Day 32: Muezzin's Call

 “If you want to experience a new culture, you’d better leave your experiences and expectations at the immigration counter.”  
— Unknown Traveler  

***

It’s 6:47 a.m. when a melodic voice stirs me from my sleep. For a moment, I forget where I am, but the familiar tune pulls me back. I am in an Islamic country, and the Muezzin's call will be my morning alarm for the foreseeable future. I step out onto the terrace, feeling the cool 25°C morning air brush against my skin. With the driver scheduled to pick us up at 9 a.m., I have time for a leisurely beach walk before the day begins.  

Quiet in the morning: Beach in front of our hotel

Today’s adventure takes us to the Sky Bridge, a suspension bridge high above the rainforest, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. It’s the perfect day for it—temperatures between 26°C and 28°C, with hardly any sun. Not too hot, just right.  

At the ticket counter, we take advantage of my wife’s local nationality. She gets tickets for less than half the price, a privilege extended to Malaysian citizens. I catch a murmur of discontent in the crowd of readers—someone mutters “racism.” It’s an interesting thought, but I see it differently. Isn’t it a form of solidarity? Tourists from wealthier nations—Europe, the Americas, Arabia, and India—help subsidize the cost for locals who might otherwise miss out. Not all things labeled “racism” are inherently bad; context matters.  

Then there’s the concept of “fast-lane tickets.” Loyal readers might recall our Cape Town story, where we should have bought them. Here too, these express tickets come at a premium—50% more for foreigners, 160% more for locals. Thankfully, it’s early morning here, and the queues are short. Besides, this is Malaysia, where even waiting areas are thoughtfully shaded from the sun, ensuring comfort for all. 

Doppelmayr cabins gliding through the air

The journey to the Sky Bridge is split into two parts. The first is a ride in a top-notch Austrian ski lift cable car (Doppelmayr). The second involves walking down 300 steps to reach the bridge. Descending isn’t so bad, but the return climb? Well, let’s just say it’s a workout. The view, however, is worth every step. Cool mountain air and a stunning vista make it unforgettable.  

Once we’re back with our driver, we head to the northern part of the island, home to pristine beaches untouched by hotels. It’s serene and quiet—just us plus a few and the gentle waves. We linger there for a while before heading back to the hotel for a laid-back afternoon by the pool.  

Monday morning: still serene

Whale watching

Into the Wild: stories of elephants and tigers

Location: Pantai Cenang, 07000, Kedah, Malaysia

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