MALAYSIA

PENANG

Because airlines normally fly through their hub city, short hops sometimes become long circuituous routes!  This was the case with our flight from Bangkok to Penang (via Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur).  We spent all day getting to our destination, but didn't really complain as Cathay Pacific has great service and we picked up a "few" extra asia miles!

We had very little time in Penang (Georgetown).  Took advantage of the free shuttle bus service to see as much as we could.  Started at the jetty  (no familiar yachts in sight), then walked along Jalan Armenian (made famous in the movies "Indochine" and "Anna and the King").  Sandy visited the Cheong Fat Tze Mansion (beautifully restored Chinese courtyard house).  Terry enjoyed the electronic deals to be had here!!

LANGKAWI ISLAND

Caught the ferry from Georgetown (Penang) to Langkawi Island (near the Malaysia/Thailand border).  Al and Beth (S/V Sunflower) were in Kuah to meet us.  We spent the next few days with them catching up on old times and being introduced to some beautiful local anchorages.  The Lake Cut area reminded us of Palau!  We did a tour through the mangroves and fed the resident eagles, checked out the "hole in the wall" (very scenic and secure in typhoon conditions), and ventured into a limestone cave where we saw some pristine stalagtites and stalagmites.

Sunflower hauled out at Rebak Marina so we had a chance to witness this facility first hand.  Very impressive operation!  It is a small world .. Glenn and Erja (S/V Aku Ankka) had just arrived at the marina also.  We had not seen them since 1992 in the Solomons!

We were also lucky to see Keith and Marian (S/V Tenacity Two) on our return to Kuah.