Apart from everyone getting ill from a tummy bug, we fell in love with Koh Tao from the moment we got there. By day you can shop, scuba dive, snorkle, kayak, fish, hire out a moped and go around the island to all the other beaches.. the list is endless. By night you can chill out on bean-bags sipping cocktails on the beach or you can purchase a few of the deadly alcohol buckets, watch the fire shows and enjoy a bit of dancing in places such as the lotus bar.
Greg and Kim did Scuba diving here whilst Jenny and PJ did a bit of kayaking over to nearby islands. We all managed to stay in luxury bungalows with air-con - what a lovely change.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places to obtain your open water suba diving qualification. It consisted of 4 days, including several class sessions, a bit of homework, 1 confined dive (where you learn all the skills you need) and 4 open water dives, and then a final exam. The first two open water dives were at Mango Bay. We went down to 12m and saw lots of lovely tropical fish swimming around the corals. We also saw one massive school of fish which surrounded all of us to the point where we couldnt see anything else, it was brilliant. The third dive was literally in the middle of nowhere, you couldnt see anything around us until we got under the water. We went down to 18m and saw schools of batfish and barracuda, sea eels and trigger fish. The final dive was at White Rock, again it was amazing, but the best bit was when we saw a green turtle sleeping at the bottom. We were able to get so close to it, it was incredible. Next new job... to become a Scuba diving master!!!
We ended up stayin here longer than we were supposed to as the Koh Tao festival was on. Acts were performed, prizes were won (dont even bother asking if we won anything!!!), bands played their music and we danced the night away!
Link to photos of Koh tao:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288262&l=def91&id=197810485
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Haad Rin is the main place on the island where all the full moon comotion happens. We knew not to stay right on this beach as its too hectic and not the cleanest of places. Luckily we bumped into a lovely couple on our way to the island who recommended staying on Haad Juan, where they live, its beach further up from Haad Rin that is only a 10 min taxi boat ride away. It was a gorgeous little beach with its own places to eat and drink. Eden was definately one of our favourites by night whilst Big Blue was heaven to chill out in throught the day when the heat got too much for us. We managed to find a couple of cheap bungalows there, they were quite basic with outside toilets/showers and they only had electricity from 7pm till 7am, but what more do you need???
Haad Tien was just north of Haad Rin and was just as pretty. The Sanctuary was based here, which is where Greg took Kim for her birthday so she could treat herself to a massage and a manicure/pedicure.
The full moon party (and Kims birthday)...
Not only is it celebrated on the day of the full moon but there are parties every half moon, black moon, the day before the full moon and the day after, three days before and five days before... basically whatever day your there you will be guarenteed to have a party to attend to.
We went on the night before and the night of the actual full moon. Both were brilliant. With glow and the dark paints out in force, everyone was covered from head to toe and the atmosphere was crazy. The beach becomes packed full of nutters drinking and dancing the night away. Definately a birthday to remember.
Funny note: Dentist in Thai is pronounced 'morefun'
Link tp photos of Koh Phangan:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288245&l=0193b&id=197810485
Haad Tien was just north of Haad Rin and was just as pretty. The Sanctuary was based here, which is where Greg took Kim for her birthday so she could treat herself to a massage and a manicure/pedicure.
The full moon party (and Kims birthday)...
Not only is it celebrated on the day of the full moon but there are parties every half moon, black moon, the day before the full moon and the day after, three days before and five days before... basically whatever day your there you will be guarenteed to have a party to attend to.
We went on the night before and the night of the actual full moon. Both were brilliant. With glow and the dark paints out in force, everyone was covered from head to toe and the atmosphere was crazy. The beach becomes packed full of nutters drinking and dancing the night away. Definately a birthday to remember.
Funny note: Dentist in Thai is pronounced 'morefun'
Link tp photos of Koh Phangan:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288245&l=0193b&id=197810485
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Absolutely brilliant place. A lovely exotic island, which is basic but has brilliant snorkling.
On one day we went on a boat trip and got to swim with lots of tropical fish, black tip reef sharks and green turtles... absolutely amazing! Believe it or not when you see the sharks all you want to do is swim after them rather than away from them... it sounds crazy I know but its true, they were beautiful!!!
While we were here we stayed with a local who had just set up his business, we were his first customers. This meant that he charged us next to nothing (80p a night) but provided us with pretty much nothing except from a wooden hut. We had no electricty, running water, hot water, flushing toilets... you would all probably dis-own us if you saw the state we were in by the end of our time there. Im surprised you couldnt smell us from England!!!! On the food front though we definately could eat like kings as it would only set us back by about two pounds... hurray!!!!
