Day 144 (Monday 28th April 08)

Not a very good night's sleep, comfy seats but hard to stay in them with the crazy driving! Would probably be better if they were smaller so you couldn't move around as much! Stopped for an hour somewhere in the highlands but it was pouring with rain so didn't get out of the bus. Got dropped off at the pier for Penang at about 4:30am. We were told that the first boat across was at 5:30am so we walked up the steps to wait at the top. Waited for a while and were let through to buy tickets and then onto the boat. We soon realised the boat was crawling with rats. They were running all along above us on the gurders and poking their heads out of the bins. After seeing them in the bins we moved further away from the bin we were sat near! Just very glad that the boat was only 15 minutes long! Em ran off the boat! It wasn't much better once we arrived in Penang. Got a bus to Chinatown as this is where most of the backpacker accommodation is. It was still dark and only about 6am. Dropped on the side of the street to try and find accommodation their were prostitutes lining the street and rats again crawling all around. The strange thing about the prostitutes is that they all seemed to be lady boys! Very weird. We walked along for a while wandering where we were going to try and stay in this scanky place. Started to think maybe we didn't want to stay and just go straight to Langkawi. Thinking probably any cheap room we find will have holes in the walls for peeping toms! Stopped for a think about what we were going to do at a little cafe that was open as no places to stay were even open yet. Lots of very strange people came in the cafe! There was no menu but we got some toast and tea. The lady was very helpful and when we decided we would just head straight back to the pier she said we could get any bus on the other side of the road. Back at the pier we bought our tickets and got on the boat to Langkawi. Both slept most of the two and a half hours as we were soooo tired. Once arrived got stopped by all the touts for car rental. Decided this was probably our best option as car rental was so cheap, taxis reasonably expensive and no public transport. After a lot of bargaining managed to get a reasonable car with air-con for under a tenner a day. Headed off in search of a petrol station as the car was empty. We then made our way to Cenang beach as this is where the cheap accommodation is. Found a very nice new clean guest house just down the back roads called The Palms. Decided as we had booked the car for 2 weeks and the rooms were so clean we also booked 2 weeks accommodation. Thinking it was now best to stay awake for the rest of the day so we would sleep well that night we went off for a drive to see some of the island. Stopped for something to eat first as we were both very hungry. Shared a pizza at a really good Italian. Mark told the guy we would definitely be back as it was so good! On our drive saw lots of monkeys! Saw one group of monkeys near to the cable car taunting a little kitten, which seemed to be holding its own, the monkeys were actually scared of it. Neither of us wanted to get out and sort it out as there was another couple walking along and one monkey was trying to take the guys bag. Mean looking things! Went to see the black sand beach and then found our way to the expat shop to buy some supplies as there are toast, coffee and tea facilities where we are staying. Back for a shower and then walked down to the road where all the restaurants are and found a cheap place to eat. Walked back along the road to head back but Mark had spotted a Sheesha cafe so had to stop for one! Nice chill out, tempted to buy a bottle to take back but no chance it will fit in the bags! Back to our guest house.

Day 145 (Tuesday 29th April 08)

Up late as so tired for missing a night's sleep and comfy beds here! Made ourselves some toast and museli. Then got on with washing all our clothes in the sink round the back and hung them all out. Chilled out and unpacked our things a bit as first chance to not be living out of the backpack which is nice! Later went for a walk along the beach and in some of the shops to see what was around. Ended up eating in the restaurant where we had been for a Sheesha the night before.

Day 146 (Wednesday 30th April 08)

Again not up very early! Made some breakfast, checked on our washing and walked along to use the internet. Got back and Em went to ask for a toilet roll and the guy had a go at her! When Mark had asked the previous day he had asked if we had to pay or if they just gave them as it has been different in places we have stayed and they said of course they just gave them. We were both pretty annoyed that he had tried to start an arguement over it and that he was so rude! Started to realise how fussy they are since after we did our washing that they said we could do they have now taken away the bowl they said we could do washing in. Also every time you come out of your room they are there trying to find out where you are going or where you have been. Decided to keep our distance and tell them as little as possible! Went back out with the car this time and drove to the town for a look around the shopping mall. Then went for a drive around the North-east of the island to see some more of the sights. Back to Cenang for some food at a Thai place again. Once we got back to our guesthouse found they had been into our room again and left 3 toilet rolls, obviously trying to be sarcastic. Not rising to his challenge just decided to pack all our things away as they seem to be coming into our room a lot and don't want them going through our things.

