Sawadee from Thailand! Today is actually my last day in Thailand; tomorrow I head to Malaysia and then on to Singapore and Indonesia. I'm a bit behind on my blog, but I hope to catch up in Penang.
Also, Happy Birthday to the one and only Summer Huff, who's also somewhere in Thailand at the moment -- have a great birthday! I love you!
Here's my itinerary for the third and final leg of my trip, from Bangkok all the way down the Malay peninsula and across Java and Bali.
Leg 3: Bangkok to Bali in 30 Days [5/30/09 – 6/28/09]
Days 1-2 Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. On day 2 we leave the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind, taking an overnight train south to Surat Thani (approx. 12 hours).
Tonight we overnight on a fan cooled train, sleeping in bunks with shared facilities.
Days 3-4 Khao Sok National Park
On arrival in Surat Thani, we have breakfast in a small coffee shop before jumping on a songthaew headed west (approx. 1.5 hours). At Khao Sok, we find some of the best remaining rainforest in Thailand, reputedly older than that of the Amazon Basin!
In your free time, there are options to take an elephant ride or to head out on foot to explore the many forest walking trails, rivers and waterfalls. Be sure to bring good walking shoes with grip and be prepared to sweat.
Our guesthouse sits by a clear stream at the edge of tropical jungle with our accommodation consisting of basic but comfortable bungalows with local-style bathrooms. Sleeping in these small rustic bungalows surrounded by the sounds of the jungle is an evocative experience.
Days 5-7 Krabi
We travel by public bus and songthaew to Krabi Province on the beautiful west coast (2-3 hours). Fringed by sun-bronzed beaches and limestone scenery, this was the region that put Thailand on the map as one of the world's most beautiful destinations.
Weather permitting, you can take a boat out to nearby islands and snorkel spectacular reefs teeming with tropical fish. Your leader will fill you in on all the other interesting options available in the area, such as sea kayaking and rock climbing - so get out there and make the most of your time. This is the perfect place to get active or simply relax!
Our guesthouse is close to the beach and provides a perfect spot to mellow out and relax.
Days 8-9 Penang, Malaysia
Today is quite a long travel day (approx. 10 hours), as we say goodbye to southern Thailand and hello to the cultural melting pot of Malaysia.
We arrive in Penang on the evening of day 8. The original Chinese atmosphere of the island still exists today, making it a fascinating place to explore.
On the morning of day 9 your leader can take you on a stroll down the Street of Harmony, get amongst the morning traders at the bustling Chinese market. Take this opportunity to have your fortune told by a traditional Chinese fortune teller, or visit a Chinese herbalist to see how they make up traditional medicines. Alternatively, try some freshly prepared local snacks - there's so much to see and do here!
At night, don't miss the local food stalls that set up along many of Penang's streets. This island is famous for its food, thanks to the many cultures that have lived side by side here for centuries. Be sure to try a refreshing ice kacang (a dessert made with crushed ice, syrup and a mixture of jellies, nuts and sweet beans), or a hearty nasi kandar (a dish of steamed rice accompanied by curries, fried chicken, seafood or vegetables).
Check out Kek Lok Sii Temple (the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia), Khoo Kongsi (amazingly ornate and one of the oldest clan houses in Malaysia), Cheong Fat Tze Museum (fascinating if you have an interest in Feng Shui). If you want more of the beach or want a unique Penang experience, grab a taxi over to Batu Ferringhi or take the unspoilt trails of Malaysia's smallest national park at Teluk Bahang.
Our accommodation for these two nights is located in the heart of historic Georgetown. Twin share with private facilities, our hotel is basic and a great base for exploring the temples, mosques and museums of Penang.
Days 10-11 Kuala Lumpur
The bus trip to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, takes approximately 5 hours. On arrival, we have time to view the impressive architecture and experience the fascinating cultural mix that gives this city such a uniquely cosmopolitan feel.
On the afternoon of day 10 your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the local area surrounding our hotel - pointing out how and where to catch public transport and where to head for the best KL has to offer - food, temples, major sites, museums and of course, shopping!
Day 11 is a free day. Grab a map and explore the many walkable areas in KL: Bukit Bintang, the Golden Triangle with the latest shopping and just a short stroll to Menara Tower (entry fee applies). You might like to head out of town to visit the famous Batu Caves or the head over to the Lakes Gardens to visit the Islamic Arts Museum and the National Mosque before the fascinating Orang Asli Museum. Get up early to get your free tickets to the second-tallest buildings in the world. Ask your leader how the system works!
The evening is best spent at the night market sampling the different cuisines on offer and bargain hunting among the stalls of the famous Petaling Street Chinatown Night Markets.