Link to photos of the Perhentian islands:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288230&l=09df5&id=197810485
On one day we went on a boat trip and got to swim with lots of tropical fish, black tip reef sharks and green turtles... absolutely amazing! Believe it or not when you see the sharks all you want to do is swim after them rather than away from them... it sounds crazy I know but its true, they were beautiful!!!
While we were here we stayed with a local who had just set up his business, we were his first customers. This meant that he charged us next to nothing (80p a night) but provided us with pretty much nothing except from a wooden hut. We had no electricty, running water, hot water, flushing toilets... you would all probably dis-own us if you saw the state we were in by the end of our time there. Im surprised you couldnt smell us from England!!!! On the food front though we definately could eat like kings as it would only set us back by about two pounds... hurray!!!!
Link to photos of the Perhentian islands:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288230&l=09df5&id=197810485
Taman Negara, Malaysia
The highlights of Taman Negara were floating down the river in the little boats, watching the water buffaloes graze on the banks, and walking along the canopy walkways high up in the jungle (except from when the boys decide to rock the boat or jump up and down on the bridges).
However as far as the jungle experience goes it was crap!!! It sounds good when we say we went on a night safari and saw a leopard cat and a tree snake, but when the cat looks like a domestic cat which stays behind the trees so you cant even see it and the tree snake is no bigger than a worm you realise your not getting your monies worth. The best was yet to come though when our guide actually pointed out a grass hopper... you know that rare insect that cleverly rubs its legs together to make a noise.. all together now... wwwwwooooooowwwwww!!!!!!
Anyway apart from that it was nice to get out of the cities and to be living in wooden huts, eating in floating restaurants on the river and seeing a bit of wildlife. Although note to everyone - careful with what you buy to drink and eat, what looks like a blackcurrant drink may end up tasting like deep heat, and what looks like a strawberry lolly might end up to be made of red beans... yuk!!!
Link to photos of Kuala Lumpar and Taman Negara:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288207&l=77fce&id=197810485
However as far as the jungle experience goes it was crap!!! It sounds good when we say we went on a night safari and saw a leopard cat and a tree snake, but when the cat looks like a domestic cat which stays behind the trees so you cant even see it and the tree snake is no bigger than a worm you realise your not getting your monies worth. The best was yet to come though when our guide actually pointed out a grass hopper... you know that rare insect that cleverly rubs its legs together to make a noise.. all together now... wwwwwooooooowwwwww!!!!!!
Anyway apart from that it was nice to get out of the cities and to be living in wooden huts, eating in floating restaurants on the river and seeing a bit of wildlife. Although note to everyone - careful with what you buy to drink and eat, what looks like a blackcurrant drink may end up tasting like deep heat, and what looks like a strawberry lolly might end up to be made of red beans... yuk!!!
Link to photos of Kuala Lumpar and Taman Negara:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288207&l=77fce&id=197810485
Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
A way to sum up Malaysia...
Riding a motorbike/moped on the pavement is a given, whether its to cut corners, to beat the traffic or because they just fancy it. It is also not strange to see them coming towards you on the wrong side of the road.
You are never far away from a rat or a cockroach, even when your eating dinner.
It is common to have noodles for breakfast, noodles for lunch and rice for dinner... what a good balanced diet!
People ride past on their bikes carrying everything they own, including tables, chairs, trays of food, bags, you name it they can carry it, its a mystery how they manage to keep their balance.
Looking on the up side, food is cheap, the people are really friendly and plug sockets are the same as in England... no adapter needed! The small pleasures in life!!!!
Kuala Lumar is a lovely city with an amazing skyline. The patronas twin towers are spectacular, especially at night when they are all lit up. Through the day we also got to walk across the bridge which goes from one building to the other. You get a lovely view of the whole city.
While we were there we also went to the Batu caves. You had to walk up 272 steps to reach the temple at the top, it was quite impressive and we saw lots of monkeys chilling out up at the top, trying to steal food from every tourist.
The China town here was even more hectic than in Singapore, even though it was smaller. It was almost impossible to get down some streets as they were so busy. However there was still a brilliant atmosphere and it was even where we ended up staying!!!
Riding a motorbike/moped on the pavement is a given, whether its to cut corners, to beat the traffic or because they just fancy it. It is also not strange to see them coming towards you on the wrong side of the road.
