Destination two: The Perhentian islands
located just off the northeast coast of Malaysia. Despite arriving in the rain
(an emerging theme we were discovering), it was easy to recognize the
gorgeousness of the islands. Following a recommendation, we stayed at Moonlight
Chalets, rather shabby beach huts at the far end of the beach which were run by
a hilarious transvestite (Dee) and her boyfriend (possibly). Bugs galore,
stained walls, and a broken bed, the rooms certainly did not lack
character.
We spent the majority of our stay
sunbathing and swimming, although at one point we did try to be a bit more
adventurous. Teaming up with a couple, we set off on a pretty rickety long boat
driven by a slightly mad young Malaysian. First stop, swimming with sharks. Whilst
they may have only been as long as my arm, a shark is a shark nonetheless and I
was admittedly terrified getting into the water. We then went on a slightly
random turtle hunt which effectively resulted in almost being drowned by a lot
of Chinese tourists, a brief sighting, and an almost capsized boat.
 |
| Perhentian Islands, Malaysia |
After our four blissful days in paradise,
we returned to Wakaf Bharu, the jumping off point for the train to Kuala
Lumpur. Unfortunately due to our lack of organisational skills, we hadn’t
booked ahead which meant we couldn’t get a sleeper train back down. The result:
an overnight 14-hour train trip sitting up. We arrived in KL a little worse for
wear and after an extremely frustrating attempt to book transport down to
Singapore, we had to settle on the most expensive means, which as it turned
out, was a luxury bus – personal TVs, food, a hostess, and reclining armchairs.
Definitely not the worst way to travel!
After our relaxing bus ride down, we
arrived in Singapore late afternoon. HT had a friend in the city, so we were
lucky enough to stay at her absolutely stunning apartment - a welcome relief!
That night we went to a Beer Festival. Admittedly I was flagging after our
hideous train ride the night previously, but after a few jägerbombs, HT and I
perked up considerably. Minus any post-drinking heart palpitations, it would
seem that Red Bull is always the way forward!
The next few days passed by in a whirlwind.
We were granted the ‘Lodde’ style sightseeing trip round Singapore which
included an attempted (and failed) wakeboarding excursion, Orchard Road,
Sentosa island, and two very successful stops at the Hawkers food market. Four
days later, sad to be moving on, but extremely excited for our next stop, we
set off for Bali.
 |
| Failed wakeboarding trip, Singapore |
PS - Thanks for the photos HT!
