Hello again!

OMG we're in paradise! Done alot of traveling over the last couple of days.... We got to Ipoh after a 3 hour train journey. Saw some amazing scenery on the way. Miles and miles of rainforest and palm plantations and lots of little lakes, rivers. Also saw traditional malay houses on stilts!

When we got to Ipoh we booked into the Majestic station hotel as it was cheap and our room was incredibly large! We had a hallway and a proper bathroom! However when we went into the main town it was a bit rough. Quite an isolated town so we got heckled and stared at by almost everyone as we were walking down the streets in the day. We did find somewhere to do our washing though. Clean clothes!!! lol.

We decided to move on as there was not an awfull lot to see there anyway without doing day trips. Didn't feel particulary welcomed or safe either considering the experience of just walking down the street in day light.

The next day we got a bus to Lumut. Beautiful countryside and towns along the way and mostly locals on the bus which was nice. The bus was very old and squeaky (everytime the driver braked our seats went flying forward), and there was no air-con! We got off our 2hour, hot bus ride and got on a tiny little yellow ferry to Pangkor island. Saw some very pretty beaches on the way and little island. When we arrived we got a bright pink mini bus taxi to the other side of the island. Saw quite alot of wild monkeys on the way and got some good views of the beaches and little villages as the roads are very hilly!

We are now at Teluk Nipah, a tiny village on the beach. The most stunning little bay and white sandy beach with a couple of other very small islands in the bay. Last night (05/05/10), we sat and watched our first sunset in Malaysia, with Hornbills sitting in the tree above us (squawking). Where we are staying is literally 100m from the beach itself, and its so peaceful in comparison to the 'hustle and bustle' of the towns and citites! Later that evening we went and sat on the beach again, and watched a lightning storm somewhere in the distance.. that was pretty amazing, as the sea in front of us kept flashing electric blue, lighting up the whole bay. We had a very nice meal, rice and noodles.. and I (Ben) ate squid for the first time ever!!!!! Also found out that we have been eating a local fish cakey thing with most meals.

Today we woke up to clear blue sky, sunshine, and birds twittering in the trees. We are staying in a chalet, with a little balcony out the front. Its on stilts, and looks very traditional... love it! Got chatting to our neighbours, Dan & Sada, who are from Alaska (Even further from home than us, I think?). So far today, we have had a late breakfast, and then wandered down the beach, having a little paddle and watching out for sand crabs (Ben) - I am trying to get over my crabphobia. =)

Just about to totter of and have a late bite of lunch, and check out another beach along the coast (Coral Bay).

Check out our pics, which we have now managed to upload... more to come soon =)

Love to all

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