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To see lots more
pictures taken press:
Singapore
We needed a few jobs doing in Singapore and it gave us the opportunity of seeing this city state. Shopping malls dominate the city but there is still some evidence of its past.
Expensive shopping malls everywhere
The iconic Raffles hotel restored to its former colonial splendour
Chinatown Little India
Malaysia
Sail Malaysia Rally entertained us in Johor with Bollywood style dancers for three consecutive nights at the start of the rally. The highlight was the brilliant Chinese orchestra.
We sailed up the west Malaysia coast which is shallow and muddy. It is not very scenic and is very similar to our former sailing area on the east coast of England. We spent a lot of time motoring as the winds were very light and usually from the north. It was also very hot and humid. Thunderstorms were common and we heard of several yachts being struck by lightning.
Two cities were worth seeing. Malaka was previously colonised by Portugal, Holland, Britain and Japan briefly during WW2. It is a world heritage city and we stayed in a hotel for two nights there.
Malaka Our hotel lobby Our trishaw
Sultan's palace Dutch town hall and church British colonial architecture Modern architecture
Buddhist temple Mosque Hindu god Catholic altar
Georgetown, Penang (known locally as Tanjong) is also a world heritage city. It was occupied by Britain following a trade agreement made between the local Sultan and Francis Light of Woodbridge, Suffolk in the early 19th century until Malaysia became independent in 1957. The East India Company was allowed to trade from Penang in return for Britain agreeing to defend it.
Tapestry passing under the Penang Bridge Considering where to visit
Last traditional Malay house in Penang Market trader Making roti
Fort Cornwallis (founded by Francis Light)
Buildings and furnishings representing the multicultural roots of Penang
Our final destination in Malaysia was Langkawi. Malaysia has tried to encourage yachting around the tourist island of Langkawi. There are several marinas on or close to the island, but unfortunately almost no other yacht supporting infrastructure.
The picturesque local limestone cliffs Swimming in a fresh water lake A shy White Eyed monkey
In December we laid up in Langkawi and flew back to England for a few months. Our return was delayed by the Iceland volcano which erupted hours before our flight back and we had to rebook our flight 4 times. We eventually landed in Langkawi 10 days later than planned but by this time the Foreign Office were advising against travelling to Thailand because of the political problems there. While we waited for the situation to improve we flew to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap floating village. We were shown around the floating village by an unofficial guide who spoke fluent English although he had never been to school and could neither read nor write! It is remarkable how Cambodia has coped after Pol Pot.
Dawn at Angkor Wat Cambodian dancing
Angkor Thom gate Ta Prohm Angkor Wat at sunrise
Fishermen Land Mine victims Silk dyer Silk weaver
Tonle Sap floating village Children playing Village store
We finally set sail for Phuket at the end of May.