Malaysia by aussirose

• *Disclaimer. There are photos here that are from my previous travel site virtualtourist.

VT has shut down. Please ignore that VT flag, thongs, VA's and other paraphernalia that
may appear here.**

FAVOURITE PHOTO

AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS BLOG.... HUBBY AND I HAVE BEEN TO KL
6 TIMES AND HAVE PRETTY MUCH COVERED EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR
THE BATAU CAVES. THE THOUGHT OF WALKING TONS OF STAIRS TO
VIEW CAVES TO ME IS NAUSEATING

KUALA LUMPUR IS SUCH A VIBRANT AND COLOURFUL CITY FULL OF
LOVELY PEOPLE, GREAT SHOPPING, FANTASTIC FOOD AND REASONABLY
CHEAP DAY TRIPS TO INTERESTING DESTINATIONS.

IF YOU HAVE READ MY PREVIOUS BLOGS YOU WILL ALREADY KNOW THAT
I DO NOT CUT AND PASTE FACTS. ANYONE CAN GOOGLE THAT.....
I WRITE HOW I FEEL ABOUT WHAT I HAVE SEEN AND DONE. MOST OF
THAT IS PRETTY EXCITING

I ALSO LIKE TO THROW IN A FEW FUNNY STORIES TO KEEP BOTH YOU
AND I ENTERTAINED
HEY AT MY AGE..... EMBARRASSMENT DOESN'T EXIST LOL.

HOPEFULLY MY BLOGS ALONG WITH TIPS MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU IF
YOU PLAN TO VISIT KL SOME DAY.

~~~oOo~~~

SO..... IN 2010 HUBBY AND I AND OUR 2 YOUNGEST CHILDREN -
JANINE AND JESSE TOOK A 5 1/2HR FLIGHT FROM PERTH TO KL TO
CHECK IT OUT. MY FRIEND PAULA ALSO TAGGED ALONG.

WE STAYED AT THE PARK ROYAL HOTEL IN BUKIT BINTANG WHICH IS
CLOSE TO THE MONORAIL AND ACROSS THE ROAD FROM A GREAT
SHOPPING CENTRE - SUNGEI WANG PLAZA.

OBVIOUSLY THE FIRST PLACE WE HAD TO GO SEE WAS THE AWESOME
TWIN TOWERS. ABBEY, A LONG TIME FRIEND ON VIRTUALTOURIST.COM
HAD TEE'D UP TICKETS FOR US TO THE SKY BRIDGE. I WAS LOOKING
FORWARD TO FINALLY MEETING MY FRIEND ABBEY.

AFTER WE HEADED DOWNSTAIRS TO THE FOOD COURT AND TRIED OUT
SOME NEW AND INTERESTING MALAYSIAN FOOD.
IT WAS A PLEASURE MEETING YOU ABBEY

THE TWIN TOWERS ARE AN AMAZING STRUCTURE AND EVEN BETTER AT
NIGHT. NIGHT PHOTOS TO FOLLOW IN LATER BLOGS AS I DID NOT GET
MY DSLR CAMERA UNTIL 2012.

BUTTERFLY PARK

WE LOVED THE BUTTERFLY PARK. SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES AND
COLOURS. SUCH A PEACEFULL OASIS COMPARED TO THE HIVE OF
ACTIVITY AND NOISE IN THE CITY.

FOR INFORMATION INCLUDING LOCATION AND PRICE,
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE.

This Little Fella Had an Escape Plan.... Didn't Work

ORCHID PARK

ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE BUTTERFLY PARK IS THE ORCHID PARK.
WE SAW OUR FIRST MALAYSIAN MONKEYS HERE.....
WE DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE WAS AN AMAZING MONKEY EXPERIENCE
FOR US TO COME....... MORE ABOUT THAT LATER.

ANYWAY, THE LUSH GARDENS WERE A PLEASURE TO WALK THROUGH.
AND THE FLOWERS (NOT JUST ORCHIDS) .... SO PRETTY

SHOPPING

THE CENTRAL MARKETS ARE WORTH A VISIT. BRUSH UP ON YOUR
BATERING. WE HADN'T DONE THAT SINCE OUR FIRST EXPERIENCE
IN VIETNAM IN 2006. I USUALLY START AT HALF THE PRICE OFFERED
THEN MAKE MY LAST OFFER ABOUT 75%. IF NOT.... WALK AWAY.
THAT USUALLY WORKS IN HAVING THE VENDOR ACCEPT YOUR
FINAL OFFER

I ENJOYED CHINATOWN MORE THAN LITTLE INDIA.... WHICH WAS
THE OPPOSITE TO WHEN WE VISITED SINGAPORE IN 2006.

KL IS EASY TO GET AROUND. THE MONORAIL IS SO CHEAP. IT IS
WORTH YOUR WHILE FAMILIARISING YOURSELF RATHER THAN
SPENDING MORE ON TAXIS WHICH OFTEN DON'T USE THEIR
METERS ON PURPOSE TO RIP OFF UNSUSPECTING TOURISTS.

YOU SELECT YOUR DESTINATION.... PUT YOUR NOTES IN AND
RECEIVE A TOKEN THAT YOU SCAN TO WALK THROUGH AND AT
YOUR DESTINATION, SLOT YOUR TOKEN IN. GREAT SYSTEM.

THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER THAN THE LOCAL BUS THAT
WE CAUGHT FIRST TO TAKE US TO THE TWIN TOWERS.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DO NOT KNOW..... THE TRAFFIC IN
KL IS QUITE HORRENDOUS AT TIMES
BETTER OFF CATCHING THE MONORAIL IF YOU CAN.

SPEAKING OF TRANSPORT.... KUALA LUMPUR HAS A FANTASTIC
HIGH SPEED TRAIN FROM THE AIRPORTS - KLIA 1 AND KLIA 2
DIRECT TO SENTRAL STATION. YOU WILL SEE MANY SIGNS ON
WHERE TO GET THE TRAIN AND TICKETS ARE SOLD RIGHT THERE...
SO YOU CAN BUY BEFORE YOU WALK THROUGH THE TURNSTYLES
TO GET THE TRAIN. THE JOURNEY ONLY TAKES 30 MINUTES
AND IS REASONABLY CHEAP..... UNLESS YOU HAVE MORE THAN
2 PEOPLE.

IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 2 PEOPLE.... THEN CATCH A TAXI.
BTW.... TAXI'S FROM THE AIRPORT ARE NOW REGULATED
MEANING THAT YOU WILL NOT BE RIPPED OFF.
YOU PAY BEFORE YOU GET THE TAXI.

WARNINGS

THE ONE THING I HATED ABOUT KL WAS THE BEGGERS AT
NIGHT. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS AND QUITE
FRANKLY TRAUMATISED. I WOULD AVOID SOME STREETS
IN BUKIT BINTANG AT NIGHT. IT WAS HORRIBLE.

ALSO.... EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FELT VERY SAFE IN KL
COMPAIRED TO OTHER CITIES WE HAVE BEEN TO....
RECENTLY, THEY HAVE HAD BAG SNATCHERS FROM
PEOPLE ON MOTOR BIKES. SO IT IS ADVISED TO KEEP
YOUR HAND BAG CLOSE TO YOU AND JUST BE AWARE.

VT MEET

WE MET A FEW FRIENDS FROM VIRTUALTOURIST.COM AT
THE FEDERAL HOTEL. THEY HAVE A FANTASTIC BUFFET
WHICH HAD FOOD FROM QUITE A FEW COUNTRIES.

THANKS TO CHIA FOR ORGANISING AND ZUE AND HARRY
FOR COMING TOO. HUBBY AND I MET ZUE AND HARRY
IN PERTH WHEN THEY VISITED

ALTHOUGH KUALA LUMPUR IS A VIBRANT CITY....
YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE
THAN THE TOWERS AND BATU CAVES THAT EVERYONE CHECKS OUT.

WE HAVE BEEN HERE 6 TIMES AND EVERY TIME WE HAVE DISCOVERED
SOMETHING NEW.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DO NOT KNOW.... HUBBY AND I LOVE
EXPLORING OFF THE BEATEN PATH PLACES AND MIXING WITH
THE LOCALS. IF YOU ARE INTO THE SAME STUFF.... THEN I
ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ MORE OF MY KL BLOGS HERE AS I
TAKE YOU TO SOME POPULAR PLACES OUTSIDE OF KL AND
ALSO SOME PLACES THAT IF YOU DON'T USE OUR FRIEND AND
RESIDENT PRIVATE DRIVER PATRICK.... YOU MAY JUST GET LOST

SPEAKING OF PATRICK.... WE ASKED THE PARKROYAL IF WE
COULD HIRE A DRIVER FOR THE DAY TO TAKE US SOMEWHERE
INTERESTING. THAT IS WHEN WE ME PATRICK.

PATRICK IS NOW A GREAT FRIEND.
WE HAVE MET HIS LOVELY WIFE NOW AS WELL.
WE CATCH UP WITH PATRICK EVERY TIME WE VISIT KL AND
HAVE HIM TAKE US SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT. WE HAVE NO
HESITATION IN PAYING PATRICK WELL FOR HIS GREAT SERVICE.

ANYWAY..... PARKROYAL RECOMMENDED PATRICK TO TAKE US TO
SEE THE FIREFLIES IN SELANGOR. COOL!

FIRST STOP - SILK FACTORY.

WE BOUGHT THE OBLIGITARY SILK SCARFS AND HUBBY LASHED
OUT AND BOUGHT A SILK SHIRT.
NEXT TRIP..... PATRICK REALISED THAT WE WERE NOT JUST TOURISTS.....
MORE ABOUT THAT LATER

NEXT STOP...... MONKEYS!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE MONKEYS ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE
NOT WHAT YOU SEE EVERY DAY BACK AT HOME

CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOS!!

Janine and Monkey were popular with the paparazzi

WHAT FUN!! THOSE MONKEYS NEVER CEASE TO ENTERTIAN
US EVERY TIME WE VISIT. BELIEVE ME.... IT'S THE MONKEYS HERE
THAT WE PREFER TO SEE NOW RATHER THAN THE MAIN ATTRACTION
WHICH IS THE FIREFLIES.

IT IS PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE TO GET PICTURES OF THE FIREFLIES.
MAYBE I MIGHT PROVE THAT THEORY WRONG AT ANOTHER TRIP
THAT I HAVE PLANNED DRIVING AROUND MALAYSIA......

SELANGOR.

BUT FOR NOW... OUR FIRST VISIT BEGAN AT A SPECIAL SEAFOOD
DINNER RIGHT ON THE RIVER AT SELANGOR.
PATRICK HAD ARRANGED FOR US TO HAVE A TABLE RIGHT WITH A
SUNSET VIEW!! AMAZING!!

FIREFLIES.

THE FIREFLIES WERE PHONOMENAL! BUT AS MUCH AS I TRIED....
