An Unexpected Adventure

I was not meant to be there for long. I was not meant to be there at all. However, when I next get the chance, I will go straight back.

After 3 nights in the middle Kuala Lumpur I was ready for a change. Having spent the previous month working on a peaceful kiwifruit orchard, 72 hours of constant noise and movement had been a bit overwhelming .

Penang Teluk Bahang National Park is located on a small Island, off the coast of Malaysia, around 5 hours north of Kuala Lumpur. I did not know that the place existed when I left New Zealand, but when it was suggested, I could think of nothing better.

It’s only a short bus and a small fee to get there. Once there it’s free to enter. After managing to decipher the map, we decided to head for Monkey Beach.

Lead by rugged arrows painted on rocks, we crossed bridges, traversed crab-covered coves and navigated through thick jungle. There was hardly anyone else on the track, making the experience even more magical, if not slightly scary.

The most exhilarating thing was the noise. Every time we entered an isolated part of the forest, it came to life. A chorus of noises smothered my ears. Chirps, buzzes, ticks and clicks. It was as if the bugs were welcoming us, although it was probably more of a warning.

Then came the monkeys. They were not shy at all. Straddling the path, laughing and playing. Above me they howled and moved from tree to tree, next to me they stood and watched.

Finally, getting used to the monkeys, the climb continued. Up and up we went, passing derelict signs which were nearly unreadable . Once we reached the top, the forest cleared, there stood an old white lighthouse. There were no sounds, and no other people.

Walking around the lighthouse revealed a door. Red and ajar. Squeezing inside, the paint chipped walls opened to an even smaller staircase. Up and Up again.

I have never seen so much green. So much luscious green. The island was covered in it. Then all of a sudden it gave way to the sea, which almost blended into the sky.

I had never heard of that place before that day, and now everyone I know will never hear enough of it.