Kota Bharu and the Perhentian Islands
Welcome to readers from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica
At the end of a long European winter places like these islands begin to appeal.
Chilling on this island brought a Ronny Jordan track to mind:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT0bdaYB2Ns
Called ' The Jackal'
But first you have to arrive at ...
Kota Bharu
When I arrived in Kota Bharu I was very hungry. The two fried eggs
on a plate with Maggi chilli sauce were divine. I've never enjoyed eggs so
much. Taken in a tent restaurant near the bus station.
The Market
At sundown the rats come shopping for left over produce. They
seemed to come out in order of seniority with the larger ones emerging later.
It was quite a sight as they jogged casually around the city centre. They were
a pretty confident rat pack. This element of the city sent me inside McDonalds
for a breather.
Knee-cleaner
Inside was this sign. Thing was I had been using the bidet to clean my knees.
If you like tea with your travel visit GuerillaZ's sister site Singing Bird Tea at:
http://singingbirdsingingbird.blogspot.com/2014/01/nine-teas.html
The Perhentian Islands
There are two islands. Perhentian Besil, the larger island, which
is popular with families and the typical resort accommodation. Perhentian Kesil
is backpacker friendly. there are cheap guesthouses and dorms. a dorm bed is 12
ringgits a night. That's 4 dollars.
The two islands are easily reachable from Kuala Besut by speedboat
for 70 ringgit return. I made it from Kota Bharu. Whilst not exactly a
backpacker I still chose the smaller island.
Coral Bay
The main beach is over-populated but for cheaper restaurants and fewer people take the trail 500 metres across the island for a quieter experience. The walk back through jungle is unnerving and fun.
The food was mainly Thai, at least on this beach in the Perhentians.
Striped tropical reef fish
After snorkelling one is ineffably happy. Feel like Thom Yorke might have done here.
Ingenue: Atoms for Peace
Coral Bay
Fruit Bats
During dinner the fruit bats began to stir. These are huge creatures with maybe a two foot wingspan. One feels privileged to consume Tom Yum soup with them in close proximity.
Off the beaten track a little.
Cheerio for now
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