I COULDN'T GET A GOOD PHOTO NOR VIDEO.. WELL THE VIDEOS
I TOOK ARE FUNNY..... WITH GLITTER LIGHTS (FIREFLIES) AND
OCCASIONALLY A SHOOTING STAR (A FLYING FIREFLY).

WE ENJOYED OUR TRIP WITH PATRICK TO SEE THE MONKEYS
AND FIREFLIES SO MUCH THAT WE ASKED PATRICK TO TAKE US
SOMEWHERE ELSE TOMORROW.

MELAKA.

MELAKA IS ABOUT 2 1/2 HRS SOUTH OF KL.

FROM THE MOMENT WE ARRIVED, HUBBY AND I JUST LOVED THIS
PLACE! SO MUCH SO, THAT WE HAVE VISITED NOW 3 TIMES

BEING OUR FIRST TIME, WE DID THE OBLIGITARY WALK UP THE
HILL FROM DUTCH SQUARE TO ST PAULS LOOKOUT.

MELAKA CRUISING

WE ALSO TOOK A CRUISE AROUND THE SMALL CANALS WHICH I
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

IF YOU HAVE VIEWED SOME OF MY OTHER BLOGS YOU WILL
ALREADY KNOW THAT I LOVE ALL SORTS OF CRUISING.....
IN FACT WE OWN A BOAT AND MY PRIME POSITION IS SITTING
IN THE FONT..... FEET UP WITH A GLASS OF WINE

Traditional Portuguese House Campung Morten

Water Monitor

STREETS OF MELAKA

BABA NYONYA FOOD

I LOVE BABA NYONYA FOOD - ALSO KNOWN AS PERANAKAN.
IT IS A MIXURE OF MALAYSIAN AND CHINESE.... BUT THERE IS A
DEFINATE INDIAN INFUSION DUE TO THE SPICE TRADE MANY YEARS AGO.

WE FOUND A RESTAURANT THAT SADLY.... NOW IS CLOSED.
IT WAS CALLED RESTAURANT PERANAKAN.
WE HAVE EATEN THERE 2 TIMES NOW AND JUST LOVE THE FOOD!
GOOD THING..... IS THAT THERE IS A RESTAURANT ACROSS THE ROAD
THAT SERVES EQUALLY GREAT BABA NYONYA AT PROBABLY LESS
THAN THE PRICE WE PAID AT THE PERANAKAN. THAT IS PROBABLY
DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS NEW RESTAURANT DOES NOT HAVE THE
LAVISH DECOR AND TRIMMINGS THAT THE PERANANKAN RESTAURANT
HAD.

ANYWAY..... HERE ARE A FEW PIX OF OUR EXPERIENCE AT
RESTAURANT PERANAKAN.

I WOULD DESCRIBE THE FOOD AS AN INFUSION OF SPICES WITH
LOVELY JUICE SAUCES.

WE FINISHED OFF OUR DAY AT A LOVELY PUB CALLED THE
GEOGRAPHER CAFE.

THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE A COLD BEER AND PEOPLE WATCH.
EVERY TIME WE COME TO MELAKA WE END UP HERE.

AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO END THE DAY THAN BEING DRIVEN
IN COMFORT ALONG WITH A COUPLE OF ROADIES

NEXT - MY FIRST DIVE EXPERIENCE FOR MY 50TH BIRTHDAY...

FAVOURITE PHOTO.

TIOMAN ISLAND IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF MALAYSIA. THE BEST WAY TO
DO PULAU TIOMAN IS A PACKAGE. WE CHOSE A 3 NIGHT/
4DAY FULL BOARD PACKAGE.

I FORGOT THE SITE I BOOKED IT ON BUT HERE IS A
LINK TO SOMETHING SIMILAR.

THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES FOR ACCOMMODATION ON
TIOMAN FROM TREE HOUSES TO 5 STAR LUXURY. I CHOSE
A 3 STAR RESORT WITH A STUNNING BEACH. I WANTED US
TO STAY SOMEWHERE RIGHT ON THE BEACH AND PAYA BEACH
RESORT DELIVERED THAT AND MUCH MORE. WHEN WE COME
BACK TO TIOMAN I WOULD NOT LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE.

OUR FRIEND PAULA STAYED IN A GARDEN CABIN.

WE FLEW BERJAYA AIR FROM SUBANG AIRPORT NOT TO FAR OUT
OF KUALA LUMPUR. FLYING BERJAYA AIR ONLY ALLOWED CABIN
BAGS SO WE STORED OUR BIG LUGGAGE AT THE AIRPORT. I BELIEVE
SUBANG AIRPORT DOES NOT HAVE LOCKERS ANY MORE SO IF YOU
PLAN TO TRAVEL TO PULAU TIOMAN, YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE
ARRANGEMENTS TO STORE YOUR BIG LUGAGE ELSEWHERE OR
ALTERNATIVELY, CATCH THE BUS FROM KL TO MERSING JETTY AND
GRAB THE BOAT OVER TO THE ISLAND.

THERE IS NO TRANSPORT ON PULAU TIOMAN. EVERYTHING IS
BY BOAT. THEY GO PRETTY FAST, SO DON'T WEAR A HAT OR CAP
ARRIVING AT PAYA BEACH RESORT WE WERE GREETED WITH THIS
STUNNING VIEW!

SNORKLING

PULAU TIOMAN IS WELL KNOWN FOR IT'S SNORKLING AND DIVING.
THE SNORKLING WAS AMAZING! I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS
THE BEST I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED - BETTER THAN THE GREAT
BARRIER REEF OR TAHITI WHICH ARE GREAT IN THEIR OWN RIGHT.

CHECK THESE PICTURES OUT!

JESSE DROPPED HIS SNORKLE AND OUR KIND SNORKLE AND DIVE
INSTRUCTOR DIVED A LONG WAY DOWN TO RETRIEVE IT.

PAYA BEACH RESORT

HAVING FULL BOARD AT THE RESORT WAS NICE. THEY PUT ON A
GREAT BUFFET. PAYA BEACH ALSO HAS A SPA AND A POOL...
BUT SWIMMING JUST OFF THE BEACH WAS SO MUCH BETTER.

PAYA BEACH ALSO HAD A BEACH BAR. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO
EXPERIENCE A BEACH BAR

1ST DIVE

THE FUN THING HERE IS THAT WE DIDN'T DO ANY PRE-DIVE INSTRUCTION
IN THE POOL. THEY TOUGHT US EVERYTHING WE NEEDED TO KNOW ON THE
BOAT GOING TO THE DIVE SPOT. THEN IT WAS JUST A BIG STEP OFF THE
BOAT AND WE WERE IN THE WATER READY TO DIVE.

THEY HAD A ROPE GOING DOWN WHICH WE COULD HOLD ONTO AND DO
OUR EAR POPPING WHEN WE NEEDED. THE BOTTOM WAS AROUND 9 METRES.

IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE AND A GREAT 1ST ON MY 50TH

DIVE FINISHED.... TIME TO CELEBRATE. AND GEE DID WE HAVE SOME FUN
LATER HOWIE ENDED UP GETTING A LIFT ON THE BOYS GOLF BUGGY....
ALL OF 20METRES TO OUR CABIN LOL. AND WE HEARD HIM STUMBLE
LOUDLY UP THE FRONT STAIRS

aussirose and Adrian, diving instructor.

AS THE SUN WENT DOWN WE WERE GREETED WITH THE MOST AMAZING
SUNSET

AND THEN THE DIVING INSTRUCTORS BOUGHT OUT SOME FIRE CRACKERS
AND HAD FUN PLAYING WITH THE KIDS WITH THE DROP DOWNS AND THEN
LET YOUNG JESS LIGHT A BIG CRACKER ON THE BEACH.

THIS IS MY FIRST VIDEO UPLOAD TO TP. THIS IS A FUN VIDEO.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY

UNFORTUNATELY OUR GOOD TIME WAS ABOUT TO END.
WE HAVE BEEN TO A FEW OTHER ISLANDS IN MALAYSIA SINCE BUT
OUR HEARTS ARE ALWAYS WITH PULAU TIOMAN AND ONE DAY....
WE WILL BE BACK

Cat at Pulau Tioman Airport says Goodbye

FAVOURITE PHOTO.

HAVING EXTENSIVE DENTAL TREATMENT IN MALAYSIA IS SO MUCH
CHEAPER THAN IN AUSTRALIA. IT IS LESS THAN A THIRD OF THE
COST.

I HAD BEEN SUFFERING THROUGH SOME MAJOR TOOTH PROBLEMS
AND PAIN FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND HAD BEEN PUTTING OFF
GOING TO THE DENTIST IN AUSTRALIA AS IT IS SO EXPENSIVE.

FINALLY I HAD TO DO SOMETHING WHEN MY FRONT TOOTH WHICH
HAD BEEN GIVING ME ALL THE PROBLEMS... JUST CHIPPED OFF.
IT WAS TIME FOR A FALSY.

IN AUSTRALIA, THE COST OF AN IMPLANT IS ABOUT $10,000. THERE IS NO WAY
WE COULD AFFORD THIS UNLESS WE WON THE LOTTO

KL, ON THE OTHER HAND IS AROUND $2,500. SO..,. THAT IS HOW WE
CAME TO BE HERE AGAIN IN 2012.

WE HAVE SINCE BEEN THREE TIMES TO DENTAL PRO
AND HAVE FOUND THE SERVICE EXCELLENT WITH STATE OF THE ART
FACILITIES. WE EVEN GET PICKED UP AND DROPPED OFF AT OUR
ACCOMMODATION ALL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. SORRY AUSTRALIA.....
BUT I'LL CONTINUE TO TAKE MY MONEY FOR DENTAL WORK OVERSEAS.

OH AND BTW, IT'S THE SAME FOR OPTICAL. MY GLASSES FROM
MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE HAVE COST ME LESS THAN HALF THE
PRICE OF PAYING FOR THAT IN AUSTRALIA.

THIS TRIP OUR YOUNGEST CHILD JESSE CAME WITH US.
THE OTHER KIDS HAD GROWN TOO OLD TO SPEND HOLIDAYS
WITH MUM AND DAD

~~oOo~~

SO..... HERE WE ARE IN KUALA LUMPUR AGAIN.

THIS TIME WE CHOSE TO STAY AT THE PRINCE HOTEL..... A LITTLE BIT CLOSER
TO THE TWIN TOWERS AND WE ALSO LIKED THAT IT WAS NEARER TO THE
PAVILLION SHOPPING CENTRE WHICH WE ENJOY FOR A FEW REASONS....
MORE ABOUT THAT LATER.

AFTER HUBBY'S FABULOUS PHOTOS ON OUR 2011 EUROPE AND MOROCCO
TRIP..... I HAD CONCEEDED THAT I NEEDED TO BUY A DSLR. SO I HAD MY NEW
CANON 60D CAMERA AND WAS ITCHING TO TAKE SOME COOL PHOTOS.

