Landing in Kuala Lumpur (KL) is like being on a different continent which, I guess, makes a lot of sense. The city is fantastic: superb public transport (monorails, light rail, buses), lovely tropical-tree-lined streets, and yummy Malay, 'Chinese' and Indian food. All over the city, roadside stands sell cheap and delicious noodle, rice and curry dishes. There are Starbucks cafes and shopping malls and electronics galore and quaint historical boroughs - "Little India" and "Chinatown" with some colonial architecture mixed in. It is a pleasant city but not the most exciting place and it lacks touristy things to do. And the beer is just way too expensive. Bummer.
The Petronas Towers, however, are absolutely superb. Built by the Malaysian national oil company, these twin towers, bridged by a pedestrian skyway, are beautiful during the day and especially picturesque at night when they are flooded in different shades of light from various directions. A gaggle of other tourists and me - we couldn't stop taking photos.
The Petronas Towers
Having been lucky enough to meet a great group of travelers in Egypt, I had the chance to catch up with Hank and Carol in Penang. Originally from Edmonton, Carol and Hank spend winters on the Island of Penang, on Malaysia's west coast. My stay with them was phenomenal and their hospitality was so generous and warm. I slept so well for the first time in months, swam countless laps in their pool and got to enjoy two nights of the local jazz festival. Meeting their friends, Sonny and Sally, a local Malaysian couple was another highlight. Superb.
Sonny, Sally, Carol and Hank.
On my way to Penang I stopped off in the highlands region where tea plantations stretch to the horizon. It reminded me of the hill stations in Sri Lanka: lush green growth, rolling hills, mist, dew and some jungle to boot. This is a very popular area in the hot season when the coast become unbearably hot.
Tea plantation in the Malaysian highlands.
