Today we took the Jungle Trek to the other side of the island. We saw two kinds of monkeys, crazy huge ants, birds with very complex calls, monitor lizards, and lots of fish and coral while swimming. We trekked and swam, trekked more and swam again. It felt good to get some hiking in, and of course the swimming is amazing when there’s coral and so many fish, and so refreshing after working up a sweat.

On the way back we saw a new kind of monkey hanging out near a government building. We stopped to look at them and say hi, but when we did they hissed and one charged me, showing his fangs. I have to say, it was darn scary! I will give these monkeys their space next time. Yow.

Nice monkey!

Mean monkey!

Tonight we’re eating dinner (right now!) at the posh Perhentian Resort, a good walk along an up-and-down wooden walkway around the point. We heard there’s free wireless, and it’s true. So, after many days without a post, tonight is the night.

Tomorrow we will take the speed boat back to the coast at Kuala Besut. From there we will head west for three or four days maybe, up and over the middle part of the peninsula through the jungle and mountains to Pulau Pinang, another island. We will get to see how different the West coast is from the East, and visit a region many have told us we must not miss. The food is supposed to be terrific, and it is not the monsoon season there. I guess we should prepare for more heat from there on.