Hello,

So we finally arrived in Penang after a 22hr journey from Ko Tao. First we got a night boat, 200 people on two decks, all sleeping side by side on the floor!!!!! Luxury! Then after waiting 1hr we got a mini bus to the border, then another to Penang, we eventually arrived at close to 6pm. The bus journeys were not only ridiculously long, but uncomfortable and noisey, mainly due to the load Korians.

Once in Penang, we checked into our guesthouse, we simly crashed out, both shattered from the journey. During the night Fran was sick with exhustion and spent most of the night with her head down the loo. I was on hand for th customary back rubbing, funny how roles can reverse. In the morning whilst Fran slept, I explored George Town, the capital of Penang. The town is a mix of new and delapadated buildings, one might look on the verge of collapse and in need of condemnation, yet you will find people still living there. Once Fran was feeling a bit better we went for a early dinner and had some local Italian food.

The following day when we were both feeling better, I took Fran for Afternoon Tea at the Eastern & Oriental hotel, as a birthday treat. We had both been craving a good cup of tea and also had loads of scones, sandwiches and cakes. Afterwards we headed to Batu Ferringi, the beach to the north. We were planning on staying there a coulpe of nights, but the weather was getting rubbish and the place was packed. That night we had a huge dinner at a sushi restaurant.

The next day we spent the morning taking care of travel arrangements to get to Kuala Lumpur, then in the afternoon we went up Penang Hill, it takes 35mins in a venicular train, which is always filled to past capacity. Once at the top you can 95% of Penang Island.

The following day we left Penang and got a bus to KL, we had inadvertently booked tickets on what appeared to the VIP bus, the seats were huge almost like First Class. Once checked into our hotel, we took a wander round the local street market and ended up in a huge shopping centre that oly sold electrical equipment. On the way back to the hotel we got caught in a what can only be described as a monsoon, we got soaked. That evening we dined at an Austailian steak house, you can only have so much noodles and rice!

We spent the next day visiting the KL Tower, its the world's third tallest tower and has views of all KL, the lift takes you to the top in 50secs with your ears popping all the way. Afterwards we visted the small zoo underneath. Then we walked to the Petronas Towers only to find that they had sold all of the tickets to go in. Fran then dragged us aournd the connected shopping centre.

We tried getting into the towers again the day after but were told again that all of the tickets were gone. We booked our ticket to take us to Mersing, the nearest port town to Tioman. That evening we went back to the towers to see it all lit up, taking a detour to visit the Hard Rock Cafe.

The following day we got our 6hr bus to Mersing, booked our boat tickets for the next day, checked into a hotel and had a wander round. The was nothing to do in this town.

Once on Tioman, we found a nice little bungaloo, probably the nicest on our beach. tehn found the only ATM on the island was in the next town, a 45min cycle ride away. Not the most enjoyable thing to do in 35 degrees heat on bikes that were all rusted up. the next 10 days were spent lounging around on the beach with the odd interuption from a giant Monitar Lizard and cat. For 7 days a little kitten, that we called 'Simon', only he turned out to be a she, lived on our porch and regularly attacked braclets, laces and fingers. Fran became very attached and was sad once we found his real home at the dive place along the beach. On our third day on the island, we signed ourselves up for a 'Discover Scuba Diving' trip, as a birthday for Fran from my parents. The morning was spent snorkelling at coral island, then was had a lesson in shallow bay, then after lunch we went for a 12metre dive down to the coral reef. We saw loads of fish and had turtle swim by.

We then left Tioman two days ago, caught a ferry then a bus to Singapore. We are here till tomorrow, then fly home.

See you all soon.

Love Chris and Fran