NOW DON'T LAUGH AT MY FIRST ATTEMPTS...... I HAVE GOT A LOT BETTER NOW (2017).
BUT I THOUGHT AT THE TIME MY FIRST NIGHT PHOTOS WERE PRETTY DARNED
GOOD

AS YOU FOLLOW MY BLOGS, YOU WILL SEE MY PHOTOGRAPHY IMPROVE OVER
THE YEARS

MELAKA

WE HAD MADE CONTACT WITH PATRICK OUR DRIVER AND ASKED HIM
TO TAKE US TO MELAKA AGAIN.

THIS TIME PATRICK TOOK US TO A COUPLE OF TEMPLES WHICH WAS
INTERESTING.

WE ALSO ATE AT OUR BABA NYONYA RESTAURANT AGAIN.

SOME STREET SCENES -

Don't know where their foot wear went?... lol

AND WE ENDED UP AT OUR USUAL BAR, THE GEOGRAPHER CAFE

PORT DICKSON

BY NOW, PATRICK WAS LEARNING THAT WE LIKE OFF THE BEATEN
PATH STUFF, SO HE TOOK A DIVERSION ON THE WAY HOME AND
INTRODUCED US TO PORT DICKSON.

AT THE TIME YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE WERE PLANS TO CHANGE
THIS CUTE LITTLE FISHING VILLAGE INTO A HUGE TOURIST
DESTINATION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SO I AM
GLAD THAT WE HAVE THE ABOVE PHOTOS TO REMEMBER HOW IT
LOOKED. CHANGE IS INEVITABLE ESPECIALLY WITH SOME OF THIS
UNTOUCHED COASTLINE. BUT SOMETIMES IT IS SAD TOO.

KELONG MAMOD

THIS PLACE I DISCOVERED WHILST DOING SOME RESEARCH.
THERE IS NOT MUCH AT ALL ON GOOGLE WORLD ABOUT
KELONG MAMOD. JUST MY BLOG ON VIRTUALTOURIST WHICH
YOU CANNOT SEE NOW AND A BIT OF INFO ABOUT HOW YOU
CAN VISIT KELONGS (OFF SHORE PLATFORMS) FROM THE MAIN
JETTY HERE.

IT TOOK PATRICK A BIT OF INVESTIGATING AS WELL TO FIND
THE PLACE BECAUSE HE HAD NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE EITHER.

SO IT WAS WONDERFUL WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THIS CUTE LITTLE
FISHING SPOT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. I WOULD SAY THAT
IT IS A LOCAL SECRET..... NOT ANY MORE

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT.... THEN PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL
GIVE YOU PATRICK'S DETAILS.

Jesse with local fishermen - Caught!

HUKKA RESTAURANT

AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE PRINCE HOTEL IS A HUGE
OUTDOOR RESTAURANT CALLED THE HUKKA.

THE FOOD HERE WAS PRETTY DARNED GOOD!
WASHED DOWN WITH A FEW COLDIES

GENTING HIGHLANDS

WE PROMISED SON JESSE THAT WE WOULD TAKE HIM TO THE
THEME PARK IN THE GENTING HIGHLANDS. SO WE BOOKED
THE DAY WITH PATRICK.

FIRST STOP - CHIN SWEE TEMPLE. HUBBY AND I REALLY LIKED
THIS PLACE WITH LOVELY CHINESE TEMPLES AND A STUNNING
VIEW OVER THE MOUNTAINS.

THE THEME PARK WAS OK..... AS OK AS IT CAN BE FOR US
OLDIES JESSE HAD A FUN TIME.

THE PAVILLION SHOPPING CENTRE

SPEAKING OF NEW PHOTO TECHNIQUES.... THIS LOVELY FOUNTAIN
OUTSIDE OF THE PAVILLION SHOPPING CENTRE PROVIDED SOME
FUN PHOTO PRACTICE

HERE ARE 2 PHOTOS. BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT EXPOSURE SETTINGS.
KEEPING THE SHUTTER OPENED LONGER WILL CREATE MILKY WATER.
SHORTER.... AND YOU CAPTURE RUNNING WATER.
I WAS LEARNING FAST

THE PAVILLION SHOPPING CENTRE WAS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE
HUBBY GOT A GOOD BARGAIN ON HIS READING GLASSES.

ALSO, WE HAVE BECOME TOURIST REGULARS AT MALONES PUB.
SORRY.... MY PIX WERE NOT SO GOOD. BUT HERE IS ONE
THAT OUR GOOD VIRTUALTOURIST FRIEND CLAUS SENT ME.
HE VISITED ALSO

Thanks Claus.

VT MEETUP

OVER THE YEARS ON VIRTUALTOURIST, I HAD DEVELOPED A
FRIENDSHIP WITH SOME LOCALS SO I HAD TO ARRANGE FOR A
LITTLE MEETUP. THIS LITTLE MEETUP ALSO HAD VISITORS FROM
THE PHILIPPINES AND DENMARK.

I FOUND A RESTAURANT THAT BOASTED TO BE THE ONLY
ROOFTOP BAR IN KL - LOCATED AT THE ANGGUN BOUTIQUE
HOTEL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF BUKIT BINTANG.

ATTENDEES - MAY SUE FROM KL, VALERIE FROM KL, FRANK
NEW TO KL, UTCHIE FROM PHILIPPINES, RICHARD FROM
PHILIPPINES, MARY FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND CLAUS
FROM DENMARK WHO WAS PASSING THROUGH.

WHAT A GREAT TIME WE HAD!! MEETING FRIENDS OLD AND
NEW.... DISCUSSING TRAVEL STORIES..... LAUGHING AND
ALL GETTING ON LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE

SINCE THEN.... MAY SUE AND VALERIE HAVE BECOME GREAT
FRIENDS AND CLAUS ..... WELL EVERYONE LOVES CLAUS
HE IS FULL OF FANTASTIC TRAVEL STORIES AND WE WERE
YET TO CATCH UP AGAIN IN 2015 IN ORLANDO FLORIDA!

ANGGUN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

HUBBY AND I HAVE SINCE STAYED HERE A COUPLE OF
TIMES FOR JUST A FEW DAYS. WE LOVE THE PERSONAL
AND WARM ATMOSPHERE. WE LOVE HAVING BREAKFAST
AND DINNER ON THE ROOFTOP AND WE LOVE THE TOWEL
DECORATIONS ON THE BED.

THE ANGGUN IS A QUIET OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF SO
MUCH ACTION!! WE HAVE SINCE HEARD THAT THEY HAVE
UPGRADED CERTAIN FACILITIES. IT'S PROBABLY TIME THAT
WE PAID ANOTHER VISIT HERE

NEXT DESTINATION - PULAU LANGKAWI.

FAVOURITE PHOTO

I HAD SEEN LOVELY PICTURES OF LANGKAWI ISLAND FROM
FRIENDS WHO HAD BEEN THERE. SO WHEN WE HAD TO WAIT
A WEEK WHILST OUR FALSE TEETH WERE BEING MADE AT
DENTAL PRO IN KL, PULAU LANGKAWI WAS OUR OBVIOUS
CHOICE.

THE BEST BIT ABOUT PULAU LANGKAWI WAS OUR
ACCOMMODATION AT MUTIARA BURAU BAY RESORT.

THIS IS A THREE STAR RESORT THAT PACKS A 5 STAR PUNCH
JUST FOR THE STUNNING BAY, BEACH BAR AND FANTASTIC
BUFFET BREAKFAST.

TENGKORAK BEACH.

THE BEST WAY TO SEE THE ISLAND IS TO HIRE A CAR.
AROUND THE TOP END OF LANGKAWI ARE SOME BEAUTIFUL
DESERTED BEACHES.... WELL EXCEPT FOR THE MONKEYS.

WE ALSO STOPPED OFF AT DURIAN PERANGIN WATERFALL AND I
HAD A PRACTICE WITH SOME LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY TO
CAPTURE SOME MILKY WATER.

AIR HANGAT VILLAGE HOT SPRINGS WAS PRETTY COOL...
HOT ACTUALLY

GALERIA PERDANA.

I AM NOT A REAL MUSEUM PERSON BUT THIS PLACE WAS
EXTRAVAGANT. THERE ARE OVER 9,000 EXHIBITS.
APARENTLY THERE ARE ONLY 2,000 ON DISPLAY AT ANY
ONE TIME AND THEY ARE ROTATED SO THAT EACH TIME
YOU VISIT, YOU WILL SEE SOMETHING NEW.

GALERIA PERDANA IS A MUSEUM CREATED TO SHOWCASE GIFTS,
SOUVENIRS AND AWARDS RECEIVED BY THE 4TH AND LONGEST
SERVING PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA.

BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE SAW. IT WAS PRETTY
AMAZING!

NEARBY TOWN WE PASSED SOME RICE FIELDS AND OXEN.

GIFT SHOPPING

PANTAI CENANG IS THE MAIN VILLAGE IN LANGKAWI.
IT HAS LOTS OF QUAINT GIFT SHOPS, CAFES, RESTAURANTS & BARS.

I LOVED ALL OF THE HAND CRAFTED JEWELRY AT A SHOP
CALLED CINNAMON'S. I BOUGHT A ROSE CORAL NECKLESS.
AND JESSE FOUND A FELINE FRIEND.

ORKID RIA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT.

WE FOUND A GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT THAT HAD FRESH
LOBSTER. IT WAS ON THE EXPENSIVE SIDE BUT WELL WORTH IT.
THIS WAS ANOTHER CASE FOR ME HOWEVER WHEN I HAVE BEEN
OVERSEAS AND THOUGHT HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE THE FRESH
SEAFOOD IN AUSTRALIA. A LOT OF OTHER COUNTRIES SEEM TO
DO TOO MUCH TO FRESH SEAFOOD AND THE TRUE TASTE ENDS
UP BEING DISGUISED. HERE IN LANGKAWI THEY PLASTERED THE
LOBSTER WITH THIS YUMMY SAUCE. IT WAS GOOD.... BUT I LOVE
MY SEAFOOD EL NATURAL

PULAU PAYAR.

WE BOOKED A SNORKLING TRIP TO PULAU PAYAR. THIS TRIP
WAS A BIT DISAPPOINTING. THE FISH WERE NO WHERE NEAR AS
AMAZING AS WE SAW ON PULAU TIOMAN OFF THE EAST COAST
OF MALAYSIA. ON THE BOAT GOING OVER THE SMELL OF DIESEL
MADE ME NAUSIOUS.... AND LUNCH WAS JUST A SNACK PACK
WITH A SANDWICH, SMALL JUICE AND PIECE OF FRUIT.

I DID LIKE HOWEVER THE PRETTY BAY THAT WE VISITED AND
NICE WOODEN PATH AROUND THE MOUNTAIN FRONTING
THE BEACH.

DRIVING THE ISLAND AGAIN WE FOUND SOME GORGEOUS
QUAINT FISHING VILLAGES. THIS IS THE OFF THE BEATEN PATH
STUFF THAT HUBBY AND I LOVE TO SEE.

