Langkawi Island

What an Island ... and our last stop in Malaysia. We absolutely loved the place, although we found it expensive. Beaches were awesome - went on forever. We took a ride over to the Telange Tujuh and Seven Wells - great water falls and springs you can really climb around on and swim in - right next to it was cable cars to the top of the mountain. Spectacular views you could really see the potential of the island - it is going to be something great - resorts ...
Weather was perfect sunshine and a cool breeze. Could stay a long time here, but we were excited to get to Thailand!

Penang, Georgetown - North East Malaysia

We had a great bus ride to Penang - We shared the van with another couple - from London, England - Helen and Richard. They had traveled all over Europe/Asia so we listened / shared stories and advice for the 5.5 hour drive. Once in town we had a plan and found a very simple, but clean room in centrally loacated China town. We were a little disappointed in the town itself - a lot of city attractions were closed due to Ramadan. So we planned a bus trip to Penang Hill for the next day - the ride out to the suburbs was a nice change from the city which was a little run-down feeling. The rail ride to the top of Penang hill was smooth and the views were wonderful, although foggy. We decided to walk down (instead of ride) and end the trip at the Botanical Gardens - Steep 5K walk, but nice, of course the monkeys gave Scott a bit of trouble. Once down - we did walk thru the gardens and then down the street to see a few temples. Amazing detail and sculpture - We also saw the largest reclining Buddha - (felt like being in Graceland - lol). Had a cheap, but well needed and deserved) meal in the Gurney Market - a blend of Chinese and Malay food - We had a fish soup, won tons and a chicken rice for under $4.
Tomorrow we are off to Langkawi Island.

Perhentian Islands - Malaysia

Talk about relaxing ... We are on the "small island" Kecil - There are a few beach areas scattered about with places to stay, restaurants and dive/snorkel shops - each very small and intimate. No roads what-so-ever, everyone travels by boat - ocean is a deep and clean turquoise blue. First we landed/stayed on Long Beach - now at Coral Bay. Electric is available in our rooms from 7pm to 7am (lights and fans). We have been spending the days snorkeling. Great day yesterday - With 2 Brits and our guide Yuseff - we saw; and swam, with turtles, sharks, squid ... there are some really great coral out here to check out - no starfish?!!! Some reading on the beach - evening BBQ's with freshly caught fish. I took a short hike today around the coast line to explore the south end. All of it refreshing and at a slow pace - we are getting used to it. Tomorrow we rent a kayak to check out a few spots on our own!