In Kuala Lumpur we stay amongst the night markets and hawker stalls of the famous Petaling Street in Chinatown. Our hotel is twin share with private facilities.
Days 12-13 Port Dickson
This morning we head off to Port Dickson, Peninsula Malaysia's beach playground. A short (approx. 2 hour) local bus ride to the beach we then transfer via taxi to our action packed accommodation. Here you have all the free time you need to indulge in optional activities such as tennis, canoeing or simply reclining in the Jacuzzi. Take a stroll around the beaches on the Melaka Straits and meet locals, or relax by the pool and spa. Sweat it out on the trails around the environmentally important Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse followed by a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Our unique accommodation is equipped with twin beds, colour TV and is situated next to Tanjung Tuan wild life sanctuary with a vast array of optional activities to suit every budget.
Day 14 Melaka
Enjoy breakfast by the pool before we head back to the city of Seremban to transfer to the bus to Melaka (approx. 1 hour), a journey that takes us to the old port town of Melaka where we can wander the narrow streets and absorb the atmosphere of this historically important town.
With the beginning of trade with China in the early 15th century, Melaka rapidly became the most important trading port in South-East Asia. Chinese traders were followed by those from India. With them came Islam and soon the Melaka sultans ruled the largest empire in Malaysia's history. Successively the Portuguese, Dutch and British arrived in search of trading wealth. All these traders left their mark on the town, and although the effects of recent economic growth are apparent, the town still retains its old-world charm. The streets of Chinatown are lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya, and there are temples, churches, mosques, museums and forts to explore. It may also be possible to view Melaka from the water by boarding a river boat cruise. This is dependent on river tide levels.
Tonight we stay in traditional Melaka-Chinese style guesthouse. This charming house has shared facilities with cold water showers and basic twin share sleeping.
Day 15 Singapore
Today we travel by local bus (approx. 5 hours) to Lavender Street Bus station. Singapore has only a few areas untouched by modernisation but wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city. Our hotel is located in the Bugis Street area with its many shopping centres and places to eat! Only 2 minutes' walk from the Little India MRT, it is only a short underground train ride to the major shopping complexes of Orchard Road or Chinatown.
Today we say goodbye to those travellers leaving the journey here in Singapore.
In Singapore we stay in a renovated Peranakan style boutique hotel with twin share bedding and private facilities.
Day 16 Jakarta, Indonesia
On day 16 you fly over to Jakarta for the second half of the trip (Flight not included - see Important Notes for further details). Depending on your flight time, you will have extra time in either Singapore or Jakarta for sightseeing. There is lots to do in both cities so you can be sure a longer stay is worthwhile. The hotel reception can arrange taxis to the airport in Singapore - expect to pay US$10 for this transfer and about IDR200,000 for a taxi from the airport to our hotel in Jakarta.
The structure of the group may change today, and you will have a new leader as we commence the second half of our journey, bound for Bali. You will have a group meeting at 18:00 tonight where you will meet your new leader to discuss the next leg of your journey.
Please note that your leader will collect the second part of your local payment (US$300) today.
If you choose extra time in Jakarta, the old port of Batavia with its traditional sailing schooners is well worth a visit, as is Taman Mini, an Indonesian mini-village, the National Museum and the Great Mosque.
Jakarta is a bustling city and our guesthouse is located in the shopping district with plenty of restaurants close by. Check at hotel reception for information and ideas on what to do.
Days 17-19 Pangandaran
After breakfast, it's straight into a full day's journey by train and bus (approx. 10-13 hours). It's a long day of travel but we pass deep gorges and lush green rice-terraced hills, so the scenery makes it all worthwhile.
We have two full days in Pangandaran and for half a day we trek through the superb coastal reserve with an experienced local guide, who seeks out porcupines, deer and monkeys for us to see. The walk is steep in parts but not difficult overall.
During your free time here, you may consider hiring a bike and riding into the countryside to experience rural Indonesian life, or taking a car to the beautiful Green Canyon. In the evening, don't miss sunset on the west beach, with hundreds of flying foxes heading out for an evening of gorging on the nearby fruit trees.
Our lovely hotel in Pangandaran with twin share rooms is located on East Beach and has ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a restaurant, lovely garden and a swimming pool.
Days 20-22 Yogyakarta
Leaving the sea behind for a while, we head inland to Yogyakarta - one of our favourite towns in Asia. The trip takes approximately 9 hours in total. Yogyakarta or Yogya ('Jogja') is the cultural centre of Java and a great place to base ourselves for a few days.
On our first morning (day 21) you have the option to venture out on bicycle rickshaws (becak) to explore the Sultan's Palace, markets and the batik workshops of Yogya. There is also time to visit the impressive Hindu temple complex, Prambanan, which encompasses 224 ruined temples which are currently undergoing painstaking restoration. Yogya is also the place to see beautiful traditional Javanese dancing in the evening or to discover the art of puppet-making.
