Typical local fishing boat – with hazardous nets and fish traps – at Pulau Bawean.
Diesel being scooped from a drum into our jerry cans in the Karimunjawa Islands…
… and transporting the jerry cans back to the dock by local trishaw!
A large local fishing boat.
At Pulau Parang, the next island, we could at last swim and snorkel – it was great to enjoy a relaxing day.
Kelayang on Pulau Belitung was spectacularly beautiful – but doesn’t even get a mention in the Lonely Planet guide!
Kelayang on Pulau Belitung was spectacularly beautiful – but doesn’t even get a mention in the Lonely Planet guide!
The local Tourism Board hosted a wonderful gala event for the Sail Indonesia fleet – the costumes were amazing.033
And the snorkelling was great here, too.
So much for ‘Sail Indonesia’ – there was so little wind that it should have been called ‘Motor Indonesia’ – once again getting diesel!
As we get closer to Singapore and Malaysia, the fish farms become more elaborate and huge! No night sailing with these unlit hazards!
Final stop for the ‘Sail Indonesia’ rally is at a 5* resort on Pulau Bintan, just south of Singapore.
We are taken on a tour where we enjoy some local entertainment…
We are taken on a tour where we enjoy some local entertainment…
We saw similar costumes and dancing at the other end of Indonesia.
The music was amazing.
Final gala event for the ‘Sail Indonesia’ rally – and the dinner was superb…
… even the water melon was intricately carved as a tribute to the Rally!
It was good to enjoy the infinity pool at the resort…
… and cocktails at the pool bar with (from left) Kevin & Roz (Santana II) and Margaret & Peter (Swara II). Thanks, guys!
We took a day trip across the causeway by bus with Margaret & Peter to visit the Singapore Zoo.
The red pandas were gorgeous.
The other pandas were difficult to photograph, but we did get this one.
The toucan was lovely.
The manatee pool was incredible – you could watch for ages as they slowly meandered around the pool.
‘Does my bottom look big in this?’
The ring tailed lemurs were playful.
We missed getting to Kalimantan to see the orangutangs in the wild, so this was next best!
We bought a stuffed panda as a gift for first grandchild due any moment…
Singapore Straits were a busy experience to cross!
We join the ‘Sail Malaysia’ Rally at Johor Bahru on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
It’s just another excuse to party, really! Cocktail evening at Danga Bay Marina.
The rally included lots of tours which were interesting – this is a fishing village – home of the dreaded ‘enemy’ after our close encounters with fishing nets, traps, etc!
The villagers provided lunch and the girls entertained us with dancing – very erotic despite the inclusion of a muslim girl!
The younger village children watched in bemusement.
Next stop, Admiral Marina, Port Dickson – a very luxurious marina!
… and, of course, another gala reception!
For a total change of scene, the marina hosted a ‘Team Challenge’ event at the on-site outward bound course…
… the cruisers rose to the challenge, of course!
The tour here included an exhibition of local sports and games which was interesting.
The tour here included an exhibition of local sports and games which was interesting.
Then we were taken to Kuala Klawang Homestay for a gala lunch and entertainment.
The lavish meal was served on floor mats, as per local custom…
Peter & Margaret from Swara II in the foreground, with Roz & Kevin from Santana IIin the background.
We had an opportunity to try their local musical instruments – and see the ‘bouquet’ in the foreground; made from the dyed dessicated leaves of the rubber trees, with a boiled egg!
This was one of the ladies who helped prepare and serve the meal. The Homestay system helps the villages earn money and fill their empty nests when the children move away.
Another tour took us to the Batu Caves with this huge goldof Lord Muruga leaf statue .
A climb of 365 stairs took you to the upper temples…
The limestone cavern is immense and houses several separate temples.
The tour also included a visit to this batik factory outlet with a demonstration of technique.
Then it was off to the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory…
It was interesting to see how the pieces are made…
… and some of the pieces were magnificent!
Then it was off to the Petronus Towers in KL for some retail therapy – we skipped the shopping and enjoyed afternoon tea instead!
En route from Port Dickson to our next stop at Pangkor – more fishing boats!
Our tour of Pulau Pangkor included an Indian temple…
… and a fascinating visit to a shipbuilding yard. They build these huge junks by eye – without any plans!
This is the boat-builder extraordinaire – a wonderful man who answered all our many questions with patience and intelligence.
Next stop is Penang and we couldn’t resist a visit to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion where Rob & Jas got married just over a year ago…
… and a celebratory toast at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel!
We met up with Roz & Kevin from Santana II and we introduced them to the fabulous Penang food at the Hawker Centres.
This trip we managed to visit some of the other sights of Penang including the amazing Kek Lok Si temple complex.
This trip we managed to visit some of the other sights of Penang including this amazing temple complex.
… complete with immense gold buddhas…
… and Keith was amused by this pond absolutely teeming with terapin!
This Indian temple was on top of Penang Hill which has magnificent views over the island.
The ‘Chemical Man’ on Chulia Street has an amazing store and knows exactly what he has and where it is. A treasure trove!
The ‘Chew Jetties’ at the chinese junk anchorage – picturesque but not a good anchorage!
The Burmese Buddhist Temple in Penang.
The Burmese Buddhist Temple in Penang.
The Reclining Buddha…
We were amused by the sign outside the entrance…
And, as always, the street art in Georgetown is clever and amusing!
Langkawi Island is the final destination of the Sail Malaysia Rally – and we enjoyed some time at Rebak Marina – a 5* resort!
The swimming pool was cool and refreshing – and a perfect way to relax at the end of each day!
It is a hard life – but someone has to do it!
Our tour of Langkawi included a visit to some local sights and local music.
There were replica buildings which had beautiful wood carvings.
The final gala dinner was hosted at the Laman Padi…
The great ‘Christmas Turkey Quest’ with Jackie & Gary off Inspiration Lady is a success!
Christmas Eve get-together at the marina – and a visit from Santa Claus!
We share Christmas Lunch with Roger & Sherrie Equanimity and Gary & Jacqui Inspiration Lady
