After breakfast and packing we checked out, stored the bags and went into City Hall. Caught a Bus 51, check out a digital mall for apple 4s or Iphone 5. No luck on the 5, they were selling a 4S for over $1000.
Caught the bus (51) out to Pasir Panjang, planned on visiting another war sight called "Reflections at Bukit Chandu". Found out that Bukit means hill, because we had to climb one get to the site.
Bukit Chandu is where the last big battle in the fall of Singapore took place. A Royal Malayan regiment held the hill against over whelming odds until the British surrendered. Having no ammunition left they were reduced to hand-to hand combat. So frustrated were the Japanese soldiers, they massacred 200 people at the nearby Alexander military hospital. They bayoneted the sick in their beds and even those on the the operating table.
This was another sobering site to visit.
Took the MRT back to Clarke Quay, grabbed some lunch then picked up our bags and grabbed a taxi to the airport. The taxi ride was quiet memorable, in that Lynley was sure the driver was falling asleep. He missed the departure lane and had to do another loop etc.
Checked in, then headed of for a shower ($8 each). Great to feel fresh again. Plane left on time 8.20 pm. It was an Airbus 380- very big. Flight to Melbourne took a little over 6 hours. Transferred to a smaller plane to Wellington, arriving in Wellington around 2.30 pm. Picked up the car and drove home. Then crashed. Journey complete.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, Monday (Mama's and the Papa's)
Today we decided to visit "Memories at the Old Ford Factory". It is located near Bukit Batok. Took the MRT then a bus, got dropped off across the road (4 lanes) from the old factory.
The factory was the first one set up outside the US. It was located on the then main road from Singapore town to Malaya and nearby were rubber plantations. Its one real claim to fame is it was here that the British signed the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in February 1942. The whole display was about the 2 years and 8 months of Japanese rule. They massacred approximately 40,000 Chinese early in their occupation. A very solemn place to visit. The documents suggested had not the US dropped the two atomic bombs the re-taking of Singapore would have been a long drawn-out affair. Really enjoyed visiting this and came away with a better understanding of what happened here in WW2.
In the evening, we meet Karla at City Hall around 7 pm then travelled to Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Went up 54 floors to have a beer or two. Well 2 cocktails and one corona cost me $76. But the view was outstanding. The bar and observation area is on a boat shaped layout. While up there witnessed a rather good laser show. I will try to put some video footage shoo\t while up there.
What is really amazing is that 6 years ago now of this area was here. Pretty sure it was water and we cruised over it to see the Merlion. Everything here is built on reclaimed land. I think Jono said that 25% of Singapore's current land mass is from reclaimed land.
Walked around the Marina Bay and had supper at a food market. Food was cheap and OK, the ice tea and fruit was great. Grabbed a taxi back to the hotel, where Karla raided the drink cabinet (the drinks in the fridge were provided by the hotel and free).
Overall, a great day.
The factory was the first one set up outside the US. It was located on the then main road from Singapore town to Malaya and nearby were rubber plantations. Its one real claim to fame is it was here that the British signed the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in February 1942. The whole display was about the 2 years and 8 months of Japanese rule. They massacred approximately 40,000 Chinese early in their occupation. A very solemn place to visit. The documents suggested had not the US dropped the two atomic bombs the re-taking of Singapore would have been a long drawn-out affair. Really enjoyed visiting this and came away with a better understanding of what happened here in WW2.
In the evening, we meet Karla at City Hall around 7 pm then travelled to Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Went up 54 floors to have a beer or two. Well 2 cocktails and one corona cost me $76. But the view was outstanding. The bar and observation area is on a boat shaped layout. While up there witnessed a rather good laser show. I will try to put some video footage shoo\t while up there.
What is really amazing is that 6 years ago now of this area was here. Pretty sure it was water and we cruised over it to see the Merlion. Everything here is built on reclaimed land. I think Jono said that 25% of Singapore's current land mass is from reclaimed land.
