Crossing from Singapore in to Malaysia was very simple and easy. Everyone on the bus were extremely friendly and helpful. The bus too was great. We got blankets, food and water and the air con worked the entire journey.
Arriving in to Kuala Lampur was great. The bus driver told me how to get to where I was staying, then decided to drop me right outside my hostel.
The hostel was lovely. The receptionist was really funny and knew everything. Breakfast was great and there was a fantastic TV lounge, so I watched DVDs in the evening with fellow backpackers. The hostel had a roof terrace that gave spectacular views of the city. The girls in my room were also great fun. We could not stop talking.
During the day I went out with the girls from my dorm. We looked around the buildings and parks of KL. One of the parks is called the 'Lake Garden', but there was not a lake there. They were doing building work. I walked through a small woodland area, which to people from the UK would call a jungle. It was full of palms, bamboo and ferns. I did not see any snakes or scorpions.
Its a fun city. Vibrant and full of activity. Its also very hot and humid so you can't really walk too far. The Christmas decorations here are spectacular too. The roads were crazy to cross, no one obeyed the traffic rules, so you just had to go!
I only stayed for three nights and wanted to move on to do a jungle trek tour in Taman Negara. Two of the girls from the dorm decided to join me.
The journey up took a while. The bus took three hours and then we took a boat upstream to where we were actually staying. The boat was tiny. It was a glorified rowing boat, though it had a motor. It took three hours to complete the journey. The views were great. Lush green vegetation as far as the eye could see. Then it started to rain and all our luggage was uncovered. The guy pulled over and covered them up, but it took a while to get started again.
Once we arrived, the accommodation was fine. There were monkeys in the trees and lizards everywhere. The showers were cold, but its so hot and humid in the jungle it was not really a problem. We went on a night jungle safari that evening. Our guide kept warning us and scaring us about leeches. It was also raining very heavily. I decided to leave my camera back at the hostel as I was already soaked to the bone.
The walk was great, we saw stick insects, glow in the dark mushrooms, deer, spiders, snakes, and so many other creatures. We did not get to see the tigers that live somewhere in the jungle nor any elephants. The creatures and plants in the jungle are so weird and wonderful. Their camouflage completely works. It took a while for us to see the stick insects, the difference between the creature and the plant. The rain did not really ease, but being under the plant canopy provides sufficient shelter. The leaves on the trees are so big and thick. The sounds of the rain and the animals was very relaxing.
We survived the night jungle trek and were all leech free. I slept very well that night. We had to get up fairly early the next day.
The following morning started with a canopy walk way. We were walking on suspended bridges that were 10 meters plus off of the ground. I was quite scared so took my time. I do not think this pleased everyone, but I got to have a great look and the wonderful plants and trees. The sounds of the birds and crickets was constant, and soothing.
Next on the agenda was a climb to the top of one of the hills. It was only 400 meters high, but was hard work as it was steep. I enjoyed the work out. The view was not great. We stopped at about 300 meters and should have been able to see the river from where we were, but the clouds had not really lifted. We continued walking and the next view was great. The clouds had risen a bit more and the sun was peaking out. Lush green rain forest everywhere. Then much to our surprise on the way back, the view that was blocked by the clouds had completely cleared. We could see so much of the valley.
I love being in the rain forest. I love the shapes of the leaves, the smells, the creatures, the sounds. Everywhere is green and lush. The plants are all competing with each other, small flowers are on the trees, I did see some orchids; the sunlight casting light beams through the gaps in the canopy making the leaves shine and so much more. During the day, I got to see spiders, beetles, leeches, crickets and thousands of termites. Some of them were poisonous and others harmless. The weather changes all the time, its raining then its sunny, then it rains again. The light level changes the view of the rain forest. When there is less light you can see out further and through the depths of the trees, when it is sunny the greens of the leaves are bright and reflect the light and the brown of the wood is enhanced.
Once we had finished the day trek our guide asked us to check for leeches, only two people from the group had some and they did not want to let go. They had two each and could not feel them there at all. So pleased that they did not find me tasty.
In the afternoon we went to see an indigenous settlement that live on the river. We were not sure if it was staged or if they really live there. Most of them were wearing jeans and t-shirts. Our guide said that the government try to help them. Before we got to the village, we went white water rafting in the tiny rowing boat with a motor. We all drenched. It was great fun, I could not stop screaming and laughing. The village met us when we were soaked through. I guess it helped us to get rid of any inhibitions, and it was en route. We got to see how they hunt for food with a long bamboo stick and darts. They blow through the bamboo which is about 1- 2 meters long and darts go for about 30 meters. The construction was simple and looked perfect. They also showed us how to make fire using bamboo and palm wood. They got a flame going with in 30 seconds.
