Penang (Pearl of the Orient)

Singapore, Singapore

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 22:40:00 +0800

Sunday 5th January 2020 Singapore Our flight to Singapore is at 12.15 today, so we have a taxi booked for 8.30. Yesterday we took a bus ride to Batu Ferringhi as planned. We hoped for a nice comfortable ride out to the north of the island, but ended up with standing most of the way there and all of the way back, for the near one hour journey. Obviously Saturday is a big travelling day in Penang. I really couldn’t imagine a bus driver in our parts of the world allowing this many people stand on a bus. Batu Ferringhi is a town on the north coast of Penang Island. It is favoured by both high end tourism and the backpacking set. There are hotels such as Hard Rock, Shanghai-La, Park Royal and Golden Sands and on the other side of the road those with such inviting names as Fifty Five Holiday Guest House and Roomies Suites! The restaurant’s here also reflect both groups ranging from Siri’s by the Sea Bistro Bar to a McDonalds Drive Through. The Night Market is a big attraction for those staying in the vicinity and from further afar, the area is served by a good bus service to Georgetown and beyond. The big question about staying here is the beach, those with a hotel pool seem to win. Portrayed as a vast sandy getaway in a tropical paradise, it is a little way from that. The sand is indeed vast, as is the rubbish from the previous nights party. The sand is also very coarse, the sea also has questions to answer as to its cleanliness. This is a major shipping area and the sea has to also cope with how some locals treat it. Add to this the noise from jet ski’s, power boats and inflatable bananas and it all adds to the picture. Of coarse if this is what you are looking for, its great, there however seems to be two distinct types of tourist here. We are just about to leave the hotel and get our taxi to the airport. Monday 6th January 2020 Changi Village, Singapore. The flight all went well yesterday, so well in-fact, they put us on an earlier flight. Why I don’t know, but they offered us exit seats, so it was all okay. The flight took just over an hour and we were through immigration with our bags in hand within 20 minutes of landing. Singapore Airlines even send you a text message now to tell you which belt your baggage will be on. I just wish they would order and pay for the taxi as well. Speaking of taxi’s, our driver to the hotel actually thanked me for showing him where to go. it wasn’t that I am an expert on Singapore, its just that the hotel we sometimes use here is off the beaten track a bit. I guess drivers are used to going into the city but not in the opposite direction from the airport. We discovered this place called the Raintr33 Hotel, yes spelt exactly the way I have written it. The Raintr33 is about a 15 minute walk out from Changi Village and has been renovated from an old army officers billet. It’s nice because it is old, with a huge verandah where the sink is situated along with a large ceiling fan. Breakfast is also included, not always the case in Singapore. As an alternative to walking the main road into Changi, we can walk the Broad Walk down along the coast as a very scenic alternative. Due to getting an early flight and the room not being available, we did indeed walk into Changi Village. We decided to have some lunch which would negate having to return this evening. After 10 days of Malaysian meals (as nice as they are), we had fish and chips in an English Pub type of place called Charlie’s Corner. The only real resemblance to an English pub was that they sold Guinness and had football on the television. The Singapore side of it was the position of the place, as the name implied it was on the corner, the breeze that kept everyone cool and the very al fresco atmosphere. It was the sort of place you sat and thought ‘this is the life’! As we had eaten out, we grabbed a couple sandwiches for tea and a couple of beers, to enjoy on our balcony this evening. We were awoken one or two times last night, once by some noisy guests leaving at about 4am and announcing the fact by slamming their doors and talking as loudly as they could, and then more acceptably at 6am. This by the rousing chorus of the Singapore National Anthem playing from the speakers of the Army Base across the road. Breakfast this morning was really nice, we could have had it either in or outside. Tuesday 7th January Changi, Singapore We have woke up to our last day in Singapore, before returning home tomorrow. We have had heavy rain for most of the night in that Singapore kind of way, I just wish we could take some of it back to Australia with us. Yesterday we had a trip over to Pulau Urbin, which is an island just off the coast here. It is one of the few places in Singapore to be sparred urban spread and is now a nature reserve with many tracks and paths and some wildlife. The only way to get there is by way of a Bum Boat from the jetty at Changi Village. The boat will not leave until it has 12 passengers, then the skipper collects $3 from everyone for the 15 to 20 minute journey. The island was once a granite quarry, the quarry is now a lake and rest of the island is covered in jungle. Bikes can be hired at the jetty, but others choose to hike. There are quite a few animals to see such as Long Tailed Macaques, wild boars, otters, and hornbills. We were only lucky to see a boar and a large lizard. There are campsites scattered around and the whole place has a feel of being in a jungle, but with narrow roads running through it. If you wanted, it would be easy to spend a whole day here, there are wetlands, jungles and many tracks to explore. The journey in the Bumboat is an experience in itself. The small craft are allowed to carry 12 passengers and to make up for lack of seats, plastic chairs are provided to make up the lack seating arrangements. The skippers of these ‘self owned’ boats have the franchise to provide this transport from the Singapore government, trying to preserve old customs and traditions. The forecast is for afternoon rain, so soon after arriving back, we headed back to the hotel. It finally arrived at around 3pm. As anybody who has visited Singapore knows, when it rains, it rains. If you are in it, you will be wet, umbrella or no umbrella. Thankfully when the heavens opened, we were in our room, or should I say on the balcony. In the evening we walked down to the Changi Sailing Club, which they advertised as being open to the public. What a surprise this place was (see photo’s). If you are ever in these parts, promise yourself this treat. The restaurant called ‘The Coachman Inn’, is on the second floor of the building and looks out onto the sea. We had a table at the rail looking at the sunset over the islands. The menu is extensive, with both Asian and Western meals, the staff are fantastic and the price is more than reasonable (cheaper than eating in Changi Village). We chose Thai Style Pork Ribs, Local Chicken Curry, Fried Seafood Rice and some Tiger Beers. Today, our last here in Changi, we will probably walk the Changi Broad Walk to its finish. This starts outside our hotel, passes the village, hugs the coastline passing a naval base and the end of the airport runway. On the way back, weather permitting, we may allow ourselves a Tiger at one of the cafes on our way back. Then packing!!! I

