Maylasia to Sri Lanka
April 24
We returned to Malaysia to the port of Klang, the nearest port to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. We traveled by bus about 90 minutes to the center of Kuala Lumpur. This another vertical green city of two million population. The county was originally called Malaya while it was a British Colony until it got its independence.
Malaysia builds a very popular car called the Proton. They started exporting them, but they all were returned because they had no heater. Because of the hot climate, a heater is not needed in Malaysia.
The first stop was the National Monument, which remembers the war heroes.
We drove past the Botanical Gardens, Created by the British.
We stopped to take photos at the Old railway station, built in 1909 and nicknamed the Mini Taj Mahal due to its similar architecture.
Across the road is a modern mosque with an umbrella-style roof instead of the standard dome.
We stopped to take photos of the very impressive Petronas Twin Towers built in 1996.
One tower was built by a Japanese contractor, while the other was built by a South Korean contractor. The South Korean contractor won the race. A bridge connects the two towers. The total height is 452 meters.
The tallest building in Kula Lumpia is the Merdeka 118 building, which has 118 floors. It is only occupied by offices and is very secure.
We visited Independence Square, an administration building with a clock tower built by the British and a copper dome built by Australia. The building is kept polished. More than four million bricks were hand-hauled to build it.
Access the street, a Tudor building was originally for British gentlemen. Now called the spotted dog (a long story)
We visited the Central Market in Chinatown that sells Arts and handcrafts, bazar, Supermarkets, shops, clothes, souvenirs, and food court.
Chinatown has much older buildings, including shophouses, which are two stories, and the shopkeeper lives above the shop. There is also a little India District.
We had a delicious buffet lunch at the melting pot restaurant. While eating, a tropical rainstorm came out of nowhere but did not last long. This made taking photos from the bus impossible.
The last stop was the Royal Selangor Visitor's Center, which turned out to be a shop making and selling pewter products. They gave a nice demonstration of how the products are made and finished. Pewter is made from tin, copper, and antimony (a brittle silvery-white metallic element used especially in alloys to impart strength). The tour ended in the sales showroom.
April 25
Having traveled north on the west coast of Malaysia, we are now in Penang, which has a population approaching 2 million and comprises Malay, Chinese, and Indian people. It has the highest population density in Malaysia. Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia comprising mainland Seberang Perai and Penang Island. The state capital of the island is George Town.
A Tsunami in 2004 killed 400 on coast. We only visited the island so I have no comments on the mainland. Georgetown's downtown area on the water front is relatively small and has some tall buildings, but once out of downtown it was mostly one and two story buildings.
Penang will only have two more cruises come to the area in the next week, and then it is the end of the season until November. Penang does a big business in medical tourism package deal. Agents arrange for people from Singapore and other places to fly to Penang for less expensive health care, including hotels and local transportation.
The main exports-Tin, Palm oil, Rubber and also has a Silicon valley type products and solar. Georgetown has a British influence with many older pre-second World War buildings. As we travel east, the Indian accent is getting stronger.
The first stop was Keng Kooi Mansion, built in the early 1800s for the tin industry. The mafia took it over, and it was at the center of the opium wars. It is very elaborately decorated and furnished. It is now a museum.
The next stop was Kek Lok Si Temple, built in 1790. We are rather bored with Temples, but as seen from a distance, it is truly an impressive complex.
We parked and headed up what seemed like hundreds of uneven steps to a halfway level. I wene about half way. There were several trees causing a cooler, notice I said COOLER place to rest and there I stayed!! Rod chose to continue the climb and suceeded by the photographs. It was stiffly hot, and due to time constraints, I headed down again back to the refreshingly cool bus. Merry had gone shopping but did not reveal to me the item until we were in our room. A lovely new skirt!!
We arrived in Moonlight Bay at the Golden Sands 5-star Resort for lunch. Lunch was lovely except it was ouuside with only fans to cool us down. After lunch, we walked through the resort, which has a great pool, drink and snack bars, and a golden sand beach with turquoise water.
The next stop was a Butterfly Farm, but it was recently renamed Entopia as it has expanded to include many other small animals, like spiders, snakes, lizards, and the like. It was fascinating. We have been to many butterfly farms in other parts of the world, but this one is by far the best, because of all the additional items that were included.
