Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We flew back from Borneo with the intention of going to Melacca by bus. After being accosted by about 10 men as soon as we stepped out of the taxi, and some confusion later, we ended up on a bus to Kuala Lumpur instead! We had missed the last bus that day for Malacca. Found our way (no thanks to map from tourist information) to an ok hostel for one night and then onto the Green Hut hostel which we had booked previously. First evening we went and found the Petronas Towers (not difficult as you can see them from miles away) for a night time shot, and then back for some dinner. Had a curry and as you can see from the pictures we had traditional herbs and spices for dessert. Tasted like pot pourri really!
Next day we went up not one but 2 of the tallest buildings in the world. Firstly the Menara KL which was just really a viewing platform where you got an MP4 player guide to the city. In the afternoon we had a nature walk through the smallest rainforest in the world, at 9 acres right in the middle of KL. It was just us and our guide Raj who was quite funny and showed us lots of plants!! Also encouraged us to try Durian fruit so will be trying that at some point possibly. The durian is the King of Fruits with the motto tastes like heaven, smells like hell!
In the evening we went up the Petronas Towers to level 41 for the Skybridge Tour. Much the same as Menara KL but was a freebie and got some good pics.
Next day we went to Batu Caves in the morning as it was during Thaipusam Hindu festival and were told it was a must see! Well we didnt quite agree as didnt really understand what was going on and the caves were just full of rubbish. Think all the food lying around rotting was an offering to the gods, but smelt really bad 3 days later in the heat.
Contining our luck for the day in getting very lost trying to reach Istana Negara, which is one of Malaysia's Royal Palaces. Took some photos with the guards and then got a taxi home with a very grumpy taxi driver who we think was having a bad day! Lucky to get back in one piece.
Next day got a 4 hour coach ride up to Penang and the ferry across to the island. A bit like the Star Ferry in Hong Kong but not as nice. Stayed in a lovely hotel for one night and went to see the snake temple. This temple is the only one in the world with live pit vipers inside. Built up in the guide book as another must see but a bit disappointing. There were about 3 snakes which were tiny and just slept in the trees.
Next day got a minivan up to Hat Yai, Thailand with 2 Bhuddist monks as fellow passengers. Only here for transit to Phuket the following day, thank god! This is where we stayed in the manky hostel as photographed. Paid less than 3 pounds for this double room which came complete with aroma of sewer from the leaking squat hole toilet and scurrying animals across the floor at night. Glad to leave for a 6 hour minibus journey to Phuket.
Will definately go back to see more of Malaysia. KL was really great and some awsome shopping to do if you've got the money and the room in your bag! Unfortunately due to time didnt get to see much of the rest of the country, would like to come back and see some of the numerous National Parks and rainforests.
Onto Thailand!
- comments