When we were planning the trip, we had thought about a going out to Komodo Island in Indonesia, but it seemed difficult and expensive. So on Friday, when we did a hike out to Turtle beach in Penang National Park – we were delighted by sighting a Komodo dragon in in the wild. We were nearly back to the park entrance and Sara saw something in the water off the beach to our left. In her usual delicate style, I think she said “what the f*** is that?!”. We stared at the moving object next to a egret (?? correct me if I’m wrong) and thought snake? crocodile? Then it wandered out of the water with tongue protruding and all (did you know they can taste things 2 miles away!). It was a super cool thing to see. I have a sorta blurry video, and some grainy pics – the one time I didn’t bring the camera with a real zoom!
Anyhow, even though that was the highlight, back to hiking through the national park. Most people either hike to Monkey beach, or Turtle beach. In town we were told “Go to monkey beach, there’s nothing at turtle beach!”. So that sealed it for us – we were going to Turtle Beach! It was exactly as described – beautiful, and mostly void of people or vendors. We got the the park fairly early (9am-ish), so the hike in was at a semi-pleasant temperature. However, the hike back out at 11am was HOT. But…we dealt! Sara didn’t deem the pictures Instagram worthy, so here’s a few snaps.
In the evening we hit up the local Friday night market for some cheap street eats – the highlight of which was fried mushrooms – yum!
Saturday we ventured back into old town for some more coconut tarts (so good!) wandered up the coast for a bit and then caught a bus back to Batu Ferringhi beach – to stare at the water some more. Just a relaxing day (though we may have overheated a bit).
What savvy travelers you are! Just be alert to overdoing. Love the dragon photo and the lush steps in the jungle!