Melaka or Malacca - Day 2

We moved hotels today to the Hotel Puri which was first built in 1822 . It was originally the ancestral home of Tan Kim Seng (1805-1865) a third generation straits Chinese born in Malacca. It is located in one of the oldest streets in Malacca ‘Holland Street’ which was known as Millionaires’ Row because many of the Chinese millionaires built here in the 1800’s-some still live on the street. It is very nice and comfortable and just off Jonker Street where there are many shops ad restaurants. We then walked to St Paul’s Church which was built by the Portuguese Captain Duarte Coelho. St Francis Xavier was buried there for a short time in 1553 but later shipped to Goa India. It I very old and overlooks the harbour and Melaka River. Then we had a Korean lunch and went on a cruise of the Melaka River-very interesting. We saw an large iguana in the river, in fact several. The guide was very entertaining and it seems that Melaka is vying for a big slice of the tourist market. Tonight we went to the Jonker Street night market-lots interesting sights but the stalls were disappointing. We called it a day about 11pm. Our last full day in Malaysia.

Melaka

We arrived in Melaka at about 8.30pm, it was a long day but we did see some of the country and the coast down to Cherating. The roads in Malaysia are very good. Our hotel leaves a bit to be desired so we found a much better one today for our last night, the Hotel Puri. Its an old mansion converted into a hotel. Today we did the Lonely Planet walking Tour of the old quater. We had a shaky start due to a huge thunderstorm (our first rain since Penang). Our first stop was St Francis Xaviers Church and then the Museum., the Stadthbuys. The Stradthbuys is an old Dutch building and very well preserved. It took sometime to walk through (Ken would have taken all day). The history of Melaka is interesting and it was a great story of the old to the new and we were out of the rain. In front of the Stadthbuys is an imposing fountain of Queen Victoria's face in 4 profiles. we walked over the Melaka River and had L chicken rice for lunch-this time it was very tasty. The streets of Melaka have much of interest from Antique Shops, Chinese temples,cafes and shops of traditionally artifacts. We stop for a beer at a cafe that had a wet bar ie you could eat your lunch dangling your feet in a pond with small fish that nibbled on your toes. Interesting and a great old building and it was buy one Tiger beer and get one free (we ended up with 4 beers!). More walking and shopping (yes today i was allowed to do some shopping) and then we found the Hotel we will be staying in tomorrow night. Another famous cafe for another stop-it was really hot and steamy by this stage. The Cafe Geograher, a great cafe with much ambiance and free Internet! I had a mango tango (mango puree with Sprite-just lovely and of course Robert had another beer). we walked some more and then Robert went to but our tickets for Singapore on Sunday. Think we will have a quite night.

Day 3 - Kuala Terengganu

Today we set off to do some shopping and visit another local island where they build boats. We arranged with a local taxi to pick us up at the hotel and take us to the island, wait and then drive us back. This was another suggestion by the Tourism Information. Well what a waste of time-interesting but only held our attention for about 15 minutes. The taxi driver also took us to a resort but we were not interested . So back to town for some shopping but shopping is also not great in Malaysia or it might be because I have Robert in tow? Think it is a bit of both. We found an internet café and sent a few emails. After we had finished the owner rang his wife who gave us a lift back to the resort. There are some really friendly people in this country (except bus drivers!) So we went back for another swim and relax. We had dinner at the resort-just wonderful, lots of great food but no wine unfortunately! I like Kuala Terengganu and the resort was lovely and the service excellent. It is quite different to the more commercialized west coast but more difficult to get around. Off to Melaka in the morning.

