Four weeks in the Far East,
February 1980 

Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Singapore and Malaysia.

Bangkok, Thailand 31st Jan. We flew on Saudia to Bahrain, then on 1st Feb flew on Cathay Pacific to Bangkok and stayed 4 nights at the Rajah Hotel in Soi Nana, Sukhumvit Road. Went on the temple tour, to Wat Phra Keo, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Trimitr with its solid gold buddha, Wat Sracket, Wat Benchamabophit and across the river to Wat Arun. We visited the floating market and the crocodile farm, had a look at the Central Department Store and had tea at the Oriental Hotel. Had delicious ‘Chai House beef’ at Chai House restaurant in Soi Nana.

Manila, Philippines On 5th Feb we flew Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Manila and stayed 4 nights at the Silahis hotel. Visited Fort Santiago and Quiapo market, and went out into the countryside on a trip to a Filipino village, Tagaytay volcano and Pagsanjan river and falls.

Hong Kong On 9th Feb we flew Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and stayed 5 nights. We admired the bright lights, the night markets, the harbours, the street life and restaurants. Visited Causeway Bay, Aberdeen, Central district, went to the top of the Peak and got the Star ferry across the harbour. Visited Kowloon, Tiger Balm Gardens. We went on a tour of the New Territories, to Repulse Bay, Kam Tin walled village and a duck farm.

Macau On the 14th we crossed the Zhujiang estuary on a boat to Macau, stayed at the Mondial hotel, visited some temples, a cathedral and Lou Lim Iok gardens.
China We went by coach on a day trip from Macau across the border into China, where bicycles were everywhere and tourists were still a curiosity in 1980. Visited Dr Sun Yat Sen's birthplace house in Cuiheng village (now part of Nantang township in Zhongshan city) and what they called Shaky City (Shekki or Shiqi, the old name for the core city district of Zhongshan) and Shiqi river.

Singapore 16th Feb.  Flew Cathay Pacific back to Bangkok and stayed 2 nights at the Rajah Hotel before getting the sleeper train for 2 nights via Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Stayed for 3 nights in the historic old wing at Raffles Hotel for 130 Singapore $ per night (in the days before it was refurbished and became ultra-luxurious). Explored the river, the markets and some temples and went on the cable car.

Malaysia Then on 23rd Feb we hired a car and drove back through Malaysia. Visited the old town and harbour at Malacca, then continued to Kuala Lumpur and stayed 2 nights (at the Grand Hotel?). Visited the city centre and Batu caves. On 25th Feb we drove to the Cameron Highlands for a cream tea at the Old Smokehouse, then continued to Penang and relaxed on the beach, staying 2 nights at Sri Pantai motel. Visited George town, some temples and the beach.