You are never far away from a rat or a cockroach, even when your eating dinner.
It is common to have noodles for breakfast, noodles for lunch and rice for dinner... what a good balanced diet!
People ride past on their bikes carrying everything they own, including tables, chairs, trays of food, bags, you name it they can carry it, its a mystery how they manage to keep their balance.
Looking on the up side, food is cheap, the people are really friendly and plug sockets are the same as in England... no adapter needed! The small pleasures in life!!!!
Kuala Lumar is a lovely city with an amazing skyline. The patronas twin towers are spectacular, especially at night when they are all lit up. Through the day we also got to walk across the bridge which goes from one building to the other. You get a lovely view of the whole city.
While we were there we also went to the Batu caves. You had to walk up 272 steps to reach the temple at the top, it was quite impressive and we saw lots of monkeys chilling out up at the top, trying to steal food from every tourist.
The China town here was even more hectic than in Singapore, even though it was smaller. It was almost impossible to get down some streets as they were so busy. However there was still a brilliant atmosphere and it was even where we ended up staying!!!
Singapore
There are 3 main sections to Singapore; Little India, the Centre, and China town.
Little India is definitely the poor part where Indian's have come over to seek jobs. The streets are dirty and the poverty is noticeable, however there are many temples around which are anything but dirty. They are all so bright and colourful, full of religious figures and amazing to look at. The difference between the different religions are noticeable and very interesting.
The centre of the city is heaven for the shopaholics, they range from little market stalls to big designer shops... no need to ask which bit we shopped in!!!!
China town is definitely how you would imagine it... the streets are packed full of stalls and you cant walk very far with out getting hassled. Still, it was a good place to pick up bargains and if your in a bartering mood its great.
While we were here we decided to get in the full swing of things and try the local cuisine... god knows what we have been eating, we would have asked but to be honest we were all a little scared too!!!
Its definitely good to be back in a place where the culture is so different to ours. You find yourselves trying new things, having different yet great experiences, and learning new things everyday.
Link to photos of Singapore:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288198&l=e23df&id=197810485
Little India is definitely the poor part where Indian's have come over to seek jobs. The streets are dirty and the poverty is noticeable, however there are many temples around which are anything but dirty. They are all so bright and colourful, full of religious figures and amazing to look at. The difference between the different religions are noticeable and very interesting.
The centre of the city is heaven for the shopaholics, they range from little market stalls to big designer shops... no need to ask which bit we shopped in!!!!
China town is definitely how you would imagine it... the streets are packed full of stalls and you cant walk very far with out getting hassled. Still, it was a good place to pick up bargains and if your in a bartering mood its great.
While we were here we decided to get in the full swing of things and try the local cuisine... god knows what we have been eating, we would have asked but to be honest we were all a little scared too!!!
Its definitely good to be back in a place where the culture is so different to ours. You find yourselves trying new things, having different yet great experiences, and learning new things everyday.
Link to photos of Singapore:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2288198&l=e23df&id=197810485
South East Asia
So the time came to eventually leave Oz and make our way to South East Asia to see Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Viehtnam, and Loas.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Cairns
Cairns is a nice little city but as the place was flooded when we arrived and continued to be rubbish we didnt get to do any of the activities we wanted to, such as go out to the Great Barrier Reef. It was such a shame but at least we did some snorkeling while we were at Whitsundays! We spent most evenings getting our free backpackers meals, having a few drinks and watching TV!
We tried the hardest to sell our car, reducing the price down to practically nothing... eventually with hours to spare we sold our little baby. We didnt get our money back but at least it put something in our pockets.
Link to photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2279470&l=bd625&id=197810485
We tried the hardest to sell our car, reducing the price down to practically nothing... eventually with hours to spare we sold our little baby. We didnt get our money back but at least it put something in our pockets.
Link to photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2279470&l=bd625&id=197810485
Mission Beach
Well, what can we say, except from rain rain and more bloody rain! Kim and Greg were brave and still decided to set up their tent whereas Jenny and PJ had a better idea and booked themselves into cabin. Thank god they did because otherwise we would have had no where else to go. The beaches were flooded and the place was dead! So that night we invested in some beer and goon and played centurians to help pass the time. In the morning we left and headed towards cairns before the roads got flooded.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Magnetic Island
On the first night we decided to stay at the base hostel. We stayed in these tent/teepee things,was a nice change from setting up our own tents but when you comein after a few drinks at the bar and find a littlepossom eating away at your bread your not best pleased. Suppose it was Kim and Gregs own fault for leaving food in there but the little bastard wouldnt stay away... even after we squirted him with water and PJ gave him a 'gentle shove' (politely out i know). We did see the amusing side of it though...thanks to the beers!
