Country number 5 - Malaysia!!

We arrived in Butterworth safely after border-hopping into Malaysia and had to catch the ferry across to Georgetown on Penang island, our home for the next two days! We were dropped off at a very dodgy backpackers on Love Lane so we very quickly grabbed all our stuff and walked to our Guesthouse, Hutton Lodge. As we had arrived late we checked in then went in search of food (which I seem to spend my life doing, our trip so far seems to have been ruled by Daves stomach!!). We found a nice little place called Coco island which had live music (well a guy playing guitar!!).

As we had decided we didn't need too long in Penang we got up early the next day to try and fit as much in as possible!! However, with the temperature at 40C it was pretty hard going at times! We started at the Hainan Temple (yes another one!! I think thats nearly 100 now!!) which was quite a random little temple in the middle of some houses. Next we headed to the museum which told us all about the East India Trading company (if you don't know what that is, then watch Pirates of the Carribean!!), which was very interesting. Round the corner was Cheong Fatt Tze's house, a very stunning bright blue traditional house owned by the very rich Cheong Fatt Tze (or the Fatt guy's house as Dave called it!!). Carrying on on our long tour we went to Fort Cornwallis which is actually very small! Next was a walk through China town and Little India grabbing lunch on the way. Whilst we were there, it was the huge muslim festival of Thaisupam, which involved loads of people in robes setting fire to coconuts and making them explode!! The final leg of our walk found us at Kapiton Keling Mosque and Khoo Kongsi before catching the bus to Teluk Bahang a small fishing village further round the island. We somehow managed to stumble across the national park there which was very beautiful to walk around (and we saw a monkey!). After heading back, we went back to Little India for dinner at Ananda Bhawan. We ordered curry but it came with a twist - all the food is served on a banana leaf and you have to eat with your fingers (right hand only otherwise its insulting, which I had issues with being a lefty!!).

Our second and last day in Penang was much more chilled. We caught the bus to Penang Hill where we boarded a very steep tram to get us up the hill. We walked around at the top and found the Canopy walk (after about 3-4 Km of walking!). The walk was really cool being amongst the tree tops, though its a little scary if you look down! We got lunch at one of the little cafes and had a look around at the mosque and other buildings at the top, before heading back down on the really steep tram and catching the bus back to Georgetown. As we were off again the next day we headed back to Coco island, this time for mexican food, and then back to the guesthouse to chill and pack (Dave hates packing now!!hehe!).

Next stop: The Cameron Highlands!