Hat Yai, Thailand
Yep, I've left Malaysia. Andy, Nicole and I grabbed the bus out of Tanah Rata yesterday as the rain poured down on us. The rain held off till much later than usual yesterday, but it made up for it in intensity. And the lightning that struck roughly 200m. from the hostel. Loud! Very damned loud. The hostel gave us a 300 m. lift down to the bus stop because of the rain and we got our bus out of the highlands. We left at 6pm, and the scenery was incredible, mist covered mountains. We came around one bend to see the mountains dropping away from us, seemingly into infinity all highlighted by the late afternoon sun breaking its way through the clouds. Simply magnificent.
We got into Ipoh and had to wait an hour to buy our tickets on the night train north. Once that was done, we headed out to explore Ipoh a bit, and get some dinner. Got dinner, but failed to find Ipoh, or anywhere open, at least. Andy remarked that it seemed to be a city of cats, there were at least twice as many felines on the streets than people.
After walking in a few circles we trooped back to the station and plopped down in the bar. Andy and I played a game of pool where I learned that he used to play semi professionally. I did manage to sink two balls before losing, so that was a moral victory for me. Eventually, the time of the train arrived and we boarded.
It wasn't the most comfortable night I've had, despite being in 2nd class. It was a long train ride starting at 1am, and lasting far too long. Customs was a breeze and finally we arrived in Hat Yai, and then went in search of transport North to Serat Thani, where we can catch a ferry to Ko Pha Ngan.
After a few minutes of looking, we accepted the fact that we were not going to be able to catch the last ferry to the island tonight and would have to take the night ferry instead, making it two nights in a row of sleeping on transport. Oh well. So, we've got a mini bus leaving in roughly 30 minutes, 3p and should get into Serat Thani around 7p, giving us a few hours there before heading out on the night ferry.
We should arrive into Ko Pha Ngan tomorrow morning around 6, at which point I think all three of us will be ready for a shower, a hammock and some serious relaxing.
We got into Ipoh and had to wait an hour to buy our tickets on the night train north. Once that was done, we headed out to explore Ipoh a bit, and get some dinner. Got dinner, but failed to find Ipoh, or anywhere open, at least. Andy remarked that it seemed to be a city of cats, there were at least twice as many felines on the streets than people.
After walking in a few circles we trooped back to the station and plopped down in the bar. Andy and I played a game of pool where I learned that he used to play semi professionally. I did manage to sink two balls before losing, so that was a moral victory for me. Eventually, the time of the train arrived and we boarded.
It wasn't the most comfortable night I've had, despite being in 2nd class. It was a long train ride starting at 1am, and lasting far too long. Customs was a breeze and finally we arrived in Hat Yai, and then went in search of transport North to Serat Thani, where we can catch a ferry to Ko Pha Ngan.
After a few minutes of looking, we accepted the fact that we were not going to be able to catch the last ferry to the island tonight and would have to take the night ferry instead, making it two nights in a row of sleeping on transport. Oh well. So, we've got a mini bus leaving in roughly 30 minutes, 3p and should get into Serat Thani around 7p, giving us a few hours there before heading out on the night ferry.
We should arrive into Ko Pha Ngan tomorrow morning around 6, at which point I think all three of us will be ready for a shower, a hammock and some serious relaxing.
posted by Bob Stein at 12:17 AM
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