After being soaked through and full of mud I went back to clean up before dinner. In the evening we went on a night jungle safari. I do not know how the 4x4 managed to get us in and out of the jungle. It is rainy season here. The tracks are like streams and rivers. It was cool though. Got to see more creatures: wild boars, leopard cats, cows, snakes and owls. Night time in the jungle is so noisy. The frogs and the crickets and everything else just come alive.
That night I slept very well. We had to be up early the next day. It was time to leave. The group I had been travelling with were heading back to KL and I was leaving for the Cameron Highlands. We left the same way we arrived, by boat. So I had to say goodbye to them all once we got to the bus station.
I was the only one going to the Cameron Highlands. I had the bus all to myself. The journey was very frightening. My driver was experienced as I guess I had nothing to fear, and they all drive the same way, so I guess everyone is aware. He would over take about 10 vehicles at once, even when there was traffic coming the other way, then complain about the bad driving from other drivers. There have been a few land slips recently. In the UK the roads would have been closed, but no here in Asia you can still go over bridges that are only half standing. My drivers strategy was drive as quickly as possible in case the bridge collapses. He could see I was nervous and told me this to comfort me!
Anyway, I managed to get here alive. Its very beautiful. Its cold. I am 2000 meters above sea level. Its great to escape the hot weather for a while. Its like Autumn in the UK. I have to wear jumpers and sleep in thermals. I have gotten used to 30oC weather so 15oC is very cold to me now. the hostel has no glass in the windows and I am not sure who constructed it. Its a few bits of wood nailed together and it leaks. The roof above the cheap beds is just plastic and the expensive ones have wood. Cheap is 80p and expensive is 1 pound. I actually really like it. Is cosy once you have two blankets and thermals. Everyone here is great.
I had a lazy day when I arrived. Yesterday I went to see the local strawberry farms- nothing like the English strawberry, but still great. I had cake and milkshake, both strawberry flavour. I also saw the tea plantations, butterfly farms, bee farms and more. The highlands are great. Lots of farming villages and great markets. The food in the village is great. I am living off of Indian food.
Malaysia is so diverse. There are so many cultures living side by side together happily. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. It throws me. I am so used to being on my guard, that I feel guilty doubting people that help me. People offer me to come under their umbrellas when its raining, and just want to talk, maybe to practice their English. People are curious, but friendly. Its also very clear that the English were here. There are Tudor buildings scattered around and I can get a cream tea just about anywhere I go.
I am going on a trek later on today. Tomorrow I leave to Pengang. I island in the north. For Christmas I should be in Thailand a place called Khao Lak. I have some friends from the UK in Thailand at the moment, so will hopefully see them all over the festive period.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Singapore
The flight to Singapore was pretty scary, as there was a fair bit of turbulence. Arriving at the airport was lovely. There are orchids everywhere. So pretty and beautiful.
I managed to work out the train successfully to get to the hostel I was staying at. When I arrived, I was unsure if I had the right place. The door was labeled with print outs with the name and address on. So professional. Then the real shock came once I go inside. I think the wonderful hotels in Thailand and Hong Kong had spoiled me. I was shocked, it was sooooo tiny, bunk beds, shared kitchen, no en suit bathroom and back to no hot water!!!!! But actually it is perfectly clean and really comfy. Everyone staying at the hostel are fun and friendly.
I had to get used to the noise again of the dorms. The room I am staying in is next to the TV room, so the noise comes through, but surprisingly I had a great nights sleep. The next morning I did see a lizard creeping into some one's bag trying to get a free ride to Malaysia or Indonesia I guess.
The first day in Singapore it rained, but was still hot. I still went out and had a good look around. I froze in my wet clothes whenever I went inside as they love air con here too. Singapore appears to be more green and lush in the city centre compared to Hong Kong, but I they both celebrate Christmas more than Europe or anywhere else and love to shop. The displays are amazing. There is an ice skating display in one of the shopping malls and huge decorations everywhere. There are thousands of shops to trying to get you to buy.
