Penang


We finally dragged ourselves away from the Perhentian Islands, albeit reluctantly, and hit the road again. We spent a night on the mainland and a day trying, unsuccessfully, to get our Thai visas. We then, after much negotiation with a bus company, managed to get our bikes, trailer and gear onto a night bus to Penang. This to avoid the alternative of having to cycle across the width of the country and, most importantly, over the Cameron Highlands! The bus to Penang dropped us off in Chinatown, Georgetown at 5am, which was an interesting experience to say the least. We hot-footed, or rather pedalled rapidly, out of there and to a hotel around the corner. Chinatown, once visited in daylight, is a wonderful and vibrant place, full of stalls serving the most delicious food.

Our plan from here is to spend a few days pottering around and taking in the sights of Georgetown and Penang island, then bus it to the Cameron Highlands for a day or two, to visit the tea plantations and enjoy a respite from the heat in the relatively cool mountain air. Once back in Penang, we'll get our Thai visas and then cycle northwards toward the Thai border – not missing the opportunity to take a break for a few days on the white sand beaches of Langkawi islands of course!

We'll miss the Perhentians and the cast of characters we met there, but having planned to spend only a few nights there and having spent almost three weeks, we felt that it was about time we made a move.

2 comments:

At March 27, 2011 at 10:07 AM Matt and Debs said...

Hi guys
Make sure you go to Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands. Daniels's lodge assuming it's still there was cheap and cheerful accommodation and they were really friendly to us.
Make sure you say hi to Gill at his tour office or possibly round the fire at Daniel's if you stay there. You will know him by the leather cowboy had that he wears. He makes and sells leather goods as well as organises tours and buses etc. Enjoy the cream teas and the great tandoori meals. The highlands are beautiful.
Take care
Matt & Debs & Toad
ontheroadwithtoad.blogspot.com

 
At March 29, 2011 at 6:58 AM Linda de Paor said...

Thanks guys. We were in two minds whether to go to the Highlands or not while in Penang but we took your comment as a sign and here we are. We've had our first cream tea already and are only here an hour. Yummy. We're staying in Hillview Inn but will look out for Gill as we head off now to book a tour of the tea plantations for tomorrow and plan to fit in some yummy tandori later. Enjoy Egypt and look forward to reading about your adventures.

Have you checked out Steve Fabes (http://www.cyclingthe6.blogspot.com/) website? I am sure you have, but he went through Egypt and is headed to Capetown too.

Take Care!

L, L and P

 

Post a Comment