After everything that was amazing on Koh Samui and we’d said all the sad farewells, we left the island with Tana & Dave headed for the mainland and Krabi. After discovering the happening of a disaster (a manageable one though eh?) we headed out on the ferry to Koh Pu – a tiny island off the Krabi coast, near Koh PhiPhi and the others. Vic and I only had 1 night here, which was a bit of a tragedy as it was awesome. The ferry stops out at sea and a bunch of thai guys turn up in very loud long boats to take you to shore. Amazing guesthouse lodge type thing, some snorkelling, windy sunbathing, a cut foot (mine!), followed by beers, food and a splendid bottle of sparkling red wine (thanks again Mr & Mrs Gibbs!). The 2 boat boys entertained everyone with the best fire twirling we’ve ever seen, on the beach. And in the morning we had to leave.
We’d said our last goodbyes and made our way to Koah Lak, on the west coast, north of Phuket ready for our 4 day live-aboard with similan dive safaris. The whole trip was immense – it started to be so after we jumped in for the first dive to find a green turtle swimming around paying everyone a visit – he got so close to vic’s face she could have kissed him! As well as the best diving we’ve ever done, we met some pretty cool people too. We’ve got loads of underwater photos – thanks Katie for the kit!
Then it was time to leave Thailand and head to Kuala Lumpur. Not much to say about that place. Flight to Sandakan, north Borneo and the start of our 2.5 weeks here. We visited Turtle Island for a night which is the smallest island we’ve ever been on – about 300m x 200m. Here we came to witness a mother green turtle lay her eggs and learn about the turtle conservation program happening on that group of islands. Amazing!! We also visited a Probiscus Monkey sanctuary (chilli-willies and big noses – lots of photos) and Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where we met with Vic’s friend from home who works there as a volunteer. They are doing an amazing job there and are well worth supporting.
Then it was off to Semporna, for the diving i mentioned in the last big post. We ended doing 2 days as it was so incredible. I’m starting to realise I may well be sounding a bit gushy these days. Sorry. But it was incredible – we saw countless turtles, sharks, barracuda, jack fish, nudibranch. the list goes on and on. Billabong Scuba are a brilliant outfit, despite what the whinge bags on Trip Advisor say.
A day in a place who’s name i forget. Trekking was ludicrously expensive so we left for Kota Kinabalu. Few days there, visited Kinabalu National Park for some jungle walking, some hot springs and the chance to see a Rafelsia in stinky bloom.
Then to Brunei. Oh dear. It’s very clean and friendly but there is nothing here to hold your attention past half a day. We had 4. This afternoon we fly back to KL to catch a train for Singapore. By Saturday we’ll be enjoying ourselves round the brand new (opens today in fact) Universal Studios Singapore!!
Oh, last night we had to change rooms as Vic was attacked by bed bugs the size of peas! I seem to be of no interest to them. They are disgusting. Breakfasts here have been tea and scones. A little dry, but makes a nice change from banana pancakes. Vic still prefers museli and fruit though.
These are the facts.
I’m suprised the vino lasted so long, but glad you enjoyed it! Looking forward to catching up soon