Malaysia

Salamat Detang! (aka. welcome)

At the end of my last blog I was in Kota Bharu planning on catching the 630am train the next morning through the jungle and then a series of local buses to arrive in the Cameron Highlands. Well, traveling at the whim of bus schedules sometimes calls for a change of plans. Also needed if you sleep in and miss your train!

I tried, someone half-heartedly to wake up for that train the first day. But I didn't make it. Meaning, I would spend another day in KB, where there's really not a lot to do! I wandered through the central market at attracted a lot of stares (a 'semi-caucasion' looking women traveling alone in Malaysia - predominantly muslim, definitely attracts a fair bit of attention/staring!). I bought some local deep fried treats for breakfast? And then found a big fabirc store with a big sale on. The problem of traveling though Malaysia at this time of year, on a limited budget, everything is on sale!! I bought a beautfiul piece of fabric which I'm hoping I can tie into a dress - I couldn't try it out in Malaysia because it would show my shoulders...My real breakfast ended up being some roti and curry, after which I spent the majority of the day reading Harry Potter. At night I grabbed some dinner with a Birtish & Irish guy also staying at my guest house. The Irish guy has been loads of places and really got me interested in traveling to India! Next time.

The next morning I successfully managed to wake up for the train, which was a really nice switch from the bus. At times the jungle vegetation would brush right up against the train, gorgeous! I got off in Kuala Lipis, where I was supposed to begin my three-bus journey, however, the bus times didn't coincide with my wishes. I was faced with spending the night in one of two small-local towns...the guys at the train station were very nice, and after having lunch with them & a quick tour of the twon on the back of one of their motorcycles, I decided to just take the bus to Kuala Lumpur, and head to the Highlands from there.

KL - staying in chinatown, the city reminded me of a smaller Hong Kong, with an extra splash of Islam and satay! My first morning I lined up at 820am to get a free ticket to up to the skybirdge of the famous Petronas twin towers. After going up 41 stories, I hit the malls...sales everywhere! But I managed to mostly contain myself - my backpack can't fit much more! Day 2 in KL I went to the Hindu shrine at Batu caves and around the National Mosque. At prayer time I happened to be walking by another mosque in the city, where prayer mats spill out of the mosque and onto the sidewalks and stairs.

After 2 days in KL, I took a windy bus up to the Cameron Highlands. Up at 1500 meters, I had to wear long sleeves and sleep under 3 blankets! I saw huge tea plantations, trudged through the jungle getting fabulously muddy!, and tasted the local strawberries. A really nice retreat before heading back to the heat and humidity of Singapore.

And here I am. Staying at my aunt & uncles with a large bed and real shower all to myself! So luxurious. It feels really nice to be in a house again, and yet bizarre that my backpacking days are practically over! A plane awaits me in 3 days to take me back to Hong Kong to meet up with my parents.

Sorry for the novel (for anyone who actually reads all of this!!)

xoxoxo. :D