Walked around the Marina Bay and had supper at a food market. Food was cheap and OK, the ice tea and fruit was great. Grabbed a taxi back to the hotel, where Karla raided the drink cabinet (the drinks in the fridge were provided by the hotel and free).
Overall, a great day.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday, Sunday
Late start this morning. Karla picked us up around 10.30 and took us by bus to Burgis Shopping complex, apparently there was a sale on, especially women's shoes. Stopped of for a coffee and donut, then hit the shopping. After much too'ing and fro'ing only one pair of shoes was purchased, during which I watched a tropical rain storm through the shop windows. Then it was MRT up to Orchard Road, checked out the Apple place no 4s or iPhone 5's in stock, slack. Karla is getting one on a local plan (it will cost her around $400, plus a 24 month plan).
Sunday is family day in Singapore. For family time they shop, and shop, and shop then shop some more. They also eat a great deal. So, all the places in the mall on Orchard we were in (I mean food courts, not posh eating establishments) were also very full, no over flowing. I love the way they save a table by placing a packet of tissues on the table. Was very tempted.
Left Orchard Road and began to walk back to Clarke Quay (where we are staying). Got a very good BLT from a little restaurant on the way home.
Spent a few hours in and around the pool. A little bit Off putting when you are swimming 4 levels up with clear glass sides- you get to see the traffic as you swim.
In the evening we ate local with Jono and Karla. After they left we walked along Clarke quay, wall to wall restaurants. Must have walked for a good 60 minutes. It was very nice, warm and enjoyable.
Tomorrow we are off the Old Ford Factory to look at the time Singapore was under Japanese control in WW2 (1942 to 1944). Should be fun.
Sunday is family day in Singapore. For family time they shop, and shop, and shop then shop some more. They also eat a great deal. So, all the places in the mall on Orchard we were in (I mean food courts, not posh eating establishments) were also very full, no over flowing. I love the way they save a table by placing a packet of tissues on the table. Was very tempted.
Left Orchard Road and began to walk back to Clarke Quay (where we are staying). Got a very good BLT from a little restaurant on the way home.
Spent a few hours in and around the pool. A little bit Off putting when you are swimming 4 levels up with clear glass sides- you get to see the traffic as you swim.
In the evening we ate local with Jono and Karla. After they left we walked along Clarke quay, wall to wall restaurants. Must have walked for a good 60 minutes. It was very nice, warm and enjoyable.
Tomorrow we are off the Old Ford Factory to look at the time Singapore was under Japanese control in WW2 (1942 to 1944). Should be fun.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Homeward Bound
An early start today. Had a great stay at the Rainbow Resort. Got to the airport around 9.45 am. The check-in with Air Asia was quick and very painless. In fact would recommend Air Asia as a short haul carrier.
The flight left on time (12 noon), after 1hour 10 minutes we were back at Changi airport (Singapore).
While waiting for our flight at Penang we watched a 747 being loaded with Muslim (I think) people. All dressed the same, men and women. They began loading them around 10.30 am and were still boarding them when we taxied out. There must have been over 300 and I would guess on some kind of a pilgrimage.
Immigration and customs at Changi was quick and very painless. Cleared the airport in no time at all. Got a taxi in our hotel - The Gallery Hotel (very upmarket).
Met Karla and had a late lunch. In the evening we went to Chijimes for mexican dinner (expensive by NZ standards and not as good). The taxi to Chijimes turned out to be free, all I had to do was complete an "online survey" on an iPad attached to the back of the drivers seat- all around the letter C. Interesting.
Following dinner we walked through the Arab district, very interesting. Stopped for coffee. Noticed a number of people smoking water pipes, all had fruit flavoured tobacco. Declined to try one out.
Bused back to the hotel and that was it.
Talking about the hotel it is very impressive, great infinity pool on the 4th floor, great dining area (which we try out tomorrow morning),
Tomorrow, Sunday has been designated shopping day. Karla is taking Lynley seriously shopping, I am going along to carry the bags back.