WE ALSO VISITED A BAY WHERE THERE WERE QUITE A FEW LUXURY
BOATS. BUT IT WAS THE LITTLE FISHING VILLAGES THAT WERE
MOST CERTAINLY THE DRAW CARD FOR US.... WITH PICTURE
PERFECT VIEWS AND COLOURFUL BOATS.

BACK IN TOWN WE FOUND A FABULOUS INDIAN RESTAURANT.
THE FOOD AT THE TAJ MAHAL WAS SIMPLE TAPPAS STYLE BUT
SO TASTY! BOTH HUBBY AND I LOVE INDIAN.

I LOVE SUNSETS, WINE AND CRUISING. WHAT GIRL DOESN'T?
WE BOOKED A FABULOUS SUNSET DINNER CRUISE! THE VIEWS
WERE TO DIE FOR AND THE OTHER COUPLES ON THE CRUISE
WERE FUN. WAT A FANTASTIC EVENING!!

YOUNG JESSE HAD A BIRTHDAY TODAY - THE 13TH.
WE HAD NOTHING REALLY PLANNED BUT SOMEHOW WE
ENDED UP AT PANTAI TENGAH BEACH AND GUESS WHAT?
THE DAY WAS FABULOUS, SUN WAS OUT, BOATS WERE
SAILING...... AND.... THERE WAS -

PARASAILING!

WHILST WE LOOKED ON FROM THE COMFORT OF THE LOVELY
LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH

LUCKY JESSE! FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO DO PARASAILING.
HE WAS SO EXCITED AND ELATED!

I HAVE A PLAN FOR HUBBY AND I TO DO IT ALSO....ONE DAY....
AS A SURPRISE... SHHHH..... DON'T TELL HIM

TURKISH DELIGHT RESTAURANT.

LUNCH TODAY WAS PRETTY GOOD. MAYBE IS WASN'T SO MUCH
THE FOOD (WASN'T BAD).... BUT I THINK MORESO THE NICE
GREENERY UPON ENTRY..... INVITING.
PLENTY OF WALL PICTURES TO LOOK AT AND INTERESTING
LIGHTING.
WE SAT BESIDE THE WINDOW SO WE COULD LOOK OUT AND
PEOPLE WATCH.... SOMETHING HUBBY AND I ENJOY DOING
WHILST ON HOLIDAY.

BACK AT THE ACCOMMODATION, THE STAFF HAD SOMETHING
SPECIAL PLANNED FOR OUR BIRTHDAY BOY.

WE WERE SITTING AT DINNER AND AN ENTOURAGE OF STAFF
AND DRUMS FORMED A LINE AND GAVE A BIT OF A PERFORMANCE
ENDING AT JESSE.

THEY PRESENTED THE BIRTHDAY BOY WITH A CAKE AND CUTTING
SWARD. HE WAS BOTH SURPRISED AND EXCITED!

AND FINALLY, SOME MORE PHOTOS OF THE BEAUTIFUL BAY BACK
AT THE RESORT ALONG WITH A FEW FUN PHOTOSHOPPED PIX

~~oOo~~

NEXT - BACK IN KL 2013 - AWESOME NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
AND
PENANG - FOOD LOVERS HEAVEN!

FAVOURITE PHOTO.

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY CANON 60D DSLR CAMERA IN
2012, I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO PRACTICE... SO THAT NOW I
WAS READY TO GET SOME AWESOME SHOTS

MOST OF THESE WERE TAKEN FROM THE SKY BAR AT THE
TRADERS HOTEL. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE
TOWERS AT NIGHT. MIND YOU, WE WERE TOLD TO PUT OUR CAMERAS
AWAY BUT SOME SWEET TALKING FROM HOWIE MADE SECURITY
UNDERSTAND THAT WE WERE NOT PROFESSIONALS.

THIS TIME WE CHOSE TO STAY AT THE TRADERS HOTEL.
GREAT LOCATION AND NICE BUFFET BREAKFAST. THEY ALSO
HAVE A LITTLE FREE FAKE TRAIN THAT TAKES YOU UP TO THE
TWIN TOWERS.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

IT'S FUN TO BE IN KUALA LUMPUR DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
THE STREET PARADE WAS GREAT TO SEE AND THEN LATER IN OUR
FAVOURITE SHOPPING CENTRE, THE PAVILION, THE RICH RED
DECORATIONS WERE GORGEOUS.

ALSO PART OF THE FESTIVITIES ARE LIONS GOING FROM SHOP TO
SHOP OFFERING BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR.

SWINE CAFE

OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT WITHOUT A DOUBT IN KL.
OUR FRIENDS MAY SUE AND VALERIE INTRODUCED US TO THE
SWINE CAFE. LOCATED ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF
THE PUBLICA SHOPPING CENTRE RIGHT INSIDE A MAJOR
GROCERY STORE, THE SWINE CAFE HAS A WIDE VARIETY OF
ASIAN AND ITALIAN FOOD. IT'S FUN TO ALL ORDER DIFFERENT
DISHES AND THEN SHARE AS IS COMMON IN KL.

AT FIRST HUBBY AND I THOUGHT IT STRANGE THAT A
RESTAURANT SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AMONGST A GROCERY
STORE?... BUT IT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE.... WELL SORT OF

WHAT ALSO MAKES SENSE IS THAT RIGHT NEXT TO THE
SWINE IS A LIQUOR SHOP IN THE SAME GROCERY STORE.
WEIRD TO US BECAUSE OUR GROG SHOPS ARE ALWAYS
SEPERATE. IN AUSTRALIA, GROCERY SHOPS DO NOT SELL
ALCOHOL.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO KL, I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU
PAY A VISIT TO THE SWINE CAFE.

BUT THIS WASN'T THE END OF OUR CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN THIS
GROCERY STORE.....

SHUCKED

YES!! FRESH SHUCKED OYSTERS!! OMG!.... THEY WERE TO DIE FOR
AND BEST OF ALL.... WE COULD ALSO BYO, (BRING YOUR OWN GROG).
SO BACK TO THE LIQUOR STORE WE WENT.

Oysters..... mmmm.
Food for Love

DIDN'T KNOW THEY SOLD CORKED DUVAL?! MMMM, INTERESTING.
BUT WE ALL CHOSE THE CORONA BECAUSE A NICE LIGHT BEER
GOES WELL WITH OYSTERS

PULAU KETAM

HIGHLIGHT FOR THIS TRIP WAS PULAU KETAM (CRAB ISLAND).
KETAM IS APTLY NAMED FOR IT'S CRABS THAT HAVE THE RUN
OF THE ISLAND.

OUR DRIVER PATRICK.... WHO BTW PRESENTED ME WITH A LOVELY
BUNCH OF FLOWERS WHEN HE PICKED US UP FROM THE
AIRPORT.... WAS BEGINING TO LEARN THAT WE LOVE OFF THE
BEATEN PATH PLACES SO WHEN I MENTIONED PULAU KETAM AS
A PLACE WE'D LIKE TO VISIT.... PATRICK WAS WELL PREPARED TO
SHOW US A FANTASTIC DAY!

WE DROVE WEST TO PORT KLANG... NOT A LONG JOURNEY...
AND THEN CAUGHT A BOAT OVER TO PULAU KETAM.
THIS BIT WAS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE AS WE WERE
CONFINED TO THE LOWER BOAT CABIN AND HAD TO CONTEND
WITH STRONG DIESEL FUMES. BUT THAT WAS ALL WORTH IT
BECAUSE WE HAD SUCH A GREAT DAY ON PULAU KETAM.

PULAU KETAM IS A QUAINT FISHING VILLAGE WITH CANALS.
WALKING AROUND THE SMALL STREETS WITH COLOURFUL HOUSES
AND FRIENDLY LOCALS WAS A PLEASURE. WHEREVER WE GO, HUBBY
AND I ENJOY SEEING HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVE.

AHHH..... FRESH SEAFOOD!! CRAB ISLAND INN.

ALONG THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE IS AN ARRAY OF SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS.
PATRICK HAD OBVIOUSLY TEED SOMETHING UP FOR US BECAUSE HERE, WE
WERE SHOWN THROUGH THE RESTAURANT AND OUT THE BACK TO A
VERANDAH WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF THE CANAL AND STILT HOUSES.

WHAT A FABULOUS PLACE TO HAVE A SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA WASHED
DOWN WITH OUR FAVOURITE..... TIGER BEER

AND JUST A COUPLE MORE PHOTOSHOPPED PIX...

~~oOo~~

NEXT - PULAU PENANG - FOODIE HEAVEN!!

FAVOURITE PHOTO

WHILST WAITING FOR OUR TEETH IMPLANTS TO BE MADE BACK AT
DENTAL PRO IN KUALA LUMPUR, WE DECIDED THIS TIME TO VISIT
PENANG.

I HAD ARRANGED THIS TRIP AROUND BEING INVITED TO MY VERY
FIRST VIRTUALTOURIST WEDDING..... MORE ABOUT THAT LATER

I WAS QUITE EXCITED TO CHECK OUT PENANG ISLAND. I HAD
HEARD THAT THE FOOD WAS PRETTY GOOD.

WELL.... GOOD DOESN'T CUT IT. THE FOOD HERE IS OUTSTANDING!
SUCH A WIDE VARIETY FROM STREET FOOD TO 5 STAR RESTAURANTS
AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN INCLUDING MY FAVOURITE FOOD...
BABA NYONYA. IF YOU HAVE READ ALL ABOUT MY VISITS TO MELAKA
YOU WILL ALREADY KNOW THAT BABA NYONYA FOOD IS THE BEST!!
IF NOT.... AND YOU ARE VISITING PENANG... YOU HAVE TO GO CHECK
IT OUT

SO PLEASE DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF EVERY TIP AND PHOTO HERE IS
FOOD RELATED LOL.

WE CHOSE TO STAY ON THE BEACH OUT OF THE TOWN CENTRE.
GREAT CHOICE! PARKROYAL ON FERRINGHI BEACH WAS AN
EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET. I JUDGE A GOOD HOTEL BY THE
PERSONAL TOUCH.... FROM REMEMBERING OUR NAMES... TO
PERSONAL INTERRACTION WITH US AT THE BAR..... TO LITTLE THINGS
LIKE A WELCOME GIFT OR ANIMAL TOWELS AT THE END OF THE BED.
OH AND A GOOD BUFFET BREAKFAST ALSO IS A HIT

WELL THE PARKROYAL EXCELLED IN THE REMEMBERING NAMES
DEPARTMENT. IT ALSO EXCELLED IN THE CREATING FUN AT THE
BEACH BAR. BUFFET BREAKFAST WAS FANTASTIC AS WELL.
BUT THE ULTIMATE DRAWCARD WAS THE COCKTAIL BAR IN THE
EVENING WITH LOVELY ROMANTIC POPULAR JAZZ SONGS....

