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“We have found paradise” |
We have found paradise here in the Perhentian Islands. Palm trees, pure white sand and turquoise water - it's beautiful here. The islands are about 20 km off the coast and are relatively under-developed in tourist terms. There are no high-rise hotels here, the majority of the accommodation is in the form of beach chalets facing the ocean.
The transit to the islands was an adventure in itself. We had heard that the speedboat transfer was going to be 'interesting' and that you had to hold on tight to avoid being left out in the South China Sea. As we were preparing our waterproof covers for our bags and expecting the worst, three girls were lounging around at the front of the boat as if it was going to be a leisurely cruise. I have to say that I did laugh when the boat picked up speed and they were left screaming and hanging on for dear life!
The boat dropped us off on a little floating jetty on the larger island and then all we had to do was get ourselves and our bags down a little ramp through some water and on to the beach. This looked simple enough but it was really slippery and I was that close to going under the water with all my belongings.
Having somehow made to the islands with our belongings dry and in one piece, we relaxed in our chalet right on the beach. There were palm trees and you could sit outside your chalet and watch the sun go down with the waves gently lapping on the shore. Pure relaxation.
Over the next few days we relaxed, we read some books and swam in the sea. One of the days we went out for a snorkelling trip as the islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Cath saw a reef shark and we also saw some green turtles feeding on the way back. They feed right on the sea bed but I was lucky enough to be in the right place to swim with the turtle as it came up to the surface to breath. That was magical.
We could have stayed here for longer but we knew there were other sights to see so the time came to say goodbye to the Perhentians. I doubt we'll see more beautiful islands on this trip.
previous travel blog entry
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