We continued around the island on a twisty road that did not seem big enough for the bus, but we made it safely. We stopped at a roadside market stall selling Tropical, Seasonal, and non-seasonal Fruits and spices. We tasted mango, Nutmeg, Nutmeg Candy, and Sweet (small) Bananas.
We continued around the island to Malay Village, where the guide showed us herbs and spaces that had been planted, including Lemon grass. Malaysian cherry, Lime, Curry leaf,
Tamarin, Pineapple, Chucked Mango, Drop stick (brungrr), Banana Leaf, Penden Leaf
We made the final leg around the island. We stopped to take a photo of the impressive bridge to the mainland, but a storm had descended, and it was not even visible, so we completed the loop back to the ship.
April 26
We arrived early in Langkawi, an island just off the coast of Malaysia, right at the border of Thailand. We enjoyed a lovely sunrise over the mountains and bay.
We took a very long walk along the pier, over 1/2 mile, just to get to land. The island is small, just 40 miles to drive around. It has no bridge and is only accessible by ferry. The island’s population is 60,000.
We took a bus for about 30 minutes and boarded a small riverboat.
The boat took us to a pier, where we left the boat and entered a cave full of bats. The caves were very interesting, with many bats clinging to the roof.
Monkeys ran all around the entrance of the cave.
We then got back in the boat and entered the Mangrove Forest. Here, we observed the mango trees and the wildlife: Long-tail crab-eating males and mud slippers. The guide said the water contains crocodiles, but they submerge when they hear the boat engines so the propeller doesn’t injure them. There are also Monitor Lizards and Baraciuders that have been caught up to 40 lbs in size. The tide in the river goes up and down 12 feet.
We visited a demonstration fish farm and saw sting rays,
We moved to a new part of the river and observed birds: White belly sea eagle and
Brown mini kite.
We moved again to the mouth of the river. The guide asked the people what time it was. Some said 11:20, while others said 10:20. He explained that we were exactly on the border of Malaysia and Thailand, and the phones were picking up different signals from different time zones.
Hot and sticky, we returned to the pier and boarded the cool bus to return to the ship, ending a fascinating morning's tour.
In the evening, the new captain had a cocktail party before dinner. Of course, we attended with Merry in her new skirt and she had matching things to wear with it, including a butterfly necklace,
April 27
Last night, we had another time change, one hour back. The ship arrived in Phuket at 7 a.m., but our tour didn’t start until 9:15. They don't pronounce the h in Phuket, the most westerly part of Thailand. The weather was as hot as ever; the hottest day last year in this area was 122F. The island is 30 miles long by 13 wide, has a population of 450,000, and has no tall buildings.
In 2004, a devastating Tsunami killed 5,000. Since the island had never experienced a Tsunami, there was no warning system or evacuation plan. The tsunami struck the west coast, flooding the island and damaging almost all the major beaches. The resort area of Khao Lak, some 80 km north of Phuket, was hit far worse, with 3,950 confirmed deaths.
The complicated language has 44 strange looking consonants and 32 vowels.
Our first stop on our tour was to see the sea turtles. The North West Coast is the favorite nesting location for sea turtles. The eggs are laid in November and take six months to hatch. Unfortunately, the eggs have not yet started to hatch, so we had to make do with viewing live turtles in tubs.
The second stop was a Group Beach trash pickup. We all pitched in, linking up trash to keep the beaches pristine. Some trash had washed up from the tide, but most were higher up in the shade and were more likely from kids in the evening. We filled up several bags in the burning heat at Mai Khao Beach on the island's northwest side.
The third stop was Bang Pae Ranger Station in the tropical rainforest. Its mission is to Save Gibbon Monkeys from becoming extinct. Some have been taken from illegal ownership by residents. The mosquitoes tried to attack us as we listened to the guide and viewed the monkeys in their large, safe cages. Luckily, I wore long pants and long sleeves with plenty of repelant. They are actually not monkeys but small apes.
They will be re-trained so they can be released into the wild. They currently have 30 in rehab called the "Gibbon Monkey Project."
After an interesting tour, we returned to the ship to cool off and have a very late lunch.
April 28
On our second day in Phuket, we had a new tour and guide. He told us that Thailand has developed a nickname, "Land of Smiles," and we can see why. So many people have a smile on their faces. This island is truly lovely, perfect for a week or two at a nice beachfront resort. It has its own international airport. The Island has 46 Buddhist temples, which are the center of family activities.