View from our room

Dawn and Dusk at Parkroyal Hotel, Ferringhi Beach

AS IN PULAU LANGKAWI, WE HIRED A CAR AT THE HOTEL.
IF YOU WANT TO VISIT SOME OFF THE BEATEN PATH PLACES THEN
YOU NEED YOUR OWN CAR. WE WERE ADVISED TO GO RIGHT AND
HEAD DOWN TO THE SPICE GARDENS AND THEN IF WE WERE
ADVENTUROUS, DRIVE UP AND AROUND THE MOUNTAINS FOR
SOME GREAT VIEWS. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE DID.

SPICE GARDENS

I WOULD TOTALLY RECOMMEND THE SPICE GARDENS. IT IS A
QUIET, SHADY RETREAT WITH GORGEOUS GARDENS AND A
NICE PLACE TO RELAX IN ONE OF THE TREE-TOP CABANAS.

WE ACTUALLY CAME HERE AGAIN WITH THE WEDDING PARTY
MEET AND GREET... AND HAD DINNER AT THE TREE MONKEY
RESTAURANT. NO PIX.... BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT

HEADING UP AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WE PASSED A HUGE
DAM WATER SUPPLY AND THEN PAST THE TROPICAL FRUIT FARM
AND PULLED UP AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WITH A
BEAUTIFUL VIEW.

TIME FOR A BEER BREAK, RELAX AND CHAT TO THE LOCALS
HUBBY BOUGHT A STRONG HOME MADE LINIMENT THAT HE
SWEARS BY TO HELP EASE MUSCULAR PAIN. WE NEED TO GO
BACK AND GET SOME MORE OF THAT STUFF.

BUT JUST THE QUIET AMBIENCE AND NICE SIMPLE
CONVERSATION WASHED DOWN WITH A COLD BEER....
WAS HEAVEN RIGHT NOW

TONIGHT WE HEARD A WHISPER THAT THERE WERE
SOME GOOD RESTAURANTS SOUTH ALONG THE
BEACH FROM THE PARKROYAL.... SO HUBBY AND I
WANDERED DOWN ALONG THE BEACH AND CAME TO
A HIVE OF ACTIVITY.

WE FOUND THE FERRINGHI GARDEN RESTAURANT.
I COULD NOT FAULT THE FOOD. IT WAS JUST ENOUGH,
DECORATED WELL, AMBIENCE QUIET WITH SOFT
LIGHTING AND PLENTY OF GREENERY..... PLUS AIR-CON

I WOULD RATE THIS RESTAURANT A 7 OUT OF 10.

VT MEET

YOU HAVE PROBABLY BY NOW READ SOME OF MY BLOGS
AND VIRTUALTOURIST STORIES. VT IS NO LONGER MY
FAVOURITE TRAVEL SITE. IT WAS BOUGHT OUT BY TRIP
ADVISOR AND THEN AFTER A FEW YEARS..... AXED BY TA.

SO HERE I RELATE AN AMAZING STORY OF HOW A KIND,
GOOD HEARTED VT'ER SWEE LONG AND HIS LOVELY WIFE
TOOK US OUT FOR AN AMAZING DAY THAT HUBBY AND I
WILL NEVER FORGET.

WE MET SWEE LONG AND KAK WAN AGAIN WHEN THEY
CAME TO AUSTRALIA IN 2016 FOR OUR BIG SYDNEY VT
MEET AND LAST MEET BEFORE VT FOLDED.

THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST.

WE HEADED ACROSS THE BIG BRIDGE THAT SEPARATES THE
ISLAND TO THE MAINLAND AND STOPPED TO CHECK OUT A
NICE RIVER VIEW.

THIS IS WHERE SWEE LONG LIVES. HE THEN INTRODUCED
US TO AN AUTHENTIC BREAKFAST IN A LITTLE CAFE.

AND WE VISITED THE LOCAL MARKET WHERE I GOT REAL
EXCITED THAT THEY WERE SELLING SMALL LADY FINGER
BANANAS. I WON'T TOUCH THE BIG TASTELESS BANANAS
THAT WE GET IN PERTH. PERTHIANS DO NOT KNOW WHAT
A GOOD BANANA TASTES LIKE

I GREW UP IN BRISBANE WHERE WE WERE FORTUNATE TO
HAVE THESE LITTLE LADY FINGERS. THEY ARE SO SWEET
AND TASTY.... UNLIKE THEIR HUGE CARDBOARD TASTING
RELATIVES

WE ALSO TASTED SMALL FRUIT THAT WAS SIMILAR TO
LYCHIES CALLED DOKONG FRUIT.

THIS MARKET WAS FULL OF FRESH FRUIT AND OTHER GOODS.
WE GOT QUITE A FEW LOOKS FROM THE LOCALS WHO DON'T
OFTEN SEE TOURISTS IN THEIR NECK OF THE WOODS.

THEN OFF TO A LOCAL NATIONAL PARK FOR A WALK AMONGST
NICE SHADY TREES WITH SMALL CREEK RUNNING THROUGH.
I HAD A GO AT LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT MY
TRIPOD WHICH IS PRETTY MUCH NECESSARY FOR THIS TYPE OF
PHOTO GENRE. HAPPY WITH THIS RESULT

LUNCH WAS AGAIN FANTASTIC..... GOTTA LOVE PENANG
FOODIE HEAVEN

AND FINALLY WE CAUGHT THE FERRY BACK OVER TO PULAU
PENANG.... CAR AND ALL.

IT WAS A HAPPY AND SAD GOODBYE BUT NOT THE LAST...

THANK YOU SO MUCH SWEE LONG AND KAK WAN FOR TAKING
THE TIME OUT TO SHOW US AROUND YOUR LOCAL AREA.
IF YOU EVER VISIT PERTH, WE WILL BE KEEN TO REPAY YOUR
WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY. XX

PENANG HILL

ONE OF THE PLACES NEAR GEORGETOWN WHICH IS THE CAPITAL
OF PENANG IS THE BIG HILL.

PENANG HILL IS ONE OF THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS OF PENANG,
AND RIGHTLY SO. WE CAUGHT THE LITTLE TRAIN UP THE STEEP
HILL. IT RATTLED AND SWAYED AND SOMETIMES ALMOST CAME
TO A STAND STILL... BUT EVENTUALLY WE MADE IT TO THE TOP.

AND WHAT A VIEW!!

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

FERRINGHI BEACH IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY IN THE NIGHT. THEY
HAVE MARKETS, RESTAURANTS, BARS AND TUK TUKS WITH
BRIGHT COLOURFUL FAIRYLIGHTS.

MAGIC 1 RESTAURANT WAS MY FAVOURITE. THE STAFF WERE
AWESOME, FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, TABLES FRONTING THE
STREET FOR PEOPLE WATCHING... AND THE FOOD!...
DEVINE! FIRM 10/10 FOR ME.

TIME TO WASH DOWN ALL OF THAT DELICIOUS FOOD....

THE WOODEN PUB

JUST UP THE ROAD WE FOUND THIS CUTE LITTLE PUB DECKED OUT
IN WOOD...... SORRY..... BLONDE TALK.

WHAT A GREAT WAY TO END THE EVENING. CHATTED TO THE BAR
MAN AND OTHER RANDOMS THAT DARED ENTER.... AND HAD A
FUN TIME! I RECOMMEND THIS PLACE 8/10.

THE SHIP RESTAURANT

YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! WE NEEDED TO HAVE A GOOD STEAK.
MALAYSIAN FOOD IS GREAT!.... BUT WE WERE HAVING BIG MEAT
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. BELIEVE ME.... THAT IS NOT A GOOD
SIGHT

THE SHIP RESTAURANT HAS HUGE STEAKS! ALMOST AS
GOOD AS THE ONES WE BBQ BACK AT HOME. DINNER WAS A
YUMMY GASTROMONICAL EXPERIENCE. 6/10.

WOULD HAVE BEEN A 7/10 BUT THE FERRINGHI GARDEN
RESTAURANT TOOK THAT PLACE.

TUK TUK HOME

TAKE ME HOME!!! ..... LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD...

WEDDING DAY

THIS IS WHAT I MISS ABOUT VT. WE WERE SUCH A WARM AND
FRIENDLY TRAVEL COMMUNITY. !!@#%% TA!

I FELT SO PRIVILEGED TO BE INVITED TO MY VERY VIRST
VIRTUALTOURIST WEDDING. WINNIE FOUND OUT THAT WE
PLANNED TO VISIT PENANG AND IMMEDIATELY INVITED US TO
HER WEDDING. WE HAD NEVER MET WINNIE... BUT HEY!! WHAT
AN ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE TO ATTEND A WEDDING IN ANOTHER
PART OF THE WORLD. WOW!

SO HERE WE ARE.... THE DAY BEFORE... MEETING WINNIE AND
THE GROOM'S FRIENDS ON THE FORESHORE OF FERRINGHI.

THE WEDDING

OMG! I AM IN TEARS WRITING THIS NOW.... 4 YEARS LATER.
WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WINNIE LOOKED JUST AMAZING!
AND JOHN IS FROM NEW ZEALAND. THEY BOTH ARE NOW LIVING
IN NZ. LOVE YOU GUYS!!

WHAT A HIGHLIGHT!

AND ALSO THE MEETUP WITH SWEE LONG AND KAK WAN.

YOU GUYS ROCK! LOVE YOU XX

FAVOURITE PHOTO

BACK IN KL FOR MORE DENTAL WORK AT DENTAL PRO.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP TO KL IN 2014. OUR DENTIST
HAD TO FIT THE SCREW FOR OUR IMPLANTS. THEN WE
WAIT FOR A FEW MONTHS AND COME BACK TO FIT THE
TOOTH. THIS IS ALL PAIN FREE, NO NEEDLES AT A STATE
OF THE ART FACILITY IN BANGSAR. NO NEED TO WORRY
ABOUT TRANSPORT AS WE ARE PICKED UP AND TAKEN
BACK IN THE MERC

WE AGAIN STAYED AT THE TRADERS HOTEL LOCATED
NEAR THE TWIN TOWERS.
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CAPTURE THE TOWERS IN
GREEN. USUALLY THEY HAVE JUST WHITE LIGHTING.

THIS TIME WE DISCOVERED A FABULOUS AWARD
WINNING RESTAURANT IN BUKIT BINTANG.

SAO NAM RESTAURANT

THIS LITTLE VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT HAS AN AMAZING
WALL OF FAME SHOWING ALL OF THE AWARDS THEY HAVE
WON. AND QUITE RIGHTLY SO. THE FOOD WAS FRESH AND
SO DELICIOUS! I ALSO LOVED THE COSY ATMOSPHERE AND
BRIGHT COLOURED WALLS AND DECORATIONS. LOTS TO
LOOK AT WHILST EATING.... ALONG WITH A BIT OF PEOPLE
WATCHING TOO.

