INDONESIA October 12, 2000 – November 2, 2000 JAVA
Yogyakarta Century Saphir Hotel Ngadisari Bromo Hotel
BALI Kalibukbuk Ubud Kuta
Lovina Hotel Rambutan Cottages Gusti’s Garden Cottages Aneka Beach Hotel
Octo be r 12, 2000 be fore ta kin g wh ere we spe nt six hours in Kuta
Ga rud a direct flig ht to Ba li gy ak art a. a on e hour do me stic flig ht to Yo ry Sa phir arriving at 10pm. ntu Ce e Th l, te ho r ou to ive dr Fifte en mi nute Octo be r 13, 2000 e gh pa rkl an d to th e su lta n’s pa lac rou th en th t, ree St or ob ali M ed Walk d an d th en th rou gh th e un aro us ed ow sh ide gu ing ak wh ere an En glish spe e Kraton (a on e squa re kilom etre th in m roo ow sh tik ba a to es na rrow ba ck lan ll). area en clo sed by an an cie nt wa ma ny types, colou rs an d of ds bir et rk ma d bir e th gh Th en wa lked th rou et an d cockroache s on sa le. ck cri , ots gg ma s, ed se of ys Tra va rious sou nds. m ich is now just rui ns wit h vie ws fro wh e lac Pa er at W e th d un aro Walk ed te l. reet, th en be ca k ba ck to th e ho St oro ob ali M in s CD ht ug Bo . th e top
Oct obe r 14, 2000 We nt by min ibu s to Borobu dur, hea vy rain that quickly clea red, bea utiful cou ntry side all cove red with crop s of all kin ds. Borobu dur awe som e and imm ens e. Dro ve on to Kaliura ng but it was lun ch at Pra mbana n before too clou dy to see Me rapi, the n had noodles for exp lorin g the Hin du tem ple. na’s Restau rant by the Ha d a two hou r rest in the hot el the n taxi to Ma Ma lioboro Stre et coming trai n station. Shopped at Ra ma yan a the n walked -street ma rket. acro ss a “tras h ‘n trea sure” type ma rket in a side middle one larg e pot Ca me acro ss an larg e fa mily on the corn er, in the gat heri ng for supper. surroun ded by seve ral oth ers, a 10p m larg e fa mily clos e to oncomi ng traffic. Becak back to the hot el som etim es bein g driven
Octobe r 15, 2000 Left at 8a m in a grotty uncomfortable minibu s, travelled throug h Solo, roads congested everywhere. The bus stopped for a lunch break at 1pm then drove on relentle ssly and continu ally overtaking, someti mes appearing to be quite dange rous. Oncoming buses also were overtaking dange rously, someti mes forcing us off to the side of the road. After 11 hours we arrived at Probolingo before comm encing our upward journey to Bromo Hotel near Ngada sari. Now dark and the road narrow but the driver knew the way well with more hair-ra ising driving overtaking on bends and on steep incline s. Our room at the Bromo Hotel was very small and basic. Walked to Yoschi’s Restau rant for a lovely dinner in beautiful surroun ds. Octobe r 16, 2000 3 a m wake up call for our 3. 30 depart ure by minibu s to Cemoro Lawan g - more steep incline s. From here we set off on foot along a pathwa y then along the sand sea - luckily others in our group had torches as it was pitch black. We heard music in the distan ce and occasionally we saw others walkin g toward us, as well as vehicle headlig hts. The usually remote area was inundated with locals who were staying there for the annua l festival Kesad a. As daylight approa ched we reached an area where many had been ca mping, lots of fires and loud music. We reached the base of Bromo, 246 steps to the crater, so many people, there was not one step without someone on it - one queue going up and one down. At the crater you could barely move, someti mes the sulphu r was overpowering with the billowi ng gases clearly visible. Our breakfa st back at the hotel match ed our room - yuk. Left at 9a m for our bus trip to Bangu wangi, then by ferry to Bali. Two hour bus trip from Gilu manuk to Lovina arrivin g at 8. 30pm. Too tired to look for accom modation we stayed at Lovina Hotel.
