A Little About Dried Fish (Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia - Sept. 10-13)

”more fish to dry, coming up!”

We’ve arrived at the beating heart, the epicentre of it all - the Malaysian dried fish trade. It’s here on Pulau Pangkor, an island off the west coast of Malaysia in the Indian Ocean. It may be paradise, but amonst all of this, dried fish are everywhere.


”Welcome to Dried Fish Mart, how can I help you?”


"Welcome to Dried Fish World, anything you're looking for?"


"Welcome to Dried Fish Superstore, you like some dried fish?"

They seem to be in every shop not selling souvenir t-shirts, even the internet cafes.


”an hour of internet or a kilogram of dried fish?”


And even for breakfast. After steadfastly trying to avoid them, finally Elisabeth is caught in the net herself. There was only one place to eat breakfast this morning that was open, and that one place offered only one breakfast choice - Nasi Lemak, otherwise known as a plate of coconut rice, with a fried egg on top, a pile of peanuts and yes, a pile of those little dried fish things drenched in a spicy chili sauce. The perfect wake-me-up.


prepare to meet thy destiny



I had tried it myself the day previous, there was more choices that day. I kind of enjoyed it in a funny way - not that I was planning on it becoming part of my morning (non)routine.

In the end, Elisabeth only ate the coconut rice, surprise, surprise. And then it was off to the beach. Perhaps later tonight some happiness and karaoke?




”Did somebody say dried fish?!”