Thailand & Malaysia
Posted by Kirsty on September 22nd 2007
Written on the 2007 London to Sydney expedition
Bangkok, the temple and sex trade capital of Asia, was a city of contrasts. We were amazed by the sheer number of tourists (Bangkok being the first and last stop for many) – we simply have not seen this many backpackers on all our travels. But then again, how many people drive from London to Sydney?
Highlights were the various temples, Buddha’s and buildings; walking down Khao San Road with its many stalls selling anything from second hand snorkel sets to Singha Beer t-shirts; and taking in the risqué night time entertainment that Bangkok is well known for…
We then headed south to have fun in the sun. The group split into two, with half going to Kho Tao for the spectacular diving in exceptionally clear waters and idyllic beaches; and the other half to Kho Samui for equally beautiful beaches and adventure. The islands were everything we had imagined – blue waters, white sand and coconut palms. Perfect!
Many people completed their PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water scuba diving certifications, while others simply soaked up the sun and enjoyed a well earned break or ‘holiday from a holiday’. Kho Samui offered a little more in terms of action than Kho Tao. Island hopping day trips, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, zip wiring through jungle canopies, swimming in waterfall pools kept us busy during the day whilst Thai boxing matches, watching the Rugby World Cup on the big screen, dining on seafood and thai coconut curries and dancing in the many clubs on main beach occupied our evenings. A night out on Kho Pha Ngan was enjoyed by some to celebrate the Black Moon – by the look of them the next day a good time was had.
After prising ourselves from the Thai islands, we once again boarded the truck and headed for Malaysia. No sooner had we arrived in the country we were on a boat out to yet another island, Palau Langkawi. Here we did more of the same – swimming in the ocean (with phospherescence at night), sunbathing, enjoying drinks while watching magnificent sunsets over the water and general ‘chillaxing’. Other activities that were indulged in were visits to the Aquarium, horse riding, scuba diving and snorkelling (with black tip reef sharks and huge groupers), cable car rides and many a night in the Irish Bar.
We are now in Kuala Lumpur, taking in the city sights (Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur - Sky Tower) and preparing ourselves for a huge party tonight - celerating Rich’s 40th birthday (you old fart), combined with birthday celebrations for Jo and Maria. All while watching the Rugby World Cup - go the Wallabies!!!
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