Taman Negera to Perhentian IslandsFeb 24, 2011
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speed boat to the Islands
Coral Bay
| Left the Rainforest yesterday and took the 9 and a half hour bus journey to the jetty at Kuala Besut, and from there, a boat journey over to the Perhentian Islands. We'll never forget our time in the Taman Negera for many different reasons. Being woken up at 6 by the most beautiful melodious singing as the Muslim call to prayer is relayed over the loudspeakers. Seeing monkeys and wild boar and lizards in the grounds of the resort, balancing across the wooden planks to get into the floating restuarant, (the only way in and out), and meeting some lovely people. (hello Betty and Jim, hope you've managed to access this blog)It was a wonderful 3 days, and although we'd been warned about mozzies and leeches, we weren't bothered with them at all, probably because the edge of the forest, which is the only bit we ventured into, was very dry. Having got the bus journey behind us, we set off on the boat to the Perhentians. I remembered too late that Beth had advised us to sit at the back. It wasn't so much the getting soaked, but oh dear, what a bumpy ride. Our bones were shaken and crunched the whole way, although it was also very exhilerating. We had planned 3 days on the big island and 2 on the small. Landed at the big one and immediately changed our plans. It was fine if you want flashing lights, expensive rooms and food, TV and beer in the bar, and quite small, cramped beaches. Today we got a little boat over to Kecil, so much better. We have a basic but fine wooden chalet right on the beach, the sand is like white powder, the sea crystal aquamarine clear, and the sun is beating down-bliss. Jo, this is for you!! The food is quite amazing, simple, spicy and delicious.For example, we've just had lunch at a lovely simple restuarant overlooking the beach, Theo had a vermicelli noodle stir-fry with veg, quite malay/chinese, and I had roti canai, which is fairly indian it's a mixture of indian/chinese and malay. Tomorrow we're off snorkelling for the day. Will post Perhentian pictures tomorrow. |
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