Malaysia

We left our fancy hotel and took a cab to the cruise port.  Unfortunately the cab took us to the wrong one, on the advice of the porter at the hotel, but eventually we found the Seaborn Quest docked near the ferry terminal.  After getting on board, we were taken to our suite and what a suite it is.  This is the largest stateroom we’ve ever had on a cruise ship, and the first to have a walk-in closet and a private bar.  There is a huge amount of storage space. Our first full day on the Quest was a sea day, so we began our art lessons, which were very well received. 

 

Our ship docked at Langkawi, the largest of 104 islands making up the archipelago just off the coast of northern Malaysia. John escorted a tour that went to a rice farm and museum with all of the highly organized rice paddies. The tour then proceeded to a port where there were many different boats, both local as well as luxury yachts.  The highlight of the tour, however, was trip to a beautiful village from which we took a cable car ride to the top of a 800 m mountain overlooking the town and harbour down below.  This also included a climb of more than 100 steps up to the viewing deck.  The view was quite amazing. The only drawback was that the temperature was 38 C with an extremely high humidity.  There was not enough water and beer to quench John’s thirst when we got back to the ship.

Village at base of cable car

View from the top of the mountain

John enjoying the scenery

On the way back to the ship, this herd of water buffalo

Gail’s tour went to the “Big Eagle” which is the symbol of Langkawi, where there were many people visiting and posing for photos.  Having forgotten that this is a Muslim country, Gail wore shorts (long ones) which were actually not appropriate, but there were no mosque visits, so nothing was said.  One tiny girl was fascinated with all the strange people and she actually followed Gail right on to the tour bus!

Gail and her new friends at the Eagle

Gail's newest friend followed her onto the bus

The Craft complex, where there was an excellent display of work produced by local artisans was the next stop, followed by a visit to “Underwater World”, which is like a mini Sea World, and full of visiting families, as the schools are out right now.  It was enjoyable, but with the very high temperatures, we were glad to get back to the air conditioned ship. 

The Arts and Crafts Museum

Batik artist at work

A resident of the aquarium

Penguin glad to be inside the air conditioned building