Crusoe in South East Asia

Met up with John today and his mate Anthony. Once again they picked me up, and once again I was late (actually they were early) causing frantic getting ready and attempts to put in my contact lenses at a gazillion miles (or Km)  an hour.

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

The last time I updated you guys was from Ko Phi Phi. Since then I’ve travelled by boat to the beautful penisula of Railay. The place feels like an island as the only way to access the place is by boat as its surrounded by limestone cliffs. Thus the place is car free and not (yet) over developed. There are also colonies of monkeys around.

Monkeying around on Railay

To arrive on the island we transferred from a large boat to a small boat (in picture below). The approach to the island is incredibly beautiful and one that I will never forget. Had to jump off the boat into the sea and walk the rest!

Arrival to Railay

Met some olympic curlers straight off the boat, hung out with them for a couple of hours and discussed the current curling situation worldwide, of course coming from my vast background of curling knowledge. (I bet half of you who read this don’t even know what curling is…To be honest neither do I really…) They were awesome in helping me find a place to stay having a more thorough guide to the area.

After some serious negotiating, I managed to secure a  place to stay high up in the village at a place called Rapala. Am paying 250BT a night which I hear is a good rate for Railay. (I haggled him down from 300). I have my own little shack with a hammock outside. Is pretty nice and can hear the toads at night. Never knew how loud they can be!

According to the guides this is the best place to rock climb in Thailand. So this morning at 8.50 I met up with the guide I’d arranged the night before. When price haggling the leaflet asked for 1000BT. I offered 800, he said 700 so I agreed!

Waking up early for climbing I emerged from a dream about having industrial chemistry exam in a couple hours and not being at all prepared. Felt so good to realise it was only a dream!

Climbing was awesome fun despite having not climbed properly for over a year. Unfortunately however I managed to head but the rock at one point and the rock won. I found out I have a big lump on my head which is kinda fun. But no worries I can still walk straight! According to an eye doctor I met from New York its not fatal!

Crusoe Climbing in Railay

Now? I’m just about to head out to arrange a speedboat to take me to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Apparently Im going to have to depart at 6am but its touch and go as to whether the tides will be good and if I will be able to make the journey or not.I’m in 2 minds about going. Part me of thinks there cant be anywhere better than here but the road ahead is calling….(or sea I guess!)

Can’t write any more I’m afraid due to the cost of internet being high (they use satelites as we are in the middle of nowhere!)