Blogs from Malaysia, Asia - page 760

Reluctantly we finally left the Lucas' and changed our base into Bukit Bintang, which is right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur near shopping, bars and restaurants. We're staying at the Number 8 guesthouse, which is quite nice and has a good atmosphere. Since we arrived here we have been to the Menara Skytower and did the audio guide tour and we saw a lot of things we could do and visit. This was fun and there were some free really high powered binoculars which allowed you to see lots of the city really close up! We have shopped in the B.B. Plaza which is a big six story mall. Visited the KL Bird Sanctuary, which is the largest free flight aviary in the world. Visited the Lake Gardens, where we spent most of the day ... read more

Mt Kinabalu Mt Kinabalu, at 4200m, is the highest mountain in South East Asia, hugely spectacular, and a bloody hard climb. 5 July 2006 I was picked up at the ungodly hour of 0630 (I get up late in cities) in Kota Kinabalu for the two hour ride up to 1800m where we would begin the climb. Climbing with me was Vong, a Scot of Chinese descent, and a Malaysian-Singaporean couple who weren’t destined to make it to the top. We stopped to get registered at the ranger HQ and hotel where I devoured a cheese cake and most of the biggest mountain of fake cream I have seen in my life. I felt a bit nauseous but was glad of the sugar ahead of the supposedly three hour climb to our mountain lodgings at 3200m. ... read more

If you're wondering why I haven't been writing much lately, it's because I've succombed (sp?) to the island life. Man - is it ever easy to get sucked in! Anything other than laying in the sand and floating in the aqua green waves is just not worth doing (except maybe eating!). I'm even behind in my journal because I couldn't be bothered to pick it up. But today I've had a few hours to kill waiting for a bus - so I'm getting caught up at last! The Perhentians have been my fav place so far, I think. We met a really solid crew of peeps here and have had a great time chillin' on the beach. We've met some super cool Americans, a Swede, and an awesome Canadian couple who've been teaching and living over ... read more

Imagine if you will, a place located high on a jungle mountain top that is part Las Vegas, part American shopping mall, and part low budget theme part. That would describe Genting Highlands resort in the highlands just north of Kuala Lumpur. It’s the popular vacation destination for lots of Malaysians with something for everybody gambling, shopping and rides for the kids. Exciting right? Well, sort of. I didn’t go of my own accord, Jo signed the kids and me up for a trip along with her brother Chai, who is visiting from Ausie with his daughter, Kim. She wanted a few days alone with her mom. The package was only RM59 (something like $US 16) for the bus trip and the hotel room for one night. It seems it’s a popular junket for the gamblers. ... read more

From Singapore, I negotiated my first bus trip to Melaka, which my Lonely Planet described as "sultry", i.e. incredibly sweaty! It's a really well preserved town which has seen a lot of "invasions" over the years, but maybe a little too touristy. I went to the People's museum, which was quite good and I pottered about Chinatown, where I sampled Chicken Rice Balls, which I think is local to the area. Stayed in the Kancil Guest House, which is a converted Chinese townhouse run by a guy called Daod and his pal Charlie - both of whom really like a good, long chat! Daod has travelled all over the place and taught me lots about Hinudism. Anyway...aside from some of my laundry disappearing from the line, I really liked it - v chilled out and lots ... read more