The small boat left once there was 12 people and we were the first. Luckily 6 men turned up after about 10 minutes but then we had to wait for an hour until 3 more people arrived, making 11 in total. Instead of waiting again we all paid and extra S$1 (50p) and finally got on board. The crossing took just over an hour and then we arrived in Malaysia and got a 90 day visa for free!
We got on the bikes in the midday heat and cycled about 50 km to Desaru. How different from Indonesia? Smooth, empty roads surrounded by plantations. We only passed a few shops and houses and we wondered if we would be able to find somewhere to stay. We passed a few closed or very shabby resorts and eventually arrived in Desaru. Desaru had some pricey resorts but we found a cheaper place that was very old and unloved but at least it had a pool.
We've now been in Malaysia for about 2 weeks and the cycling has been very easy, although it's very hot here and if there are no clouds it's roasting from about 10am. The terrible cycling tan is coming on a treat! We have also seen lots of beautiful jungle, full of naughty monkeys.
Here I am taking shelter in front of one of the many Palm Oil plantations :
After Desaru we cycled to Kota Tingga, a small friendly town with no tourists. We ended up having 2 nights there so we could have a lie-in.Next we cycled to Mersing, another small friendly town but this time with tourists, who were all there to get a boat to Pulau Tioman. We had 2 nights in Mersing and ate at a very cheap restaurant with fab Indian food with a very friendly waitress that kept taking photos of us.
We then got the boat over to Air Batang, Pulau Tioman and had 3 nights on this beautiful tropical island. We did some diving and snorkelling and very little else. Bliss!
Here is our little cabin on the beach:
They also have this sign on the Island telling the Muslims what will happen to them if they drink alcohol - nice!
We had one final night in Mersing and the waitress was so excited to see us that she constantly came over to give me huge hugs. How lovely is that?Next we cycled to Kuala Rompin and when we had dinner the man at the next table, who we'd chatted to briefly, secretly paid for our dinner. The Malaysian people are so generous.
The following day we cycled to Pekan and we were struggling to find a place to stay as it's the school holidays. Anyway, we ended up at a new Guest House on a golf course, next to the Royal Polo Club and the Sultan's Palace. It was quite surreal but the new owners of the place were really helpful. The following morning we chatted to them and we told them that it was our wedding anniversary the following day and Asmastini gave me a silver bracelet as a gift. Amazing.
Here is me with Asmastini and her lovely hubby:
We cycled to Telok Chempedak and saw this sign on the way:
We arrived at 12pm but couldn't check in to the hotel until 3pm, so we went and watched all the Malaysian families having fun on the beach.
The next day (our 2nd wedding anniversary) we cycled the short distance to Cherating, where we spent 2 nights ralaxing and hiding from the sun.
Yesterday we cycled to Kuala Dungun and stayed at a wonderful guest house in Bidara Bay with a lovely couple that rescue, neuter and take care of dozens of very fortunate cats. They took us out for dinner and really looked after us. They've named a kitten "Liverpool" after us; we hope it survives. Here is Marcel, one of the pampered pusses.
Here is Nic with Hashim and Ayahchik. Such lovely hosts.
Here is a Hornbill that we saw on our travels.
Hope you are still following our journey, we've not had any comments for ages. Are you all getting bored of us?