Day 147 (Thursday 1st May 08)

Had a bit of a lie in and some museli and toast. Read our books and paper, eventually decided to get up and headed off. First went up to the Seven Wells Waterfall. Parked the car and started up the 365 steps to the top. A very hot, sweaty walk passing the monkeys at the bottom. Again not much water once we got to the top but some nice scenery. Got some pictures and walked back down to about half way to see it from the bottom view. On the way down noticed all the monkeys that had been sat at the bottom, 20 at least, were walking up the steps our way. Knew that we had to go down and there was no other way to get past so had to pass them all very slowly on the small path. Got away with only one of them showing us their teeth. Could breathe a sigh of relief! Went to take some pictures at the second viewpoint of the waterfall and back down to the bottom. Treated ourselves to an ice cream and drove on to the field of burnt rice. This was pretty unimpressive! Just a plate of rice and a small fenced of area. Next onto the handicraft village, saw lots of nice things to buy but no room in the backpacks. Our last stop was the batik shop which was again very interesting. Drove back to Cenang, as it was still early went and sat down at the viewpoint on the south coast. Then headed our way back to the very good pizza restaurant in Cenang, TJ's. Shared another very good pizza and back to the guest house.

Day 148 (Friday 2nd May 08)

Up very early this morning, 6:30am, to be at the horse riding we had booked for 7:50am. Lovely and cool compared to the rest of the day but still a very hot jungle and beach ride! Both thoroughly enjoyed the riding through the jungle and seeing the different things. Em went off for a canter along the beach with the lead guy as Mark had a leader on the beach and was not allowed to go off. Mark now thinking he would like a lesson next week as he is getting very into the horse riding! Saw the one month old foal that is the first foal born in Langkawi and is owned by the previous prime minister. Then drove back to the guest house for a sleep until 1pm. Read book and had some bread and then onto use the internet. Managed to get our flight booked to Australia after a lot of looking. After having spent most of the afternoon in the internet went to find some food. Stopped at an Indian place that was offering a really cheap 3 course meal, knew the portion sizes would probably be really small but it was enough for us. Back to the guest house to chill out and read our books.

Day 149 (Saturday 3rd May 08)

Up for some breakfast, got ready and set off to Anna and Simon's hotel. They were waiting outside for us so all had a chat, excitied to meet up. Nice to see some friends from back home! Then set off trying to decide what we would do. Stopped at the man made waterfall that is along the road to their nice hotel for some photos and carried on. Decided to drive up to Mount Raya as the views from there were meant to be amazing. Didn't know if the car was going to make it up but after about a half an hour drive up through the jungle we made it to the top! Amazing view and got some nice pictures and started our drive back down. It was then onto Eagle Square in Kuah, the town. Impressive statue of a massive eagle looking out on the sea and the islands around. Again some nice pictures and back to the car. Took Anna and Simon back to Cenang beach, where we are staying, and went to T-Jay's for a really good pizza! Once we got in to the restaurant realised that Mark was crawling with ants! They were all over the back of his shorts and in one of the pockets! The guy at the restaurant kindly sprayed him to kill them all! Then back to our guest house to show them where we are staying and grab some swimming things. We then drove back to their hotel and went for a swim in their really nice pool! Also had lots of fun going down the kids slide! On the way down to the pool saw some monitor lizards which made Mark's day! Left at about 8pm when it had got dark. As we were walking back to leave we passed some other people on a tour and their guide was showing them something in the trees so we stopped for a look. He said that they were flying squirrels. They were cool but very ugly! Got some good video footage of them flying from tree to tree. Left Anna and Simon in their nice hotel and drove back to Cenang to have some food at Rasa. Had a good chat to the manager which was interesting as well.