Our first stop was a much-anticipated visit to the Elephants. We visited a rescue center that received working elephants from the logging industry and other industries. These Indian elephants have bigger heads and smaller ears than African elephants. They grow to be three tonnes but have the nickname 'Gentle Giants'.
As visitors, we were each invited to make the elephants breakfast. A large bowl was prepared with fruit and grains, and we were asked to mold the peeled bananas to form a ball. The bananas made it a nice mush.
The mixture was added to a bucket that contained sugar cane and more bananas.
We took the bucket to the eagerly waiting elephants, who headed straight for the gooey ball we had made. Next, they wanted the bananas and finally finished with dessert, the sugar cane.
The handlers encouraged us to get up close and be photographed. The elephants responded with a gentle hug with their trunk.
After breakfast, the elephants went to the lagoon to cool off and squirt the unsuspecting spectators who came too close.
The show finished with a roll in the mud to protect them from the heat and insects.
Two of the elephants stayed close together. We were told they are life partners and are never more than two or three feet apart.
They live to 60-70 in the wild but can live up to 100 in captivity. What an amazing experience.
Our second stop was Chalong temple, built from white marble imported from Myanmar.
Our last stop was a cashew nut factory, where we were given a demonstration of how they grow and open the nuts, which must be done by hand with the help of a press. We also got to taste the many different flavors they produce. Barbeque was my favorite, but we did not buy anything. It was too many calories.
We arrived at the ship just before the lunch buffet closed at 2 pm and cooled off.
The ship departed the port and Malaysia, sailing off into the sunset.
We headed west for a two-day sail to Sri Lanka, a large island just off the south coast of India.
April 29
Today is a lazy sea day after another hour back on the clock. The weather has been so hot we have spent little time on our deck, but this morning was very pleasant, with a dead calm sea and a gentle breeze sipping room service coffee and orange juice.
Our next stop is Sri Lanka. On the map, it looks small compared to India, but in fact, it is 255 miles long by 135 wide and has a population of 22 million. In 1948, the British Colony of Ceylon was granted independence as Ceylon. In 1972, the country became a republic within the Commonwealth, and its name was changed to Sri Lanka. It is full of desert animals like leopards, cobras, vipers, elephants, chitals, and sloth bears. It is nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the teardrop of India.
April 30
The second sea day and time to catch up with correspondence and business at home. Luckily, the internet cooperated. On a sea day, there is plenty to do - lectures, choir, art class, trivia, reading, movies, time for eating, and time in the gym. We managed to see some flying fish and jumping dolphins. [sorry no photos]
May 1, May Day!!
Having been refreshed by two relaxing days at sea, we arrived in the port of Hambantota, at the island's south end. This is another area that was devastated by the Tsunami in 2004. The island has been very reliant on tourism. During the COVID lockdown, the government went bankrupt, and the prime minister fled the country. They were bailed out by China, which now has a 99-year lease on the country. Thankfully, it is recovering now.
They drive on the left, a heritage from the past British colony, which ended in 1948. The island is surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean. The monsoon season will be starting soon, but thankfully, not today.
Our tour took us to Saarii village near Weeawila, about a 45-mile drive north. On the way, we saw salt ponds that let the sea's salt water evaporate over time and harvest the salt. There were also many rice paddy fields, the area’s main crop and food.
We saw several monkeys along the road sitting on a fence.
When we arrived, I feel like we have traveled to another planet. We were treated to delicious, fresh mango juice and an introduction to life in this village.
It is a very poor agricultural region where many of the residents live in very basic small houses with minimal furnishings. Some don’t even have electricity or gas. No TV's or computers. They live a very simple life, working on the land that provides all necessities. They cook every day from scratch using local fruits and vegetables, which are plentiful in this tropical climate. They never eat processed foods!!!
We saw very basic tree houses and mud chalets, that are let by the night for about seventy dollars.
We were given an excellent demonstration of cooking traditional dishes using only local ingredients and allowed to taste the finished dish, “curried mango”.
We were then shown how they make curds like yogurt and given samples topped with sweet local treacle. The mixture is heated in a large pot and, in this case, on an open fire. It is made fresh every morning. Merry took a turn stirring the brew, and then the mixture was poured into clay pots and allowed to cool over the next four hours.
Palm trees are vital to the community. They provide coconut water, oil, milk, treacle, sugar, timber, roofing, and much more. People use every part of the palm tree.