Oct obe r 17, 2000 the bea ch. The n che cked Ha d brea kfast in the hot el rest aurant ove rloo king Ra mbuta n Cottag es, set in out oth er accom mod ation options and moved to bea utiful gard ens. y day s. Con nie suggested It was good to rela x by the pools afte r fou r bus pen ded hea vy bik es with we go cycling as it was clou dy - we hired fully sus day). cha ins badly in need of lubrication ($2 for half dy, it was hot - we Cycled alon g the busy ma in road, alth oug h clou g inla nd continu ally stopping welcom ed the rain that arrived. Sta rted clim bin dre n greeting us with a und er tree s whe n the rain was hea vy. All the chil ’t have bee n bett er to cycle. “hello”. The rain fres hen ed eve rything up, it cou ldn - Bru sch etta, chicken Ha d din ner at La Ma dre, next to Ra mbuta n sala d and pizz as.
Oct obe r 18, 2000 5.45 a m wak e up the n alon g the bea ch whe re we went in a Pra hu - a tradition al wooden fishing boat, carved from a tree trun k with ba mboo stabilise rs on each side and a det ach able motor to one side. The wat er was dea d calm, afte r ts – as soon as dol phin s awhile we reached a grou p of about 20 oth er boa ard the m. The re were were sighted, all the boats turn ed and hea ded tow of the wat er. We nt to La ma ny sma ll dol phin s, one did a mig hty leap out ls at Ra mbuta n. Ma dre for lun ch, the n lazed about by bot h poo had Baline se dan cing. Ha d a buffet din ner at Ra mbuta n whe re the y a larg e crowd wat chin g Aft er din ner went to the bea ch whe re the re was k Volleyball Cup. volle yba ll with tea m com peti ng in the Kalibu kbu
Oct obe r 19, 2000 and down the tree s and Sat outside our room wat chin g the squ irre ls, up mm on at brea kfast. ju mping from tree to tree. Beat Con nie at backga tinu ous ly through out the Cau ght the 10.15 bus to Ubud - hea vy rain con clim b to Kinta ma ni. a back road the bus Just afte r we turn ed off afte r Pen elok an taking bou nced about violent ly for about 15 min ute s. ll villa ges and view s of Now downhill and no rain we passed ma ny sma the bea utif ul Teg alla lan g rice fiel ds. om mod atio n. We nt down Ha d lun ch in Ubud before looking for our acc Jala n Kaj eng next to a fast Jala n Bis ma but decided to stay at Gusti’s in flowing rive r and a nois y wat erfa ll. rian din ner. Wa lked the ma in road, had an Indian veg eta
Oct obe r 20, 2000 h alon g Jala n Suwita hoping Hired bik es from Gusti’s at 10a m. Hea ded nort the way alon g backroa ds. to reach the rice fields at Teg alla lan g. Uphill all but very hot and we had Ma ny ducks and bea utiful sce nery - ove rcast and we followed her into her to continu ally stop. A wom an offe red us coconut hus ban d carve wood and her hom e whe re we sat on her vera nda wat chin g her e up the coconut into sma ll childre n pla y. Aft er we dra nk the juice she brok pieces for us to tak with us for our ride. more ofte n. The sun brok e through and we now had to stop whe re we sat and admired We reach a viewpoint ove r the terraced rice fields the views and enjoying our coconut pieces. g the way buying wooden Downhill all the way back, stopped at shops alon ti’s, curry chicken and rend ang. tray s, wooden fruit. Din ner just acro ss from Gus
Octobe r 21, 2000 We chang ed rooms for the second time, now with hot water and the best balcon y views. Went to Sukawati market, the main buildin g very crowded but in the adjoini ng streets there was a large range of handicrafts, art and carving s. Had a rest in the afternoon, then at 4pm headin g north along Jalan Kajeng to walk in the ricefields. We got lost ending up in someone’s property after only 10 minute s. Eventu ally found the turn-off that led to a track into the ricefields. We walked throug h an area with massive ba mboo either side of us, passed fa milies bathin g and washin g their clothes in the canals, walked throug h an area of massive ba mboo, along canals with 10m drops down one side and tracks with large palm trees on each side. We encountered an old man who seemed very distress ed about our location and walkin g the bad muddy tracks and that we’d have enought time to get back to Ubud and refused the offers of coconuts as we thought we mights run out of daylight. We then walked briskly passing many people workin g the fields, herding their ducks and washin g clothes in the canals. The surroun ds were breatht aking and the people along the way friendly – a classic walk we arrived back in Ubud after two hours.
