{Malaysia} 2013 and the Perhentian Islands

Photographs from our trip to Malaysia (and in particular the Perhentian Islands) in August this year.
We flew straight from Incheon airport to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia (very reasonable return flights if you are flexible on your departure days) and then caught an overnight bus to Kuala Besut where we caught the speed boat to the islands.

On returning from the islands, we booked very cheap flights on AirAsia from the closest town from the jetty (Kuala Bharu) which was a short trip to Kuala Lumpur. We definitely recommend flying instead of the overnight bus. Its easier, much quicker, and only costs a little more than the bus. The only downside is you then need to catch a taxi from Kuala Bharu to Kuala Besut to the jetty. Kuala Bharu has a wonderful market filled with fascinating sights and sounds (see the photographs at the end of the post) where we spent an afternoon.

The Perhentian Islands are made up of two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Besar is the bigger island which is more family orientated with bigger hotels/resort type accommodation, and Kecil is known for it's night life and a younger, more backpacker atmosphere. We spent our holiday on Kecil, which looking back now, wasn't the best decision we have ever  made. The island was very noisy at night, filed with party animals looking for a good time. If you're looking for a lively holiday filled with late nights and drinking what expensive alcohol you can get your hands on then head to Kecil. You won't be disappointed. Kecil has two sides, coral bay and turtle bay. Coral Bay is slightly quieter, and that is where the 'nicer' accommodation is. Turtle Bay is where most of the great restaurants and cafes are. You can easily walk (15 minutes) between the two bays through the 'jungle'. You can also easily get from one island to the other by taking a 'water taxi' which go to and fro all day and late into the evening.

We hadn't booked any accommodation before hand (which was a little nerve wracking as we were arriving in peak season). But on Kecil, the majoriy of the hostels are not online so booking is practically impossible. We spent the first two nights in a really crummy room, which was the cheapest we could find, but it was definitely on the dingy. With a back entrance that faced a sewer, it wasn't the most imviting of places, but it suited out purposes (a place to sleep and shower...even if showering meant a dripping pipe in a dark corner of the bathroom).

We decided to treat ourselves for two nights at Shari-La Resort (MYR250 a night per room), which to be honest was extremely over priced and old. Looking back, it was a huge waste of money, and the buffet breakfast which had so enticed us was a real let down. But, the rooms had hot and cold water, and an aircon.

The best place we stayed (when we were able to get there at the right time to grab a room from someone checking out) was Ewans Place & Cafe (click here for their Facebook Page). This was by far the best value for money, it was incredibly clean and comfortable, and Ewans Cafe is where we spent most afternoons using the free WiFi and eating good food. Ewan is a wonderfully friendly chap, who seems to remember each person who visits! At only MYR70 a night, it was by far the best value for money on the island. No aircon but the huge overhead fan was more than sufficient.

It ended up not being a very budget friendly holiday. Make sure to change all your money BEFORE going to islands as there are only one or two places where you can exchange money, and you will get ripped off. There are no ATMS either, so make sure to carry cash. Although you are able to pay with a credit card at most of the bigger hotels and resorts. They do charge a 5 % fee though.

If you have any questions about our trip, feel free to contact us at farmboyandcitygirl{at}gmail{dot}com and we'll be happy to help you.

The Philippines~ *who*when*where

In the Winter Holidays of 2010, another 4 South Africans *not to be confused with those who set sail for the majestic ruins of  Cambodia some 6 months ago* traded in snow for sun, sea and sand as they embarked on a fantastical journey, into the wilderness that is...

They traveled  far and wide, from the anime world that is Japan and the kimchi corner that is South Korea; two brothers, parted from each other by the life that comes with Teaching English in Foreign lands, were finally reunited in the heart of fashion, Seoul, to begin the voyage across many oceans to find the breathtakingly beautiful treasures that awaited them on the Island of Palawan, Philippines. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lies between the country and the island of Borneo, and to the south the Celebes Sea separates it from other islands of Indonesia. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world.

And so begins the adventure of Dale, Roxy, Natalie and John...

Cebu Pacific Flight 5J0195 left Korea bound for Manila on Christmas Eve 2010 carrying 4 very excited South Africans who had had their fill of Indian food in Seoul. And who were very happy to leave behind the -10 degree Celsius weather at their departure for the 30 degree sunny skies at their destination. 5 Hours and 400 pesos (the currency in the Philippines, from now on refered to as "P" ) in airport tax later, and the 4 tired travelers arrived in the hot and humid Manila Airport, ready for their 8 hour wait for the  plane that would take them to Puerto Princessa, the capital of the Island of Palawan. Being Christmas Eve, they decided to forgo all budget worries and book into a hotel for the long wait (at the pretty decent price of P1000 or $22 each) and headed off for a flushing toilet and a couple of zzz's.


