Nov 28th & 29th
Links now added to the Indonesia and Australia albums. Flight to Darwin went as planned and we are now 8 hrs 30 mins ahead of the UK. Arrived at a campsite close to Darwin after neeting Steve and the Aus coacd at the airport. Spend 90 mins and Monday and Tuesday morning in Darwin city centre before we move aff to the Northern National Park. Weather is very hot (especially at night) and also thundery with heavy rain from time to time. We camped at a campsite last night, but expect quite a few bushcamps in the next 12 days, so not many blogs etc. Good to be back in a western culture (albiet dirrerent to Europe) and now really looking forward to Sydney on Dec 11th.
Route
Mount Bromo and on to Bali
24th November
Really long hard day today – up at 03:30 to catch a jeep at 04:00 up to a viewpoint overlooking Mt Bromo to see the sunrise.
Then on to Mt Bromo itself (which last erupted in Dec 2010/Jan 2011) to view the crater.
This involved to hard climbs (especially before breakfast) and we were all exhausted when we finished. Then back to the hotel at 07:30 in the jeeps for small breakfast. Some of us caught up with some sleep before we were off again in 2 small minibuses at 09:30 to the local town where we caught the main coach for Bali.
On the coach all day (except for the short ferry crossing to Bali at 17:00). A 3 hr coach ride to the nearest appropriate coach station before we transferred (again) to 2 taxis to our hotel at Kuta Beach (on the south coast of Bali).
25th November ton 27th November
We are in Kuta for 4 nights (3 days) so this will be a chill out time for all of us before we fly to Darwin. Walked around this hyper seaside town – fabulous beach but typical seaside shopping facilities. Very active nightlife. Hotel is better than some we have used and has a swimming pool, hot water, bath & shower, but no internet , laundry or food facilities. Joined up with Eamon, Phil and Marina who had all flown from Jakarta a few days ago. Very little to do here other than eat, fry (in the heat), drink and shop. Other than the beach not many photo opportunities. Leaving tomorrow for Darwin then a night at a campsite and bush camping through Australia. Not sure when I will have regular internet access again. Looking forward to meeting up with Pat and Cathryn in 2 weeks time.
Really long hard day today – up at 03:30 to catch a jeep at 04:00 up to a viewpoint overlooking Mt Bromo to see the sunrise.
Then on to Mt Bromo itself (which last erupted in Dec 2010/Jan 2011) to view the crater.
This involved to hard climbs (especially before breakfast) and we were all exhausted when we finished. Then back to the hotel at 07:30 in the jeeps for small breakfast. Some of us caught up with some sleep before we were off again in 2 small minibuses at 09:30 to the local town where we caught the main coach for Bali. 
25th November ton 27th November
We are in Kuta for 4 nights (3 days) so this will be a chill out time for all of us before we fly to Darwin. Walked around this hyper seaside town – fabulous beach but typical seaside shopping facilities. Very active nightlife. Hotel is better than some we have used and has a swimming pool, hot water, bath & shower, but no internet , laundry or food facilities. Joined up with Eamon, Phil and Marina who had all flown from Jakarta a few days ago. Very little to do here other than eat, fry (in the heat), drink and shop. Other than the beach not many photo opportunities. Leaving tomorrow for Darwin then a night at a campsite and bush camping through Australia. Not sure when I will have regular internet access again. Looking forward to meeting up with Pat and Cathryn in 2 weeks time.
On to Yogyakarta
Monday 21st November
Left the Jakarta hotel at 06:00 for the 08:00 train to, except that it left 2 hts late. We bought a meal on board (except that it took 2 hrs to be served!) and we arrived at Yogykarta just after 18:00. Checked into the Indonesia hotel (poor on facilities) and there was then only time to get an evening meal.
Tuesday 22nd November
Peggy, John and myself went on a morning outing to 3 famous temples (Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut). The Borobudur site is very impressive and quite different from other ancient temples we have seen on this trip.Kieran & Glen then went to Bororudur in the afternoon and they missed out on the rain.
Returned for lunch and then I set off to walk to the palace, but it started to rain so I decided that I would spend the afternoon exploring the streets closer to the centre and the hotel.
Tuesday 22nd November
Peggy, John and myself went on a morning outing to 3 famous temples (Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut). The Borobudur site is very impressive and quite different from other ancient temples we have seen on this trip.Kieran & Glen then went to Bororudur in the afternoon and they missed out on the rain. 