Day 2 - Kuala Terengganu

After being woken at 5.30 by the wake up prayer from the local Mosque (arrows pointing to Mecca on the ceiling of our room) we had a great breakfast and walked into the city and booked the next leg of our journey by bus to Melaka . Visited the tourist information, they suggested a few things to do so we set off on a ferry to the other side of the river. Well, it seems that the typical Malaysian lives in fairly poor condi6tions. The houses are made of wood and pretty untidy. There are some ’mansions’ but few in the township we visited, dusty roads and of course a Mosque. Decided to get the next ferry and go back for a swim. We met an Englishman who is married to a Chinese Malay, they live in Singapore. They were visiting his wife’s family and he pops I for a swim every day. It was interesting to hear about living in Singapore and his thoughts on Malaysia as a developing country. Dinner was at a local Malay restaurant. Not very exciting. In fact the food in Malaysia has been disappointing except the India food.

Day 1 - Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is a large prosperous city and has a much stronger Malay culture. Most people seem to be Muslim and most women wear a head scarf, all different configurations. They are called Tudung or Selendang, depending on the length. In fact on our first morning here nearly every woman had a head scarf on and there were lots of children. Today is a public holiday for Deepavali or the Festival of Lights which is a Hindu celebration for the dominance of light over dark or good against evil. We have heard several different explanations for Deepavali. The resort is lovely with a great pool and beach. The beach is not really inviting because the water is muddy-must be the recent rain or because it is close to the river mouth. Our room is spacious and comfortable. We decided to walk into the city, a considerable way! The weather is hot but we have not had any rain for several days and it is a nice sunny day. The Harbour front is attractive and we had to the Central Market. It is a wet market with lots of produce-Robert is tempted to try the fish sausage but I wasn’t! One shop owner was trying to sell us turtle eggs, I said that was sad but he didn’t appreciate my comment. We had missed lunch so we decided to check out (another) Chinatown , at least there wasn’t a Little India. W had a nice meal and a beer! Getting use to no alcohol. The resort is dry, not even beer so no cocktails around the pool. We ended the day with a nice swim and a relax.

Day 3 Penang

Today we caught the local bus and went to Batu Ferringhi. This is like to Gold coast of Penang with lovely beaches where you can para-sail, ride a boat, jet ski or have a massage. So I had a foot massage laying under shade on the beach-it was lovely. The water is so warm but there a small stingy jellyfish but apparently there are beaches that do not have jellyfish. We had lunch at an Indian Restaurant (again) and fresh lime juice (really getting to like the fresh juices). We then hopped on the the local bus and went to the Tropical Spice Garden. This was lovely with many different spices from around the world and a description of what they were used for and where they came from. It was then back to Georgetown on the bus. The whole trip cost 11 ringlets or about $5 AUS for both of us. It was really good because we got to see a lot of the Island and at our own pace. I would recommend Penang for those visiting Malaysia, an interesting,vibrant and friendly island. We are now packing up and heading to Kuala Terengganu on the east coast-for a rest and a laze in the sun for few days

Day 2 Penang

Today we planned our next stop on the east coast Kuala Terengganu. It is on the coast and the hotel we are staying is a 5 star resort. Time for a rest, sitting by pool or on the beach sipping a cocktail! Also we are hoping to see more traditional Malay culture. Malay culture seems very diluted on the west coast with Chinese and Indian Cultures. Unfortunately to save time we have to leave tomorrow night and go by bus. Time is running out!

The next on the agenda was to visit the Kek lok Si Temple. This is the largest temple in Malaysia. It was impressive and the cable ride up to the bronze statue of Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy (although she was covered in scaffolding) offered a great view of Penang. We went by taxi and the driver waited for us and then took us to a traditional Malaysian Restaurant. It was really dodgy i.e the cleanliness, as you can imagine I didn't eat very much and thought what I did eat was very ordinary. I am sure there will be consequences :-( He also showed Robert where to buy the cheapest beer in Penang (with a hat thrown in!). Back to the Hotel for a rest and then we headed to Little India for dinner. I have Chicken Marsala and Robert Mutton Rogan Josh. Great taste and very clean. Walking the streets of Little India was really entertaining, lots of colours and a strong smell of incense. It is still the Deepvali Festival and the streets are decorated with lots of flowers etc. The weather today has been great, lots of sun and no rain!