Oct obe r 22, 2000 sn’t stop. 3a m and the neig hbour’s rooster starts and doe nvit ed loca l tagged alon g We walked the Ca mpuha n ridg e walk - an uni slan d with spe cta cula r to guide us. The first hou r alon g the ridg e of gras sma ll villa ges. views of the valleys on bot h side s the n through ded to the ma in road to Aft er two hou rs we paid the guide, the n we hea down the ma ny step s (about find the track alon g the Ayu ng River. Wa lked l indicat ed the re was one. 400). The re did n’t appear to be a track but a loca s with edg es that dropped It was slippery, narrow, win din g and stee p in part cooled off with wat er. Aft er awa y sha rply. We were on a trek not a track. We We fina lly reached the an hou r of clim bin g, des cen din g we were stuffed. area whe re the rafting finishe s. the n a late lun ch. Back to the hot el for rest, swi mming and lazing
Octobe r 23, 2000 Shuttle bus to Kuta took over two hours. We walked Jalan Legian and found ourselves hearin g Aussie accents again. Didn’t appear as busy as previou s visits, no watch sellers and no hawke rs on the pavem ents. There were more formal shops, internet cafes and lots of taxis. The beach was a mass of people. Went to Tubes for dinner. Octobe r 24, 2000 We were at the Aneka Hotel and compla ined about the noise from the adjoini ng room. Two hour walk at 6 a m along the beach as far as the Imperial returnin g along the “new road” (about 7km). Sun and swimming in the pool. Lunch at Dayu II. Walked to Supa Nova then to Kuta Centra l both disappointing. Back along the beach where there was a celebration in front of the art market Octobe r 25, 2000 Indon esian breakfa st then hired a driver to take us to Denpa sar. Went to Sunflower at Jimbaran and bought a large size double dacron bedspread for $A110. Went to Ra mayan a in Bali Mall and bought up on CDs (30,000) then to Tara Dewat a but most items we wanted didn’t fit us. Sat on the beach watchi ng the massive crowd, surfers, kiddie s and resting workm en. Octobe r 26, 2000 Tried anothe r restaurant in Poppie s I for breakfa st. Plenty of sun on the beach then retreated to the pool. Lunch at the food court on top of Mata hari then shopped there. Walked Jalan Legian and how it has chang ed. Stopped at Bali Rock Cafe then walked back to the hotel missin g dinner and just snacked on chips, nuts and some Green Sands.
Octobe r 27, 2000 At Ra mayan a in Denpa sar we bought clothes then walked along Jalan Dipong oro and found many shops with a lot of variety and some cheape r then elsewh ere but difficu lt to find anythi ng that would fit. D’Crepes for lunch: chicke n salad, spicy beef, Turned into Jalan Hasan udin where we found the gold shop “Borobudur” that we bought from years ago. After shoppin g a swim back at the pool then BBQ dinner at Bali Rock Cafe then watched a few people on the sling shot. Runne rs $26, Carvil Sanda ls $11 and $6, Gabrie lle Jeans $20, Octobe r 28, 2000 Cloudle ss sky and very hot, poolsid e in the mornin g then lunch at Dayu II. Sat on the beach for sunset then taxi to Kedong anan Beach, Jimbaran Bay. Had a feast of musse lls, squid, crab, large prawns and red snappe r grilled in a smoky fire covered with coconut husks. An idyllic setting we were by the waters edge, candlit and serena ded by our table to Uncha ined Melody as well as Elvis with some “unique” lyrics. Octobe r 29, 2000 Morni ng and afternoon by the pool, very hot with a clear blue sky. Too hot to do too much we rested in our room before getting a taxi to La Lucchiola for dinner. We sat on a lounge having drinks and left after an hour as we couldn ’t get in and ended up having dinner at TJs. Octobe r 30, 2000 Woke at 3a m and not well, I had no energy, backa che, heada che and couldn ’t sleep and spent the day in bed. At sunset Connie saw celebrations on the beach directly in front of our hotel.