The flight left on time (12 noon), after 1hour 10 minutes we were back at Changi airport (Singapore).
While waiting for our flight at Penang we watched a 747 being loaded with Muslim (I think) people. All dressed the same, men and women. They began loading them around 10.30 am and were still boarding them when we taxied out. There must have been over 300 and I would guess on some kind of a pilgrimage.
Immigration and customs at Changi was quick and very painless. Cleared the airport in no time at all. Got a taxi in our hotel - The Gallery Hotel (very upmarket).
Met Karla and had a late lunch. In the evening we went to Chijimes for mexican dinner (expensive by NZ standards and not as good). The taxi to Chijimes turned out to be free, all I had to do was complete an "online survey" on an iPad attached to the back of the drivers seat- all around the letter C. Interesting.
Following dinner we walked through the Arab district, very interesting. Stopped for coffee. Noticed a number of people smoking water pipes, all had fruit flavoured tobacco. Declined to try one out.
Bused back to the hotel and that was it.
Talking about the hotel it is very impressive, great infinity pool on the 4th floor, great dining area (which we try out tomorrow morning),
Tomorrow, Sunday has been designated shopping day. Karla is taking Lynley seriously shopping, I am going along to carry the bags back.
If its Monday it must be Penang
Got up early, well 8 am (a far cry from the usual 5.15 am). Had a typical Singaporean breakfast at a food court. very sweet coffee (almost has condensed milk as the principal ingredient. After that we went searching for duct tape, what an interesting hour was spent walking around the different stores. found the tape, so can now tape up the rip in one of the bags.
Around 9 am caught the MRT to Changi airport. Check in with Air Asia was quick and painless. Then went to Terminal 2 looking for the iphone 5. Not in stock, but are only $940.
During the boarding stage had to undergo security checks, they found as pair of scissors in the first aid kit (we didn't know they were there), so lost them. The flight was quick, just enough time to settle in and listen to the Beach Boys.
Customs and immigration was quick and painless. Caught a taxi to the resort, about 45 minutes driving.The resort is nice, very empty. The beach is great, the water warm, but there are warnings everywhere about jellyfish (called sea wasps). So spent an hour in the pool which was relaxing and refreshing. The studio is excellent, very big, well featured and on the 20th floor. Ate in and tried the local cuisine. Great night, moon over a very docile sea. Tomorrow we are off to explore Georgetown.
Around 9 am caught the MRT to Changi airport. Check in with Air Asia was quick and painless. Then went to Terminal 2 looking for the iphone 5. Not in stock, but are only $940.
During the boarding stage had to undergo security checks, they found as pair of scissors in the first aid kit (we didn't know they were there), so lost them. The flight was quick, just enough time to settle in and listen to the Beach Boys.
Customs and immigration was quick and painless. Caught a taxi to the resort, about 45 minutes driving.The resort is nice, very empty. The beach is great, the water warm, but there are warnings everywhere about jellyfish (called sea wasps). So spent an hour in the pool which was relaxing and refreshing. The studio is excellent, very big, well featured and on the 20th floor. Ate in and tried the local cuisine. Great night, moon over a very docile sea. Tomorrow we are off to explore Georgetown.
Butterworth and beyond
This morning we caught a 101 to Weld Quay. From the quay we caught the ferry across to Butterworth. The ride was great, good views of both sides and the clan jetties.
Once at Butterworth we decided to visit the bird park. Well we waited for at least 45 minutes for the right bus, it took us on a very protracted tour around the town and dropped us off about 1 km from the park. The park itself was a great disappointment, very run down, the birds looked dejected. They charged an extra $1 for cameras. Anyway we were the only ones there. Saw a boa constrictor, quite large and looked menacing
Spent about 40 minutes at the park, which was right next door to a large Hindu temple. We walked down to a shopping mall past a Thai temple. Got a cold drink from the mall, then caught a taxi back to the ferry. This time it cost $1.20 for the trip (about 60 cents NZ). Once back on Penang Island we walked down to the Fat jetties. Chinese have occupied the jetties since the mid 19th Century. The jetties are built over the sea and have a wooden walk way to follow (part of UNESCO heritage). They even offer home stays
, which would be a great experience.
