Perhentian Islands - An Island Oasis

After KL we headed to the beach for some relaxation time.  We took an over night bus and arrived at 5 in the morning.  Then, we had to wait until 7 for the first ferry to run.  Katrina did some research and found a place called Ewan's.  Luckily, when we arrived around 8 there was a room available and we were able to take a nap until about 11.  There are two islands, a big and small one.  We picked the small one and were quite happy with our choice.  There was lots of great food and a beautiful beach.  We were only supposed to stay 3 days and then go trekking in the jungle.  However, we ended up staying 6 days and didn't do any hiking.  It was a very relaxing place and I would say a must stop on any Malaysian Tour.  We also went snorkeling one day which was amazing.  It was 80 ringgit for Katrina and myself or about $27 for a full day of snorkeling.  Here are a few of the photos from the island, sadly not in chronological order but I have better things to be doing!

(View we had while eating dinner on a few occasions.  I got the fish BBQ with King fish, a piece of banana bread, rice, a small potato, two pieces of fruit, and a welcome drink and it broke the bank, costing a whopping $5)

(Katrina enjoying her mango or coconut shake - I think she had one every day!)

(Sunset from Coral Beach)

(This was the sunrise as we rode out to the island)

(Katrina on the way out)

(This was our humble abode for 5 nights.  It was a double with a fan and our own bathroom.  No hot water, which you don't really need and it costs about $120 for the entire stay.  I saw a few signs for dorm rooms which costs around $5 a night.  So, it is possible to stay for super cheap.)

 

(This was our view from the front porch)

(This is Ewan's Place.  It also serves as a restaurant and I don't think anything was over $5...)

('The Pit Stop' is where we booked our snorkeling trip)

(Katrina on Long Beach - it's hard to tell but the water is crystal clear)

(Another shake, perhaps apple - this was our regular lunch spot, again notice the view...)

(We stepped it one lunch and Katrina got the garlic butter prawns with rice.  Again, it broke the bank costing a little under $5...)

(Sunset with Coral Beach behind us.  It's hard to tell but we both got severely burned...)

(Night time shot of Coral Beach)

(We stopped at Mama's Cafe one night and had some shakes)

Batu Caves - KL Part II

My favorite stop in KL were the Batu Caves.  Apparently, it is one of the most popular Hindu shrines located outside of India, at least according to Wikipedia.  There were lots of monkeys around and even a monkeyesque statue as we entered.  It was a short 30 minute train ride from KL Sentral and definitely worth the trip.  It was nice to get out of the city for a bit and see a new place.  It was quite a hike up to the caves so make sure you taking your walking shoes.  In face, my thighs and calves were burning.  However, there were lots of temples that didn't require climbing.  Overall, I would recommend it if you have an extra half day to kill in KL.  

 (Half monkey and half man god)

(Inside the monkey man shrine)

 (Giant Golden Statue)

(This is just to give you an idea of how big it really was.  Also, you can see the steps leading up to the caves.)  

 (Let the journey begin)

(Monkey grabbing a bite to eat)

 (A quick view from inside the caves)

(A few items for sale once you reach the top)

(Katrina with the caves behind her)

(Hindu Temple with things on the top)

(Entrance to one of the shrines)

 (A shrine within the cave)

 (View as we headed down the steps.  I saw one lady touch every step with her hand as she was climbing to the top.)

(Katrina outside one of the other temples that didn't require much climbing.  You can see the monkey man in the background.)

1st Stop - Kuala Lumpur, Mayaysia

As far as cities go, it's like any other; however, it was unlike any city I've ever been to.  With a heavy Muslim influence, there were many sights and sounds I never experienced in my life.  At one point, I think I made the remark to Katrina, "I've only ever seen this stuff in the movies..."  The highlight of KL, at least for me, had to be either the Batu Caves or the food.  Here are a few of the photos from our first day with more to follow:

 (Masjid Jamek in the background)

(We arrived at 12:30 but had to wait until 2:30, once pray time was finished, to enter the mosque.  Katrina also had to wear this lovely robe to be respectful.  I was alright in pants and a t-shit.)

 

 (Just a fun picture from the central market)

 (Hindu Temple - can't say that I've ever seen one of those before.  If you can try to zoom in on the picture...)

(Chinese Temple)

 

(A few statues/figurines inside the temple)

 

 (See if you can find me.  I do <3 a="a" about="about" and="and" big="big" bodily="bodily" culture="culture" did="did" fan="fan" friendly.="friendly." great="great" i="i" injury.="injury." it="it" itself="itself" journey="journey" kl="kl" love="love" malaysia.="malaysia." nbsp="nbsp" never="never" of="of" or="or" our="our" p="p" people.="people." people="people" place="place" start="start" super="super" t="t" the="the" theft="theft" to="to" was="was" wasn="wasn" were="were" while="while" worried="worried">

 (Petronas Towers - only seen photos of this guy before)

 (The park around the towers was quite nice with water fountains in the front and back)

(The Towers at night)

 

(Myself with the water fountains)

 

 (City Tower - I think it would have been fun to go up but we did not)

(A sample of the food - I think this cost around $2)

 

(Katrina with the Malaysian flag in the background)

 

(A market from Little India)

 

(While in Little India, do what the Indians do.  We did!  And the food was delicious!!  This was a bit pricier at a whopping $3.)

 

(Colonial influence within the city and the country.  It was a bit strange seeing such distinct buildings in the heart of a South East Asian country.)

Han River Cruise (At Night) Part II

Thursday during summer vacation, myself, Katrina, and Spenser all went to the Han in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge from the river.  However, sadly, we came up a bit short as the tour we took didn't go far enough down the river to reach Banpo Bridge.  Nevertheless, it was a pleasant experience and one I rather enjoyed. I would recommend taking the Hangang Cruise if you get a chance.  It was only 11,000 won or about $10.  I am going to miss the prices in Korea, that's for sure.  Anyway, have a look and see for yourself.

(A few Koreans standing outside GS25 watching the Olympics - judo I think)

(Two more new buildings going up - I will say, the economy in Korea appears to be booming.  Whether or not it actually is, well, I couldn't say.  I'm not an economy expert...)

(The sun setting over the park along the Han)

(A slightly different view)

(The 63 Building, so aptly name due to the fact there are 63 floors.  It's pretty famous in Korea.)

 

(An older lady selling some goods, some goods that light up)

(Getting to be nightime)

(My beautiful girlfriend)

(Another night shot of a bridge)

(Myself on the boat with the city behind me)

(Katrina posing for a picture)

(Sweet bridge)

(Another sweet bridge)

(Same bridge with the 63 building in the background.  It's the tallest one in the picture.)

(Under the same bridge)

(Different bridge)

(A few of the buildings along the water)

(The National Assembly building - the place where the Korean Legislative Body meets)

(A cute shot of the couple)

(My buddy Spenser came along - 63 Building again in the background)

(O' Captain, my captain for the evening)