Octobe r 31, 2000 Taxi to Mata hari/R a mayan a, Denpa sar. Lunch at Hartz Chicke n buffet $5. Crossin g the busy one-wa y Jalan Dewi Satika it was a bit like the ga me “Frogge r”. Taxi to Bandu ng market, bought king size bedspread having to walk throug h the food market to Hasan udin St to get some cash. It was narrow, full of flies and the stench was terrible, we didn’t want to open our mouths for fear of taking in a fly. Walked Jalan Gada Maja passing throug h and nearly having to walk on women each with large bags of differe nt flowers for offerin gs on sale. Walked throug h Paputa n Square where we sat by a large colourful statue watchi ng fa milies of locals enjoyin g the garden s. We continu ed on walked residential streets looking inside some houses and then ca me to the Bundu ng River and eventu ally ended up at the rear of Tiara De Watu. Taxi back to the hotel, unload ed our shoppin g, then walked the beach. Had dinner at Gosha then went to Bali Rock watchi ng the live band and the Elvis Parsely show. Too eventfu l to have a break it was midnig ht, we were sweaty and stunk, we were so fit we walked the 2 km back watchi ng the youngies just going out - The Sari Club was packed. Novem ber 1, 2000 Indon esian breakfa st at Nusa Indah then shoppin g at the market. Back at the hotel for a swim until pm then taxi to Legian Finished the day at the beach at the end of Bakun g Sari St where we watched anothe r celebration - incens e, release of ducks, chicke n, a procession, gongs. Had dinner at Nusa Indah to Beatle s karaok e, then a live band and drinks at Apach e Surfers Bar. Novem ber 2, 2000 Breakfaat at Nusa Indah then packed for our noon checkout. Stayed by the pool for a few hours then a walk. Bought materi al for a quilt. Watch ed “Final Destin ation” at Pub Bagus then a final walk down Jalan Legian.
SINGAPORE / MALAYSIA September 14, 2001 – October 10, 2001
SINGAPORE
Singapore Madras Hotel
MALAYSIA Malacca Kuala Lumpur Cameron Highlands Penang Perhentian Islands Kota Bharu Jerantut Kuala Tahan Kuala Lumpur
Gold Leaf Hotel Pondok Lodge Daniel’s Lodge Hotel Hong Ping Cathay Hotel Hotel Continental Coral View Island Resort Mama’s Cottages Pantai Timur Inn Hotel Sri Emas Teresek View Hotel Malaya Hotel
SINGAPORE
Singapore Regal Inn
Se pt em be r 14, 2001 at 6. 30 a m. Too k a local bu s at gi an Ch at ing iiv ar ht flig ur ho An eig ht o on th e bu s. Walk ed als rk wo d an ool sch to ing go th e airport, ma ny locals in th e Little In dia district. Be ncoolen St to M ad ras Hote l s. ma on In dia n coo kin g an d spice aro e th h wit ad Ro on go ran Se Walk ed . ue s sittin g outside th eir cu bicles stit pro re we ere th ad Ro er sk De Near in Se ran goon Road. Re sted e ntr ce er wk ha e th at s ble eta Ha d rice an d veg sa r to Chinatown wh ere we Be lan Ja in s bu a g kin ta e for be at th e hote l th old r an d contrast of archit ect ure bo lou co e th g riin mi ad s eet str e th wa lked an d ne w. ntre, spicy cu rry an d noodles. Ce d Foo re ua Sq ina Ch e th at r Ha d din ne th en ga pore River enjoying th e vie ws Sin to xt ne e tu sta t ca fat e th Sat by r hote l. wa lked ba ck along th e river to ou
