Freedom on the island: 250 ringits the week. Big investment – all of 40 quid – but that gives us access to anywhere on the island, anytime we choose. No brainer really. Oh, and just 160km on the clock when we receive the keys. Never had such a new vee-hickle in all my days!
So, our first expedition, to the ‘good beach’, ten minutes North. And so it proves. Wide expanse of silky yellow-white sand, lightly seasoned with tourists; mostly Malay, some western, plus a fair few Chinese, doubtless on account of the new year, which apparently kicks off tomorrow. A fair few splashing happily in the waves, boding well for the (no) jellyfish situation.
An hour or so in the sun (and a lovely, unmolested swim in the tepid water) then we retreat to the shade of some trees at the end of the beach. Lovely. Sharing our space with a few solo westerners, a bunch of somewhat raucous but cheerful and good-natured ageing Americans, and a couple of couples of young local women, chatting peaceably under the trees.
Then a tasty meal at a beachfront restaurant, including noodles kungfu, which I liked last time, having ordered it simply on account of the name, and which I now discover is based around deep-fried noodles (so that’s why it’s so nice!), before heading back for a siesta in our room under the gently rotating fan. Aaah!
PS Back on the scooter to nip out to the local once a week night market. Absolutely crammed with yumminess, as well as cheap shoes and clothing. We feasted on noodle soup. I say ‘noodle’; it also featured chicken, fish balls, fresh bean sprouts and green vegetables, crushed peanuts and probably other stuff besides, all in an absolutely delicious broth. Yours for six ringits – a pound a bowl. I’ve heard Thailand is great for food, but Malaysia’s going to be a hard act to follow.