Day 150 (Sunday 4th May 08)

Had a lazy morning reading our books and then made some toast. Went for a drive around the island and stopped in the Oriential Village for a look around. Very nicely built and good to have a look around. Tempting to buy lots of the nice souvenirs but resisted! Couldn't resist not buying any chocolate though! Yummy. Back to Cenang to use Skype. Then for some food at the Thai restaurant and a Sheesha at Rasa!

Day 151 (Monday 5th May 08)

Yet another lazy morning, both into our books so read for a while. Made some toast and got our things together to drive down to one of the nicer beaches. As we were on our way it started to rain so decided we would go to the Crafts Complex for a look around. Lots of things for sale but walked through the area for Batik and was very interesting to hear about it from the guy making them. In the end he persuaded us to buy one. An underwater scene with lots of the clown fish, very nice. He wrapped it up for us so that it is okay to check it in but yet another thing to carry! Left the Crafts Complex and it started to pour down with rain. Knew there was no chance we would get down to the beach today so went back to the guest house to read our books and watch the rain come down. Walked along the road to find some food. Ended up in the Irish Pub for some really good food. Mark had bangers and mash and Em had fish and chips. Very good food!

Day 152 (Tuesday 6th May 08)

Again meet up with Anna and Simon so got ready and headed off on the drive up to their hotel. Not looking very nice weather and as soon as we arrived it started pouring down again. Went out to the pool and found some sun loungers under the trees but it started raining so hard that all our things were getting wet so headed to the bar and took shelter while Anna and Simon had some food. As the rain hadn't let up at all decided that we would go back to their room and watch a DVD. Very nice for us as we haven't had a TV for well over a month! It got to about 8pm and we decided we were all hungry so after a while of trying to make a decision we all went back to Cenang to find a restaurant there. Ended up in the Irish Pub again. Anna and Simon had pizzas, Mark had Chicken Kiev and Em had pasta. Again very good food. Dropped Anna and Simon back to their hotel and said our goodbyes before they head back to Guernsey and the UK.

Day 153 (Wednesday 7th May 08)

Woke up to heavy rain so knew we didn't need to rush out of bed! Eventually got up and had some breakfast. Headed off to use the internet and start having a look into accommodation for Melbourne. Then off to have a look around a couple of the shopping malls. Both were pretty much a waste of time! Not much to see but we did get a nice waffle! Drove up to the Mardi Agrotechnology but it was closed so will have to go back another time. Ended up going back to the guest house and playing some cards. Walked along the road for some food, found an okay place to have some fish. When it came out it reminded Em of when she had it before she was ill in Bangkok so was a bit put off. Mark really enjoyed it, Em tried to eat it because it was good but was making her feel ill. Went and bought some more water and then back to the guest house to play some more cards.

Day 154 (Thursday 8th May 08)

Another morning of waking up to loud pouring rain. Knew it wouldn't be to the beach today either so after some breakfast headed off to the Mardi Agrotechnology. Didn't really know what to expect but seemed like something good to do when it was still raining! Bought our tickets and waited for our tour guide. Were very lucky as it was raining not many people were around wanting to do this tour so got the guide to ourselves to start with. Drove around the plantation stopping at all the fruits in season. We tried them as we went and he explained about the different fruits. Very interesting and tasty. A very good guide as well getting us to pose for photos with all the different fruits which was a bit of fun. He then made Em a palm ring and bracelet. He was very funny. Picked up some more people and carried on the tour. Em was getting eaten by mosquitos so we realised we should have bought some mosquito spray with us! Saw lots more interesting fruits and had more laughs. Dropped back at the start we drove back to the guest house to get some anthisan and then onto use the internet. Went to T-Jays for some food and back to the guest house.