Se pt em be r 15, 2001 an d In dia n ha ndicrafts. Stopped s op sh tile tex t, ree St ab Ar wn Walk ed do lta n Mosque. at Sig apore ’s large st mo sque, Su noodles. Went to th e MRT n nto wo d an les od no d foo sea of Late breakfast Th e path along th e beach rk. Pa ast Co st Ea to s bu e th k station but too s lin ed wit h pa lm tre es wa ers lad rb lle /ro sts cli cy for d se pa rat ed for wa lke rs an an d rod e th e path. M an y e bik em nd ta a ed hir e W . km an d stretched for 12 large ships an ch ored off sh ore. inson by th en ca ug ht th e bu s to To ml ar ne lex mp co g pin op sh e th in Lu nch s, fis h an d swan s, a rtle tu – ns rde ga al nic ta bo e th Road an d wa lked to , a qu iet ba ck roa d to th e he ctic ad Ro m ssi Na ed alk W s. hid orc large va riety of ge d out of sh op s an d a mong st hu an in g nin eve e th nt spe d an Orchid Road ck to th e M ad ras Hote l. ba xi ta en th r ne din for rs rge crowds. Ha d chick en bu
Septem ber 16, 2001 8a m depart ure by coach, armch air fully reclinin g, wide seats and a boxed snack of bikkies, cake and pear. We passed thousa nds on what must have been a fun run. A quick stop at immig ration then a comfortable 4 hour trip to Malacca. Walked about 2 or 3 km and ended up back where we started and booked a room at Gold Leaf Hotel. Walked the Herita ge Trail, fascinating houses, colourful and adorned. Had exquisite laksa and brinjal at Nancy’s Kitchen. Calls to prayer from Ka mpong King Mosqu e where we later visited. Then went to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (1646), the oldest Chines e temple in the country, inside offerin gs of incens e, soundi ng of gongs and chanti ng. At Victori a Founta in the drivers were touring for busine ss with their elaborately decorated trishaws. Passin g Christ Church, we climbed to the su mmit where stood St Paul’s Church built by the Portug uese in 1521. We rested in the shade, On the other side was A’ Formosa, the ruins of a fortress. We cooled off at the large Mahk ota Plaze where we had fish and chips for dinner. We finished the day at the Light & Sound Specta cular – a re-ena ctment of Melacca’s history via lights, narration and sound effects by the ruins of A’ Formosa and St Pauls. Church.
Septem ber 17, 2001 ma ritim e disp lay, Wa lked about until our noon che ckout visiting the whe re 12000 Chi nes e graves backstreets, very old hou ses the n to Bu kit Chi na ck sna ke curled arou nd a are. Con nie did n’t ma ke it to the su mmit as a bla the walk. tree bas e and exte ndi ng its ton gue put her off la Lu mpur. We che cked The n travelled two and a half hou rs by bus to Kua no win dows – yuk). The n out a backpa cke rs by the station (a tiny room with dok Lodge the n had to get a hea ded off in the wrong dire ction looking for Pon taxi the re. the n walked us to the stre et We nt to Nyonya Wo k with Ma rk for din ner, he ma rkets at Pet alin g St, Chi natown.
Septem ber 18, 2001 We caught taxi to Petrona s Towers, tickets are issued with an allocat ed 15 minute visiting time. We walked in the two acre parkla nd at the base of the towers until our 11.45 viewin g time at the Skybridge on the 42nd floor. Then caught train (two carriag es with no driver). This was more fun that a lot of a musem ent rides. Walked to the old KL train station buildin g and nearby the Masid Negara Mosqu e with its 73m minaret and 18 point star dome roof. Then walked to Centra l Mark et where we had lunch (eggpla nt and vegies). Contin ued on the Merde ka Square, the majestic Sultan Abdul Sa mad buildin g. Stopped for a rest at the treehou se founta in. Entered the Masjid Ja mek Mosqu e, Connie with scarf on head and me with a should er to foot “gradu ation� cape. Went to Sunge i Wang Plaza (disappointing) then to Mena ra KL Tower to view the city in daylight then at dusk. Taxi back to Low Yat Plaza and had a character of a driver who knew all the Aussie slang. Had Canton ese for dinner. Met several other guests also staying at Pondo k Lodge (all Dutch).