Penang

The trip on Air Asia was fine and we set off after booking in (and checking the free wifi-great) to explore the historic areas of Georgetown and have lunch. we decided on Indian which was very tasty and to follow a the walking tour, the problem was that Robert set off in the wrong direction. Once we found the right way we were at the end of the tour but that didn't matter it was just a little more difficult to navigate. The Christian Cemetery was the first stop. Many of the founders of the settlement e.g Francis Light (his son William Light founded Adelaide) are buried there. Many of them died from Malaria ad the mossies were out in force as the place was moist, dark and eerie. The next stop was Leong Fee's mansion and a dip (feet only) in the Straits of Malacca-very warm. We met an English couple who were on their way to New Zealand to visit their children. They had travelled by train from Bangkok-sounded interesting. The architecture of the old buildings is magnificent. We finished off at Fort Cornwallis. On our way back we found Little India (yes another one) and met an Aussie who gave us advice on alcohol and where to buy it i.e grog shop. The whiskey is cheaper than beer! By the time we returned to our hotel we had been walking for 4 hours. Big afternoon as it was hot and sticky. A storm erupted just as we arrived back at the hotel. It was romantic sipping a Scotch and Coke, watching the rain. Dinner was a local -Nasi Goring and apple juice. Not bad for about $5.

At the Airport

We got a taxi to the airport about $30 and it took over an hour. Linda the taxi driver gave us a potted overview of life as a single mother with 2 daughters living in KL. it seems life is pretty good in Malaysia with unemployment as low as 3% and most people owning their own homes. education is important and work plentiful. Logged on now to free wireless. We are not sad to be leaving KL and don't think we will return. Although last night it was great wondering through the streets, so much life and ambiance. We met a couple from Wollongong-the world is a small place. About to board and need to give Robert a go on the Internet!!

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur

Set off to the Batu caves via bus this morning, thought it would be an adventure to travel on the local bus and it was good. We saw some more of KL and the caves were worth the effort. The 272 steps up defy gravity but the view is great and the monkeys totally amusing. One couple had some bananas and the monkeys were not going to take no for an answer until they surrendered. Robert tried to help but the monkeys started to run up his legs. They were harmless and very cute but I did see their big fangs when they wer munching on the bananas. We met an English couple on the bus and travelled back with them to the centre of KL via taxi. They were on their way to Australia for a wedding. I tried chicken rice again for lunch and think its overrated but the fruit smoothies as just so good. We wondered down through Chinatown again but Robert has lost his lust for a bargain and the goods are definitely poor quality (although I couldn't resist the watch and sunglasses). We are having a rest now before we venture out for another walk and to find somewhere to eat. My observation is that Asian people seem to eat all day. They are always eating no matter what time of day. How come they are not fat? Off to Penang via plane in the morning.

Day 2 Kuala Lumpur

Off to Little India and Chinatown today (seems each city has these two areas). Little India was a disappointment not as good as Singapore. Lots of cheap stalls selling batik, cheap fabrics, watches etc. So we set off for Chinatown, again it was not a patch on Singapore. We tried to do the Chinatown walk but it is hard to navigate KL. We had Arabic food tonight, so tasty. The food in KL is magnificent - so many different types of food. It was hot today but had the normal afternoon rain which cooled down the evening. Booked Air Asia to Penang (only one hour flight) and accommodation in Georgetown (free Internet access). Not sure how long we will stay, depends on how interesting we find the island. Off to the Batu caves tomorrow.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

