And we are off, it’s boat trip day. First stop the harbour meeting point where we meet up with the other 15-20 people who are joining us for 4hrs of fun.

We boarded our speed boat, got handed our life jackets and had the usual safety drill….don’t take off your life jacket!

After 20mins we traversed across the bay along the coast of the main island and to the West part of the archipelago to the Pulau Beras Basah.

We were greeted by a floating dock and walkway of dubious construction. So glad no alcohol was consumed this morning, or we’d have been swimming the last section such was the rocking of the walkway off the boat.

Once we reached land, it was white sandy beaches under palm trees, a proper island paradise. Being Malaysia there were a few witty signs (see below) and a row of colourful beach huts for changing in.

We spent an enjoyable hour in this island paradise – the photos don’t do it justice, it is a truly wonderful spot with views across the other nearby islands.

Back on to the boat we went in search of eagles at Big Lions Island (Pulau Singa Besar). With food in the water from another boat, the birds started to appear in the water and the next thing we knew there were 15-20 large eagles diving majestically into the water to retrieve pieces of chicken that the boatsman chucked off the side of the boat. Truly captivating.

The island takes its name from these birds of prey, being a direct translation in Malay as brown eagle.

Our next stop was the sight of the ‘Pregnant Women’ hillside, so called due to the shape that has formed that mirrors a women lying down who is heavily pregnant.

We then disembarked at Pulau Dayang Bunting, kno n for its huge freshwater lake where we swam and watched others kayak and snorkel.

On our way to the freshwater lake we came across a local monkey tucking into their favourite Pringle crisps.

After descending some pretty steep steps we arrived on another floating jetty, this one a little more secure than the last. Without shade it was a hot place to be at midday so we quickly both jumped into the lake, which had been warmed by the sun and had hit a temp of 34c.

With time marching on, we climbed back up the hillside and back to our waiting boat for our final journey and the return to Langkawi port.

Before we left Michelle decided to place a flower in the waters of the Pregnant Woman Lake in memory of her mum who died some 23yrs ago today.

Sheila was a wonderful mother to Michelle and her sister Deborah, as well as an amazing mother-in-law to me and we talked and remembered fondly the time we had with her, although short, as a married couple.

Before we boarded the speed boat one last time, we came across a family of monkeys and it didn’t take long before the father tried his best to steal a bottle from an unsuspecting Japanese tourist!

By 2pm, we were back at the harbour and motored past the eagle statue that can be seen when you enter and leave the marina.

On returning to the hotel we spent a few hours back at the pool before getting a taxi ride back to the fisherman’s wharf for drinks and a seafood dinner

After dinner Michelle insisted on one last photo in her bikini which I couldn’t pass up. She looks stunning I’m sure you’ll agree. Reminds me of someone!!

Before leaving the wharf for the evening Andy purchased a Magnum ice cream in honour of our Borneo guide, Ben who couldn’t pass up his favourite ice cream whenever the opportunity arose. To you Ben, hope the break with your son is going well.