Breaking Beds in Jerantut

I did it rough in Malacca sticking to an all time budget low of about $20 a day. After saying goodbye to my buddy at the Shirah Guesthouse, I walked a fair way to catch the bus to Malacca's express bus station. My attempt to dine at a highly recommended restaurant for a late lunch (Capitol Satay in Malacca) was dashed by both its doors being bolted. I was told that this restaurant has the best satay in Malacca. In a drive to avoid missing my bus to Jerantut, I went for the easy option of a chicken foldover from maccas.

Malacca's Town Square

I nearly missed my bus to Jerantut. I boarded the wrong public bus and it was only through pure luck that the ticketing officer on the bus asked me where I was going. After saying éxpress bus station', she abruptly called out to the driver to stop and told me to get off and catch the 'green number 17 bus'. Lucky, because I was ready to leave Malacca for Taman Negara and I didn't want to get too behind in my itinerary.

The Roof of Shirah's Guesthouse

Malacca was well worth it but in hindsight, one night could of been enough.

I travelled on Transnasional's bus from Malacca to Jerantut, taking about 4.5 hours. I arrived into Jerantut just after 8.30pm. After checking into my RM15 a night single room with shared facilities ($5), I spent an hour or so talking to Hotel Sri Ema's tour guide. Given that I wanted to experience the real Taman Negara, I was sold on the 2 night, 3 day Trek through the jungle, with an element of culture attached. Total cost, RM370 or about $140.

Law and behold, when I returned to my room, I tried out the bed. The base of the bottom bunk (wood) snapped and I fell through the bed. The bed was a double decker bed, with a queen size base and single top. On first checking out the bed, I was very pleased to have a double but that was soon dashed. I then succombed to taking the top bunk but after getting off it the first time, the base also broke. So I was left with a broken bunk. No wonder it was so cheap! I was so tired, I took the matress off the bed and put it on the floor. It was an uncomfortable night.