Ships awaitng a berth in Singapore

A very tropical bathroom at the Raintr33 Hotel

Our hotel

The beach along the Broad Walk

On the Bumboat

Bumboat

On The island

On the Island

On the Bumboat

Coachman Restaurant

Meal at restaurant

View from restaurant

George Town, Malaysia

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:40:00 +0800

Penang, Malaysia

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 22:40:00 +0800

Thursday 26th December, Tanjung Bungay, Penang, Malaysia Last night after not getting to bed until after midnight, I wouldn’t have dreamt that we would be up and fully breakfasted and beach walked by 7.30, but indeed we are. We left home at 5am on Christmas Day and were in our room at the Rainbow Paradise Beach Hotel before Christmas Day was over, but only just, as we had to retard our watches by 2 hours. I can’t say we are up and refreshed, but not feeling too bad after travelling for 21 hours. Being upgraded to Business Class obviously played a huge part in our good energy levels this morning. Having Gold Status with Singapore Airlines has certainly been repaid by them. This was our second time in BC following two upgrades in the past to Premium Economy. We were lucky that this particular A350 aircraft didn’t have PE as Singapore Airlines policy states that you can only be upgraded one class’ of travel. Perhaps if I hadn’t been such a glutton with the Chardonnay I could be feeling a little better than I actually am. Our second flight onwards to Penang brought us back to earth with a bump. We were back in our ‘place’ in Economy with Silk Air and the two dry pies placed in front of us along with a cup of apple juice was far removed from the prawns, scallops and balsamic reduction offered earlier! We really could have no complaints however, the flight was less than an hour, went without event and it delivered us safely into Penang Airport. Basically the airport is a small tourist type affair with no ‘bells and whistles’. I have recently read however that the airport is due for a big upgrade as it no longer fulfils its obligations. Amazingly there were no immigration forms at passport control to fill in and the only words from the officer were to wish us a good holiday and especially enjoy the food. If anything the official was surprised we were staying in Penang for 11 days, he obviously felt we should move on, we will see if he turns out the wiser one. Our 45 minute taxi ride to the hotel only cost us $18, which is amazing value. It was noticeable, even in the dark, how much Penang has grown and modernised over the years and (in the dark anyway) was beginning to match Singapore. The hotel was showing little sign of being in a Muslim country with a full Christmas Tree and lights adorning the rather large foyer. Thinking about it this morning I must admit that I didn’t notice a nativity scene! The receptionist gave us a room on the 19th floor of the 24 on offer and shook both of hands whilst wishing us a Happy Christmas. The room was large, with a good balcony overlooking the sea and the International School next door, although it was showing signs of its age in places. We had a fridge, wifi, king bed and safe included along with what turned out to be a very substantial breakfast this morning. We have no complaints. What we need to do this morning is find an ATM and the Malaysian version of Tesco’s, where we can get some beers and other essential supplies to keep us going for the next four nights here in the Tanjung Bunga area of the island. Friday 27th December Tanjung Bungah, Penang Well it was a simple task, just a walk up to Tesco’s and to find an ATM. The tried, tested and trusted (up to now by me) Google Maps, had made it clear where the ATM’s in this town are and Tesco’s is not one of them! It gave us little choice other than to pass Tesco’s and travel another kilometre or so to where there were many. Tesco is around a 40 minute walk from our hotel if we follow the main road and a further 10 minutes or so to the ATM. Google had suggested another route which would cut off the corner and take us through some back roads. We can then come back along the main road and past Tesco’s. The day was warming, but comfortable on the shady side of the street. We decided to take Googles advice and take the short cut. The first thing that hit us were the hills that now had to be traversed, something that Google maps fails to show. The second and more troubling, was a large hotel which had been built slap bang in the middle of our route. Whatever way we tried to circumnavigate this hotel, the roads seemed to take us away from any direct coarse and found even steeper hills to now traverse. Sometimes you just have to admit defeat, turn around and rejoin the direct and boring route you wanted to avoid. Our detour had added a little more distance to our journey, but had relieved us of a few of our Business Class kilograms. We were now back on coarse and were passing Tescos on our left. There wasn’t a footpath our our side to speak of and a huge barrier through the middle of the dual carriageway prevented us crossing it and finding one. After a while we again found a pavement and saw the of banks in the distance. The morning was now very warm and we would be glad to accomplish the mission and return to