I had a look around China Town, Little India and the Riverside. They are all great fun. I felt that they were vibrant. The Riverside looks very Dutch to me and also a mix of Sydney Harbour, Melbourne and the South Bank in London. Its definitely very Western over here. Everything is written in English. There are many colonial buildings dotted around too. I had forgotten about the use of squat toilets in South East Asia and the way cockroaches are everywhere in the tropics. Though after my first encounters, I think nothing of them anymore.
Today was wonderfully sunny and hot. I had a closer look at the temples today as there is such a mixture of Muslim, Chinese, Buddhist and more. I return to Singapore in February, so will spend more time looking around. I booked a bus to go to Malaysia. I will hopefully be picked up from the hostel in the morning, I have my fingers crossed at the moment.
Its sad not having company anymore, and having someone to chat to all the time, though I am sure Gemma and Haydn are relieved not to hear my endless chitter chatter; but its also great fun to be on my own again. Its fun trying to work out what to do and where to go. Its also hard to get away from people as the dorms are so full of people wanting to tell you their stories.
Enough from me. Looking forward to moving to Malaysia. Will let you all know how it goes. xxx
I managed to work out the train successfully to get to the hostel I was staying at. When I arrived, I was unsure if I had the right place. The door was labeled with print outs with the name and address on. So professional. Then the real shock came once I go inside. I think the wonderful hotels in Thailand and Hong Kong had spoiled me. I was shocked, it was sooooo tiny, bunk beds, shared kitchen, no en suit bathroom and back to no hot water!!!!! But actually it is perfectly clean and really comfy. Everyone staying at the hostel are fun and friendly.
I had to get used to the noise again of the dorms. The room I am staying in is next to the TV room, so the noise comes through, but surprisingly I had a great nights sleep. The next morning I did see a lizard creeping into some one's bag trying to get a free ride to Malaysia or Indonesia I guess.
The first day in Singapore it rained, but was still hot. I still went out and had a good look around. I froze in my wet clothes whenever I went inside as they love air con here too. Singapore appears to be more green and lush in the city centre compared to Hong Kong, but I they both celebrate Christmas more than Europe or anywhere else and love to shop. The displays are amazing. There is an ice skating display in one of the shopping malls and huge decorations everywhere. There are thousands of shops to trying to get you to buy.
I had a look around China Town, Little India and the Riverside. They are all great fun. I felt that they were vibrant. The Riverside looks very Dutch to me and also a mix of Sydney Harbour, Melbourne and the South Bank in London. Its definitely very Western over here. Everything is written in English. There are many colonial buildings dotted around too. I had forgotten about the use of squat toilets in South East Asia and the way cockroaches are everywhere in the tropics. Though after my first encounters, I think nothing of them anymore.
Today was wonderfully sunny and hot. I had a closer look at the temples today as there is such a mixture of Muslim, Chinese, Buddhist and more. I return to Singapore in February, so will spend more time looking around. I booked a bus to go to Malaysia. I will hopefully be picked up from the hostel in the morning, I have my fingers crossed at the moment.
Its sad not having company anymore, and having someone to chat to all the time, though I am sure Gemma and Haydn are relieved not to hear my endless chitter chatter; but its also great fun to be on my own again. Its fun trying to work out what to do and where to go. Its also hard to get away from people as the dorms are so full of people wanting to tell you their stories.
Enough from me. Looking forward to moving to Malaysia. Will let you all know how it goes. xxx
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has been quite a contrast from Thailand. Its clean, organised, expensive and efficient. The tube meets the airport and takes you straight to where you want to go. Such a relief. I loved Thailand, and its chaos, but it is great to get from the plane to the hotel with no complications.
I met Haydn at the airport. He was due to get off the plane shortly after me. I waited at the arrivals area but Haydn's flight kept being delayed so I went to find a seat in the arrivals lounge. I was not really sure if he would arrive. I was getting worried as the information for his flight kept changing. As I went to check what was happening with his flight, he arrived telling me that his plane landed then took off and then landed again. So pleased I was not on that flight!!
Anyway we got to Hong Kong Island in no time on the tube or MTR as its called here. The hotel was lovely. Got to have a hot shower for the first time in ages. I must have spent more than 20 minutes just enjoying the hot water. I did not do very much the first night. Flying always makes me so tired.
The next morning, looking around Hong Kong was interesting. It was easy to walk around no market stalls and their sellers bothering me; crossing roads was safe and easy as the traffic obeys the road rules though there are loads of people are rushing to get to work or to go shopping, which seems to be the favorite pass time here. The buildings are so big and dominating.
