We drove to an area called Batu caves. Hanging out with John is great, although I never really know where we’re going. I guess it makes the place even more exciting as I never have any idea what to expect! At Batu caves are: monkeys (the highlight), Hindu temples, and huge statues. Ate some more Malaysian food, my stomach is still holding strong (touch wood!)

Following the caves, we headed to a forest reserve and saw some more monkeys. First time it rained during my stay in Malaysia, however we were under the tree canopy and so got more wet from the sweat produced getting up there. As in Penang there was a tree  canopy walk, but following Penang’s style, it was also closed! Seems like I’ll never be able to do a tree canopy walk. Next time huh?

John dropped me of at Terry’s place about 9 where no sooner had I got in the door, Terry suggested we go out for dinner. Hit the Arcades again and I completed Time Crysis! Now I never need to play that game again. Was somewhat of an anti-climax. I reached new levels of greatness on the DDR and all was good. For dinner we ate Korean BBQ. This meal consists of a plate of raw meat, vegetables and noodles where one must cook the food on the burner provided. I’ve ate similar food before and always remember how one of my friends said “Why are we paying to cook our own food?”. However, it is rather fun (as long as you don’t give yourself food poisoning) and delicious.

On the way home, I bought Terry some cake as a thank you gift for having me from the local cake shop and 5 minutes after arriving home, got picked up by John to go out again. As they say, thre is no rest for the wicked!

John took us to Ministry of Sound in KL. As many of you reading this will know MOS is a huge clubbing chain originating from London. MoS in KL is awesome and no sooner did I arrive in the place I got spotted as DJ Crusoe and the crowd demanded I performed. Was intending to have a quiet rave tonight but thought can’t dissapoint the fans… Ended up headlining the night and not getting home until 7am. John and Anthony were seriously impressed and wants me to come back. The after party was immense and the girls were stunning (John hooked up with a famous Malaysian model). I guess its amazing how much uni-radio can help your career.

Only had a couple of hours sleep before having to get the bus to Singapore. Its a hard life being a DJ…

DJ Crusoe at MoS

MoS Kuala Lumpur

Ate Roti Canai for lunch, a famous Malaysian food. Very eat-able, much nicer than the stuff Norman attempted to feed me a few nights earlier.  No trip to KL would be complete without a visit to the KL twin towers, however, the towers were closed today as it was a Monday. A little disappointing but I have climbed enough towers/mountains/etc to last me a life time so not too bothered.

We saw many luxurious shopping malls but all were very empty due to the high prices and global recessions. There is a huge divide here between the rich and the poor. Its strange to think of Malaysia as a 3rd world country but I guess thats because I’ve only been seeing the wealthier parts.

Bought my first souvenir of the trip, a Hoya circle polarising filter for my camera. A huge variation in the prices however, alerted us to the fact some may have been fake. I have been trying to limit the amount I spend when travelling, but Ty, the Aussie guy reminded me  without a filter on your lens, small knocks can trash your camera. He accidenty illustrated this very well when his Cannon 40D (a camera currently priced on Amazon for £612.32 body only) fell out of his rucksack and smashed onto the concrete. Fortunately for him, the camera was ok only at the sacrifice of the filter. The lens on the camera was probably worth half as much as the body also. I found out his camera was a replacement for another one he dropped. Maybe I should get mine insured again someday….

As I have not planned this trip I must keep checking my itinerary every couple of days. I was shocked to see that due to my extended stay in Thailand and in Penang that I now have only half a day in Singapore. Originally my whole trip had been planned in order for me to work in Singapore and now I’m only there for half a day. Its strange the way things turn out. I would have extended my stay in Singapore however my flight is already booked to Vietnam and cannot be changed. I’m a little bit apprehensive about going to Vietnam but am hoping that will sort itself out once I arrive.I can’t really believe am only half way through my trip yet. Have no idea how Michael Palin travelled for 80 days….

In the evening, had fish and chips at the Manhattan fish market, an American chain of restaurants with Norman’s brother, Terry. Was expensive for Malaysian yet very cheap for the UK. Will probably be my last Western food in a while. We played in the Arcade for a bit to pass the time, where I showed Asia my awesome skills at DDR and Time Crysis. Following that I booked my bus ticket to Singapore for Wednesday. Once again, I don’t really want to leave…

Note

Never underestimate the importance of credit cards when travelling. Without mine I think I’d be stranded. Take heed of this advice if your going travelling (this is for you simon!)