the air conditioning of the shop. It was around this time I started to change my mind about favourably comparing Penang and Malaysia in general, to Singapore. The litter and building rubble along the roads certainly would not have been tolerated there. It was also around this time that I found myself hurtling head first, with seemingly nothing to stop me, except the concrete kerbstone and side of a random parked car. As I hit the gutter, the milliseconds whilst in the air, seemed like they were passing in slow motion. My thoughts were saying ‘please don’t let me break anything’ as I clattered to the roadside, my new and loved, and expensive iPhone sliding precariously along the tarmac and passing the open drain on the right. Debbie’s gasps and concerns seemed to come from elsewhere, as I felt the pain from my left wrist and knee, and my right foot and lower back all come together with this fear of returning to Australia with a very expensive claim on our travel insurance. As I slowly rose to my feet, I saw the 2 inches of steel pole, cut to this height to provide this trip hazard, I had found but obviously not seen. Thankfully there was no blood and hopefully no broken bones. There was however a large swelling on my right lower back, a foot that I was now hobbling on, a knee severely bruised and a wrist that was too painful to touch. I felt really lucky and I must say a little shaken up, but I would live and also watch where I was walking. It was getting easier to walk as we reached the ATM, it had money in it and other than a limp and injured confidence, all was getting back to normal. We retraced our steps now on the other side of the road and found the welcome air conditioning of Tesco’s. The shop was part of a large building that housed many other smaller outlets, so we followed the sign to Tescos and ATM. What ATM? Surly there’s not an ATM here, Google had assured us there wasn’t. There was! Why had we walked kilometres out of our way? Why was I nursing more wounds than Rambo? I had believed Google! I call it fate, some might call it Karma, but whatever it was, the Gods were not looking on me favourably. Passing the ATM right in front of Tescos, I couldn’t help but think that my sins for the past year were being punished by those unknown. We found some groceries and found the alcohol department. There was a lot of choice, but it all came in 24 can packages, well anything we wanted did. All we had had was a small rucksack, after all the plan was to buy a few cans for the fridge in our room. Now faced with 24 cans and a very sore back, foot, wrist and knee, a bit of commitment to the cause had to come to the front. I suggested to Debbie, that should we take the cans from the packaging, we should be able to fit them all into the bag. We must have looked like a couple of old sots outside the doors of Tesco’s, trying to fit 24 cans of beer into a small rucksack for the journey back. We got them all in, but of coarse they sat at any number of angles and once the rucksack was hoisted to my back, these angles hit the huge lump now forming on my lower back. Without going into too much detail of our journey home, which was now all up hill, I couldn’t help wonder, why a soon to be 66 year old man, was walking like a packhorse in tropical heat with 24 cans of now hot beer, towards a destination where the fridge only cools at a very slow pace. The answer unfortunately how ever I look at it, has to be because I am a tight bas***d! Sitting later yesterday afternoon on the balcony, nursing bumps, bruises and ego, I wondered when I am going to stop acting like a fool and realise holidays should be for kicking back and relaxing, not imaging I have more years in front of me than I realistically have and if I carry on the way I am, fewer still! Sitting in the Indian restaurant across the road, later that evening, we were able to laugh about the day we had just had, but just maybe we will also learn from it! This morning, other than a few aches and pains and a little hobbling down to breakfast, we have another day ahead. Lets just see if we can behave a little more thoughtfully, after all there is a fridge full of now cold lagers!! Saturday 28th Tanjung Bungah, Penang We decided yesterday morning to head off to the Penang National Park. We needed to get a bus from just across the road from the hotel which would take us all of the way. Like most places in the world now, you need a pre paid card or the correct money to pay for bus fares. Luckily I had a pocketful of Malaysian change, but the driver only asked for 5 Ringets 40c of them for the two of us, approximately $1.60 or 90p. The journey took a good 30 minutes along the north and winding coast road of the Island of Penang. We passed the Floating Mosque, Moonlight Bay, the resort area of Batu Ferringhi, the Tropical Spice Garden and many hairpin bends, before arriving at the entrance to the National Park. There were a few touts offering to take the ‘hike’ out of hiking by offering a boat ride to whatever your destination might be. It was tempting after yesterdays episode but hey, that would cost. We walked over to the Park Registration Centre and were quite impressed by the procedure required to enter the park. We had to provide our name, passport number, where we were heading and