From there we decided to go up Penang Hill. Needed another 45 minute wait for the right bus. The trip up there was an experience, it took us through a variety of different ethnic neighbour hoods- Chinese, Malay and Indian. All the communities had these great food courts (Street meat according to Karla), this leads one to conclude that they eat there rather than cooking at home . Surrounding these food courts are large apartment blocks, which one could conclude are low rent apartments for the locals. The wages are low in Malaysia, in-fact so low they are attracting foreign firms to the area (Malaysia has been described at an Asian Tiger). Once at the base of the hill we took a cable car up to the top. Great ride, very steep track, reminded me of the Wellington Cable car but much more modern. At the top you had a great view over to Butterworth and the surrounding hinterland. Visited a Hindu temple and Mosque which are at the top. Also got to see a few monkeys, some up close and personal. One in particular was being taunted by some kids and was very aggressive. Overall, would recommend this site.
We then took a bus back to Ferringgi to the food court , i couldn't resist the giant tiger prawns this time, plus had another blueberry pancake.
while waiting for the bus, saw a chinese
parade. Got back to our hotel a little too late to go for a swim, so a cold shower and bed. We leave tomorrow for Singapore. Also just heard that some buggar has stolen our gas bottles from the batch, while they were rented not very impressed.
Once at Butterworth we decided to visit the bird park. Well we waited for at least 45 minutes for the right bus, it took us on a very protracted tour around the town and dropped us off about 1 km from the park. The park itself was a great disappointment, very run down, the birds looked dejected. They charged an extra $1 for cameras. Anyway we were the only ones there. Saw a boa constrictor, quite large and looked menacing
Spent about 40 minutes at the park, which was right next door to a large Hindu temple. We walked down to a shopping mall past a Thai temple. Got a cold drink from the mall, then caught a taxi back to the ferry. This time it cost $1.20 for the trip (about 60 cents NZ). Once back on Penang Island we walked down to the Fat jetties. Chinese have occupied the jetties since the mid 19th Century. The jetties are built over the sea and have a wooden walk way to follow (part of UNESCO heritage). They even offer home stays
, which would be a great experience.
From there we decided to go up Penang Hill. Needed another 45 minute wait for the right bus. The trip up there was an experience, it took us through a variety of different ethnic neighbour hoods- Chinese, Malay and Indian. All the communities had these great food courts (Street meat according to Karla), this leads one to conclude that they eat there rather than cooking at home . Surrounding these food courts are large apartment blocks, which one could conclude are low rent apartments for the locals. The wages are low in Malaysia, in-fact so low they are attracting foreign firms to the area (Malaysia has been described at an Asian Tiger). Once at the base of the hill we took a cable car up to the top. Great ride, very steep track, reminded me of the Wellington Cable car but much more modern. At the top you had a great view over to Butterworth and the surrounding hinterland. Visited a Hindu temple and Mosque which are at the top. Also got to see a few monkeys, some up close and personal. One in particular was being taunted by some kids and was very aggressive. Overall, would recommend this site.
We then took a bus back to Ferringgi to the food court , i couldn't resist the giant tiger prawns this time, plus had another blueberry pancake.
while waiting for the bus, saw a chinese
parade. Got back to our hotel a little too late to go for a swim, so a cold shower and bed. We leave tomorrow for Singapore. Also just heard that some buggar has stolen our gas bottles from the batch, while they were rented not very impressed.
In my room (Beachboys)
What can you say about the Rainbow Paradise Resort. Well, it is a great place. Would highly recommend it. The facilities are first class, well the broadband was a little on the slow side, almost dial up, but good enough to check emails, viper messages and NZ news.
