We left KL at Lunchtime after a chilled out morning, and arrived in Kuala Kangsar late afternoon. From here we were taken by mini bus to the lake where our Host Asad meet us with the boat to take us across to his Island where we were to spend the next 2 days - Heaven!! To get to the lake we had to cross a very dodgy bridge which i though was going to collapse as we drove over it and then when we saw the boat that would take us to the island i thought that wouold sink too by the time us and all our backpackers were loaded into it!! But all was well and we made it to the Island safely - Sukasuka Retreat. Once unloaded we meet the rest of the family Asad's wife and his 4 year old boy Aslam who was very cute!! We chilled out and settled into our huts while a BBQ was prepared for us. That night we had a fantastic thunder storm which we watched while playing cards. Then it was time for bed and to try and hide from the bloody Mozi's which were eating me alive - thank heavens for Mozi Nets!! The next day Asad took us across the Lake to the local village - Batureng for a wonder around. It was like a different world to that of KL city!! Take a look at the photo's. We also took a walk in the rainforest which was interesting especially the leeches!! There horrible things and you try and flick them off your ankles and they then suck on your fingers!! I was glad when the walk was over - but the waterfall was cool and the water was the best place to be as leeches don't like water!!! However the rocks we had to climb were very slippery and i managed to do the splits and land on my butt in the water which wasn't much fun had a few more bruises to add to my collection!! When back in the village a local home provided us with tea and coffee and it was a good place to try and stop the bleeding which the leeches had caused, before we headed back to the Island. While we were gone for the morning Asad's wife had prepared a traditional Malay lunch for us - which was interesting!! The afternoon was spent chilling out and swimming in the Lake, some people took a kayak out but i was scared about getting myself lost so stuck to swimming, Asan joined in which kept me entertained - as he can speak English but if he dosen't know all the words he'll start speaking in Malay halfway through a conversation - but his English is very good for a 4 year old!!

Our last night on the Isalnd we enjoyed a Traditional Malay Meal, which meant sitting on the floor and eating with our hands - what fun!! Its actually quiet difficult eating gracefully with your hands - i wasn't very good as you'll see from the pictures and i provided much entertainment for our tour guide who thought it was really funny watching me. I didn't like to much off the food it was a little to spicy for me but some of it was good. The next morning we left the Island about 10 am and Asad took us back across the lake then came with us back into Kuala Kangsar. Here he gave us a mini tour. We stopped at the Royal Mosque and had a look around then we had a photo stop outside the Royal Palace, where the Sultan of the state lives. Did you know Malaysia has 9 Royal Families!! We then stopped at the Local market for a wonder around before being dropped at the bus station. Unfortunately we had to wait 3 hours for the bus so some of us headed off to the Museum. Ive never been to a Museum like it!! Its all to do with the present King of Malaysia (Which did you know changes every 5 years). Basically it had all his possessions in like awards from school, his watches and pens, graduation gowns, presents given by various people, dinner sets he's eaten off, cars he's been driven around in, certificates, outfits and lots of other crazy stuff!! 3 hours flow by and then it was time to jump on the bus and head off to Penang. The homestay was a fantastic and nice and peaceful after the hussel and bussel of KL. I gained alot of insight into Malay life and their traditions - what a great experience.