Tuesday 27 December 2011

Malaysia: Penang

We took the overnight sleeper from KL to Butterworth and then a quick ferry across to Georgetown on Penang. Georgetown is a world heritage site and famous for its plethora of amazing places to eat. It's a melting pot of Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Thai cuisine.



Our train from KL to Butterworth




Kevin's last stop before he got sent on his merry way ...


An indian sweet shop in Little India



We took a trishaw trip around Penang with a brilliant guide who showed us the sights and sounds of Georgetown - Chew Jetty, Little India, Chinatown, Temples, gardens, old colonial buildings and many many places to eat





The Chew Jetty in George Town in a water village which was built in the mid 19th century on stilts out into the sea by Chinese immigrants. A lot of it was destroyed by the tsunami. Our trishaw driver showed us the three Chinese temples and the narrow watery lanes of the village



Rubbing the lucky lady dragon




There is a fantastic foody streetlife in Penang, the food is unbelievable cheap and fantastic and street vendors fill the roads with sizzling pans and plastic furniture every night.




Walking through the streets of little india felt like being back in Delhi, tunes were blaring out from the DVD shops and delicious smells permeated from every corner



A huge paper dosa with masala potatoes and other delights for 90p!



The brilliant spice gardens in Penang. Penang, a British colony was a major Pepper Port and part of the fabled spice route. 





More fantastic curry, we ate some of the most delicious Indian food in Penang - one of the standout restaurants was the Woodlands vegetarian Indian place in Little India, fantastic!

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur

We flew into KL from Bali with dreams of clay pots, peanut pancakes and mysterious Malaysian drinks. We were not disappointed! Malaysian food is cheap and delicious and KL has it in bucketloads, along with some great shopping in Chinatown and a plethora of Christmas decorations to try to get is in the festive spirit.



Lovely ladies in the Wheelers guest house saying goodbye to Kevin as he sets off on his long journey back to Scotland.


One of the many foodcourts filled with hawker stalls. Each stall specialises in one or two dishes and does that particular dish really well. 


Claypot noodles with egg


and peanut pancakes!


The iconic Petronas Towers



More amazing food


The night market in Chinatown is full of genuine fakes - bags, watches, trainers and Mr. Bean's teddy bear !?

Monday 12 December 2011

Indonesia: Seraya Island, off Komodo island, West Flores

Our boat Bees dropped us off on the tiny Seraya Island which lies to the north of Laboan Bajo off the north west tip of Flores. 12 wooden bungalows, perfect white sand, electricity and fresh water between 6pm and 8pm.



Bye Bees






Don't ask! (Happy birthday Matt)





Sunset over the Flores sea.



Perfect turquoise waters with hardly any current, pristine coral, turtles and millions of multicoloured fish.



The fishing village on the other side of Seraya island.




Boat building by hand