Singapore

Sunday, March 13, 2011 we docked at the Jurong Container Terminal at about 7:00am.  This pier is a one hour drive away from downtown Singapore.   Singapore is just one degree north of the Equator.  It was nothing more than a sleepy fishing village in the 14^th Century when it got its name from a visiting prince saw who saw an animal he believed to be a lion and he renamed the island Singa Pura (the Lion City).  Today it has a population of 4.8 million and is an independent republic.  The city is made up of glass and steel high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red tile roofs, Victorian-style government buildings, Buddhist temples and Arabian bazaars.  This makes Singapore the commercial center of Southeast Asia and one of the busiest ports in the world.

 

For Singapore we decided to take a river cruise and Chinatown walking tour.  He headed into Singapore by bus and did a brief city tour going by the famous Raffles Hotel and several colonial government buildings.  We started with a leisurely river cruise among the skyscrapers and restored shop-houses lining the Singapore River.  We got a great view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel which has what looks like a large boat on its top.  After disembarking our river boat, it was off for our walk to and through Chinatown.  We visited Sri Mariamman Temple, the Fu Tak Chi Temple and the Chinatown Heritage Center. 

The tour today was good, but the humidity is beginning to take its toll on us.  We have really had to watch our intake of liquids. 

Next stop tomorrow is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ko Samui, Thailand

On March 11, 2011 we arrived in Ko Samui, Thailand at 10:00am.  It’s an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand.  This island exports coconut and rubber and thrives on a successful tourist industry.  Ko Samui is surrounded by about 60 other islands most of which comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park, but also includes other tourist destinations.  It has its own international airport.  Most tourists arrive by ferry from Bangkok and Haadyai.  The major resort beaches are Lamai and Chaweng which are lined by bungalows and hotels.

The Pacific Princess anchored about 2 miles off the island.  We tendered in to the city by local boats which held about 50 people each.  The ride into Ko Samui took about 20 minutes.  Here’s a photo of the porthole we exited as we boarded the boats for shore.

When we arrived along the pier there were many small fishing boats unloading their catches.  The people live on these boats doing their cooking, bathing, and everything else.  Many of the boats had some of the fish drying in the sun. 

The only real town on Ko Samui is Na Thon.  We walked this town looking through the shows and stores.  Cindy picked up some Thai silk pillow cases.  We even got to see a local fast food drive thru.  Not too much touring today. 

Back onboard we waited for some of the organized tours to return and for the returning boats to be off loaded.  The swells were so large that it took longer than expected to get everyone back onboard.  The ship departed Ko Samui about 1 ½ hours late.

One sea day then we arrive in Singapore on March 13, 2011.  This ends the 2^nd segment of the World Cruise. 

Laem Chabang, Thailand

On Thursday, March 10, 2011, the Pacific Princess arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand which is the port of entry for Bangkok.  By 8:00am the ship was along pier side and ready for passengers to go ashore.  The weather was hazy with some intermittent showers during the day and the temperature reached 86 degrees. 

Most passengers who took tours elected to venture some 2 ½ hours into Bangkok for the day.  But 40 passengers, including the two of us decided to go to the Pattaya Elephant Village Thailand for the Elephant Kraal.  Elephants played a critical role in Thai history and they play a significant role in modern Thailand.  This unique tour offered the opportunity to see a wild elephant roundup and witness activities and how their mahouts train these mighty beasts for work. 

Once at the elephant village we were given a short presentation about the activities we would see and then set out to meet a mother elephant and a 4 month old baby elephant.  We had the opportunity to feed the mother bunches of bananas, but not feed the baby.  The very rambunctious baby elephant wanted the bananas and would even throw dirt on you with his truck if you didn’t give him any bananas.  But the trainers told us to ignore his naughty ways since he was too you to eat bananas.  From there we went to a small covered stadium and watched the elephants perform different tasks.  After about 30 minutes, they asked if anyone to ride to bathe the elephants.  Cindy volunteered to do the job and was escorted up a stairway to a tree house where she boarded one of the elephants.  The elephant didn’t have the typical wooden chair for riding; rather Cindy was riding bareback accompanied by one of the mahouts.  Off they went to a nearby lake for their bath.  But to Cindy’s surprise the elephant decided that she would dive below the water to cool off.  Down the both of them went into the lake.  The mahout tried to hold on to Cindy, but she continued to slide further the water until was completely wet up to her shoulders.  All of our fellow passenger cheered and cheered as she went further down into the water, shouting “Do It Again, Do It Again”. 