Leaving Singapore to Indonesia and crossing the Equator
15th & 16th November
After a morning when everyone sorted out their baggages and last minute shopping we left the hotel at midday taking the MRT to the Ferry port. Everyone checked in their main bag (most were around the free 20 kg limit, but a few incurred a small charge). After taking lunch waiting for boarding and changing our remaining Singapore Dollars we then travelled on the short (45 min) ferry ride to Batam.
Getting into Indonesia was straight forward (Visa cost US$25), however we then learned that the ferry we were due to catch the following morning to Jakarta was in repair and would not run for 2 weeks. We decided that the next morning we would take the ferry to Sumatra then pick up a coach though Sumatra and then a ferry to Jakarta. All last minute stuff, but could not be avoided.
We left the Batam hotel at 06:30 and we caught a ferry to Dumai (Sumatra) at 0800. Later on the 16th we boarded a 12 hr coach leaving from Dumai at 19:00 to Padang where we arrived at about 10:00 the next day. The coach was crowded and we only just got on with all our bags (we shared the bus with a scooter) – it stopped 3 times and there was constant loud music on board. Sometime during the night we crossed the Equator.
17th November
Arrived at Padang fairly shattered, so after a shave and shower I walked into the centre of Dumai for lunch (at KFC), then along the beach front (Dumai is on the Western Sumatra coast) and then caught up with some sleep. Leaving on the 18th for a 24 hr bus trip to Bonderlamping on the East coast before the final hop to Jakarta.
18th & 19th November
Eamon decided to fly to Jakarta (instead of joining with the rest of us on the long bus drive) and subsequently decided to fly directly to Bali where we should meet up with him on Thursday.
Nothing seems straightforward in Indonesia. First we are back to the 3rd world in Sumatra – quite a shock from the affluent Singapore just a couple of days ago. Second understanding the transport options was a nightmare. We thought we were leaving on a 24 hr. bus trip, stay overnight then catch a different bus to Jakarta. However we actually caught a “direct” bus to Jakarta which took about 38 hrs. including a 2 hr. ferry crossing – so we spent a second night on a bus and a third night (well most of it) on a ferry and a bus. We actually arrived in Jakarta at 03:00 and then Lu managed to get a hotel for us all for the rest of that night and well as the next night!! The bus broke down during the journey (they had to change a drive belt) and then some of us were then questioned (quite aggressively) at the ferry port when leaving for Java. In addition street sellers got on the bus at every opportunity to sell food and drink (or play the guitar or sing to us) and we made infrequent toilet and refreshment stops. The quality of the toilets were some of the worst we had encountered during the entire trip.
However when we got to Java it was chalk and cheese – modern motorways and skyscrapers in downtown – a complete contrast to Sumatra where we had just left.
20th November
We are only in Jakarta for 1 day (20 Nov) and we will spend most of that walking locally to the hotel and catching up on our sleep and emails etc. I did do a little local sightseeing and the contrast between the modern malls and the older more run down parts a feww hundred yards away was striking.
After a morning when everyone sorted out their baggages and last minute shopping we left the hotel at midday taking the MRT to the Ferry port. Everyone checked in their main bag (most were around the free 20 kg limit, but a few incurred a small charge). After taking lunch waiting for boarding and changing our remaining Singapore Dollars we then travelled on the short (45 min) ferry ride to Batam. 
Getting into Indonesia was straight forward (Visa cost US$25), however we then learned that the ferry we were due to catch the following morning to Jakarta was in repair and would not run for 2 weeks. We decided that the next morning we would take the ferry to Sumatra then pick up a coach though Sumatra and then a ferry to Jakarta. All last minute stuff, but could not be avoided.
We left the Batam hotel at 06:30 and we caught a ferry to Dumai (Sumatra) at 0800. Later on the 16th we boarded a 12 hr coach leaving from Dumai at 19:00 to Padang where we arrived at about 10:00 the next day. The coach was crowded and we only just got on with all our bags (we shared the bus with a scooter) – it stopped 3 times and there was constant loud music on board. Sometime during the night we crossed the Equator.17th November
Arrived at Padang fairly shattered, so after a shave and shower I walked into the centre of Dumai for lunch (at KFC), then along the beach front (Dumai is on the Western Sumatra coast) and then caught up with some sleep. Leaving on the 18th for a 24 hr bus trip to Bonderlamping on the East coast before the final hop to Jakarta.
