So on to Malaysia. We had met up with the rest of the group fine (thankfully as I was the one holding the tickets for all the guys on Koh Samui) and we started our journey towards the border. It was a really crossing but a very long day, with some very crazy driving! We arrived at out hotel fairly late on the Sunday night. In typical Odyssey style, one of our long drive days had been on a birthday - Jo's. Teresa had organised a cake for her but she was tired and just wanted to go to bed. After trying, unsuccessfully, to get her back downstairs with a few white lies I eventually had to say to her 'Look, they've got a cake downstairs for you, now get your arse down there and look surprised!'. Thankfully, that got her down......
Jo with her cake
We didn't get to celebrate much that night but had a few drinks on the roof terrace the next night to make up for it!
The late arrival meant that we only had one full day in Penang. I had been before and the only real thing I wanted to do was visit the fort, which I did with Fiona, Al, Pernille and Becs. The rest of the day was spent wandering and having Jo's birthday drinks. Here are a few shots of Penang....
The next day we had another really early start, we were crossing from an island on the east coast to one of the Perhentian Islands on the east. After a 5 hour drive and a stop at KFC for lunch, we made it to the boat. A half hour boat trip and we were there - it was amazing. 2 and a half days to stay in paradise and just chill, read, swim, snorkel or dive - and that's just exactly what we did! At night we also had some pretty spectacular storms to enjoy. Here are some pics (no storm pics unfortunately!).
Our resident monitor lizard
Snake by reception
some of the guys taking photos of the snake
Off on a snorkelling trip
Here are a few pics of some of the stuff we saw under water - pictures come courtesy of Mahala, thank you!
To say we were all sad to leave here was an understatement. It was beautiful, the sea was clear and warm and like swimming in an aquarium - just amazing.
Next stop, though, was Kuala Lumpur (KL). Again it was another long day so when we arrived we followed Dave to the night market for food before heading for bed. The next day I spent in some of the various huge shopping centres as well as the China Town markets - at least I got some of my Christmas shopping started! It was then time to head for our farewell drinks - Fiona, Alex, Louise and Becs were leaving the group in KL as it was easier for them to make their way on to Borneo from there rather than Singapore. A great night was had by all!
Night market for food
Jules and Jo
Night market
Chinatown
Mahala and James
Pernille, me and Becs
Spike and Andy - too alike!
Jo and Jules
Dav throwing some moves!
Simon, Al and Dav
And again..
Fiona and Dav being photobombed by Andy!
Teresa and Louise
Becs and Pernille
Dave, me and Becs
Louise, me and Becs being photobombed by T!
Spike, Phil and Andy - the 3 Muskateers.
The next morning it was time to say our goodbyes, it was all starting to sink it that it was nearly over and the first of the tears started. It was all going to get harder once in Singapore - only one more night with the group!
Anyway, that's all from Malaysia. Thanks to Fi, Al, Lou and Becs - it's been great and I will miss you. Take care and enjoy the rest of your travels and I'll see you next year (except Becs - I'll see you in the Philippines!)
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