It was off to the Money Changer first thing and then we got a taxi to the Central Market. Lots of Malaysian artifacts. I bought 2 masks-one for us and one for Debbie and Dennis. They are lovely. Checked out some cameras but they don’t seem to be very cheap. We had Indian again for lunch and are off on a city tour this afternoon. The tour went past Chinatown, the Istana Negara where the King of Malaysia resides (there are 9 sultans and they each take a turn being King every 5 years), the site of the merging of the two rivers for which Kuala (muddy ) Lumpur (river) is named, we saw the Twin Towers and the KL Tower, National Museum (really interesting), the Lake Garden where the largest covered Bird Park in the world, Declaration Square and also a Chocolate, Batik and Leather factory. Of course we had to buy some chocolate! Starting to settle into KL, the weather is OK, not too hot and it only rains once a day (so far). For dinner we strolled up the rod and had a choice of Russian, Arabic, Italian, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian-all in a row. We settled on Malaysian in a really nice restaurant that had a feel of Asia with the high ceilings, wonderful garden and ceiling fans. I even had a glass of wine (or 2) but the food while tasty was not as good as the cheaper restaurants we have been experiencing. It was nice and in reality only cost about $35 AUS.

Leaving Singapore

We left Singapore and headed to Kuala Lumpur via bus ($33 SG each). The trip was 5 hours and only a small hick up when I didn’t have my exit pass for Singapore. They took my fingerprints and then let us through! Not sure what happened to my pass L. It was a good trip and we saw quite a bit of Singapore on the way and the countryside of Malaysia. The hotel in KL was easy to find and while not as nice at the Golden Landmark in Singapore it is fine. After checking in we walked into the centre of KL. It is certainly a lot shabbier than Singapore and the people are not nearly as friendly. There was a huge thunderstorm and some flooding but we managed to get back without getting too wet. Indian was on the menu for dinner. Nice food and cheap about $10 AUS for both of us. We had a beer and that was as expensive and it was warm! Alcohol is expensive in Malaysia so I am opting for Mango juice-it’s just so good. Even Robert is joining me. Tried again to use wireless but it seems that there is no free wireless in around where we are in KL. Paid for 1 hour but it kept dropping out-so annoying.

Day Three Singapore

Today we went on a river cruise down the Singapore River from Clarke Quay. It was good to get another perspective of Singapore and some idea of the past i.e. the trading and activity on the riverfront. Jenny and I were keen to have chili crab so we finally convinced Karl and Robert (took sometime!). Jenny had been told that the Jumbo was great food so we settled under the awning just before a huge thunderstorm. It all worked out well because we were out of the weather and enjoyed a lovely lunch and a beer with good friends. The chilli crab was delicious!
It was then off to Orchard Road via the MRT. The 3 Day pass was such good value and the MRT underground very easy to use, efficient and clean. Lots of shopping on Orchard Road but certainly not with Robert and Karl in tow. Jenny and I explored the biggest book shop in Asia, Kinokuniya. A book lovers heaven! I bought a book The red Thread written by an Australian who lives in Singapore. It is about the 1800s in Singapore. We then said our goodbyes to jenny and Karl who were flying to Berlin. Roert and I went back to the hotel for a swim but there was another thunderstorm. When it cleared we went to go to Arab Road and have another Arabic meal.

Day two in Singapore

Jenny and Karl meet us at 10am and we walked to Arab Road, just 2 minutes from our hotel. We had been there for breakfast, just food and so cheap. We shopped for ome batik and I bought a runner. Jenny bought presents for tier relatives in Germany. We had a Malaysian meal for lunch and then traveled to Chinatown. It was very interesting and the Chinatown Museum worth a look. The Chinese certainly had a hard time when they first settled in Singapore. I experienced my first fresh Mango drink and it was so good, also a Moon cake and prawn chips (not like the ones we eat in Australian). It was then back to where Jenny and Karl are staying via the MRT, Clarke quay. This is right on the river and is very similar to darling Harbour. We walked through the are, had dinner and we returned to Bugis at about 10.30pm. The 3 day pass is worth the money and the MRT so efficient and easy to navigate. Another long but very interesting day.