Can't say enough about their pool, didn't get a chance to try out my new board shorts (cost me $25 ringgits or NZ$12 at the night market), the shorts are a good Hawaiian floral design (takes me back to my teenage years when I wore bright red Hawaiian floral baggies.
The thing that strikes me the most is the people who work there. Always friendly, very welcoming, can't do enough for you attitude. Only this morning I left my phone on the table to go get some toast. Immediately one of the attendants followed me to warn me not to leave the phone un-attended (the eating area was very busy at the time). A few days earlier I left my iPad and phone on the table and just with a nod to one of the attendants I knew he was watching them (the area was very empty at the time).
Therefore, I would recommend the Rainbow Paradise Resort. Lynley and I both agree that when we return this will be a first choice hotel.
The breakfasts were great
Can't say enough about their pool, didn't get a chance to try out my new board shorts (cost me $25 ringgits or NZ$12 at the night market), the shorts are a good Hawaiian floral design (takes me back to my teenage years when I wore bright red Hawaiian floral baggies.
The thing that strikes me the most is the people who work there. Always friendly, very welcoming, can't do enough for you attitude. Only this morning I left my phone on the table to go get some toast. Immediately one of the attendants followed me to warn me not to leave the phone un-attended (the eating area was very busy at the time). A few days earlier I left my iPad and phone on the table and just with a nod to one of the attendants I knew he was watching them (the area was very empty at the time).
Therefore, I would recommend the Rainbow Paradise Resort. Lynley and I both agree that when we return this will be a first choice hotel.
The breakfasts were great
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday -R&R day
Decided to have a lazy day around the pool today, so slept late, had a long enjoyable breakfast (buffet), then spent close to three hours swimming and reading in the sun. In the late afternoon we went for a walk along the beach to look at the floating Mosque. On the walk passed many Malay fishermen. It looked like they lived in what can only be described as slums. The beach around their "houses" were littered with all kinds of detritus.
To complete the day we ate at the resort. Boy, do they rip you. you have to pay ++, which means a 10% service charge plus another 7% tax. Certainly adds to the meal bill.
let me explain a little about the Rainbow Paradise Resort. Firstly it has great facilities, the people are very friendly and can't do enough for you. The foyer is very grand, plus it is the only place you can get WiFi (at a cost of 10 ringgits for your entire stay, the broadband is very slow. The room is very large with a separate bedroom and large kitchen lounge area. Two balconies, two air-conditioners (thank goodness) and two balconies both looking out to sea.
The breakfast comes with the deal. A very large selection of Asian and Western foods. The staff wait on you hand and foot. They hover over you and no sooner do you finish than they whip the plates away, clean your table and offer to get you something else to eat or drink. Basically this resort with all 24 floors have very few guests at the moment, so I guess the staff are bored.
The pool is just great, very large, well maintained and has a towel service that employs 3 or 4 people. They like the rest are very friendly and can't do enough for you. The beach is actually part of the hotel. They offer a variety of water sports. The sea while warm is very brown and there are plenty of warnings about jellyfish, hence we only paddle.
Well after a day of R&R we are back on the tourist loop tomorrow.
On reflection this resort would be ideal for a couple of weeks of doing absolutely nothing.
The climate is sunny, hot and humid. My 2 or 3 hours today left me burnt, but the pool was absolutely special. What a great day.
To complete the day we ate at the resort. Boy, do they rip you. you have to pay ++, which means a 10% service charge plus another 7% tax. Certainly adds to the meal bill.
let me explain a little about the Rainbow Paradise Resort. Firstly it has great facilities, the people are very friendly and can't do enough for you. The foyer is very grand, plus it is the only place you can get WiFi (at a cost of 10 ringgits for your entire stay, the broadband is very slow. The room is very large with a separate bedroom and large kitchen lounge area. Two balconies, two air-conditioners (thank goodness) and two balconies both looking out to sea.
