Malacca (Melaka) - Malaysia

Today we arrived by tender, though in local boats, into to Malacca. 

The European influence goes back to the Portuguese in 1545, which is the date of the founding of St Paul's (now a restored ruin).

There are also various small forts, and Jonkers street, which have also mostly the later Dutch influence. There are very pleasant little Cafes by the riverside.

We had a coffee at one of the shops, and also visited the Hard Rock Café. As well as the Veggie Burger, the also did a very good Nasi Goreng!

Some nice cotton shirts were also bought! Next stop is Penang   

Singapore

We had a good overnight stay in Singapore. The day after our arrival and the Night Zoo visit we did an open top bus tour around the city. We then got off at the Singapore Cricket Club and using the National Liberal Club reciprocal membership had a very civilized lunch in the Padang Restaurant overlooking the cricket field. This had to be written up for the NLC magazine.

We then went to the Raffles Long Bar, and had a Singapore Gin Sling, just as expensive as I remember them – at $35 Singapore (£17) each! Then a little shopping, including of course M&S. Then back to the Intercontinental for the free high tea in the Clubroom and a taxi back to the ship.

Back on board we had a small meal in the self-service Palms restaurant, and launched into lifeboat drill. This time we did not have to troop out to the lifeboats!

We have a visit to three ports in a row - a new one each day!

Singapore and the Night Zoo

Today we arrived to Singapore in the pouring rain. The pictures show the rain around the terminal and the Balmoral observation deck. We took a taxi to the Intercontintal in Bugis. It was also Lee Kwan Yew's funeral, sadly.

We have a nice room here with access to the club room (free drinks!). We took a taxi to the night zoo and had a burger, then took the train to see the lions, deer, rhino, elephants, before returning back to the hotel to chill ....

G4GBA/C6A/MM – Ham Radio on the Balmoral

In the South China Sea 50 miles off the East Coast of Malaysia, so being in International waters a touch of amateur radio is possible.

Fred Olsen has ships registered in the Bahamas. It costs $25 to get a license from the Bahamas by email if you have a UK license, providing the correct forms from the URCA website. Fred Olsen Head Office in Ipswich agreed to operation on the Balmoral, and after informing the Chief Officer all was in order.

The set up is a 100W K3 with ATU, and a Buddipole. There was a contest on today, so got as far as BD (China), though I guess I must be a rare call sign!

I've met two other licensed people on board already; one was in the next-door cabin and noticed the aerial! Well worth doing for those days at sea ….. 

Koh Samui - Thailand

A quick visit today to the resort Island of Koh Samui on the east coast of Thailand. This is a tender port, and we took one of the early tenders into the small town. We were a little late because of leaving Bangkok late as the pilot was in a traffic jam, and there were some contrary tides.

 

We took a small walk and bought place mats and napkin set and the obligatory fridge magnet. Then a visit to the local Tesco to buy some Tiger Balm, and then Watson's to buy some hand cleaner. We then had lunch of a pizza, chicken rice, Singha beer, coffee and an ice cream, which cost just under £9 for both of us.

There was of course an Irish Pub!

 

We then returned by tender to the boat. They used a local tour boat for one of the last trips. Next stop is Singapore, but we have a day at sea on the way.

H does Bangkok Royal Palace – C does Tesco – Thailand

We went different ways today as my back was playing up. One did the tour to Bangkok of the Royal Palace and Emerald Buddha. She was taken aback by the number of Chinese tourists who seemed to be a little unreserved in their politeness!

 

Meanwhile, I went on the shuttle bus to The Harbour Mall, to visit Tesco and Boots!

 

Next stop is Koh Samui tomorrow morning.

Laem Chabang and Bangkok – Thailand

Today we arrived after lunch in Laem Chabang port, and took the bus to Bangkok, about 2 1/2 hours drive. We had dinner on a boat on the river ...

It did pour with rain on and off, but we had a nice meal and cruised past the sights and sounds of Bangkok