Day One in Singapore

We arrived in Singapore after a long tip. A stop over in Darwin increased the length of the trip by 2 hours but it was okay. Shame we didn’t get to visit Darwin for a few days. It was about 9pm Singapore time when we arrived (12midnight EST). We then caught a train to Bugis station and it was a short walk to our Hotel. It was great to have a shower an go to bed!

Jenny (Jenny and Karl are old friends who now live in Berlin for part of the year and just happened to be on their way home and having a stopover in Singapore for a few days). We decided to meet at our hotel and then travel to Changi War Memorial by the MRI rail system and bus. We purchased a 3 day pass for $8 per day-great value and a very efficient system. The travel pass also covers bus travel. Singapore is very clean and organised, quite different to other Asian Countries I have visited. There is a definite English feel.
The War Memorial at Changi was well worth the effort. My Uncle was a POW and so I found the stories of the imprisonment of Australians gave me some insight into what my uncle must have experienced.
We then traveled to the Civic Centre and to the Raffles Hotel for High Tea. Got a bit lost but this only added to the adventure of the day and gave us the opportunity to walk through the Civic Centre and along the river. You need to book beforehand and not only do you get scones, cakes, sandwiches and as much tea or coffee you can drink but there is a variety of other foods, fruits and desserts. Its expenive-$91 for the 2 of us but well worth the money. The Hotel is amazing and so resonant of a bygone era. The architecture is wonderful and in such good condition. The gardens are enticing with many varieties of plants that catch your eye. Although I have no idea what they were! except of course the ferns and some orchids. I need to do something about my knowledge of plants. I suggested a night there but Robert thought $1500 a night a bit too expensive.

After Raffles we went to Little India (on the MRA) and did a free guided walk. We learnt something about the history of Indian people in Singapore, their culture and the meaning of the Festival of Lights. We all thought it was a great and the guide was excellent. I loved Little India and can’t wait to go back and visit. It is only a short walk from our hotel. We finished off the day with a beer and some more lively conversation. Tomorrow is a walk down Arab Street, Chinatown and the museum. Tired now its been a big day but great

Singapore

This blog will record our trip to Malaysia in 2008. We fly to Singapore and are staying for 4 nights at the Golden Landmark-A Far East Hotel. While in Singapore we will plan the rest of the trip. This blog contains some of the places we may visit but we have the luxury of changing our mind if better alternatives present as we travel around the country!

In Singapore we plan to go to the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens, visit Orchard Road, Little India and have a gin and tonic at the Raffles Hotel. We will also visit Changi.

Kuala Lumpur

We will travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur where we are staying at the Alpha Genesis Hotel for 4 nights. This hotel is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle in Bukit Bintang. The Alpha Genesis Hotel is close to entertainment, shopping and business landmarks, including the KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, one of the world's tallest building.

In KL we plan to go to the Petronas Towers (of course lining up at 8.30am for the free tickets), the Lake Gardens where the British built their fine houses. The Bird park is found in the gardens and the National Monument.. We also plan to go to Kampung Baru, the Malay area of KL, Little India, Chinatown and the Colonial District. We will do a walking tour through Colonical KL and Little India. Of course we couldn't miss out on the markets: Central Markets, Chow Kit and Jalan Petaling Markets.

Penang

After Kuala Lumpur we will travel to Penang. While in Penang we are hoping to go for a trisahw ride around colonial Georgetown, visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang National Park, the beach at Batu Ferringhi and the Little India District. We are not sure hopw long we will spend in Penang

Pulau Perhentian and Cherating

Pulau Perhentian is a short boat trip from Kuala Besut and we may travel to Besar (weather permitting-it is the start of the Monsoon season). On Besar there are wonderful beaches and a chance to relax for a few days. We may then travel to Cherating which is rated as one of the top spots on the east coast of Malaysia.

Melaka

Melaka is one of the oldest cities in Malaysia with a blend of the many cultures of Malaysia. A walking tour of the town square looks interesting and also a boat trip along the Melaka river. We will travel from Melaka back to Singapore to travel home on the 4 November.