Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia is an interesting place; more developed than most of Southeast Asia. It’s also a Muslim country and I was there during Ramadan, which was an experience let me tell you. I took the train in Thailand down to Sungai Kolok and then walked across the border. I was advised by nearly everyone I spoke to that I should avoid this particular border at all costs in light of recent bombings and other ethnically fueled violence. Still, it was by far the most direct route to the Perhentian Islands. The alternative would’ve added an entire day of transit. I went for it. Other than the guards on the train who patrolled the corridors with machine guns I felt safe, and I crossed the border without a hiccup.

To the Perhentians! An ultra laid back atmosphere and turquoise water greeted me. I spent a few very easy days on Long Beach, scuba diving through a massive wreck, playing beach volleyball, and reading by the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next I went to the Cameron Highlands, much cooler terrain, to hike around the tea plantations.

 

 

 

 

 

Penang, a large metropolitan island off the west coast was my next stop. Indian and Chinese culture was prevalent and the cuisine was quite good. I met several interesting people there including a group of Irish and British travelers with whom I romped around for a bit. It was fun, but I’ve learned at this point that nights out with the Irish tend to get out of control in a hurry.

I traveled next to Kuala Lumpur, the capitol city, where a lovely young lady named Grace, my sister’s friend from college, picked me up and squired me about town. KL’s famous landmark is the Petronas Towers, which were famously scaled by Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones in the film Entrapment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My final stop in Asia was Singapore, the wealthy international business hub just north of the equator. Singapore is without question the cleanest place I’ve ever been. Gum is illegal. Crime in general is dealt with so severely that it is one of the safest countries in the world. It’s not cheap either, a Singapore sling will set you back around $20 at a decent bar.

Marina Bay Sands is a highly manicured resort shopping center and casino on the edge of the bay. It is currently the world’s most expensive casino property ($8 billion). On the top of three towers lies an enormous ship with an infinity pool and club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore in general didn’t have much in the way of culture. It is, first and foremost, a place for wealthy businesspeople to lighten their wallets in fabulously opulent venues. Three days was more than enough.