I found Hong Kong to be cold initially, the air conditioning is always on so low, walking past each shop is like passing a fridge. I managed to get used to it by wearing more clothes. I was expecting Hong Kong to be as hot as Thailand, but it is about 10oC cooler, which makes it much more pleasant to walk around.
The first tourist attraction I went to was The Peak. The Peak is at the top of one of the mountains and is very steep. We took a tram up and could see all of Hong Kong and some of the surrounding islands. We stayed up there for the sun set and to see the buildings put on their lights.
Most mornings I would wonder in to the food markets and get some fruit for breakfast, and then head to the park to enjoy the morning sunshine. The parks here are full of activity. Men are playing Chinese Chess and the women are practicing Tai Chi, or gossiping with their friends. Open spaces and parks in Hong Kong are really positive environments. People here seem to active and social. The parks are filled with plants and flowers and are very clean.
My favorite park was Hong Kong park. There is a huge pond filled with terrapins and coy carp and water lillys, with butterflies and dragon flies dancing around. There is a tea house, botanical garden, aviary and art museum there too. The when you look up you can see the big dominating buildings. It is such a contrast. It is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The other attractions I found were the bars. I had kept away from the bars in most countries, but here they have happy hour everywhere and ladies drink for free on Wednesday nights. The bars are great fun.
Each Sunday I have been here I have been fortunate enough to go out on a boat around the islands. Haydn has many friends here in Hong Kong and we were invited on to these boats which were great fun. We stopped at a wonderful seafood restaurant. All though I do not eat this sort of food it looked wonderful. Everything was cooked in garlic and chille. I ordered some vegetables and they were so full of taste, like nothing I had eaten before. On the first boat I forgot to take my bikini. Every one went swimming, I could not resist so I went in in my underwear. My bra was ok, but my knickers were a bit lacy and on the small side. It was all good fun though.
We spent a couple of days off the island. We went to look around the markets on the main land. The main land has a different feel. We went to one of the main shopping areas which has lots of fake designer watches and bags. The markets are full of copies. We also went to the bird market which was just so noisy. Apparently the Chinese by birds for their song and not for their appearance. Walking though was just so difficult on the ear drums. We had just left the flower market which was calm, beautiful and fragrant. The bird market was a total contrast. Then we looked around the fish market which was very interesting. So many weird and wonderful fish, coral and other interesting creatures including bugs.
I stopped to watch the light display on the Avenue of Stars. The Avenue of Stars has tiles of famous Chinese film and music stars. It is the perfect place to watch the light display. The view of Hong Kong is amazing. I am so lucky to come here so close to Christmas as the building have festive displays on them as well as their own lights. It so colourful. I really enjoyed the light display. The buildings come to life and they are timed to music. The buildings look like they are dancing.
I took the train right out of town and went to have a look at the Big Buddha which is amazing. We took the cable car over the mountains which were spectacular. Such a contrast from Hong Kong. It was fantastic to see so much greenery and to look out in to the sea. I can not remember all the details regarding the big Buddha but it sits on top of one of the mountains. I think the mountain it sits on is 1000 meters above sea level. It dominates the landscape. Walking up to the Buddha is almost intimidating. it is a huge bronze sculpture. The head alone is 5 meters long and I think it weighs 500 tonnes. It was interesting to go and to see the scenery. We told people the next day that we had been there, then the stories about the cable cars randomly falling were being told. Maybe we would have taken the bus up if we had known that.
The temples here are a little bit different from the temples in Thailand. They have animals on the roofs, and you can have your fortune told, and much more incense is used. They are a bit commercial too. There are cafes and shops with in the temple grounds, which I found a bit strange. The temples are very pretty and the art work is so delicate. They are very well kept.
I am off to Singapore on Sunday. Not sure what I will do when I get there. I have had a lot of fun in Hong Kong. Its so many things. Its beautiful, powerful, delicate, full of contrasts, multi cultural, relaxed and busy. Its quite difficult to explain. The sky line is amazing. People are so kind and friendly. The food is good. There must be more than a million shops. Just so many things.
I met Haydn at the airport. He was due to get off the plane shortly after me. I waited at the arrivals area but Haydn's flight kept being delayed so I went to find a seat in the arrivals lounge. I was not really sure if he would arrive. I was getting worried as the information for his flight kept changing. As I went to check what was happening with his flight, he arrived telling me that his plane landed then took off and then landed again. So pleased I was not on that flight!!
Anyway we got to Hong Kong Island in no time on the tube or MTR as its called here. The hotel was lovely. Got to have a hot shower for the first time in ages. I must have spent more than 20 minutes just enjoying the hot water. I did not do very much the first night. Flying always makes me so tired.