The breakfast comes with the deal. A very large selection of Asian and Western foods. The staff wait on you hand and foot. They hover over you and no sooner do you finish than they whip the plates away, clean your table and offer to get you something else to eat or drink. Basically this resort with all 24 floors have very few guests at the moment, so I guess the staff are bored.
The pool is just great, very large, well maintained and has a towel service that employs 3 or 4 people. They like the rest are very friendly and can't do enough for you. The beach is actually part of the hotel. They offer a variety of water sports. The sea while warm is very brown and there are plenty of warnings about jellyfish, hence we only paddle.
Well after a day of R&R we are back on the tourist loop tomorrow.
On reflection this resort would be ideal for a couple of weeks of doing absolutely nothing.
The climate is sunny, hot and humid. My 2 or 3 hours today left me burnt, but the pool was absolutely special. What a great day.
Butterflies and Spices
Today we explored around Batu Ferringi. We took a bus to the Penang Butterfly Farm, which was interesting.But a tourist destination not really worth visiting. Walked a little settlement which had a Chinese shop with Tuck as the middle name (interesting in itself). Caught a bus to the Tropical Spice Garden. This was an interesting and informative hour or two. We had a personalised guided tour. The guide was a retired local, very informative. Decided to have a light snack at a restaurant called "The Monkey Puzzle Tree" -had Thai tapas. AS we were finishing we noticed an approaching squall. When it arrived the wind was very strong and it rained buckets. The wind overturned all the umbrellas on the deck resulting in everybody fleeing inside. Within 5 minutes all the paths were flowing streams. Luckily we had our "Uncle Bills" $2.50 poncho raincoats. THey managed to do a good job.After waiting 5 or 10 minutes to see if the rain would ease, we made a dash for the bus stop. In less than 5 minutes walking managed to get shoes and sox saturated. Heavy rain, but warm rain. Three big tourist buses were blocking the bus stop so had no luck flagging down two buses. One of the locals offered to run us to our hotel for a rather large sum of money- we declined. Then one of the tourist bus people took pity on us and offered us as ride back to Batu Ferringgi (where all the holiday resorts are located). It turned out that this tourist group was a group of Malay Hospitality students from a Polytechnic up near the Thai border. Had a quick trip back to Ferringgi. We left the group when they stopped for McDonalds (yes even here in Penang is maccer territory.
Got a bus back to the hotel, rested.
In the evening went back to Ferringgi to the night market. Had a meal at the market, or as Karla would say "street meat". The food court (outdoors) was a tourist mecca. A virtual United Nations. The meals were very nice and cheap, no ++ tax. Had a great blueberry pancake for dessert.
The night market as I mentioned earlier goes for a couple of Km's. Did a little shopping, enjoyed the bargaining with the stall holders.
Took a bus back around 10 pm,
The buses: hard to follow, you have to have the correct fare (which we never have) so they round up to the nearest ringgit. Still can't complain, it is still a very cheap (if slow) way to get around.
Tomorrow is our last full day, so guess there will more exploring.
Got a bus back to the hotel, rested.
In the evening went back to Ferringgi to the night market. Had a meal at the market, or as Karla would say "street meat". The food court (outdoors) was a tourist mecca. A virtual United Nations. The meals were very nice and cheap, no ++ tax. Had a great blueberry pancake for dessert.
The night market as I mentioned earlier goes for a couple of Km's. Did a little shopping, enjoyed the bargaining with the stall holders.
Took a bus back around 10 pm,
The buses: hard to follow, you have to have the correct fare (which we never have) so they round up to the nearest ringgit. Still can't complain, it is still a very cheap (if slow) way to get around.
Tomorrow is our last full day, so guess there will more exploring.
