George Town, Penang

Cute little walking city this one. We flew here from KL, staying 3 nights.

We start our time with a trip up Penang Hill. It was very relaxing walking through the rainforest  but too much smog for a photo op.

Cafe vibe in Old George Town

The street art around here keeps us occupied and there's plenty to find. It's a quaint mix of old and new. I like it.

The cafes and laneways are pretty cool. Lots of cute wee places to chill out. We enjoy the best Laksa we've ever eaten as well as tasty desserts and snacks. Not all of the food here is to our taste... but if you like intestines and pigs ears, there's lots to eat. For us it's pretty offal hehe.

Q... Anyone for Frog Porridge?

Kuala Lumpur

3 nights in Kuala Lumpur seems like the perfect time to explore the night markets and architecture. We're staying in Bukit Bintang, right in the heart of the city and not far from the best food streets.  It's hot, really really hot. 

The food here is delicious and we chow down on all the treats, even trying deep fried durian for the first time. Yep, the smell is confronting but it tastes alright.

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

The view from the top is incredible, in every direction the city stretches out. 

There's the hop on bus, the aquarium and the canopy walk on the first day, followed by a trip to the Batu Caves on the next, lots of walking and large shopping malls to explore. At the Caves, the monkeys were everywhere but left us alone. Overall, if you're wanting a melting pot of culture and food, come to Kuala Lumpur. For a modern city, it's got a lot to choose from.

It's a hike up the rainbow stairs but worth a visit.

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

Melaka, Malaysia

We've started making out way up into Malaysia, catching a bus direct from Singapore. It's pretty good so far, maybe a little harder to navigate your way around but we're staying right near the Melaka old Town and pretty close to everything there is to see here.

We head straight to the Jonker Street Night Market and it's one to see for sure. Sampling lots of food and drinks along the way, this weekend market is buzzing with a good vibe and tasty treats. Walking around during the day is as enjoyable as night time and we check out some local cafes. The food here is a draw card for us.

Lots of colourful bikes and buildings beside the river. We board a boat for the trip around and see some lizard love in the water. The boat trip was great for the breeze... a bit like being at Disneyland for grown ups.

The mixture of old and new is inviting. Quaint little shops decked out with galleries and cafes give this town an arty edge. Well worth a visit and a nice little intro to the rest of Malaysia.

Marina Bay and Haji Lane, Singapore.

Ulu Watu Magic

Spending our last 3 days in Ulu Watu, right down south in a small guesthouse. It's a different vibe here, with plenty of surfers and I can see why. The beaches are ripe for it, the waves are huge and the choice is high.

We spend 2 days zooming around on the scooter, from beach to beach club and back again.

Morning coffee watching the turtles from the cliff edge.

Jimbaran Beach Fish Market

We've had the experience we wanted here, we've seen a lot of diversity and we've traveled well. It's a bit of everything here, chaos on the roads but once you get past all that and ignore all the rubbish and construction it's pretty chill. The people are friendly and there's so many tourists and kiwis here it kinda feels like home. Bye Bye Bali, see you next time.

Bali Zoo

Nusa Penida

We headed back from the Gili's to Padang Bai for the night. Tho the sea was very rough, the journey was quick on the fast ferry. There's a certain comfort from going where you've been. Same guesthouse, same room and 2 mins walk to the wharf. Heading to Nusa Penida tomorrow.

We jump off the ferry and straight to rent a scooter for 3 days. We're staying at Visual Inn and it's just down the road. We're learning location matters. On first impression, this island is pretty rough and ready. There's local street markets around the corner and plenty of options for tea. Can't wait to explore.

Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida

We head out on the scooter for a full day of exploring. The roads are chunky and narrow. There's cliff views and beaches to see. Most viewed are Kalingking Beach and Diamond Beach. Both are stunning and dangerous. No safety standards here and I opt to view from the top. After a few steps down, with no more than a stick fence between you and a sheer cliff, a bunch of monkeys and a tonne of travel bloggers... I walk back to enjoy the view while Brendan walks on down...

...Not long after he appears...

"That was quick"

I came back up. I saw someone slip and fall, I think she fell over the edge...

"Sht, is she ok'

I don't know... you made the right decision not to go... I told the guys at the top and they rang someone...

We didn't stay after that and went to a Cafe down the road. I had done some research and knew this place was dangerous. There's no warnings or safety rails. Great to get a photo, honestly the view from the top was enough.

Rounding out the day overlooking the ocean and the sun sinking into the horizon. 

And the sounds ring out from the local mosque all night and day. So far from home.

Day 2 and we hit the road again. Heading out to Broken Beach and Crystal Bay Beach. Another beautiful day in paradise.

Broken Beach, Nusa Penida

Chilling at Amok Sunset Bar

Stunning scenery... we're really enjoying our time here. The Chill Beach Club below.