18th & 19th November
Eamon decided to fly to Jakarta (instead of joining with the rest of us on the long bus drive) and subsequently decided to fly directly to Bali where we should meet up with him on Thursday.
Nothing seems straightforward in Indonesia. First we are back to the 3rd world in Sumatra – quite a shock from the affluent Singapore just a couple of days ago. Second understanding the transport options was a nightmare. We thought we were leaving on a 24 hr. bus trip, stay overnight then catch a different bus to Jakarta. However we actually caught a “direct” bus to Jakarta which took about 38 hrs. including a 2 hr. ferry crossing – so we spent a second night on a bus and a third night (well most of it) on a ferry and a bus. We actually arrived in Jakarta at 03:00 and then Lu managed to get a hotel for us all for the rest of that night and well as the next night!! The bus broke down during the journey (they had to change a drive belt) and then some of us were then questioned (quite aggressively) at the ferry port when leaving for Java. In addition street sellers got on the bus at every opportunity to sell food and drink (or play the guitar or sing to us) and we made infrequent toilet and refreshment stops. The quality of the toilets were some of the worst we had encountered during the entire trip. 
However when we got to Java it was chalk and cheese – modern motorways and skyscrapers in downtown – a complete contrast to Sumatra where we had just left.20th November
We are only in Jakarta for 1 day (20 Nov) and we will spend most of that walking locally to the hotel and catching up on our sleep and emails etc. I did do a little local sightseeing and the contrast between the modern malls and the older more run down parts a feww hundred yards away was striking.
Singapore 14th November
Phil and Marina have left us for a couple of days with some of their family in Singapore, otherwise we are all together again. We should met up agin in Jakarta in a few days.
Today I had a relatively easy day - I started at Mustala Centre for a little shopping then decided to use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to explore further. I initially went to the end of the North East line at Harbour Front (where we will go to tomorrow to catch the ferry to Batam in Indonesia). The MRT system is less than 20 years old and is therefore up to date and very efficient (particuarly compared to London). Lots of shops as usual so I had lunch and did a bit of shopping. I resisted going on the cable car as it was quite expensive.
I then made the return journey on the MRT stopping off at Clarks Quay from where I walked to Fort Canning Park. This has great historical interest to the island of Singapore and has some good views of the city.
On returning to Clarks Quay I saw the giant swing in action - nothing would pursuade me to go on that!!
No rain so far today, but at 17:00 is is thundering well.
Today I had a relatively easy day - I started at Mustala Centre for a little shopping then decided to use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to explore further. I initially went to the end of the North East line at Harbour Front (where we will go to tomorrow to catch the ferry to Batam in Indonesia). The MRT system is less than 20 years old and is therefore up to date and very efficient (particuarly compared to London). Lots of shops as usual so I had lunch and did a bit of shopping. I resisted going on the cable car as it was quite expensive. 
I then made the return journey on the MRT stopping off at Clarks Quay from where I walked to Fort Canning Park. This has great historical interest to the island of Singapore and has some good views of the city. 
On returning to Clarks Quay I saw the giant swing in action - nothing would pursuade me to go on that!!No rain so far today, but at 17:00 is is thundering well.
On to Singapore 12th & 13th November
Left Malacca early on Saturday morniong in the Truck and after a quick refreshment stop we got to the border about midday. We then left Will and the Truck and took all our gear (inc tents, sleep mats and sleeping bags) over the border (on a short coach ride).
After we all got through the border we had a long wait for the right service bus to Singapore City centre. By mid afternoon there was a heavy thunderstorm (a sign of things to come), but fortunately it had nearly stopped when we had to walk to the hostel (Ark 259 Lodge), so we didn't get too wet.
On the Sunday I used a city tour to see Singapore on both the Red route and the Original Tour.
These covered Little India (which was close to the hostel) as well as Chinatown, Marina Bay, Raffles, Singapore Flyer (bigger ferris wheel than the London Eye) and the main shopping street Orchard Road.
At lunchtime Lin and Norman and myself walked around Chinatown.
I stayed on the bus the second time around and walked back from Orchard Road.