time of entry. This was then also registered at the park gate. The walk started along a concrete path and after yesterday’s episode, felt that a walk to Monkey Beach would be a safer option than heading for the hills/mountains area on offer. We passed over a small suspension bridge, which we knew nothing about until we found ourselves rocking and rolling with an instant and most surprisingly alarming movement. We then arrived at the part of the track where rocks, tree roots and the occasional badly maintained steps provided the infrastructure. This became increasingly undulating and was really beginning to test my right foot, especially when managing to get a root across the instep. I soon learnt (most of the time) however to lead with my good foot. This was by no means a stroll or even a ramble, it was more of a trek! However this was complimented with some wonderful scenery and sights. To our right hand side was the sea and sandy coves, to our left the slopes of the jungle covered mountainside. Our path or track took us past views of the fishing villages built on stilts out to sea and wildlife. We caught sight of Monitor lizards basking on the rocks and Monkeys fishing for what looked like shell fish along the shore. The monkeys certainly didn’t mind getting wet and would sit and eat their their quarry on huge rocks that littered the shoreline. The roots and rocks that provided our footing were sometimes less precarious than the wooden and metal stairs and steps built to assist our progress. These man made structures were often so badly maintained, that one misplaced foot would end up with a tetanus injection to add to our holiday resume. We eventually and not without some effort’ reached the beach and the choice of taking a boat ride to Monkey Beach, or returning the way from whence we had come. As we had now walked some 3 kilometres over some suspect terrain, we chose the latter, but not before taking in the solitude and beauty of the area we had found. There were certainly plenty of monkeys here, not fishing, but walking along the Marine Research Station wall. After traversing the path back, we had managed to walk over 6 kilometres and felt we had earned a few beers on our return to the hotel. However we still had to get there yet! I also couldn’t help but wonder, why didn’t need to sign out after signing in to the park. What was the registration all about? They knew we had entered the park and they knew where we were heading, but no one knew we had returned! Where do we catch the bus back? How hard can that be? It must be where we were dropped off! We watched a bus arrive, we watched it drop people off, we watched it reverse and drive off without even opening the doors for passengers to get on. This was obviously not he answer, so we walked for a further kilometre to find a bus stop and waited and waited. Thank goodness there was a shelter, although the three stainless steel poles provided as seating, felt like we were sitting on a radiator. When the bus finally came, we boarded and the driver refused payment. As we sat and thought how wonderful it was to get a free ride back, the bus pulled over, told everyone to get off and wait for the next bus. Ten minutes later, the same bus opened its doors, we all got on and this time we had to pay. Oh well! In the evening, we walked to a seafood restaurant that came highly recommended on Trip Advisor, called inappropriately as I thought, ‘The Tsunami Village’. We had to walk through what looked like an outboard motor workshop to a restaurant with stainless steel tables that was in the most beautiful setting, looking out to sea and taking in the colourful fishing boats and the amazing Floating Mosque as a backdrop. The food was sublime. We had huge prawns cooked in a black pepper sauce, a whole fish (goodness knows what it was called) cooked in a ‘house’ three flavoured sauce and a plate of crab fried rice. This was accompanied by to large bottles of Tiger beer and came to the unspectacular cost of $40 (21 pounds) for the two of us! The food was beautiful and the waiters very friendly. This was a place that should never be ‘judged by its cover’, inside it was wonderful. This morning we find another day to fill in front of us. Maybe we will just sit on the beach, maybe we won’t, we’ll see..... Sunday 29th December Tanjung Bungah, Penang. Awaking to our last full day in Tanjung Bungah, I can’t help but reflect on what’s happened so far. A most pleasant and unexpected Christmas present from Singapore Airlines with the upgrade to Business Class, to the low of tumbling head first into the gutter whilst stone cold sober. We have trekked the Penang National Park and had some wonderful meals. Yesterday had to be the day to finally have a bit of culture and there sitting on the sea and only around a kilometre away, was a place that could deliver fascination, culture and hopefully education. The Penang Floating Mosque or Masjid Terapung Pulau Pinang, stands out of the sea and is ‘the’ standout building in the area. It was only built in 2003 and completed in 2005 at a cost of 15 million ringets around 5 million dollars Australian. Although called a floating mosque, it is actually built on stilts and has the appearance of floating when the tide is in. It accommodates 1,500 worshippers