local Malay and Indian tourists on the island as well as more Brits and of course the usual Scandinavians (who are everywhere!!), which made for a really nice mix.
Unfortunately the beach although lovely, seemed to attract huge jelly fish which were washed up along the sand and as the sea wasn't crystal clear (which we're used to haha) it was a bit of a game of chance running in and out to cool down. The streets were also a bit wiffy with the open sewer drains every few yards, this really needs sorting out sharpish. There was however a good little Irish Bar which we visited frequently and where we met loads of different interesting people of all ages (espcially after some drinks!).
The first day we noticed a sign in a beach bar offering a free BBQ that night. Obviously as tight backpackers this was too good an offer to miss so we turned up and had pasta, spit roast lamb, salad
and veg all completely on the house..there really is such a thing as a free meal..result haha! Something even stranger happened on day two, we we're at the cash machine when we suddenly spotted a pal from Halifax, Dave Fox and his girlfriend Ann.
We knew they we're travelling and thought we'd bump into each other at some point but not literally, on a tiny island in the north of Malaysia..what are the chances of that. So immediately our foursome was complete and we has a great time with them for the rest of our stay, lounging on the beach swapping stories, eating out, drinking the odd tax free beer!
We all went on speed boat trip one day to the surrounding islands. First up was the lake of the pregnant lady (see the photo and see if you can spot her), then we went eagle feeding..yes I said eagle feeding! That was awesome!
The driver pulled up in a secluded cove and threw a bucket of chicken skin into the sea, 2 minutes later we were surrounded by 20-30 massive eagles diving down for their free lunch only a couple of meters away from the boat.
The pregnant lady
(laying down with hands on belly)After 4 months of travelling its strangely easy to get complacent at times with the amazing scenery, beaches etc, but this really made us think wow..we're so lucky!
Another day we decided to hire a car and tour the island. We opted for a local "micra" and set off for the viewpoint in the middle of the island. This was hilarious..our car was so slow it kept cutting out, even in first gear, as we made our way slowly up the mountain! Im sure even the monkeys and wild boars we saw were having a good laugh haha. Eventually we did make it to the top and it was worth it, amazing views. Next stop was a couple of waterfalls, the harbor, a nice secluded beach before we headed home for our cheap Thai curry..still cant leave the food behind 😊
After a little over a week we went our separate ways, Dave and Ann over to Borneo while we set off to the Cameron Highlands on mainland Malaysia which turned out to be a journey from hell..well for Steve anyway. The first time we take a long distance bus journey Steve came down with a dose of
The Eagles
for one night only! Deli Belly (which was probably overdue after 4 months in Asia) but great timing! At one of the scheduled rest stops Steve ran off the bus from stall to stall trying to find a western loo and came back looking like he'd won the lottery after apparently finding one in the last cubicle haha.
So here we are now in Malaysias "Alpine" resort, in long pants and even socks, which is quite nice after so long in the heat! We're going on a trip to the tea plantations and a trek through the jungle hopefully tomorrow, assuming Steve's little problem get better.
We'll try to write sooner next time, hope you're all well.
Bye for now x
(P.S More photos to come...)
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Audrey & Joop
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Ooh still jealous (except for the belly thing)
I love your story's (make me think back to our great time in Philipinnes). We have never been to that part of Malaysia so I'm really curiuos what you think of it. Do you guys also plan to visit Borneo? Joop and me are getting more serious about our emigration plans every day. We just found out that in april the Philipinnes are also planning to except foreigners to open their own business. In November we are either going to Thailand or the Philly's to look for a guesthouse to take over (or just land to built our thing). Back in Holland spring is starting and we have had a sunny week but it is still very cold (around 8-10C). Joop is really excited about going kitesurfing but he still has to wait a few weeks before the first shops open for lessons here in Holland . Enjoy and looking forward to reading your next adventures. Love and XXX Joop and Audrey