IT IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF RESTAURANT ALLEY IN
BUKIT BINTANG. WE ALSO MET THE HEAD CHEF AND HEARD
HIS STORY. IT SEEMS THAT HE HAD DONE A STINT OF
TRAINING IN SYDNEY. SMALL WORLD

MONKEYS AND FIREFLIES

I AM SURE YOU HAVE READ MY PREVIOUS STORY ABOUT THE
MONKEYS AND FIREFLIES. IF NOT, THEN HEAD OVER TO MY
1ST TRIP TO KL IN 2010 WHERE MY DAUGHTER JANINE STOLE
THE SHOW WITH HER MONKEY INTERACTION.

THIS TIME HUBBY AND I WANTED TO INTRODUCE OUR KL
FRIENDS TO OUR PRIVATE DRIVER AND FRIEND PATRICK.
WHAT BETTER WAY THAN HAVE PATRICK TAKE US ON HIS
FABULOUS TOUR TO SEE THE MONKEYS AND FIREFLIES IN
SELANGOR.

THIS TRIP ALSO INCLUDES A FANTASTIC DINNER RIGHT ON
THE RIVER AT SUNSET. PATRICK SURE KNOWS HOW TO
ARRANGE EVERYTHING SO THAT WE HAVE THE BEST TIME!

THIS TIME WE ALSO VISITED THE POPULAR DRIVE-THU
CENDOL BAKAR
I DIDN'T QUITE KNOW WHAT THIS WAS ALL ABOUT.... BUT
THE TRAFFIC QUEUES TO GET IN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS
PRETTY POPULAR WITH THE LOCALS. CHECK OUT THE ABOVE
LINK IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CENDOL BAKAR.
ME?..... TASTED PRETTY COOL. SIMILAR TO THE ASIAN BUBBLE
DRINKS I HAVE HAD BEFORE.

ANYWAY.... HERE ARE A FEW PIX THAT TELL THEIR OWN STORY

FORMULA 1 SEPANG

WE PLANNED THIS TRIP AROUND THE FORMULA 1 -
A FIRST FOR US.

AGAIN... HUBBY HAD TO SWEET TALK SECURITY THAT HE
WASN'T A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WHEN THEY
THREATENED TO TAKE HIS BIG LENS OFF HIM.... LOL.

I USED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE MY PHOTOGRAPHY
PANNING TECHNIQUES. I WAS REALLY HAPPY WITH SOME
OF MY PHOTOS

ausirose photos tyre burn out pickup F1 Sepang KL - Kuala Lumpur

Meet the Drivers

~~oOo~~

NEXT VISIT .... TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR
AND AN EXCITING INVITATION.
STAY TUNED.....

ONE MORE PHOTOSHOPPED PIC.... JUST FOR FUN

FAVOURITE PHOTO

THIS WAS FOR OUR FINAL TRIP TO DENTAL PRO.
DENTISTRY IN KL IS LESS THAN A 3RD OF THE COST
IN AUSTRALIA. THE ONLY WAY WE COULD AFFORD
TO GET TEETH IMPLANTS IN AUSTRALIA WOULD BE
TO WIN THE LOTTO. EVEN THEN, I WOULD STILL
COME TO KL FOR MY DENTAL CARE. THE SET UP
IS STATE OF THE ART AND WE ARE ALSO PICKED UP
AND DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL... ALL INCLUDED
IN THE COST.

THANKS DENTAL PRO. MAYBE NEXT TIME WE'LL
COME BACK FOR SOME TEETH WHITENING.

THIS TIME WE CHOSE TO STAY AT THE MILLENNIUM HOTEL.
IT IS LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO OUR FAVOURITE SHOPPING
CENTRE THE PAVILION IN BUKIT BINTANG AND ALSO OUR
FAVOURITE PUB - MALONES.

I REALLY LIKED THE CLUB LOUNGE HERE.
IT HAS A NICE OUTDOOR SITTING AREA WITH SUBDUED
LIGHTING AND A POND WITH FISH AND FOUNTAIN.
LOVE THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER IT WAS ALSO A
NICE PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH DOWN BELOW.

STYLO BARBER CHINATOWN

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS TRIP WAS BEING INVITED TO A VT WEDDING.
THIS IS THE SECOND WEDDING WE HAVE ATTENDED FOR ONE OF
OUR VIRTUALTOURIST FRIENDS. IT'S A SHAME VT WAS SHUT DOWN
BY TRIP ADVISOR. WE WERE SUCH A WARM FRIENDLY COMMUNITY.
I HOPE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE THAT WARM RELATIONSHIP ON TP.

ANYWAY, I TOLD HUBBY THAT HE NEEDED TO LOSE HIS UNRULY
BEARD AND OUR FRIEND MAY SUE AGREED. SO MAY SUE
SUGGESTED THAT WE VISIT A BARBER.

STYLO BARBER LOCATED OPPOSITE CHINATOWN IS NOT JUST ANY
BARBER. IT IS ACTUALLY THE OLDEST BARBER SHOP IN KL. IT HAS
BEEN RUNNING IN THE FAMILY SINCE 1937. CHECK OUT THE
HISTORY IN THE LINK ABOVE.

ANYWAY, HERE WE ARE IN STYLO FOR THE BIG BEARD SHAVE.
THE BARBER HAD TO ASK A COUPLE OF TIMES IF HUBBY WAS
SURE THAT HE WANTED TO REMOVE THAT AWESOME BEARD.
AWESOME?.... REALLY?...
MAY SUE AND I YELLED YES! REMOVE IT IN UNISON

AHHH... NOW THAT'S MUCH BETTER

AND WE WALKED AROUND THE CORNER TO THE REGGAE BAR
FOR A CELEBRATARY DRINK.

Marley Bar down this yellow building street

THE WEDDING - MEI LENG AND CHARLES

MEI LENG LOOKED ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. UNFORTUNATELY
THE PHOTOS I TOOK WERE NOT VERY GOOD. MY POINT AND
SHOOT CAMERA WASN'T FOCUSING PROPERLY.

HUBBY AND I FELT VERY PRIVILEGED TO HAVE BEEN INVITED.
WE MET MEI LENG AND CHARLES A COUPLE OF YEARS
EARLIER WHEN THEY CAME TO PERTH FOR A VISIT.

SENTUL PARK

WE HAD ARRANGED TO HAVE LUNCH AGAIN AT OUR FAVOURITE CAFE,
THE SWINE IN PUBLICA SHOPPING CENTRE. FIRST, MAY SUE TOOK US
TO A NICE PARK IN TOWN.

SWINE CAFE AND SHUCKED OYSTERS BAR

IF YOU HAVE READ MY PREVIOUS BLOGS, YOU WILL KNOW ALL ABOUT
THIS. BUT FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVEN'T, THE SWINE CAFE AND
SHUCKED OYSTERS BAR ARE LOCATED ON THE LOWER GROUND LEVEL
OF PUBLICA SHOPPING CENTRE.

THIS IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR US BECAUSE THEY ARE RIGHT IN
THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR GROCERY SHOP. YEP... FOR YOU FELLOW
AUSSIES.... IMAGINE WALKING INTO WOLLIES OR COLES TO GO TO
A RESTAURANT....? IMAGINE ALSO BEING ABLE TO BUY BYO IN THE
SAME SHOP.... IMAGINE BEING ABLE TO SIT AT AN OYSTER BAR IN
THE MIDDLE OF COLES AND EAT FRESH SHUCKED OYSTERS WASHED
DOWN WITH A COLDIE PURCHASED IN THE SAME GROCERY SHOP?!!
BLINKIN' AWESOME!!

~~oOo~~

WE DIDN'T DO A LOT OF TOURISTY STUFF THIS TRIP SO MY BIG
CAMERA PRETTY MUCH STAYED IN IT'S BAG.

JUST A COUPLE OF QUICK SHOTS OF THE NICE FOUNTAIN OUT
FRONT OF THE PAVILION SHOPPING CENTRE

FAVOURITE PHOTO

THIS TRIP WAS NOT PLANNED.

I WON A HOLIDAY ON AN AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY SITE.
I ENTERED THIS PHOTO THAT I TOOK IN JASPER, CANADIAN ROCKIES.
NICE HEY

IT WAS A TRAVEL PHOTO COMPETITION AND THE FIRST ONE
HOSTED BY THE SITE THAT HAD A HOLIDAY FOR THE PRIZE.
I HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE SITE FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS WHEN
THEY ANNOUNCED THIS COMPETITION.

WE WENT ON A FABULOUS HOLIDAY TO CANADA AND PARTS
OF THE STATES AND BELIZE. YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT IT
HERE ON TP. I HAVE SOME FABULOUS PHOTOS AND GREAT
STORIES OF VISITING THE ROCKIES AS WELL AS THE SMOKY
MOUNTAINS WITH VIVID FALL COLOURS.

ANYWAY, I TOOK THIS PHOTO EARLY MORNING IN THE
FREEZING COLD AT LAKE PYRAMID RESORT, CAPTURING THE
MORNING SUN ON THE MONTAINS BEHIND THE LAKE.
THIS WAS PRETTY MUCH OUT OF THE CAMERA SINCE I AM
JUST A NOVICE AT PP'ING. I WAITED THE FULL 12 MONTHS
FOR THE COMPETITION TO FINISH AND WAS SHOCKED THAT
I WON THE INTERMEDIATE CATAGORY. THEN MY PHOTO
WENT UP AGAINST THE WINNER OF THE ADVANCED...AND
LO AND BEHOLD....I WON! ..... WOOHOO!! IMAGINE A 56YRO
DANCING AROUND THE HOUSE LIKE A KID WITH THE
LATEST X-BOX!! I COULD EASILY HAVE GIVEN THE TOYOTA
ADD A RUN FOR IT'S MONEY .... LOL.

8 MONTHS DOWN THE TRACK.... AND HUBBY AND I ARE
ABOUT TO EMBARK ON ANOTHER USA ADVENTURE
STARTING IN NEW YORK WITH ALL EXPENSES PAID AIR
FARE TICKETS, ACCOMMODATION AND A WEEK PHOTO
TOUR INCLUDING A CHOPPER RIDE OVER MANHATTON
ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR SHOOTING PHOTOS....
THEN ON TO FLORIDA AND JAMAICA - EXPENSES PAID BY
US.

SADLY WE COULD NOT GO.....
THE COMPANY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO PAY APARENTLY
HAD CASH FLOW PROBLEMS. SOMETHING TO DO WITH
MONEY BEING TIED UP IN CUBA. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!?

SO HERE WE ARE.... NO HOLIDAY TO USA.... OUT OF POCKET
FOR OTHER EXPENSES WE HAD PAID FOR..... ANNUAL LEAVE
BOOKED THROUGH WORK. SOME OF THAT LEAVE WITHOUT
PAY.....
SO NOW WHAT?...

OH WELL.... GUESS WE'LL GO BACK TO KL.... VISIT OUR
FRIENDS AND PICK ANOTHER ISLAND TO CHECK OUT.