and at prayer times it is amazing to see believers coming from all directions and the huge pile of shoes discarded at the steps. We had read that ‘non Muslims’ are welcome to come and have a look around the Mosque and thought it would make an interesting visit. I guess the best way to describe the approach to the building, was like walking on to a pier, with a grand building at the end. If I am honest I found it a little daunting as we approached very unfamiliar territory. To our right were female ablutions, to our left male. These were large rooms with troughs and hoses, I assume for the washing of feet (only a guess though). We then approached the stairs to the Mosque and were greeted by a gentleman who pointed out the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of entering on a sign that showed acceptable and unacceptable dress codes. As we were both wearing shorts and Debbie a sleeveless shirt, it was obvious that we would have to dress accordingly. Our shoes were removed, I had a sarong type garment to cover my legs and Debbie a robe and a headscarf. We were told what they were called, but forgive me for not recalling the names. See photos attached. The guy looking after us was desperate for us to take the leaflets available and we assure him that we would take some on leaving, which we duly did. The inside of the Mosque in what appeared to be directly beneath the dome, was wall to wall red, rich and elaborately decorated carpet. There was a bright a glittering centrepiece which we would probably call an alter, and the walls were covered on shining tiles and adornments. There were posts which held lights and on the wall was an electric clock counting down the time until the next prayer and worship towards Mecca and Allah. Although there was a ceremony of sorts going on, children ran up and down on the plush carpet, women chatted and others took photos or videos with their iPhones. Nobody took any notice of us and as I recall, we were the only westerners there. We were thanked for our attendance when we left and took our leaflets with titles such as The Hijab, Women’s Rights in Islam, The Five Pillars of Islam and Islam Q & A. Further reading of these documents obviously indicated a Muslim insecurity with the West’s perceived views of their religion and incidents in the name of Islam. The leaflets were no different than those you might find on your doormat now and again from Jehovah’s Witnesses or other religions. They sort to give their view and justify their beliefs to others. Indeed, they were very interesting. I learnt many things by reading through them, such as the word Islam means Submission to God and what the Five Pillars of Islam actually were. There were other references made quite openly that made me think a little deeper however. To the question ‘Why do bad things happen?’ The answer ended with ‘Of coarse pain and suffering in this life is temporary; whilst Paradise is everlasting’. When talking about arranged marriage, the Qur’an is quoted as such. ‘At the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a woman came to him and said, “My Father has married me to my cousin to raise his social standing and I was forced into it”! The Prophet sent for the girl’s Father and in his presence gave the girl the option of remaining married or nullifying the marriage. She responded “Oh Messenger of Allah, I have accepted what my father did, but I wanted to show how other women (that they could not be forced into marriage)” Personally I found this a convenient message that failed to address the issue, but then what is a religion worth I guess if it cannot do that! All in all it was an educational and interesting morning and had me pondering many aspects and interpretations of Islam. In honesty however, I was left asking more questions than finding answers. On leaving the Mosque we took the road past the main shopping centre in what could probably be called downtown (non tourist) area of Tanjung Bungah. We walked through the leafy suburbs, where there were some very opulent houses, but still the occasional rooster scratching on the manicured front lawn. We passed the local parks, shaded by huge tropical trees, covered in ferns and other parasitic plants, maintaining that green and tropical feel. The houses we were passing were one or two story, towering over them in the not too far distance, were the 30 to 40 story buildings, now being built to house the ever growing population. We stopped at a cafe for a nice iced coffee and sat under the shade of a beautiful orange Frangipani. We cooled and took in the pleasant scent of the tree, whilst straining to the occasional ear piercing noise of the odd motorbike passing on the main road just outside the entrance. When we arrived back at the hotel, there were many coaches and cars arriving for the weekend. Sunday was always a busy day here (as we remember from previous visits), when locals not staying, also turn up for what I can only describe as family days. The pool becomes a mass of black, with many Burka clad ladies swimming but not showing an inch of skin, other than their faces. Not to put a finer point on it, the pool looks to be full of seals, whilst their husbands in western swim-ware, enjoy the day fully like any other! In the evening we head off for