Saturday, June 28, 2014

Looking after yourself healthwise in Malaysia - Expat Diaries

The climate in the tropics of Malaysia is an entirely different challenge to the one in England. England rarely gets hot and is mostly a cold country. Looking after one's general health presents various problems in each climate.

I lived in England from birth for around 20 years and suffered with asthma and eczema amongst others. The cold and dry winters cracked my lips and was terrible for my lungs and breathing. 

I didn't drink much water in England - soft drinks, hot chocolate and fruit juice was the norm, even though drinking water came straight out the tap!

Influenza and tonsillitis were common illnesses which required nothing more than a routine trip to the doctor and a prescription.

Living as an expat in Malaysia is a completely different kettle of fish! For starters, my asthma and eczema problems completely and rather magically disappeared the moment I set foot in South-east Asia. It was remarkable how these ailments I had had since birth just vanished as soon as I got to the equator.

But other health issues soon arose. The heat in Malaysia is intense, and coupled with 90% humidity, it can be pretty unbearable at times. Such a climate makes dehydration a common illness.

I learned through a hospital bed that if I don't drink enough water and electrolytes, bad things will happen to me. Drinking water has now become a conscious part of my life. It's always on my mind. I also keep regularly filled with 100plus, Revive and Gatorade. At least once a month I will take a rehydration salts sachet which can be picked up from the local pharmacy.

If the worst comes to the worst and the stomach discomfort, dry tongue and nausea associated with dehydration set in, get to the nearest hospital, preferably private, and get yourself hooked-up to a saline drip - that stuff is magic and will get you feeling great in no time!

You'll also have to be careful what food you eat. While expats love to try out all sorts of local food, some of it may not be very healthy or clean, and some food stalls may operate in tardy conditions. Stomach bugs are all the more easy to catch if you don't quickly learn what your stomach can and cannot tolerate, and which places are clean and safe to dine at.

Finally, I know that most Western expats crave the sun, the beach, and getting a tan, but when temperatures are approaching 40 celsius, it's better to stay in the shade than risk getting severe sunstroke!


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa, Cherating, Malaysia



Pulled up the Maps & Navigation app on my phone as we passed the industrial estate of Gebeng on our journey from Kuantan to our destination: Holiday Villa Cherating.

The app showed we were just 20 minutes away, making it roughly a 40-minute drive from Kuantan town. Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating lies just before The Legend Resort on the right hand side of the road, as travelling from Kuantan.



The entrance to Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating




Entering the lobby at Holiday Villa Cherating


The warm and inviting lobby


View of the lobby taken from an adjacent waiting room

We were really impressed with the warm and inviting lobby and waiting area with smooth wooden furniture and neatly decorated walls, with a range of books, magazines and newspapers to browse through.


Our chalet

We were soon escorted to our chalet. A very comfortable sofa in the living area awaited us as we relaxed for a while upon arrival. The bed was fantastic! We had one of the most comfortable nights sleep we have had when compared to any hotel in Kuantan. The one piece of advice I would give is to take some mosquito repellent as there were one or two mosquitos flying around while we were sleeping.


My wife sitting on our chalet porch


The living area of our chalet


Bathroom featuring toilet and shower


Mirror and sink with a nice big rubbish bin!


The bed, with Leah busy chatting on the phone!




After a little rest, my wife indulged herself at the spa with a facial. Eastern Pavilion is attached to the main resort where spa treatment is available and separate chalets are located with private pools!





Beautiful scenery at Eastern Pavilion

We also took some time to look around the resort to discover what was there and appreciate more of this stunning scenery


Took this lovely family photo amidst the nature at Holiday Villa Cherating


Swimming pool




And of course, the main attraction is the location: right on the beach front!











Putting my feet up at the beach


Chillin' out at Cherating



Plenty of activities to do at Cherating!




Here is the Beach Restaurant where we had our dinner and breakfast the next day. The food was good. Very thankful to Mr. Leslie, the Hotel Manager, for the free dinner! A plus point is 24-hour room service delivered from this restaurant.












The hotel arranged for us to go and see some turtles laying eggs at a nearby beach. We drove about 15 minutes into Terengganu along the highway where we met a 'Pak Su' at an Esso station. We followed him to the beach around the corner where we met a large group of other people. This was at 9pm so it was dark, the moon and stars shining brightly in the night sky. We had a trek along the shore before we arrived at the nesting site.



Initially our guides divided us into groups of 10 to go and see the egg laying, but it soon became a free-for-all with no order. It was quite disappointing really as those at the front were not moving away. Eventually my wife and I had to ask people to let others come and see too. Far too many people!





Finally, I have to say thank you to Rina (pictured below) who assisted us with our reservation and everything else we needed (including towels in our room!) during our stay.


We really enjoyed our stay at Holiday Villa Cherating. Very satisfied with the beautiful surroundings, the beach, and the comfortable bed!


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