Have decided to include the day number in all my posts from now on. This was influenced by the book I am currently reading ‘Michael Palin-Around the World in 80 days.’ One of my favourite modern day adventurers. I’d like to do a Michael Palin style adventure one day, however 80 days is a long time to travel for. I intend to watch the television series the book is based on when I get back.  Like Palin, local people find it hilarious to call us Mi-kel Jackson. However, in my case probably more so seeing now he is dead and had so much media coverage.The other book I bought at Heathrow I have now finished. I gave it as a parting gift to Norman. It is remarkable at the speed you grow attached to someone when your travelling. Feels like I have known him for ages now and it is sad to leave. Next year he is moving to Australia and I hope to keep in touch.

This morning, after emerging from my deluxe comfort bed fighting the sleep out of my eyes. Last night was spent chilling with Norman until fairly late. We watched the Venus and Serena tennis match at Wimbledon. Up until now haven’t watched any tennis and only been kept updated by emails from my mother. Was weird watching the tennis at 11pm LIVE from England as usually I’ve always watched it at UK time (4pm approx).

Made the journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur which was an adventure by itself. Took a really comfy modern air conditioned bus for 4.30 hours with only Michael Palin for company and trying to sleep. We passed through lots of jungle although I didn’t really appreciate the views as much as I should have done and preferred to sleep. There’s a limit to how much jungle you can look at.  Then followed by train and then the oldest bus I’ve ever been on  (they drive with the doors open). Arrived at Sunway district, and got off at my stop. I was instructed to get off when I saw the giant sphinx. It looks a little bit out of place in Kuala Lumpur I have to say….Following this, I then spent ages trying to find Norman’s brothers house. Visited every back street in the area and was about to give up when a ray of light shone down from the sky and fell upon the house (actually I asked someone in a hotel). Fortunately, I made it before sundown and spent the evening chilling with Terry discussing our future plans. (Have already broken my promise from this morning)

Tomorrow am meeting one of Normans school friends at 10am to go to KL centre. Have a burning desire to go up the KL twin towers and walk over the Petronas bridge, one of the key sights in KL. However, ticket availabilty is scarce and so may not have the opportunity. Will spend a few days here before heading on in order to relax heading to Vietnam via Singapore, somewhere where I have very few contacts and will have to be on my guard.

In fact, was joking with Normans’ Mum (will have to try and find out their names) about buying a house next door to them with my left over travel money (I wish) if my exams aren’t good and emigrating to Malaysia. Why? you ask, because the supermarket gives hundreds of free samples here! That alone is a good enough reason. You don’t need to buy drinks or food but take a lengthy walk around the supermarket. Unfortunately, some confusion arose where I nearly got arrested due to me interpreting that the toothpaste they gave me was free. It in fact, was not free, but came with a free gift. I am rather optimistic by nature at times…

The only thing to spoil an otherwise perfect day was an explosion. An explosion of my sunblock. I therefore declare a boycott of Boots Solaran sun block. The sunblock seems to have stained loads of my clothes and day rucksack making it look like someone performed some bizarre sex act all over my stuff (and in Normans car). I swear when I get back home to the UK there will be all hell to pay when I next visit Boots…

Checking my email last night gave me a huge shock. I’d received an email from the company I was supposed to be doing research with (UROP) asking me where was I and why hadn’t I started already. I was about to email back and inform them they’d made a mistake. Fortunately,  I decided to check the start day I’d originally emailed them and to my horror found out I’d got the wrong month! Will have to wait and see whether they still let me take part in the research.

Ate “the King of Malaysian Fruits” today, Durian. Durian is a large fruit that grows on trees, with very hard spines. Apparently if one lands on your head, your dead! So now I look up wherever I go. This shouldnt be too much of a problem in Kuala Lumpur though. It is true what they say, it is incredibly smelly. Wasn’t as bad as everybody had made out, although it did leave a very strong after taste that supermarket free food couldn’t get rid of. However, I preferred it to the food Norman had tried to feed me the night before. There’s only so much ground up prawn heads you can eat…. Also tried Mangosteene and star-fruit. My favourite is still Mango though. I can never get enough Mango juice. Mmmmmmmmmm.