a general stroll and decide to enter the first restaurant that takes our fancy. The first we find is a Bulgarian and next door a German restaurant. We opt for the German, have a tasty meal and are back in our room by 7.30, once we find a lift that is available to get us to the nineteenth floor. As I have said, today is our last full one here in Tanjung Bungah and we must make the most of what time we have here before moving on to Georgetown and the capital of Penang, for another look at life here. Monday 30th December 2019 Tanjung Bungah, Penang In the end yesterday we walked down towards Tesco’s (but didn’t visit). I say walked down, because its pretty well down hill all the way and obviously (bloody) uphill on the way back. It takes a route along the coast with the sea on our left and the more hilly parts of Tanjung Bungah on our right. Over the time we have come here, twice before in both 2017 and 2015, there are quite a few new hotels, but especially apartment blocks. These blocks seem to serve the universal purpose of providing plush residences for the well heeled and holiday lets for the discerning tourist. It is very noticeable that the once smaller houses to our right and on the other side of the main road, once had a beautiful view of the sea and Peninsula Malaya beyond, now look straight at these new high rise buildings. The only buildings that now have a view are the ones built on the large jungle covered hills further back. One can only wonder as to the fate of these hills in the future. I guess the vegetation has a better chance of survival these days than say 20 years ago. Even Penang has the signs everywhere “Keep Penang Green”. This however a little misleading when using the word ‘Keep”. We watch another posse of smoke belching motorbikes decelerate down the hill and blue haze lingers long enough to make us gasp in the hot morning sun. We walk past Tesco’s and towards the new Straits Quay Marina Mall, another shopping complex where you could be anywhere in the world, once you were amongst the air conditioned and monotonously boring big named stores. This one was no different, except it opened onto a marina where big ticket item boats and yachts were moored, most of them as usual, up for sale. However strange it may seem to me, people seem to love these places and they sit and pay inflated prices for coffee and stare at items they will never be able to afford (especially if they are willing to pay these prices for their coffee). Enough is enough, we leave and walk to a little street on our way back to the hotel. It is in the Thai Pak district and very Chinese and after walking the narrow streets, we come across a small beach, a Chinese Temple and a multitude of statues. There are also many local food outlets, now closed but getting ready for some local Sunday trade. After looking at the statues, we follow the track towards a hill and climb some steps under an arch. This leads to a garden built amongst huge rocks and shaded by old and large trees. I would think it was Chinese. In-fact, we later learnt that it was called the Penang Avatar Garden and at night is lit, when a small charge is made to enter. Some say it reminds them, when lit, of the trees in the Avatar movie. See photos. In the evening we headed back across the road to the Sri Ananda Bahwan, the original Indian restaurant we visited on arrival here. The intention was to have some Malaysian food, but we ended up with a first class Biriyani and Vegetable Curry. When we returned to the hotel, the influx of locals were gradually leaving and the place was returning to some sort of normality. Even the lifts were arriving promptly. This morning we have the task of packing and moving on to Georgetown for our next stay, thankfully only for a taxi and not an aircraft. We don’t have to checkout until midday and because we can’t checkin at our other place until 2pm, we will use all the time we have here. Still there will be no rush to pack and we can have a lazy morning. Tanjung Bungah is a good place to stay. Although it has the high rise hotels and holiday lets, it still keeps the old part where life has been the same for years gone by. There are numerous restaurants, both local and plush and a few convenience stores for supplies. Tesco’s is a huge magnet for locals, expats and tourists alike. Food prices here in Malaya are cheap and restaurant prices reflect that. Alcohol prices can be very expensive, although beer need be no dearer than Australia or the UK, sometimes a lot cheaper in restaurants. The beaches are acceptable, although there are many tales of the water quality, due to the close vicinity of the Port of Butterworth and of coarse the very busy shipping lanes of the Strait of Malacca. The hotel in which we have stayed has been fine. The rooms are large, the breakfast good and the facilities all seem to work well. It’s showing signs of age and could probably do with a good renovation, but I can’t see that happening anytime soon with its strong trade seemingly endless. I’d recommend both the hotel and Tanjung Bungah for a very reasonably priced tropical holiday, with a good and cheap bus service delivering you where you want to be and good local and very reasonably priced food. All of this, only a $20 or 12 pound taxi fare from the airport.