There were plenty of beautiful orchids in the Elephant Village.  This is very typical of Thailand.

 

The ship departed on schedule at 7:00pm for our next port of call, Kosamui, Thailand.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

JOHM RIAB SUA—Meaning Hello from Cambodia.  Today is March 9, 2011 and our port of call is Sihanoukville the natural waterway of the Mekong Delta, leading to the interior of Cambodia.  This city was built in 1964 during the Vietnam War to give the country an alternative gateway in and out of the country by sea.  It is a pretty but small town where Buddhist temples are the main attractions.  More than that, Sihanoukville is the drop off point for passengers who will be doing the multiple day overland tour to Angkor Wat. 

After the ship was cleared by the local authorities, we caught one of the shuttle buses to the downtown area about 3 miles from the pier.  We decided to do the touring today on our own utilizing one of the local Tuk Tuks.  These are motorbikes which are hitched up to a two-wheeled passenger carrier.  After fighting our way off of the shuttle and though what looked like over a hundred Tuk Tuk drives, we made our way out to one of the streets.  There we were able to begin negotiating for a 2-hour tour to the temples and the city.  The prices were all over the board, but we finally came to a deal and headed out of the city center.  Actually, travelling by Tuk Tuk is much better than any tour bus.  It’s cooler and affords you the opportunity to take photos without trying to shoot them through a bus window.   

Off we went on our tour stopping first at Wat Krom known as the Lower Temple.   This Buddhist temple cares for many orphans, handicapped, and elderly people and is manned and managed my Monks.  Many of the orphans were selling their handmade crafts on the temple grounds.  From there we ventured higher up Mount Sihanouk to Wat Leu known as the Upper Temple which overlooks the port and town offering sweeping views of the coastline and the Gulf of Thailand.  We wondered the temple grounds and were lucky enough to meet some very nice people.  They were preparing chicken and an older women had started the kitchen fires for the lunch time meal.  We asked about the restroom facilities and were escorted to the typical hole in the floor known as a squatter or two footer.  We were reminded to take a bucket of water and use that water afterward.  When they advise you on the ship to travel with toilet paper they REALLY mean it.  

Back on the Tuk Tuk we toured all around the city passing the Independence Monument, the Vietnam Cambodia Monument, the Angkor Brewery, the Golden Lions Monument, resorts and beaches.   Then it was time for some fun walking the indoor Psar Lu Market.  There you can buy just about anything from fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, dry goods, jewelry, etc., etc., etc.  Out on the streets you can find gasoline in soda bottle or have your shoes repaired or shined. 

Our day ended back at the pier and we reboarded the ship and prepared for our departure at 4:00pm.  Next stop in the morning is Laem Chabang, Thailand (Bangkok).            

So it’s LIA SUHN HAO-Y-Meaning Goodbye from Cambodia.

Lombok, Indonesia

It’s been a few days since we last posted to the blog.  Since then there has been several things which have occurred.  On the evening of Wednesday, March 2^nd at around 7:30pm the Australian Coast Guard did an emergency helicopter medical evacuation from our ship.  The ship’s crew prepared the ship in advance of the helicopter’s arrival.  The evacuation went well and from what we are hearing, the evacuated passenger is stable.

Yesterday, March 5, 2011, at around 8:00am the Pacific Princess arrived in Lembar Harbor off the coast of Lombok Island, Indonesia. It is a short 20 miles away from Bali across the Lombok Strait.  Lombok resembles how Bali would have looked some 40 years ago.  Lombok is like taking a walk back in time.  The island is beautiful with lush palm trees, white beaches, rice fields, mountain ranges and volcanoes.  Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest peak is one of those volcanoes that towers 12,000 feet over the island.    Over 90 percent of the population of the island is Muslim. 