Butterflies and Spices
Today we explored around Batu Ferringi. We took a bus to the Penang Butterfly Farm, which was interesting.But a tourist destination not really worth visiting. Walked a little settlement which had a Chinese shop with Tuck as the middle name (interesting in itself). Caught a bus to the Tropical Spice Garden. This was an interesting and informative hour or two. We had a personalised guided tour. The guide was a retired local, very informative. Decided to have a light snack at a restaurant called "The Monkey Puzzle Tree" -had Thai tapas. AS we were finishing we noticed an approaching squall. When it arrived the wind was very strong and it rained buckets. The wind overturned all the umbrellas on the deck resulting in everybody fleeing inside. Within 5 minutes all the paths were flowing streams. Luckily we had our "Uncle Bills" $2.50 poncho raincoats. THey managed to do a good job.After waiting 5 or 10 minutes to see if the rain would ease, we made a dash for the bus stop. In less than 5 minutes walking managed to get shoes and sox saturated. Heavy rain, but warm rain. Three big tourist buses were blocking the bus stop so had no luck flagging down two buses. One of the locals offered to run us to our hotel for a rather large sum of money- we declined. Then one of the tourist bus people took pity on us and offered us as ride back to Batu Ferringgi (where all the holiday resorts are located). It turned out that this tourist group was a group of Malay Hospitality students from a Polytechnic up near the Thai border. Had a quick trip back to Ferringgi. We left the group when they stopped for McDonalds (yes even here in Penang is maccer territory.
Got a bus back to the hotel, rested.
In the evening went back to Ferringgi to the night market. Had a meal at the market, or as Karla would say "street meat". The food court (outdoors) was a tourist mecca. A virtual United Nations. The meals were very nice and cheap, no ++ tax. Had a great blueberry pancake for dessert.
The night market as I mentioned earlier goes for a couple of Km's. Did a little shopping, enjoyed the bargaining with the stall holders.
Took a bus back around 10 pm,
The buses: hard to follow, you have to have the correct fare (which we never have) so they round up to the nearest ringgit. Still can't complain, it is still a very cheap (if slow) way to get around.
Tomorrow is our last full day, so guess there will more exploring.
Got a bus back to the hotel, rested.
In the evening went back to Ferringgi to the night market. Had a meal at the market, or as Karla would say "street meat". The food court (outdoors) was a tourist mecca. A virtual United Nations. The meals were very nice and cheap, no ++ tax. Had a great blueberry pancake for dessert.
The night market as I mentioned earlier goes for a couple of Km's. Did a little shopping, enjoyed the bargaining with the stall holders.
Took a bus back around 10 pm,
The buses: hard to follow, you have to have the correct fare (which we never have) so they round up to the nearest ringgit. Still can't complain, it is still a very cheap (if slow) way to get around.
Tomorrow is our last full day, so guess there will more exploring.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Georgetown.
Day started very well with a filling breakfast. Got s free shuttle into Georgetown. Dropped off at the central bus station (Komptar). waited for ages to catch the free shuttle (that transits around the town. The town itself is an UNESCO heritage site. When the bus finally arrived we were treated to an interesting ride. Really think the driver thought he was in a Grand Prix race. Anyway arrived at Fort Cornwallis. By now the sun was at its zenith. You know what they say "only mad dogs and Englishmen go out into the midday sun", Not sure which we were. The fort was interesting (hopefully there are a couple of photos attached. From there we went in search of a Chinese mansion. Apparently a the Chinese followed the British when they settled in Asia (don't think settled is a correct description). Anyway, the Chinese were known as Straits Chinese. Found the mansion and had a great personalised tour (hopefully pictures are attached). By now it was close to 3 pm, so we treated ourselves to the local white coffee. I don't know why they call it that. But it is seriously sweet (10% caramel added).. By now we were hot, tired and exhausted so we caught the local bus back to the resort (I'm sure the driver ripped us off, you know here comes the completely gullible tourist.
Tonight we ventured further around the island to visit a night market. Full of bloody tourists, but interesting.
Tomorrow we will stay by the pool.
Tonight we ventured further around the island to visit a night market. Full of bloody tourists, but interesting.
Tomorrow we will stay by the pool.
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