The second night we went to Bungalow Bay which was amazing. It was a campsite with its own sanctuary. You only had to pay $14 and you got to hold a snake, a koala, a 2 year old croc, a blue tounged lizard and several birds. The Rainbow Lorikeets were so noisey and all of them wanted food, so they would fight over you... you would have a few on you hands, some on your arms, on your back, or your head... hungry little buggers! The cockatoo there was the funniest, he hated men but loved attention from the ladys. If Kim or Jenny went up to him he would point where he wanted to be scratched, but if Greg or PJ went near him he would move away from them!
Kim, Greg and PJ also did their own little bush-tucker trial. The woman showing us around the santuary said you can eat the green tree ants, or even just lick them so we stupidly decided to do it. At first you get a citrus burst but then it just stings a little!!!! Yuk!
The second night we went to Bungalow Bay which was amazing. It was a campsite with its own sanctuary. You only had to pay $14 and you got to hold a snake, a koala, a 2 year old croc, a blue tounged lizard and several birds. The Rainbow Lorikeets were so noisey and all of them wanted food, so they would fight over you... you would have a few on you hands, some on your arms, on your back, or your head... hungry little buggers! The cockatoo there was the funniest, he hated men but loved attention from the ladys. If Kim or Jenny went up to him he would point where he wanted to be scratched, but if Greg or PJ went near him he would move away from them!
Kim, Greg and PJ also did their own little bush-tucker trial. The woman showing us around the santuary said you can eat the green tree ants, or even just lick them so we stupidly decided to do it. At first you get a citrus burst but then it just stings a little!!!! Yuk!
Whitsundays
We stayed at Airlie beach before we jetted off on our sailing adventure. Its a lovely little town with quite a lively night life. The night before Whitsundays we met up with a couple of old friends from New Zealand, it turned out to be a good night but not so good for our early rise the next day!
Whitsundays is made up of 74 Islands and is absolutely gorgeous! We loved every second of it. We sailed around the Islands on a catamaran called Avatar, and ended up having a really good group again, there were 25 of us all together including the crew. The first day we made it to Whitehaven beach and luckily for us the sun was shining, the place looked magical, its just such a shame you cant go and jump into the crsytal clear waters because of all the stingers!!! We also saw lots of fully grown logger head turtles sticking their heads out of the water and taking a few breaths before disappearing again.
On the second day the weather wasnt that great but it was fine as we spent most of the day snorkling. We saw some beautiful fish including a Maori Wrasse which was the size of us!!!! Around lunch time there was a massive storm with lots of rain and strong winds... it made sailing brilliant, we were speeding along the open ocean and we were all wearing our yellow fisherman macs... great fun!!! That night the good old drinking games came out and we all had a good giggle on the boat, before gently being rocked to sleep!
On the final day we went snorkling again in the morning, the visability was not as good as yesterday but we did get to see a sting ray!!! After lunch we put the sails up for one last time and headed back to the main land. Overall... absolutely fantastic trip!
Links to Photos of Whitsundays:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277102&l=70cd3&id=197810485
Whitsundays is made up of 74 Islands and is absolutely gorgeous! We loved every second of it. We sailed around the Islands on a catamaran called Avatar, and ended up having a really good group again, there were 25 of us all together including the crew. The first day we made it to Whitehaven beach and luckily for us the sun was shining, the place looked magical, its just such a shame you cant go and jump into the crsytal clear waters because of all the stingers!!! We also saw lots of fully grown logger head turtles sticking their heads out of the water and taking a few breaths before disappearing again.
On the second day the weather wasnt that great but it was fine as we spent most of the day snorkling. We saw some beautiful fish including a Maori Wrasse which was the size of us!!!! Around lunch time there was a massive storm with lots of rain and strong winds... it made sailing brilliant, we were speeding along the open ocean and we were all wearing our yellow fisherman macs... great fun!!! That night the good old drinking games came out and we all had a good giggle on the boat, before gently being rocked to sleep!
On the final day we went snorkling again in the morning, the visability was not as good as yesterday but we did get to see a sting ray!!! After lunch we put the sails up for one last time and headed back to the main land. Overall... absolutely fantastic trip!