Again in the afternoon (and this time into the evening we had heavy thunderstorms and I walked most of the way back gradually getting wetter and wetter.
After we all got through the border we had a long wait for the right service bus to Singapore City centre. By mid afternoon there was a heavy thunderstorm (a sign of things to come), but fortunately it had nearly stopped when we had to walk to the hostel (Ark 259 Lodge), so we didn't get too wet.
These covered Little India (which was close to the hostel) as well as Chinatown, Marina Bay, Raffles, Singapore Flyer (bigger ferris wheel than the London Eye) and the main shopping street Orchard Road. 
I stayed on the bus the second time around and walked back from Orchard Road.
Again in the afternoon (and this time into the evening we had heavy thunderstorms and I walked most of the way back gradually getting wetter and wetter.
Malacca 11 Nov
Started with a Truck clean today as tomorrow will be last day on the truck. We all took part in emptying the truck and cleaning everything on board. After that was finished I grabbed some breakfast before getting my watch strap repaired in the shopping mall.
Next stop was the revolving Tower which gave a bird’s eye view of Malacca and the surrounding area.
I then walked around part of the Dutch Heritage Trail including Coronation Park, and along Jalan Kota to the Malacca Sultanate Palace.
Returned to Chinatown to find the Chinese shoemaker to repair my sandals I bought a few weeks ago. While these were being repaired I walked along the boardwalk along the Malacca River before returning to the shoemaker and then back to the hotel to repack my bag complete with tent, mat and sleeping bag.
This evening I plan to go on a river cruise.
Next stop was the revolving Tower which gave a bird’s eye view of Malacca and the surrounding area.
I then walked around part of the Dutch Heritage Trail including Coronation Park, and along Jalan Kota to the Malacca Sultanate Palace.
Returned to Chinatown to find the Chinese shoemaker to repair my sandals I bought a few weeks ago. While these were being repaired I walked along the boardwalk along the Malacca River before returning to the shoemaker and then back to the hotel to repack my bag complete with tent, mat and sleeping bag.This evening I plan to go on a river cruise.
Malacca 10 Nov
After the successful single night production of Megan’s Murder Mystery play the previous evening (at the end it was revealed that Dr Bill played by Will killed Mike, Glen won best performance and Lily won best costume) we left KL at 10:00 for Malacca arriving there early afternoon.
We checked into the Hollitel Hotel and then after a quick lunch went to explore the town. Malacca used to be a very important maritime trading city first under the Portuguese then the Dutch and finally the English. Its importance declined with the growth of other ports in the region and the changing political rulers.
It now is the home to numerous museums as well as the Taming Sara revolving tower (110m high). I went to the Maritime Museum which is based partly on an old boat and partly housed in an old dock building.
I then walked around Chinatown and on my way back was knocked over by a scooter. Fortunately I only suffered a bruised hip and a couple of cuts and grazes – the motorcyclist hurt his leg, but I didn’t stay around to find out the details. I was lucky I was not hurt more seriously.
We checked into the Hollitel Hotel and then after a quick lunch went to explore the town. Malacca used to be a very important maritime trading city first under the Portuguese then the Dutch and finally the English. Its importance declined with the growth of other ports in the region and the changing political rulers.
It now is the home to numerous museums as well as the Taming Sara revolving tower (110m high). I went to the Maritime Museum which is based partly on an old boat and partly housed in an old dock building.
Kuala Lumpur 9th November
Went on the Monorail again this time north to the Burit Nanas station and then on to the Petronis Towers. I knew the observation level was closed (reopens in December), but I spent almost 2 hrs in the Petrosains - a science discovery centre. It was aimed aminly at children (& there were a lot of school parties around), but it was very interactive and everyone enjoyed taking part in the discovery of science - especially all the children - very well done and worth a visit. 
I then walked to the KL Tower (which is on top of a hill, so quite a walk in the heat) and went up to the ovservation deck (925 ft high) for some assounding views of the city. (see the Malaysia album for all the pictures). 
Finally onto Chinatown for a walk around the stalls before finding the Central market. Then back to the hotel using the Kelana Jaya Rail link to KL Sentral and then back to the Imbi station on the monorail. This evening is the Murder Mystery evening written, and produced by Megan. She is is only one who done it, the rest of us will just have to wait and see. Thanks Megan for all the hard work you have put into this.
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