On the morning of day 22 perhaps head out of town for a day trip to 8th-century Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world (approx. 1 hour from Yogya). In the afternoon, you can meander through the markets in Malioboro Street.
Our basic guesthouse in Yogyakarta with twin share rooms is located close to town and the Kraton (Sultans Palace) and has ensuite bathrooms.
Day 23 Seloliman Nature Reserve
The peaceful Seloliman Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan volcano - a welcome treat after another long stint of travelling (approx. 7-8 hours by bus).
While here, we meet volunteers who are working at the PPLH Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious food cooked by their staff. The Centre's accommodation is atmospheric, with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax. This is also a beautiful spot to appreciate nature - be sure to sit outside at night under the stars to take in the peaceful surrounding mountain scenery.
This Centre's accommodation is atmospheric, located in a small village with views of the jungle and surrounding mountains. Triple share bungalows have basic facilities with ensuite open-air bathrooms, cold showers only, built in harmony with the surrounding forest. All our meals from locally grown organic produce are included here at their restaurant.
Day 24 Mt Bromo
PPLH staff take us on a morning walk around the Seloliman Nature Reserve, teaching us about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. The walk is not difficult (approx. 2.5 hours), but can be muddy and slippery, so good shoes are necessary - trekking sandals are best because of the wet.
Afterwards, we journey on (approx. 3 hours) to the timeless homeland of the Tenggerese where we stay in simple lodgings for the night. Here, we get a glimpse of the natural wonder we will explore in the morning: steeply cultivated hills giving rise to the amazing Tengger Valley. There may be time for a walk around the village in the afternoon but by night-time there's not much to do here, so head to bed early in preparation for an early start tomorrow.
Our basic guesthouse at Mt Bromo with twin share rooms is located a short jeep ride from the volcano and has basic facilities only with shared bathrooms with cold water, and squat toilets. It also has a restaurant and bar. All meals here are included.
Days 25-26 Lovina
An early rise is necessary (3:30am) to ensure enough time to cross the 'sea of sand' and climb the cone of Mt Bromo. The climb is not too difficult (approx. 45 minutes), but it can be very cold so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. Sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience.
After breakfast, we continue our journey by bus, train and ferry to the tranquil north coast of Bali. This is a long and tiring day (approx. 8-10 hours), but the change of scene from Java to Bali is remarkable. Crossing the Java Strait by ferry takes about 1 hour.
A full day in Lovina provides plenty of opportunity to experience the island's exotic marine life. Your options include a dawn trip by outrigger boat to watch the dolphins come into the bay followed by snorkelling on the reef. For experienced divers there is also the option of taking a dive. For those who have never dived before, there is a beginner's dive available to introduce you to the wonders of scuba. There is time as well to visit the nearby hot springs and Buddhist monastery or you may wish to drive into the nearby hills.
In the evening, we may be lucky enough to partake in a Balinese banquet at the home of our local friend Ibu Wayan, who lives on the beach in a small village.
Our clean hotel in Lovina with twin share rooms is centrally located near the beach and has ensuite bathrooms with cold showers only, a restaurant and a swimming pool.
Day 27 Tirta Gangga
We travel eastwards along the coast, skirting Mt Agung, to the village of Tirta Gangga (approx. 2 hours). Along the way, we pass through an incredible landscape that is almost lunar in appearance, in stark contrast to the lush, green rice terraces of Tirta Gangga. In this small rural village, we have free time to relax and enjoy the view from our guesthouse balcony or swim in the Rajah's Water Palace, where the pools are fed by natural underground springs.
Our basic guesthouse at Tirtagangga with twin share rooms has sweeping views of surrounding rice terraces, a short walk to the Water Palace. It has ensuite bathrooms with cold showers only and a small restaurant.
Days 28-30 Ubud
With a local guide, we enjoy an early morning walk through some of the most spectacular rice terraces in Bali (approx. 3 hours), visiting local temples, a silver-smithing centre and other local cottage industries. On our walk, we follow village roads and rice field tracks.
Afterwards, it's off again for another scenic drive (approx. 2 hours) to Ubud. Ubud is a wonderful place to experience the magic that has made Bali such a popular travel destination. You have free time here to visit the numerous art galleries, interesting museums and the monkey forest as well as to do some last-minute shopping.
Later, we go on an afternoon walk or bike ride, depending on group preference, to some surrounding villages. We then view a traditional kecak dance where performers are whipped up into a trance-like frenzy, concluding with a firewalking demonstration - a highlight for many of our travellers. This evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner at one of Ubud's many fine restaurants.
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