06.25.250N 99.52.016E Sunday 30th November On the west
coast of Malaysia, near the Thai border Pulau Langkawi is an archipelago of
around 100 islands and islets – many of which are uninhabited limestone
outcrops - rising precipitously from the sea, towering high, forming a maze of
rocks and caves supporting prolific birdlife, including sea eagles and
vegetation. We anchored the first night in the bay of Telak Dayang Bunting
– meaning fresh water lake anchorage. There we found a jetty and steps
leading up through the undergrowth to the ‘Maiden’s Lake’ – a large inland freshwater lake where
myth has it that fertility will be restored to those swimming in her waters.
It was wonderful to swim at last without the fear of box jelly fish, sharks,
crocs and other nasties! There was also an enclosed pool teeming with fish
which nibble away the dead cells of your skin – we all had a go – a
very ticklish affair……..
You can see the ‘maiden’s lake’ on the west coast
and we were tucked into the bay beside it
Malaysians come in their droves to have their feet nibbled
The fish resembled cat fish with long whiskers…..
Man made wooden jetty jutting out into the lake
Surrounded by uninhabited jungle
But important to keep a watchful eye!
Thanksgiving celebrations were postponed a day and on Friday night we
enjoyed learning the history and meaning of this quintessential American
occasion, sharing a serendipitous gourmet meal on Heidenskip with Teri and Lee
– all bringing a dish each to share and entering into the spirit of the
occasion by individually explaining what we were thankful for in life. Robert
and Lee played guitar and mouth organ, singing along with Oscar and as we listened
to song after song from the Hakuna Mattata ‘library’, kindly
donated before leaving the Rally, they were firmly in our thoughts, as were all
friends and family who we missed…..a very emotional evening!
The other ‘must do’ is a trip up the Kisat
River on the east side of Lankawi Island (the largest in the archipelago)
through the ‘hole in the wall’. We anchored in the river and
explored the tributaries by dinghy. Many yachts had been left at anchor here
for a very long time (I imagine the cost is nil or negligible) and the result
was a forlorn sight of forgotten dreams rotting away. There is however a shack
restaurant on the bank with a wonderful reputation and it certainly lived up to
it last night. Platters laden with seafood – lobsters, prawns and fish,
soups and rice all at incredibly reasonable prices.
Entering the Kisat
River
And looking back at the narrow entrance!
Today we have set off on our own to Telaga Harbour, Lankawi’s
newest and smallest marina – here we can fill up with diesel, hopefully
find a few spares like impellers and fuses, clear out of Malaysia and head off
to Thailand……..