In the evening, I helped prepare a bbq where once again I ate like a King. The previous night had been taken out for dinner by Normans family, where it felt like an Engineering conference as myself, Norman, Norman’s girlfriend, Norman’s friend and Norman’s Dad are all Engineering. Felt a bit sorry for his Mum as the only musician!

Penang is a large island that is approximately 50% developed, 50% jungle. Today I saw most of the island from the comforts of Normans air-conditioned 4×4. Not so many stray cats and dogs as Bangkoks however did get attacked by a bat in a deserted house on top of Penang hill. I’ve never seen bats in the day time so was worried it might bite me but was fine.Still 100% rabbies free.The nurse back in the UK can go shove her rabbies vaccination to someone else!

Travelling with us was Normans girlfriend and one of Normans old classmates. Both very friendly, nice people. In order to get to the top of Penang hill we took a mountain tram. I pretended to be terrified of heights but no one seemed to notice. I suggested getting all the stray cats on the island and using them to power a cart to the top of the hill. This idea went down well. I’ve also indicated if my results aren’t good I may emmigrate to Malaysia as its a pretty cool place to chill.

The Malaysian Crew

Driving in Penang is a little different from driving in the UK as can be seen in the picture below:

Who owns the road?

Was well fed today by Normans family and saw many things here from beaches to markets (bought more fake Tshirts). Was very good to know I had someone else watching my back.

They’ve arranged for a bbq tomorrow evening so have decided to stay an extra night. I love his family.

This post is dedicated to Norman

Woke up at the Gecko hostel on Langkawi in the middle of the night to find a cat sitting on me. The cats here are semi-wild so probably have flees (but hopefully not rabbies!) I threw the cat back onto the floor.Apparently one of them is pregnant though, so hope it wasn’t that one, not that they need any more cats! According to the hostel owner there are 12 cats here, this is quite common though. The cats have claimed the hostel room as their own so if you dont like cats don’t stay here. Walking out of my room I found someone had caught a scorpion in a bowl, so we had fun terrifying a Norwegian girl with it.

Ty, the Aussie guy I met yesterday took me round Langkawi by scooter. This is definitely the best way to travel as the island is too big to walk around. We visited a cable car where we met yet more Aussies, and saw a Czech girl with the worlds shortest shorts. Strange thing was her Dad was there and yet he didnt seem to mind. The shorts didnt even cover her whole arse! So there we were with the most beautiful view on the island and yet everybody was just starring at this girls bum. Insane!

Taking the cable car back down to sea level was relaxing, but in our cable car the Aussie girl was terrified of heights. I informed her how today was the anniversary of a big accident. That went down well….

Next Ty and  I visited a huge waterfall. Swimming in fresh water was a welcome change compared to swimming in the sea as when you come out the sea salt crystallises on your body. The waterfall we visited was called the 7 wells water fall and is the supply of drinking water to the island. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the cool water was  a great relief from the high temperatures and humidity. While we were there we witnessed a girl slipping out of control down some really steep rocks. Looked really fun until I saw at the bottom there was a giant rock. Looked incredibly painful….

7 wells Waterfall

I was co-driving on the back of the scooter and map reading. A high level of trust existed on our scooter. He trusted my map reading and I trusted his driving. I think i might have been making the bigger gamble however. Travelling down roads at 85km an hour with no helmet though is not something I’d like to repeat again in a hurry. In Malaysia,anything goes, we passed families of 4 on a scooter and guy texting while driving his scooter. Complete maniac.

The amazing scooter

That night was spent visiting local bars and having a few drinks. Asked for a Muay Thai and the guy tried to fight me.. I won though so we got the drinks and chilled out on the beach.

The last few nights have been having dinner with mosquitoes. However, they are the ones eating, not me…Looked in the mirror this morning and am covered in bites. I feel like one giant mosquito bite. I wonder how much blood I’ve lost. Recently, Iwas informed that the mosquitos find you by detecting the carbon dioxide from your breath. If I hold my breath all night maybe they won’t be able to find me?

Yesterday, I went for one last trip round the island once again with Ty, and visited some more local beaches.