Septem ber 19, 2001 Started at Mid Valley Shoppi ng Complex but couldn ’t find anythi ng we liked. Went back to Sungwei Wang, Tangs, BBs and Low Yat but the shoppin g variety did not compa re to either Bangk ok or Denpa sar. Bought cordless headphones and some softwa re. Went to Chinatown and bought kids outfits. It bucket ed down and we caught a taxi back just in time to pick up our laundry then dashed to Nyony a Wok to meet Mark for dinner and again had Atok Atok (fish with lemong rass). Then went back to Chinatown for last minute shoppin g before finishin g the day with some Scotch & Coke. Anthon y at Pondo k Lodge was very helpfu l and friendly.
Septem ber 20, 2001 w Restau rant the n 11a m BB Q pork and roast pork brea kfast at Dra gon Vie hou r with the last hou r bus to Tan a Rat a in the Ca me ron Hig hla nds. 4 niel’s Lodge, great atm osphere. continu ously win din g our way up. Sta yed at Da stre et finishin g the day Only room left had da mp carpet. Wa lked ma in lodg e. wat chin g Cast Away in the com mon room at the Septem ber 21, 2001 45 left for a tou r. First to Roy at Da niels coo ked us egg s and toa st. At 8. in the hillside. Next to Boh Tea Sa m Poh Bu ddhist Tem ple, the n to Ros e Centre pla ntation in Ca me ron. Gloriou s of s acre 0 500 the of 600 has ch whi tion nta Pla pla nt as the y were processi ng sun ny weathe r, rolli ng hills of tea. Tou red the tea a quick visit to the bee farm. the tea leaves. The n to the Butterf ly farm and hon ey tan gerine s. Back at the Bou ght ma ngoes, tom atoe s, hon ey app les and The n set off to Robinsons Falls. lodg e we sat on the vera nda h enjoying the fruit. Ha d Ma lay sian fried rice for din ner.
Septem ber 22, 2001 Sad leaving Da niel’s Lodge that we enjoyed so mu ch. 8. 30 bus was fast and furious downhill in the area known as the graveya rd for bus drivers. Stopped at Tapah and Ipoh during our six and a half hou r ride to Pen ang. Rock form ations past Ipoh rese mbled tho se in Phn ang Ng a Bay. natown to Komtar looking Che cked into the Hot el Hon g Pin g. Wa lked Chi was a public holiday due to for the tou rise centre howeve r it was clos ed as it s. Ma lay sia good perform ance in the SEA Ga me n walked Pen ang Stre et and We nt to the viewing platform at Level 58. The frie s for din ner. fou nd the majestic Cat hay Hot el. Ha d burger and
Septem ber 23, 2001 Walked to Cannon Square where the Chines e Temple and meetin g place Khoo Kongsi is (from the film Anna & The King). Contin ued throug h Little India for Fort Cornwa llis passing the old colonia l buildin gs and the Victori a Memorial Clocktower. Chang ed hotels as we wanted to stay at the old magnificent origina l Cathay Hotel with its two stairwa ys, massive lobby and our room huge, two double beds, wooden floorboards, 13’ ceiling s, 8’ double doors as well as saloon type doors. Bus to Batu Ferring hi 45 mintue s. Wasn’t impressed with the area. Back to Komta r buying some softwa re. We decided to miss Langk awi and go to the Perhentian Islands. Two Dutch girls then made us unsure as they were told not to go due to the domin ant Muslim presen ce. Rested and had chicke n curry/n oodles at Secret Garden watchi ng Kinghts Tale, then walked back to our hotel and met up with the Dutch girls again.‑ Septem ber 24, 2001 Moved hotel to the Hotel Contin ental for a bit of luxury. Had breakfa st/ lunch at Secret Garden then bus to Air Ita m to visit the largest Buddhist temple in Malay sia – Kek Lok Si. The temple a mazin g, climbed up the 30m seven tier tower. As we left walkin g under the covered alleywa y ot market stalls it poured with rain, water runnin g off everywhere. Then caught the funicu lar railway to the top of Penan g Hill. Back at Komta r we bought the last two bus seats for the ride to Perhentian (otherwise booked out for two weeks). Late chicke n maryla nd dinner then again met up with the two Dutch girls.