SO..... THAT IS HOW WE CAME ABOUT TO BE BACK IN
MALAYSIA

~~oOo~~

THIS TIME WE ACCEPTED A KIND OFFER FROM OUR GOOD FRIEND
MAY SUE TO STAY WITH HER IN HER CONDO JUST OUTSIDE OF KL.

MAY SUE IS LUCKY TO LIVE HERE. THE CONDO HAS A POOL, NICE
GARDENS, CAFE, SHOP AND WASHING DRY/CLEANING SERVICE.
NOT ONLY ALL OF THAT... BUT IT HAS A FABULOUS VIEW OF THE
CITY AND TWIN TOWERS THANK YOU MAY SUE FOR HOSTING
US. YOU ARE A TRUE GEM AND GREAT FRIEND! XX

PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE REALLY DON'T HAVE TO COOK AT ALL.
FOOD IS SOOO CHEAP WE VISITED THE LOCAL CAFES EVERY
MORNING, JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

SWINE

BACK IN KL AND WE WERE HAPPY TO SEE OUR FRIENDS AGAIN
WHAT BETTER WAY THAN TO GO HANG OUT AT OUR FAVOURITE
RESTAURANT IN THE GROCERY SHOP, LOWER GROUND FLOOR
OF THE PUBLICA SHOPPING CENTRE
THIS TIME WE WERE SO FULL THAT WE COULDN'T FIT IN THE
SHUCKED OYSTERS AROUND THE CORNER IN THE SAME GROCERY
SHOP..... YOU NEED TO CHECK THAT OUT IN MY PREVIOUS BLOGS
FANCY THAT?... I EVEN SHOCKED MYSELF!!
MALAYSIANS ARE TRUELY SPOILT IN THE FOOD DEPARTMENT.

JANDA BAIK

MONDAY WAS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN KL. THEY SEEM TO HAVE A
LOT OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS BUT THEN WITH THE INFUSION OF
DIFFERENT CULTURES HERE.... NO WONDER.

SO TODAY MAY SUE WANTED TO TAKE US SOMEWHERE LOCAL THAT
WOULDN'T BE OVERCROWDED...... JANDA BAIK.

TRUE ENOUGH, IT WASN'T CROWDED. WE GOT A LOT OF STRANGE
LOOKS..... TOURISTS IN A LOCAL HANG OUT LOL

WE JUST LOVED IT HERE! OUR TYPE OF PLACE. OFF THE BEATEN PATH,
NICE FLOWING RIVER, LOCALS HAVING BBQ'S ON THE BANKS, KIDS
RIDING THE RIVER RAPIDS ON TUBS. THERE WERE EVEN SMALL
HOLIDAY HUTS THAT WERE OBVIOUSLY RENTED OUT FOR THE LONG
WEEKEND. WE HAD A FABULOUS TIME!!

I WAS EVEN ASKED IF I WAS FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC...... WITH
MY TRIPOD AND CAMERA HAHA. A FAMILY INVITED ME TO JOIN IN
FOR LUNCH WHICH WAS NICE.... BUT WE HAD JUST HAD SOME LOCAL
FOOD CALLED NASI LEMAK ACROSS THE ROAD AT THE SMALL CAFE.

FOLLOWING THIS, WE DROVE AROUND THE CORNER TO A DAY SPA
WHERE HUBBY AND MAY SUE HAD A MASSAGE AND I WANDERED
AROUND TO TAKE SOME PHOTOS.

MELAKA .... AGAIN

PATRICK OUR DRIVER AND NOW GOOD FRIEND ALSO WANTED TO
CATCH UP. SO WE ASKED HIM TO TAKE US TO MELAKA AGAIN.
SO WHEN PATRICK ROCKED UP IN THE CAR.... HIS WIFE WAS THERE.
WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE HOW NICE TO SEE SAMIKA AGAIN.
SHE HAD TAKEN TIME OFF WORK AT SHORT NOTICE ESPECIALLY
TO SPEND A DAY WITH US.

THIS WAS A NICE RELAXED DAY WITH GOOD COMPANY.
WHEN WE ARRIVED WE DISCOVERED THAT OUR FAVOURITE
BABY NYONYA RESTAURANT THE PERANAKAN HAD CLOSED...
SO SAD. BUT STRAIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD WAS A VERY SMALL
BABY NYONYA CAFE SO WE THOUGHT WE WOULD GIVE IT A TRY.

KOCIK KITCHEN

BABY NYONYA FOOD IS AN INFUSION OF MALAY AND CHINESE
WITH A DISTINCT INDIAN SPICE FLAVOUR. WE LOVE IT!

WE ORDERED THE SHARE BUFFET AND IT WAS JUST RIGHT!
SO YUMMY!! WASHED DOWN WITH A COLD TIGER!
AH.... HEAVEN!

TUMMYS FULL..... WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE A WANDER AROUND.
MELAKA IS SO GOOD FOR A LEISURELY STROLL AMONGST THE
FABULOUS OLD PORTUGESE INFUSED ARCHITECTURE INCLUDING
PEOPLE WATCHING.

WE CAME ACROSS AN OLD DERELECT BUILDING THAT HAD SOME
AWESOME GRAFITTI! CHECK THIS OUT.... -

BIT MORE OF A STROLL.....

BEER O'CLOCK

LAST STOP... AS USUAL. GEOGRAPHER CAFE LOVE THIS PLACE.
DIDN'T TAKE ANY PHOTOS THIS TIME, BUT IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN
MY OTHER BLOGS, THEN HERE ARE JUST A COUPLE.

WE WANTED TO SPEND ANOTHER DAY WITH PATRICK. WHERE TO
THIS TIME?

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

THIS WAS A LONG DAY COMMENCING AT AROUND 7.30 AND FINISHING
AFTER 10PM BUT WE PACKED A STACK OF STUFF IN AND IT TURNED OUT
TO BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP.

THE SCENERY ALONG THE WAY IS SPECTACULAR. YOU WON'T HAVE A
BORED MOMENT. FIRST STOP, A BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL. BE PREPARED
TO JOSTLE FOR A PARKING SPOT HERE AS THERE ARE NOT THAT MANY
AND IT IS A VERY TOURISTY SPOT.

Patrick and Howie

IT WAS HERE THAT I DISCOVERED THAT MY PHONE TAKES FISHEYE PHOTOS.
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A COMPATIBLE FISHEYE LENS FOR MY CANON 60D
WHICH IS A CROP SENSOR CAMERA. HUBBY AND I SHARE A GOOD CANON
FISHEYE LENS HOWEVER IT DOES NOT GIVE ME THE FULL ROUND PHOTOS
THAT I AM AFTER. IT DOES ON HUBBY'S FULL SENSOR 5D CAMERA.

SO HERE AT THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS WATERFALL, I DISCOVERED THAT MY
PHONE HAS AN OPTION TO TAKE FISHEYE PHOTOS. COOL!!

BOH TEA

BOAH TEA IS WAY UP HIGH IN THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS. THE SURROUNDING
MOUNTAINS WERE COVERED IN MIST. THE VIEW HERE WAS SPECTACULAR!

WE HAD A TOUR OF THE TEA MAKING AND SAT DOWN TO TEA AND SCONES.
HUBBY AND I BOUGHT A SAMPLE PACK OF 6 DIFFERENT FLAVOURED TEAS.
THERE'S PASSION FRUIT, NORMAL TEA, LEMON WITH MANDARIN, LIME AND
GINGER, EARL GREY (MY FAVOURITE) AND LYCHEE AND ROSE. YUUUUMY

LUNCH @ TANAH RATA

WE STOPPED FOR LUNCH IN THE MAIN STREET OF TANAH RATA, THE CITY
CENTRE OF THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS. GOT TO HAND IT TO PATRICK!..
HE KNEW THE BEST PLACE TO EAT AND SUGGESTED WHAT WOULD BE
GOOD. IT WAS MORE THAN GOOD. IT WAS BLINKIN' AWESOME!!
FABULOUS INDIAN FOOD ON A LARGE BANANA LEAF!!
WASHED DOWN WITH A COLD TIGER!... AND WE WERE TOTALLY SATISFIED

WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET A PARKING SPOT RIGHT OUTSIDE THE
FRONT. THE MAIN STREET OF TANAH RATA IS VERY BUSY.

TANAH RATA AND SURROUNDS HAS A LOT OF POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.
THE LIST IS HUGE. YOU COULD EASILY FILL 3 DAYS WITH STUFF TO SEE AND DO
HERE. THE FIRST STOP WE MADE WAS AT AN OLD TUDOR BUILDING WITH
PLENTY OF CHARACTOR.

THE SMOKEHOUSE HOTEL

THE ROSE GARDENS

I JUST LOVED THIS! I WISH WE COULD HAVE SPENT LESS TIME
AT THE TEA PLACE

TO GET HERE, WE HAD TO NEGOTIATE DRIVING THROUGH THE MARKETS
WITH PEOPLE EVERYWHERE! THE CLOSEST I COULD COMPARE WAS
IN MOROCCO AND EVEN THEN IT WASN'T AS CROUDED AS HERE. A PRETTY
COOL EXPERIENCE.

Flowers that look like Ballet Shoes -

Flowers that can look like a Butterfly

BUTTERFLY PARK

THIS WAS OUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE BUTTERFLY
PARK IN KL AND IT IS REAL NICE WITH BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS.
HERE.... NOT THE SAME. BUT WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL WAS THIS FELLA THAT
SEEMED TO TAKE A LIKING TO US. PROBABLY ARRANGED BY PATRICK

ANYWAY, HE STARTED SHOWING US THE OTHER CREATURES THAT THEY HAD
HERE. CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING....

WE KIND OF LOST ALL INTEREST IN THE SWEET BUTTERFLIES LOL.

I SWEAR..... THIS GUY HAD NO FEAR!!!!...

IT WAS AMAZING ALSO CHECKING OUT THE INSECTS THAT
DISGUISE THEMSELVES. THE HUGE STICK INSECT YOU SAW ABOVE
CAN LOOK JUST LIKE ONE BIG LONG STICK. HERE IS ANOTHER
INSECT THAT DISGUISES ITSELF AS A LEAF.

OK..... HERE ARE A COUPLE OF BUTTERFLY SHOTS.....

AND HE ALSO SHOWED US THIS FLOWER THAT CANNOT BE BURNT WITH
A FLAME.

BUT WHEN YOU STICK THE LIGHTER UNDERNEATH ..... IT'S COLOUR CHANGES.

I BOUGHT A LOVELY ORNAMENT HERE THAT LOOKS REAL GOOD ON
MY ORNAMENT CABINET.

WE COULD HAVE VISITED THE STRAWBERRY FARM AND LAVENDER FARM
BUT BY THIS TIME WE WERE RUNNING OUT OF TIME. WE STILL HAD TO
DRIVE AROUND TO IPOH WHICH IS A COUPLE OF HOURS NORTH OF KL
AND THEN BACK TO KL.

