Tioman island was our first real taste of Malaysia and it was beautiful. As soon as we arrived we ran into the ocean and swam until sunset before a delicous curry and cocktails. This island is full of life and on my first day I saw two huge monitor lizards scurrying under beach huts and a pair of monkeys fighting by the lake. One day we walked from one side of the island to the other through the rain forest and past a waterfall- the massive trees made me feel so small. Another day I walked a good couple of hours to a beach in Tekek and swam to Ringis Island where me and some friends went snorkelling. It was stunning and what made it more special is that lurking by some rocks I saw a shark!! I also saw two sea snakes, little did I know that they were actually posionous, I only discovered that afterwards when I described them to the dive shop lady.
We'd heard alot about Monkey Beach so also decided to go there. I hadn't realised how hardcore the walk would be, it was through the jungle. In parts we scrambled over rocks or used ropes attached to rocks to haul ourselves up steep bits (there were alot). We were doing so well until we came across a giant monitor lizard blocking our path and making quite sure that we couldn't cross. He swished his tail about, hissed his forky tounge and stamped. I thought we'd be stuck forever, but eventually after pretending to leave, he moved. We could hear him in the bushes though and as we passed he hissed loudly so we RAN and my heart was pounding the whole rest of the walk to monkey beach, but at least I survived.
I love this island so much because it has such local charm. Most of the malaysians (including the young kids) ride little mopeds with side carts that take up the whole pathway. There were plenty of cafes serving village style noodles and rice dishes full of women in their beautiful long dresses and matching head scarves. The few bars here were so cute, they on the beach frount with a very laid back vibe and often fire shows. It'll be hard to top this place.
Thursday 29 April 2010
Sunday 18 April 2010
East Coast Australia
Finally I understand everyone's obsession with Australia! This vast, sparsely populated country has just about everything to offer. It took me awhile to get over the initial jet-lag when we arrived in sydney. We walked over the harbour bridge, checked out the opera house and wandered through the massive botanical gardens with bats constantly gliding over our heads, but I still didn't get Australia. I was still pineing over South America and missed the magic of Australia to begin with.
A couple of days later, after flying to Byron Bay however, everything changed. We stayed in a super-cool hostel with a pool, juice bar and loads of workshops. Our first night there was a beach party with a huge bonfire and a couple of guys playing the fiddle and guitar- it created such a great atmosphere. We met all sorts of people, mainly other backpackers and I can honestly say that this was the moment I realised my love for Australia. Our time in Byron was spent relaxing at the more secluded beach, rather than the main one and checking out the cute hippish town, one morning we even got in a yoga class.
We went to Brisbane to meet our friend there for a couple of days. It was lovely to stay with a family, the meals were fantastic! We didn't have much time to look around, but hung out by Brisbane's fake beach and wandered around the town. Cairns was our next stop, home to the Great Barrier Reef. I've wanted to go to the great barrier reef ever since I can rember so it was one of the first things that we did when we got here. Tea, coffe, muffins, a big lunch and afternoon tea were included, as being able to snorkel through the most incredibly beautiful reefs, spotting giant, colourful fishwasn't enough. I had an amazing time and spent the rest of my time in Cairns exploring the different beaches (minding the crocs- I heard they can slip through the stinger nets) and lazing by the lagoon. Our last couple of days in Cairns were amazing- we went to cape tribulation, a beautiful rainforest that runs all the way down to the great barrier reef. We went croc spotting on a trip down the daintree river and saw a snake hanging on a tree whilst we were there too and did afew walks through the different types of rainforest. On our last day we went to the Aborigional Cultural Park where we go to watch live shows in which they performed the creation story, traditional dances and played the digaredoo. I even got taught how to throw a boomerang and spear, needless to say, my skills were such that I'd make a terrible hunter.
A couple of days later, after flying to Byron Bay however, everything changed. We stayed in a super-cool hostel with a pool, juice bar and loads of workshops. Our first night there was a beach party with a huge bonfire and a couple of guys playing the fiddle and guitar- it created such a great atmosphere. We met all sorts of people, mainly other backpackers and I can honestly say that this was the moment I realised my love for Australia. Our time in Byron was spent relaxing at the more secluded beach, rather than the main one and checking out the cute hippish town, one morning we even got in a yoga class.
We went to Brisbane to meet our friend there for a couple of days. It was lovely to stay with a family, the meals were fantastic! We didn't have much time to look around, but hung out by Brisbane's fake beach and wandered around the town. Cairns was our next stop, home to the Great Barrier Reef. I've wanted to go to the great barrier reef ever since I can rember so it was one of the first things that we did when we got here. Tea, coffe, muffins, a big lunch and afternoon tea were included, as being able to snorkel through the most incredibly beautiful reefs, spotting giant, colourful fishwasn't enough. I had an amazing time and spent the rest of my time in Cairns exploring the different beaches (minding the crocs- I heard they can slip through the stinger nets) and lazing by the lagoon. Our last couple of days in Cairns were amazing- we went to cape tribulation, a beautiful rainforest that runs all the way down to the great barrier reef. We went croc spotting on a trip down the daintree river and saw a snake hanging on a tree whilst we were there too and did afew walks through the different types of rainforest. On our last day we went to the Aborigional Cultural Park where we go to watch live shows in which they performed the creation story, traditional dances and played the digaredoo. I even got taught how to throw a boomerang and spear, needless to say, my skills were such that I'd make a terrible hunter.
Thursday 8 April 2010
Colonia
One of the coolest things about Buenos Aires is that it's just a quick hop across the water to Uruguay, just a couple of hours and you're in a completely new country. Colonia in Uraguay is such a cute little city with winding cobbled streets and a long stretch of river beaches. We spent a couple of days unwinding on the beaches before exploring the old town with it's old fort, gorgeous coffee shops and many art gallerys. The perfect place to relax after much travelling.
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