We decided to take one of the ship’s tours which was called Senggigi On Your Own.  We boarded our motor coach for the approximate 1-hour drive north from Lembar, passing through Mataram to Senggigi Beach.  This is a premier destination that boasts over six miles of superb white-sand beach.  The drive north was very interesting and surprising to say the least.  We saw the primary taxi on the island.  This taxi is a modified Lambretta which is pulled by a horse.  These would have as many as 8 people loaded into them.  But one of the most interesting aspects of our trip to the beach was the rice production that was taking place in the fields.  People were cutting the rice stalks and then beating them to remove the rice.  Once the rice was removed, it was placed on the roadways to begin the drying process.  As it dried, the rice was placed in large bags and then transported by motorbike or truck to collection facilities. 

This drive ended at Senggigi Beach.  We walked along the beach for a pretty good distance, and then decided to venture in to the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort for a look.  This is a wonderful hotel with a magnificent view of the beach.  They have a very nice outdoor restaurant overlooking the pool.  The food smelled great so we decided to give it a try.  Our choice from the menu was a spicy shrimp dish with rice and vegetables.  It was great and so was the service.  From there we ventured through the local shops and did our best to avoid the street vendors.  By 2:45pm we were back on our tour bus and headed back toward the pier.  En route we made a side trip through the capitol city of Mataram then on to a small village to observe local pottery being made. 

All-in-all it was a good day, full on interesting sights and new food dishes.  Of course it was hot and humid, but this is always expected near the Equator.  By 5:00pm, the Captain had our ship underway out of the harbor heading for our next stop Sihanoukville, Cambodia.  We will be at sea for 3 days before arriving in Cambodia.

Bunbury, Fremantle, and Perth

On Monday, February 28, 2011 at approximately 2:00pm our ship arrived at the small town of Bunbury, Australia.  Bunbury is at the heart the picturesque south west corner of Australia.  It is bordered by Koombana Bay, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean and Leschenault Inlet with 62,000 residents and is the third largest city in Western Australia.  Bunbury is noted for some of the best surfing beaches in the country with beautiful white sands.  To maximize our short visit to this town, we decided to take one of the ship’s tours.  This tour included a walk through the 25,000 year old white mangroves; a climb up the Marlston Hill Lookout for a panoramic view of the City; Back Beach; a drive through the countryside and a visit to Big Swamp Wildlife Park.  This was a 4 hour world wind tour with lots to see.  We made it back to the ship at around 6:45pm, hot, tired, and hungry.  Our ship departed Bunbury at 8:00pm for the short trip (168 kilometers) north up the coastline to Fremantle, our next stop.

The ship arrived in Fremantle, Australia at 7:00am on March 1, 2011.  The weather forecast for the day was clear skies and temperatures nearing 90 degrees.  We got out early with friends and walked into Fremantle or “Freo” as it is known to locals.    It’s a small but very beautiful city.  Fremantle was the western gateway to Australia’s millions of migrants that arrived by ship to settle this area.  Many of Fremantle’s old buildings have been restored and are one of the best examples of Victorian port streetscape in the world.  First things first—Curt made his way to an original 1930’s barber shop for a haircut.  Then we continued our walk of the city arriving at the Fremantle Prison which was built in 1855 and remained operational until 1991.  From there we head on to the port again to board a Captain Cook Cruise up the scenic Swan River to the city of Perth.  The scenery is specular along the way and the view of Perth is great.  We arrived at the base of the Bell Tower, home of the Swan Bells.  This is one of the world’s largest musical instruments; an 82.5m tower houses the 12 bells of St. Martins from Trafalgar Square.  The transportation system in both Fremantle and Perth is outstanding.  We quickly found the CAT bus line and climbed onboard the Blue Line bus for the short trip to London Court between St. Georges Terrace and the Hay Street Mall.  This Tudor-style arcade was built in 1937.  It has all the feel of Elizabethan England with carved facades and clock towers.  We looked through the shops and had a little snack in one of the sidewalk cafes.  After our shopping we climbed back on the CAT bus and headed to the Perth Railway Station.  To our surprise the rail fare from Perth to Fremantle was only $1.50.  It’s a quick 30 minute trip back to downtown Fremantle and a short 10 block walk to the ship.  When we arrived at the Fremantle pier, the city was hosting what they called “Purple Haze”.  They provided all passengers of the Pacific Princess and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth large purple flags to wave as each sailed away.  Hundreds of locals came out to see our sail away.  FYI….the Queen Elizabeth has followed us since Sydney.  They too are doing a world cruise.

There will be three sea days until our arrival in Lombok, Indonesia.