BY THE TIME WE REACHED IPOH IT WAS DARK BUT PATRICK STILL DROVE
AROUND TOWN POINTING OUT SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL OLD BUILDINGS
WHICH HAS WET OUR APETITE FOR ANOTHER TRIP

ALL IN ALL.... A FANTASTIC DAY THAT I AM SURE YOU WILL ENJOY TOO IF
YOU DECIDE TO CHECK IT OUT. PLEASE CONTACT ME HERE ON TP FOR
PATRICK'S DETAILS.

~~oOo~~

ONE LAST PHOTO - CATCHING UP WITH MEI LENG AND CHARLES.
WE ATTENDED THEIR WEDDING HERE IN 2014 WHICH WAS ABSOLUTELY
BEAUTIFUL! IT WAS SO NICE TO SEE YOU GUYS AGAIN! XX

WE ALSO MET SHARON FOR THE FIRST TIME. ON OUR VERY FIRST TRIP
TO KL IN 2010 WE WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING SHARON FROM
VIRTUALTOURIST. UNFORTUNATELY SHE COULDN'T MAKE IT BUT I SPOKE
TO HER AT OUR HOTEL.

THIS TIME... 7 YEARS LATER WE FINALLY MET SHARON AND I AM SOOO
GLAD. SHARON.... YOU ARE A KIND AND THOUGHTFULL PERSON.
LUV YA! XX

LASTLY, ONE MORE SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MAY SUE FOR EVERYTHING
YOU DID FOR US. LOVE YOU TO PIECES!! XX

~~oOo~~

NEXT BLOG - PULAU MANUKAN, SABAH BORNEO, MALAYSIA.

FAVOURITE PHOTO

I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT OUR STAY ON MANUKAN ISLAND.

ALL THE OTHER ISLANDS THAT WE HAVE VISITED IN MALAYSIA HOLD
THEIR OWN SPECIAL MEMORY.

PULAU TIOMAN - SNORKLING, DIVING, LOCALS, SUNSETS, BEACH BAR,
GORGEOUS DIVING INSTRUCTORS.....
HELL.... TIOMAN ISLAND HAS THE BEST MEMORIES!!

PULAU KETAM - OFF THE BEATEN PATH, DIFFERENT LOCAL LIVING,
HOUSES ON STILTS, QUAINT FISING VILLAGE, FANTASTIC SEAFOOD.

PULAU LANGKAWI - AWESOME SCENERY, MONKEYS, YUMMY SEAFOOD,
SUNSET CRUISING AND OTHER FUN STUFF TO SEE AND DO.

PULAU PENANG - FOODIE HEAVEN! FABULOUS MOUNTAIN SCENERY,
FRIENDLY LOCALS, FANTASTIC ACCOMMODATION ON FERRINGHI
BEACH.

MANUKAN ISLAND WAS DIFFERENT. MAYBE IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO
WITH US HAVING TO BOOK SOMEWHERE AT SHORT NOTICE BECAUSE
OUR PLANS TO TRAVEL TO NEW YORK FELL THROUGH.... CHECK OUT MY
PREVIOUS BLOG.

MAYBE IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE MOZZIES AND SANDFLIES
OR THE STAFF WHO NEED A LOT MORE COACHING ON HOW TO
INTERRACT WITH THEIR GUESTS. I DON'T KNOW....

WHEN I SAY RUSTIC PARADISE.... I MEAN THAT THE BEACHES HERE ARE
STUNNING! THE ACCOMMODATION WAS DEFINITELY 5 STAR! .....
PARADISE!!

BUT THE OTHER FACILITIES LET MANUKAN ISLAND RESORT DOWN.
AND THE STAFF LET THE PLACE DOWN.
SO, MANAUKAN ISLAND RESORT WAS A MIXTURE OF PARADISE WITH A
BASIC RUSTIC FEEL.

IN HINDSIGHT.... EVEN THOUGH THIS PLACE CERTAINLY HAS A LOT GOING
FOR IT..... IT LACKS ALOT COMPARED TO THE OTHER ISLANDS THAT WE
HAVE BEEN TO IN MALAYSIA.

SO WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT MANUKAN ISLAND RESORT?....

MANUKAN ISLAND RESORT ACCOMMODATION

WHEN WE ARRIVED AT KOTA KINABALU OR 'KK' AS THE LOCALS CALL IT,
WE TOOK A SHORT 15 MINUTE BOAT RIDE TO MANUKAN ISLAND.

I BOOKED ONE OF THE EXPENSIVE CABINS ON STILTS OVERLOOKING
THE BEACH. THIS IS 5 STAR ACCOMMODATION WITH A PRICE TO MATCH.
WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED.

HOWEVER, WE WERE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE STAFF DIDN'T TELL US
ABOUT THE MOZZIES AT NIGHT. THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MOZZIE
PLUG IN THINGY IN THE BEDROOM THAT WE DISCOVERED AFTER 2 NIGHTS.
IF WE HAD HAVE KNOWN THAT EARLIER.... WE WOULD HAVE AVOIDED THE
MASSIVE BITES AND ITCHY ARMS AND LEGS. LATER WE OVERHEARD STAFF
TELLING NEW ARRIVALS ABOUT THIS. UNFORTUNATELY THEY FORGOT TO TELL US.

SAME THING WITH MIDGIES (SAND FLIES). WHEN WE ARRIVED, THE STAFF
SHOULD HAVE WARNED US ABOUT THE MIDGIES ON THE BEACH. IF THEY
HAD HAVE DONE.... WE WOULD HAVE PURCHASED SOME SANDFLY STUFF
FROM THE LITTLE SHOP. INSTEAD.... WE SUFFERED MOZZIE AND MIDGIE
BITES FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE FINALLY WORKING IT OUT.

SUNSETS

RELAXING ON AN ISLAND IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS YOU EXPERIENCE
AN AWESOME SUNSET.

TO SEE THE SUN SETTING, YOU HAD TO WALK UP HILL ON A SMALL
PATH TO THE LOOKOUT AND THEN WALK BACK IN TOTAL DARK WITH A
TORCH. THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO DO THAT

BUT WE DID HAPPEN TO CAPTURE SOME AWESOME SUNSET LIGHT ON
OUR PRIVATE BEACH IN FRONT OF OUR ACCOMMODATION.

AND AFTER THE SUN SETS... THE STARS COME OUT. I VENTURED DOWN TO
OUR PRIVATE BEACH ONE NIGHT. IT WAS QUIET AND PEACEFUL. WE HAD
A STAR GAZING TELESCOPE IN OUR ACCOMMODATION THAT WE DIDN'T
USE. I WAS MORE INTERESTED IN CAPTURING IT ON CAMERA

PULAU MANUKAN HAD HEAPS OF VISITORS EVERY DAY. THEY HAD PERMANENT
BEACHSIDE FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THE CROWDS. THEY EVEN HAD THESE
FUNNY FAKE DIVING SET UPS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO REPLICATE THE DIVING
EXPERIENCE. WE HAD A GOOD LAUGH AT THAT

ISLAND HOPPING

WE HAD INCREDIBLE WEATHER THE ENTIRE STAY. THIS HOLIDAY WAS ALL
ABOUT R&R SO WE CHOSE NOT TO DO ANY ACTIVITIES ON THE MAINLAND
IN SABAH BORNEO. SOMETHING UNUSUAL FOR US AS OUR HOLIDAYS ARE
NORMALLY JAMMED PACKED WITH ACTIVITIES AND SIGHTSEEING.

I ACTUALLY WATCHED A LOT OF MOVIES THIS HOLIDAY, SOMETHING I
DON'T DO AT HOME LET ALONE ON HOLIDAY HAHA. BUT WE NEEDED TO
HAVE A GOOD RELAXING BREAK AND MANUKAN DELIVERED.

ANYWAY, WEATHER GREAT, SEA CALM AND WE HIT A NEIGHBOURING
ISLAND AND ANOTHER GORGEOUS BEACH. .... ALONG WITH A WEDDING

LUNCH AT PACIFIC HOTEL SUTERA HARBOUR

THE BEST MEAL WE HAD WAS OVER ON THE MAINLAND. WE
WANDERED AROUND TO THE PACIFIC HOTEL AND HAD LUNCH
AND A COUPLE OF COLD TIGERS AT THE BEACH BAR IN THE SHADE
COUPLED WITH A NICE BREEZE.... AND NO MOZZIES OR FLIES

COCKTAILS AT THE BAR

COCKTAIL HOUR ..... BEST TIME OF THE DAY

HOWIE ENDED UP HAVING TO SHOW THE BARMAN HOW TO MAKE A
PROPER MARGARETA WITHOUT ICE IN THE DRINK.

THE CHICKEN WINGS WERE OUR FAVOURITE BAR FOOD. THEY WERE
MUCH BETTER THAN THE RESTAURANT FOOD WHICH WAS PRETTY
BASIC WITHOUT MUCH VARIETY.

FOR A 5 STAR RESORT, THEY NEED TO DO A BIT MORE WORK IN THE
FOOD DEPARTMENT. BUFFET BREAKFAST WAS GOOD BUT WAS NOT
ON THE RESTAURANT VERANDAH WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE
COMFORTABLE. INSTEAD IT WAS NEXT TO WITH BASIC SEATING ON
THE SAND.

ALSO THEY NEED TO EMPLOY MORE OUTGOING BAR STAFF. THE
ONLY ONE THAT HAD A BIT OF CHARACTOR WAS FREDERICK PICTURED
ABOVE WITH THE COFFEE MARTINI. WE HAD TO REMIND THE OTHER
BAR STAFF WHEN OUR GLASS WAS EMPTY.....

SPEAKING OF FREDERICK, HE WAS ADMIRING MY SILVER STARFISH
NECKLESS AND ASKED WHERE I PURCHASED IT AS HE WANTED TO
GET ONE FOR HIS WIFE FOR THEIR 10TH ANIVERSARY. SO I JUST
GAVE IT TO HIM. FREDERICK GOT REAL EMOTIONAL. IT WAS
TOUCHING.

LAST DAY AT BREAKFAST FREDERICK HAD SET UP THE WEDDING
BEACH CABANA FOR US. THAT WAS SUCH A LOVELY THING TO DO
AND WONDERFUL SURPRISE

LAST DAY I WORK UP EARLY, SAT ON OUR CABIN VERANDAH WITH
A NICE CUPPA AND WATCHED THE FIRST BOAT ARRIVE.

SO IT'S GOODBYE TO PULAU MANUKAN WITH MIXED FEELINGS.
I PAID TOP DOLLAR.... BUT UNFORTUNATELY DIDN'T RECEIVE
5 STAR SERVICE.

WE PLAN TO VISIT SABAH BORNEO AGAIN BUT WE WILL STAY
ON THE MAINLAND AND VISIT MANUKAN ON A DAY TRIP....JUST
TO SEE FREDERICK