Day 155 (Friday 9th May 08)

Yet another day of rain so in no hurry to go out anywhere. Read our books and eventually decided to venture out. Went for a bit of a drive and look around the shops at Cenang. Then as the rain had stopped decided to go up to Island Horses to see if Mark could have a riding lesson. We were told if we came back in about 45 minutes he would be able to have a lesson so we went down to the Oriential Village. Had a look around the shops and once we found the cheapest place bought two elephant candle holders that we had seen that we really wanted. It was then time to go back to Island Horses. Mark was put on Rudy and was taught the basics. At the end very pleased that he had improved on his rising trot so that it no longer hurt! Back to Cenang and to use the internet. Again to the Thai restaurant for some good cheap food.

Day 156 (Saturday 10th May 08)

Last day of having the car so wanted to make sure we got everything done we wanted to. Up a bit earlier and straight to the internet to move some money around. Had another quick look for accommodation in Melbourne, then drove to Kuah. Had another look around the shopping mall then went back to where we had seen some shops in Kuah. Couldn't find anything we wanted so back to the shopping mall and bought a photo album and a letter holder. After spending most of the day wandering round shops we were hungry so Em bought an ice cream and Mark had a moment of madness having a McDonalds. We then drove back to the guest house the the long way (basically around the whole island) as we wanted to use up some of the petrol before we gave the car back. Walked around the shops and then chilled out at the guest house. Popped to the Thai restaurant for some food.

Day 157 (Sunday 11th May 08)

Had to get our act together a bit earlier this morning as we had to drop the car back. After some breakfast and dropping our washing off at the laundrette at the end of the road we drove to Kuah Jetty and left the car with them. They definitely have a different way of doing things over here as they didn't even check the car over and gave our deposit back. We had a wander round the shops at the jetty and then got a taxi back to Cenang. Luckily we got a reasonably good taxi driver so the drive wasn't too scary! Read our books and then decided we would go down to the beach. Just as we started getting our things together it started to pour with rain. Back to plan 1 then of just reading our books in the room. Walked along the road to pick up our washing which smelled a lot nicer than when we had only travel washed it! Packed it away and went down to Rasa for some food.

Day 158 (Monday 12th May 08)

Woke up to no noise of rain! Looked outside and it was cloudy but sunny so perfect for the beach. Had some toast and got ready for the beach. Took a couple of beach mats and walked down to the beach. Got a bit of sunbathing in before it looked like it was going to rain again. Luckily it didn't properly rain and was only a few drops so just sheltered under a nearby tree until it had passed. Had a few dips in the sea and more sunbathing as the clouds seemed to pass. Once we finished on the beach headed up to the shop for an ice cream and then walked back to the guest house. Had a shower and chilled out for a bit then headed along to near Underwater world for the internet. Went for some food and a Sheesha at Rasa.

Day 159 (Tuesday 13th May 08)

Up and checked out by 11am. Walked down to the main road with our backpacks and found a taxi. Dropped at the ferry terminal then went to find out about buses to Melaka for once we had arrived on the mainland. We were told that all the buses to Melaka for today and tomorrow were fully booked so we had to re-think a bit. Ended up booking an overnight bus to Kuala Lumpur and knew that there we would be able to find plenty of buses to Melaka. Went and bought our boat tickets for the last boat, 7pm, and knew we had a long wait ahead of us. Spotted some comfy chairs in Starbucks so went in their and bought a hot chocolate each. Spent the rest of the day in their playing games that they had and reading books. At about 6pm went across the road to a French restaurant and had a good meal. A very cold ferry crossing to Kuala Perlis that took about an hour. Walked along to the bus station and had to hang around until 9:15pm for our bus. We were spotted by a young local boy who enjoyed messing around and playing catch with water bottles. Ended up waiting until 10:30pm as the bus was very late! Had started to wander if it was going to turn up at all, there were 2 other people waiting for the same bus and the guy from behind the ticket desk was there but he didn't speak much english. Soon on our way and had a very sleepless bus journey. Couldn't get comfy!