Singapore KrisFlyer Gold Lounge Changi.

Just eating and drinking, how I hate it!

Singapore Airport as colourful as ever

From the balcony.

Christmas at Rainbow Beach Hotel

Breakfast spread

The hotel pool.

The hotel

Looking out from our balcony this morning

Indian Restaurant across the road

Our Indian meal, $20!

View from Balcony

National Park

Tsunami Restaurant entrance

Meal at Tsunami Restaurant

A poser at the Tsunami Restaurant

The Floating Mosque

Inside the Mosque

Dressed

The Mosque entrance

Dress code

A choice of restaurants

Marina Shopping Centre

The Marina Shopping Centre

Chinese Beach

Chinese Temple

Avatar Park

Singapore, Singapore

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 14:50:00 +0800

We are now 11734 meters over Tennant Creek (which I believe to be in the Northern Territory), 4,200 kilometres out of Brisbane and another 4 hours and 45 minutes to travel. Well I could certainly get used to this Business Class. My own little ‘bolt hole’, where my legs don’t reach the seat in front, never mind my knees. A service like only Singapore Airlines can deliver and a copious supply of Chardonnay (my alcohol stream of choice this morning). Brunch as it was called, had fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt etc. followed by a choice of either Braised Ee Fu Noodles with prawns, fish and clams or a selection of Dim Sums (my choice) with prawn, pork and vegetable dumplings, fried rice and roasted pork or buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote. This was followed by almond meringue and raspberry gel. All this of coarse is followed by more and more Chardonnay. Why Chardonnay I muse, probably it doesn’t seem as ‘Bogan’ as drinking beer! And to think I have Char Siew Chicken with Egg Noodles and Choy Sum or Prosciutto with burnt Ricotta before we arrive. I have no idea what it looks or may taste like, but after another bottle I won’t care or remember. With four hours of the journey remaining I had better perhaps watch a movie or surf through the complimentary wifi else finding terminal 2 and our onward flight to Penang (unfortunately in Economy) will become a little more difficult. Thinking about it, maybe a far more sensible idea, would be to kick back, lay the seat flat and try not to snore. zzzzz!

Yes

Merry Christmas

Boredom

Best starter ever!

Brisbane

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 02:30:00 +1000

After a night of thunderstorms and some much welcome rain, we arrived at the airport. I really couldn’t believe how busy it was, even the Singapore Airlines check-in desk was at the end of the airport and I must say some of the staff looked a little cheesed off to be there! Whilst at the check-in, the lady apologised for being a little slow with the screen not appearing to work properly. I instantly go into panic mode, have I put in the correct passport details? Do we need a visa? We need not have worried, because she looked up and told us we had been ‘re-graded’. Not sure what re-graded meant, as it certainly didn’t sound like up-graded, I still looked on questionally. When she mentioned Business Class, I knew that the new ‘Politically Correct’ term just had to be Re instead of Up. How could you possibly be upgraded, how elitist would that sound? Who cares, what a wonderful feeling. Happy Christmas from Singapore Airlines!

Yes!