Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

THE EAST COAST 4

From Singapore, Auto Batam Ferries & Tours (65/6524-7105) operates a daily ferry at 8:30am from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal for S$168 (US$44) adults and S$93 (US$25) for children. The ferry takes 4 hours and travels directly to the Berjaya resort, which is also where you catch the ferry back to Singapore at 2:30pm each day. There are hiking trails between kampungs along the west coast, and another trail overland to the one beach on the east coast. Other than footing it, the most popular mode of transport is water taxi. Each village has a jetty; you can pay your fare either at tour offices located near the foot of the pier, or pay the captain directly. The taxis stop operating past nightfall, so make sure you get home before 6 or 7pm. A few sample fares: from Tekek to ABC is RM12 (US$3.15) per person, to Salang RM20 (US$5.25), to Juara RM60 (US$16). Also, these guys don't like to shuttle around only one person, so if there's only one of you, „ prepared to pay double.

You'll find money exchangers who accept traveler's checks in Tekek at the airport by the jetty, and at BerjayaTioman Resort. Other places will take traveler's checks, and some of the smaller accommodations now accept them as payment. The best idea for a better rate is to cash them at a bank on the mainland before you go.There are public phones at Tekek, ABC, and Salang, which you can use with Telekom phone cards bought on the island. Most guesthouses have nothing more than cellular phones that they will allow guests to use-at a price. These days you ,w find reliable Internet access in Tekek or from the couple of small shops in Ling. Rates run between RM5 and RM10 (US$1.30-US$2.65) per hour.

If you have not already acquired a good mosquito repellent, do so before heading to any of the islands on Malaysia's east coast. You'll need something with DEET (an active ingredient used in repellents that safely and effectively keeps bugs away from your skin). These mosquitoes are hungry. If you plan to stay in one of the smaller chalet places, you might want to invest in a mosquito net. Also, bring a flashlight to help you get around after sunset.
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