Links to Photos of Whitsundays:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277102&l=70cd3&id=197810485
Cape Hillsborough
Cape Hilsborough is a national park, which has plenty of bush walks to do and beaches to see. We stayed right by the beach and we made it just in time to watch the sun set. It was gorgeous and the tide was out so you could walk for miles. In the morning we woke up at 5:30am to watch the sun rise and see the wallabys and kangaroos. They come down to the beach every morning to feed. It was beautiful and as we were the only ones there it was really peaceful. A couple of Kangaroos had little Joeys in their pouches too... how adorable!
Link to photos of Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Cape Hillsborough:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277093&l=c296c&id=197810485
Link to photos of Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Cape Hillsborough:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277093&l=c296c&id=197810485
Rockhampton and Yeppoon
It was an absolute scorcher when we arrived in Rockhampton and all of us were far too hot in the car so as soon as we arrived into the city we went to a big outdoor swimming pool (as you cant go in the sea without a stinger suit on). We only stayed one night in the city and we think the campsite owner forgot to tell us that there were thunderstorm warnings that night... the bastard! When we got back to our tents after the cinema the heavens poured and continued to pour the whole night, the lightening was incredible and the thunder was so scary, we were glad when that night was over.
Yeppoon was a lovely little place. It is where you catch the ferry to go to the Great Keppel Islands, which was where we were originally going to go until we found out the cost of it and that most things have closed down on the island! They are trying to make it into an exclusive resort. So instead we decided to go fishing for the day, the sun was shinning and we found a nice little spot by the river and near the sea. We caught 9 fish between us all, but Greg definately won by catching 5 of them and catching the biggest. The only negative was the amount of mosquito bites we came away with!!!! The little buggers!!! Next new job... to find a way to kill all mosquitos.
Yeppoon was a lovely little place. It is where you catch the ferry to go to the Great Keppel Islands, which was where we were originally going to go until we found out the cost of it and that most things have closed down on the island! They are trying to make it into an exclusive resort. So instead we decided to go fishing for the day, the sun was shinning and we found a nice little spot by the river and near the sea. We caught 9 fish between us all, but Greg definately won by catching 5 of them and catching the biggest. The only negative was the amount of mosquito bites we came away with!!!! The little buggers!!! Next new job... to find a way to kill all mosquitos.
Agnes Water and Town 1770
Agnes water is the last spot to surf on the east coast but unfortunatley there were no waves while we were there. After spending an afternoon on the beach we headed to Town 1770 for the evening. We stayed at a campsite right on the beach, it was gorgeous. In the evening the tide went out and the sunset right in front of us.
Link to Photos of Hervery Bay, Bundaberg and Town 1770:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277090&l=8e4bb&id=197810485
Link to Photos of Hervery Bay, Bundaberg and Town 1770:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2277090&l=8e4bb&id=197810485
Bargarra, Bundaberg
We Stayed in a little town called Bargarra which was just outside Bundaberg. We met up with a couple of PJs friends while we were there who luckily told us about Mon Repos (the turtle sanctuary). That night we went there and watched baby logger-head turtles hatch on the beach, it was amazing, they were so tiny.
Bargarra also has several beaches which are good for snorkling and sometimes surfing. But while we were there the surf wasnt good and you couldnt snorkel as the flood water had polluted the sea! Not all bad thought as we still got to lay on the beach, enjoy the sun and swim in the lagoon.
Bargarra also has several beaches which are good for snorkling and sometimes surfing. But while we were there the surf wasnt good and you couldnt snorkel as the flood water had polluted the sea! Not all bad thought as we still got to lay on the beach, enjoy the sun and swim in the lagoon.
Tin Can Bay and Hervey Bay
We went to Tin Can Bay to feed a wild bottle-nose dolphin. We got there at half seven in the morning and there he was. We actually went into the water to feed him. He swam straight up to you and took the fish out of your hand. All donations made from this help protect the dolphins. They feed them every morning but they will only ever get given 1/10 of the fish they would normally have in a day so if this activity ever had to stop the dolphins would not be affected. They have been coming into the bay for years, but this one in particular had so many scars. A year back he was attacked by bull sharks and came into the bay for help. He rested there for ten days and luckily survived.
Hervey Bay was a lovely little place, with a gorgeous beach where you can walk out to sea for ages and it is still only up to your knees. It was lovely and so peaceful, we were the only ones there for most of the time.
Hervey Bay was a lovely little place, with a gorgeous beach where you can walk out to sea for ages and it is still only up to your knees. It was lovely and so peaceful, we were the only ones there for most of the time.
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