Septem ber 25, 2001 Hotel buffet breakfa st then the free shuttle bus to Komta r. Comfortable 34 seat coach at 9a m. Mostly passed throug h mount ainous jungle s. Most passen gers depart ed at Khota Bharu. Only four of us left going to the islands. Arrived in Kuata Besut (13 km from Khota Bharu) half an hour late at 6pm where we paired up with a Dutch couple by taxi to Kuala Besut to find there are no more boats going to the islands for the day. After much arguin g they arrang ed a boat to take us. Speed boat took half an hour. Went to Besar (larger island). Room with fan (hilltop) at Coral View Island Resort. Arrived in darkn ess using torch to guide us from a nearby resort jetty. Late seafood dinner in the resort by the beach finishin g with ice crea m. Septem ber 26, 2001 Moved to Ma ma’s (RM75) relaxin g by the beach. Then walked up to Perhentian Island Resort and the hour long jungle walk to Deluk Dala m. Wanted to take a water taxi back but Connie felt inspired and our map showed a short return route. The walk was infested with mosqu itoes, hilly and lots of squirre ls. Couldn ’t remem ber ever sweati ng so much. We sat by the water’s edge (and in it) then on our verand ah to watch the sunset, so idyllic. Local childre n playin g, sand crabs diggin g. Fish barbecue at 8, whole fish in coconut sauce, vegies, rice and fruit salad.
Septem ber 27, 2001 Relaxing day walkin g the beach and swimming the beautiful water in front of the PI Resort. Beach BBQ at Ma ma’s (chicke n with spicy sauce). Septem ber 28, 2001 Papa took us by water taxi to Long Beach on the small island. Very wide beach, hot, many shops and restaurants, accom modation old and shabby. Then taxi to the fishing village. Back at Ma ma’s hired snorke lling gear seeing large parrot fish but too sunbu rnt to stay long. We were going to have dinner elsewh ere but Ma ma convinced us to her squid dinner which was excelle nt, coconut sauce and very spicy.
Septem ber 29, 2001 Woke early to sit on the verand ah by the beach, our last mornin g on the island. Noon depart ure, on the boat we could see fish some 20 to 30 feet below and a glimps e of a turtle surfaci ng for air. Taxi to Khota Bharu to Pantai Timur Inn and watched the last quarte r of the grand final seeing Brisba ne win. Excelle nt hotel, AC, two double beds, lounge and centrally located. Went to the night market, colourful and predominantly food, dried squid smoked, rolls of rice, brown sugar and coconut, various satays and pancak es.
Septem ber 30, 2001 After our DIY breakfa st of hard boiled eggs, toast and ja m caught taxi to Wakat Baharu for our jungle train to Jerantut at 8.40. Arrived at 3.15 and stayed at Hotel Emas where we had chicke n burgers and watched Jurasic Park 3. Hotel owner gave a one hour inform ation session on Ta man Negara. Went to the Chines e Lantern Festiva l – hundreds doing synchronised movem ents to music, childre n on the grass lighting candle s, red lantern s everywhere. Perform ers on stage, tai chi, martia l arts and judges votinig on a lantern competition. Octobe r 1, 2001 Driver took us to Tembe ling where a long boat took two and a half hours to Kuala Tahan. Stayed at Teresek View Motel, air cond with balcon y overloo king the river and floatin g restaurants. Lunch on one of the floaters then boat across to the other side for a brisk half hour walk where we reached the start of the canopy walk just before closing at 2.45. Rails of rope on the way helped make it easier. We sweated profuse ly along the suspen ded walkwa y, up steps then stopped at each tree platform for a break and water. Back on the ground we took the walk back slowly and stopped to listen and observe. Large lizards, birds and lots of jungle noise. Stopped under the canopy of a tree in heavy rain and there by our feet a large centipede. Went on the night safari at 9.45 sitting precariously at the back of a ute fitted with 3 benche s, us on the edge of the rear bench. The 4-whe el drive bounci ng about up and down and sliding sidewa ys. A guide sat on the roof of the cabin with a spotlig ht looking for wildlife. It started raining, then heavie r, then harder, we looked at each other and laughed. We pressed on but we beca me so cold and went back, we were soacked throug h 10 times over. Played ru mmy – Frank 6, Connie 0.
