Today was an easy day. We went across to Singapore once again, although the almost 2 hours to cross the border and actually travel to the city is becoming a bit of a drag. The compensation is the fact that the hotel cost of $60 per night in Johor Bahru eases the pain a bit. We spent about 4 hours around Orchard Road and in a couple of shopping centres and had lunch at an Irish bar. I have to say the food was excellent and, for Singapore, reasonably priced. I really am surprised by the prices here, in a lot of cases astronomical. Gina and I had foot reflexology today and that certainly helped tired muscles and feet after walking so far in this concrete jungle. There is just so much to see and do ... read more

This is the start of our grand vacation to Singapore and Malaysia. On Sunday we left from the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) for our Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur. Whilst the excitement was there, the reality of the situation proved slightly disappointing. Our aircraft was a new A330 and we expected it to be a great flight on a relatively new plane, however the seating had much to be desired. Even Gina, at 5'0"found the pitch of the seats to be too close but the main problem was the seats DO NOT RECLINE. The seat slides forward, with some effort but provides no comfort at all. On arrival in KL, we spent about 4 hours wandering around the LCCT until our flight to Johor Bahru. JB is on the Malaysian side of the border with Singapore. ... read more

84 days to go. We have visited Malaysia twice in the last 18 months. Our first visit was in October 2007 and again in May/June 2008. On both occasions we went to Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. Langkawi is a most beautiful island and although I have never been to Bali or Phuket, would imagine this is what those two places looked like 20 or 30 years ago. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of the Petronas Twin Towers when you approach KL city centre. ... read more