A beach on Langkawi island

Enjoyed having a cocunut with a straw to drink on the back of the scooter. Really funny to watch peoples reactions. Then, unfortuantely, I had to leave. The ferry boat took me to Kuah Kedah where I traevelled with a Dutch guy called Harmin, the most serious Dutch guy I’ve ever met. However, it was great to travel with him as he was very organised, a tremendous help. From Kuah Kedah some locals offered us a lift in a souped up car with a  blue metalic steering wheel. We were a bit unsure on accepting the lift, but sometimes you must take risks. Dropped off 20 minutes later outside the bus station saving us lots of time. In fact, we would have missed the bus we needed and had to wait over an hour for the next. They didnt seem to want to talk in the car so I guess they just wanted to help us out. Again, I was very grateful.

The bus took about an hour and a half and dropped us off in Butterworth. Doesn’t sound very Malayisan does it? Thats because the British on their quest for world domination colonised the whole area. And then another ferry across the water to George Town on Penang island, where I met Norman and his girlfriend.I felt very glad to see them. In total, the whole journey took 4 and a half hours.

Norman, then showed me some of Penang before returning to their house. He lives in a building thats like a palace! The closest I can describe arriving here was like for me was like when the hobbits reached Rivendale in Lord of the Rings (excuse the geaky reference) but honestly thats what it was like!

Shortly after arriving I spotted him and jumped in the long-tail boat and we left paradise to head for a nearby port. From there I took a minibus and following that a hispeed ferry to Langkawi in Malaysia. Journey was good and talked to an Australian woman. However, I swear the film they were showing on the boat was porn/action movie which kinda made it hard to focus on the conversation while the guy in the movie was having sex/shooting at the same time!

Arrived in Langkawi at about 2pm where the health officials checked my temperature. She took it about 3 times and I thought I was going to get pulled out for having swine flu. Fortunately, they allowed me to enter.

Got in a taxi outside the ferry port. Unfortunately, my haggling skills are wasted here as the government controls the price of the taxis. Shared the taxi with 2 Norwegians. The taxi dropped them off outside their hotel (very posh) and I realised it was way outside my budget.

After following directions given to me by a local I headed to the area where the cheaper accommodation could be found. Walking into a shop I spoke to a guy for advice, he passed me onto his mate walking past the shop. Without saying anything to me he took me down the street into another shop. I walked in and once again said I was looking for accommodation. When asked how much I wanted to pay I thought I’d start low. I quoted 7 Ringits. This (I thought)  is the equivilent of five pounds. The guy looked extremely shocked and said the cheapest he knew about was 50 Ringits. Cue me looking really shocked.

I said I couldnt afford that and asked for something cheaper. They went through all their resources in the travel shop and couldnt find anything. At this point they suggested I stay with the guy who had been standing behind me. Unfortuanately he doesnt want me to stay. The woman who’d been phoning up people says I can stay at hers. But once again, she’s joking (I think). The other 2 places they can think of is on the floor in the shop or at the police station. I say I quite like the idea of the shop floor. At this point the woman tells me to follow her outside and she’d direct me where to go. However, outside she opens the boot of her car and tells me to put my stuff in. I’m exhausted so I get in the car, and find that all the other Malaysians have got in as well. (The shop seems to have now closed). So anyway, we drive off and cruise down the main street.

Eventually, we arrive at a nice looking place and they get out to find how much it is.The guy quotes 35 ringits. I say its too much. They take me to the next place. The next place we arrive at quotes 15. I realise at this point thats the cheapest I’m going to get and realise it would be rude not to accept as these guys have gone to a lot of trouble for me. I walk into the dorm room and start chatting to Ty, an Australian who I’ve made friends with since. We discuss my dilema about how expensive Langkawi is and then it dawns on me. I’ve got very confused about the exchange rate. So 15Ringgits is infact not 10pounds like I’d thought but 3pounds. Turns out I’d got an incredibly good deal!

So thats my advice when travelling, whenever anyone quotes you a price look shocked and go on about how cheap England is.

I wondered if the Malaysians who drove me roundexpected me to pay for their troubles. However, I think they were just really friendly people trying to help out a poor Englishman. The woman gave me her card and said if I needed anymore help call her up. So turning up in Langkawi really pissed off about money to realising it really wasn’t that expensive and being very happy. And then I saw the beach. At the point everything was perfect.

Anyways, am going to find the others to go to the bar now. Will tell you about today another day.