Bright and early the next morning, the 4 adventures fought their way through the Christmas surge of families visiting loved ones, and reached their destination. Just in time to be welcomed by the smiling face of their airport shuttle to take them to the place they would call home for the next 2 days in Puerto Princessa, Albon Pension:

While in Puerto Princessa, they saw many things and even mnaged to fit in a ciuple of tours. One of thse was to the Underground River at Sabang, where they went on a  boat ride through the dense 'amazon like' Mangroves that are so famous around Sabang...

for only P200 ($5)a person, before heading to one of the new Natural Wonders of the World,  the Underground River (P1500 ($34) pp including lunch):

Azure waters, crystal clear and inviting, mark the entrance to the world’s second longest subterranean watercourse. An few hours away from the city of Puerto Princesa and a short boat ride from the Sheridan Resort, Sabang, yet a step back in time to an age when the earth was still young.

The subterranean river itself cuts through a cave strewn with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and all manner of cave formations. Entertaining and well informed local guides propel the canoes that are safe as well as ecologically sound and ideal for the silent appreciation of the cave. Visitors can enjoy and appreciate without worrying about causing harm to this wonder of the natural world. Undergroundriver

The Underground River is in the running for the title of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature...you can vote online for it by clicking here!

A day trip to Honday Bay (P1500 for the boat ride for 4 ppl, P100 for snorkeling masks and P100 for lunch) was also on the cards, for some fresh fish and snorkeling 

After spending 2 nights at Albon Pension (P1800 for 2 ppl for 2 night) the gang started the great trek *i.e. the 7 hour mini van trip to EL Nido at P700 a person* which stopped in the seedy town of Roxas for a loo break....anyway moving swifly along...

All going well, the 4 sweaty and hungry voyagers arrived in El Nido to begin the search for accommodation for their stay, which they eventually found at Rosanna's Cottages *P2200 a person for a 4 man room for 4 nights*. Most meal times, they could be spotted at Art Cafe, soaking up the view and stuffing their faces with all kinds of tasty treats.

Just before the New Years, they headed on a mind blowing and gut wrenching 3 day Island Hopping tour with tour company, Tao. Mind blowing due to the following images:

One of the many Island stops..

The first nights accommodation was spent sharing the tiny Island with the 3 locals that made up a tiny fishing Village about 4 hours off the coast of El Nido.


Gut wrenching due to the fact that the 4 travelers all got a case of food poising on the first day of their tour. The youngest traveler, getting hit the hardest, and being pretty much only capable of lying on the beach covered in kokoi's:

Anyway...after a not so speedy recovery, they welcomed the New Year in at the fabulous Alternative *P700 pp for buffet dinner* in one of their 'pods' that overlook the ocean.

The last few days were spent renting motorbikes to explore El Nido *P700 a bike plus P100 for fuel*

Then it was time for travelers to head back to Puerto Princessa for their final night in The Philippines; which they spent at the one and only hotel they could find, for some well deserved luxury *P3000 for a room for 4 people for the night*. Some last minute shopping was done at the pearl markets, and finally it was tie to bid goodbye to the wonders of Palawan and head back to the bustling metropolis of Manila, and finally return home to Seoul.

Heading back sad, tired, thinner thanks to the slightly off bacon they were served while on an Island, but filled to the brim with sun shine and family/friendship induced happiness they bidfarewell to the Philippines, and hello to the prospect of many more adventures together again in the not so distant future...

The Philippines **Lomo~fied**

Farmboy and I just got back from an absolutely amazing holiday in the Philippines. The following photos were taken with Farmboys new Christmas present, a Diana Mini Lomography camera, its the same range of cameras as his fisheye :)

Here are some of the picks taken at various places in the Philippines; from Puerto Princessa, to Sabang, to Island hopping off the coast of El Nido on the Island of Palawan. Stay tuned for a summary of our trip, as well as more great photo's and ideas for you to start planning your trip there!

Making friends in El Nido

Scootering around El Nido

Navigating the streets by Tuk Tuk In Puerto Princessa

Happy :) John and Nats, Farmboys brother and sister-in-law who teach English in Japan 

Just getting around town

Island hopping off the coast of El Nido

Jewelry Market

Playing in the surf :)

Cutey!

Family Petrol stop in Roxas, on the way to El Nido from Puerto Princessa

Filipino jeepneys, jeeps left over from the war

Bus stop chaos