Next, we were taken by tractors out into the fields. A long ride on a seat just 8 inches wide, which is shorter than my bum.
A lovely spot deep in the agricultural area surrounded by rice fields. We received a coconut each to drink the fresh water from inside.
We were given buffet-style lunch under a shady roof with a warm, gentle breeze passing through. The only thing, other that the rice which is served at all meals, that was remotly akin to our meals, was cucumber salad, which is seen in the forefront, and it had cuces, tomatoes, onions and a dressing which gave it a slightly different taste. much different with the same ingredients.
Next, we were taken by a fleet of Tuk-Tuks to the house of an old gentleman who is a master pottery maker. This was a long ride (plenty wide with appropiate padding) on a road like a highway, with a nice breeze, and several times we were passed by trucks and a bus, but they simply went on the other side of the road, causing this old lady a pause !! It was a much longer ride in a tuk-tuk than I had ever experienced before!
The man placed a fresh piece of local clay on a wheel. His wife started spinning the wheel with her hands as it had no motor!!!! This man was really an artist! Quickly, he made a vase from the top of the clay mound and cut it loose, then made an ashtray from the clay and cut it loose, and he made a bowl from the clay all quick as a flash and still had some clay left on his table. We were all fascinated.
We were given a chance to try our hand on the wheel, but we were so blown away by his demonstration that no one dared. His home was very sparsely furnished, and few personal belongings were visible.
Hot and tired, we returned to the bus to recover from the oppressive heat and humidity, a 45-minute drive home [back to the ship]. As we got off the bus, we noticed hundreds of fruit bats in the trees across the street. All sleeping of course, as they wait for night to do their flying about.
May 2
The ship moved north to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. With a population of 5.6 million, the city has skyscrapers, plenty of colonial buildings, temples, and historical monuments in the downtown area.
This is a complete contrast to the poor area we visited yesterday in the south. However, homes quickly turned to shanty town housing, and the roads changed from freeways to twisty, narrow two-lane highways, passing through small towns every few miles, making progress quite slow.
This was not a big deal to us. The bus was comfortable and air-conditioned, and a local guide gave commentary about the area. (ROD!!) In school, I hated history and geography, but now I find them all too interesting. Sunrise and sunset times vary only by about 20 minutes year-round. Sri lanka is only about 22 miles from the south end of India and once was connected. It was separated by tectonic action.
Our destination was Pinnawala, to see more elephants, 56 miles inland. This does not seem far but it would take us 2-1/2 hours. We arrived at about 10 am, and as got off the bus, traffic was stopped by police, and a large herd of elephants crossed the street.
We followed behind them for a long block, and they descended into the creek while we went up steps into a restaurant to watch and photograph the elephants bathing from a balcony. Bus loads of young children came to view the sight also.
Soon, a buffet lunch was served and then we had a chance to shop in the little shops along the way. 
This picture of me (Merry) was taken along the walk that the elephants took after crossing the street. It was a long street filled with shops on both sides with many different kinds of things to buy, including a necklace of an elephant which is caught in my purse strings around my neck and you are unable to see it....we have weight restrictions to fight with for our eventual return home. One of the men who was leading the elephants took the picture while I was on my way down the street shopping-just looking is more like it. It's fun to wander through the shops and dream of all the things I'd like to purchase!! I was on one of my only shopping trips, away from the crowds - I really do enjoy those!!
Our second stop was just across Main Street to the elephant orphanage, where we could watch the elephants in their natural habitat. Because of the long ride back and the heat, we did not stay long and returned to the cool bus for the ride home.
We did stop for a quick trip to the toilet. As we travel around the world, it is interesting to learn what the toilet is called in each area. Examples: bathroom, comfort stop, take care of your problem, toilet, washroom, happy room, Loo.
Back at the ship, we showered and headed to a cocktail party for guests who are frequent travelers with Oceania. During the announcement, Merry and I were honored with a badge that recognized our qualifying to the Platinum level—40 weeks or more on board.
After the cocktail party, we were invited to dine, along with one other couple, with the General Manager and Cruise Consultant. We learned a lot about how complicated it is to run a ship cruising around the world. Supplies must be shipped to future ports three months in advance, so they have to manage supply and demand carefully on board. It was a very nice end to a wonderful day.
This ends are visit to Sri Lanka as the ship heads to India. Learn about this part of our travels by revisiting this site in a week or so.
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