The next morning, looking around Hong Kong was interesting. It was easy to walk around no market stalls and their sellers bothering me; crossing roads was safe and easy as the traffic obeys the road rules though there are loads of people are rushing to get to work or to go shopping, which seems to be the favorite pass time here. The buildings are so big and dominating.
I found Hong Kong to be cold initially, the air conditioning is always on so low, walking past each shop is like passing a fridge. I managed to get used to it by wearing more clothes. I was expecting Hong Kong to be as hot as Thailand, but it is about 10oC cooler, which makes it much more pleasant to walk around.
The first tourist attraction I went to was The Peak. The Peak is at the top of one of the mountains and is very steep. We took a tram up and could see all of Hong Kong and some of the surrounding islands. We stayed up there for the sun set and to see the buildings put on their lights.
Most mornings I would wonder in to the food markets and get some fruit for breakfast, and then head to the park to enjoy the morning sunshine. The parks here are full of activity. Men are playing Chinese Chess and the women are practicing Tai Chi, or gossiping with their friends. Open spaces and parks in Hong Kong are really positive environments. People here seem to active and social. The parks are filled with plants and flowers and are very clean.
My favorite park was Hong Kong park. There is a huge pond filled with terrapins and coy carp and water lillys, with butterflies and dragon flies dancing around. There is a tea house, botanical garden, aviary and art museum there too. The when you look up you can see the big dominating buildings. It is such a contrast. It is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The other attractions I found were the bars. I had kept away from the bars in most countries, but here they have happy hour everywhere and ladies drink for free on Wednesday nights. The bars are great fun.
Each Sunday I have been here I have been fortunate enough to go out on a boat around the islands. Haydn has many friends here in Hong Kong and we were invited on to these boats which were great fun. We stopped at a wonderful seafood restaurant. All though I do not eat this sort of food it looked wonderful. Everything was cooked in garlic and chille. I ordered some vegetables and they were so full of taste, like nothing I had eaten before. On the first boat I forgot to take my bikini. Every one went swimming, I could not resist so I went in in my underwear. My bra was ok, but my knickers were a bit lacy and on the small side. It was all good fun though.
We spent a couple of days off the island. We went to look around the markets on the main land. The main land has a different feel. We went to one of the main shopping areas which has lots of fake designer watches and bags. The markets are full of copies. We also went to the bird market which was just so noisy. Apparently the Chinese by birds for their song and not for their appearance. Walking though was just so difficult on the ear drums. We had just left the flower market which was calm, beautiful and fragrant. The bird market was a total contrast. Then we looked around the fish market which was very interesting. So many weird and wonderful fish, coral and other interesting creatures including bugs.
I stopped to watch the light display on the Avenue of Stars. The Avenue of Stars has tiles of famous Chinese film and music stars. It is the perfect place to watch the light display. The view of Hong Kong is amazing. I am so lucky to come here so close to Christmas as the building have festive displays on them as well as their own lights. It so colourful. I really enjoyed the light display. The buildings come to life and they are timed to music. The buildings look like they are dancing.
I took the train right out of town and went to have a look at the Big Buddha which is amazing. We took the cable car over the mountains which were spectacular. Such a contrast from Hong Kong. It was fantastic to see so much greenery and to look out in to the sea. I can not remember all the details regarding the big Buddha but it sits on top of one of the mountains. I think the mountain it sits on is 1000 meters above sea level. It dominates the landscape. Walking up to the Buddha is almost intimidating. it is a huge bronze sculpture. The head alone is 5 meters long and I think it weighs 500 tonnes. It was interesting to go and to see the scenery. We told people the next day that we had been there, then the stories about the cable cars randomly falling were being told. Maybe we would have taken the bus up if we had known that.
The temples here are a little bit different from the temples in Thailand. They have animals on the roofs, and you can have your fortune told, and much more incense is used. They are a bit commercial too. There are cafes and shops with in the temple grounds, which I found a bit strange. The temples are very pretty and the art work is so delicate. They are very well kept.
I am off to Singapore on Sunday. Not sure what I will do when I get there. I have had a lot of fun in Hong Kong. Its so many things. Its beautiful, powerful, delicate, full of contrasts, multi cultural, relaxed and busy. Its quite difficult to explain. The sky line is amazing. People are so kind and friendly. The food is good. There must be more than a million shops. Just so many things.
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