Octobe r 2, 2001 Breakfast at the restaurant by our room overloo king the river and floatin g restaurants. Had coconut rice spicy anchovies and tea). Strapped our soaked shoes to the air con to dry. Played ru mmy – Frank 15, Connie 11. Walked for about an hour on the track to the swimming area then to the observation hide that was nearby. Watch ed the video at the Ta man Negara Info Centre. Had Kwea Teou (flat noodle s) for lunch then went downst rea m for about 20 minute s for a tour of the Orang Asli village. They were all smokin g, kids swingi ng in sheets tied to floor bea ms. Blow pipe demon stration.
Octobe r 3, 2001 Boat at 9a m back to Hotel Sri emas by 11. 30. Mini bus at 1.10 arrivin g at Kuala Lu mpur at 4pm. Room at Malay a Hotel overloo king a Buddhist temple and Sri Maha maria mman Temple. Walked Chinatown streets. Stopped at pet shop – chipmu nks, prairie dogs, various mice, dragon s, iguana s, various snakes, long nose viper, Persian cats and various dogs. At an interse ction, boy with his mercha ndise trolley ran passed us then anothe r three more. Had a self serve dinner sa mpling everything we could – durian ice dessert (y uk). Walked up and down all the night stalls, bought three DVDs. Octobe r 4, 2001 Breakfast at the hotel then half hour local bus to Batu Caves. Sat quite awhile at the base of the stairwa y watchi ng the many monke ys and people. Occasionally the monke ys snatch ed at bags of peanuts from the young. On the stairwa y Connie helped cool off a woman who feinted walkin g the many steps, then gave her some water. Monk ey took someone’s water bottle, ran off, then unscre wed the top and drank it holding it in two hands. Had our best meal at Nyony a Wok, Otak Otak and Bringa l, Nyony a Rice and Soursop Juice. Bought more softwa re at Low Yat then back to the hotel.
Octobe r 5, 2001 Bought clothes, jewelle ry, belt and squeak y shoes at Chinatown. Walked to the Bird Park, quite expansive and very few people, far exceed ed our expect ations. Amazing birds everywhere and with the hilly landscape at times the birds at arms length (forgot to take my ca mera). Pink fla mingo s, bright red birds in the marshy area, large ostrich s, majestic peacocks. Amazing sounds. Chang ed rooms as air con broke down. Bought some last items – DVDs, watche s. Had stea mboat dinner of mainly seafood.
Octobe r 6, 2001 Short walk to Pudura ya Bus Station then six hours to Singapore. Stayed at the Regal Inn in Chinatown, a very small room overloo king the street with several other colourful buildin gs. Nearby “trash and treasure� market. Interesting watchi ng our dinner prepared, soup with egg, giblets, also noodle s served with fla me that autom atically went out after a few minute s. Had anothe r soursop desert on ice.
Octobe r 7, 2001 Bus to World Trade Centre then ferry to Sentosa. Monorail to Underwater World. Large turtles outside, red jellyfis h, pirhan as, shark embryos and moray eels. Next to Fort Siloso walkin g into barracks, tunnels and gun stallations. Next down to the beach where mainly teenag e locals were partyin g, drinkin g, playin g beach volleyball and on a tra mpolin e bungy. Two pink dolphin s perform ed at the lagoon and Connie got to touch the 25 year old pink dolphin. Went to the Butterfly Park then up the Merlion for great views. Did a loop of the island on the monora il then watched the musica l founta in show “Spirit of Sentos e�.
Octobe r 8, 2001 We started the day packin g to make sure everything was going to fit and see what space we had for some last minute shoppin g. Went to Pearl Centre for the first time, the closest shoppin g centre to our hotel. We bought casual pants, stea m iron, non-stick set of woks. Connie bought specta cle fra mes (A$100) from People ’s Park Centre. Bought an Olympus digital ca mera then went to the riversid e restaurants where we had a jug of beer to end our trip at the place we were on the first day.