Malaysia 19th-21st May

By far, the most commercialized and modernized country of all (other than Singapore). First thing we noticed, after being in Indonesia, “where were all the jams?”. There was practically not much cars around on the roads. For most Malaysian roads, we were traveling on highways which were lined with plantations and tall trees, but when we reached KL, we were welcomed to by the cityscapes and the high rise buildings of KL Menara and the KLCC towers. Big difference from Indonesia and Laos.

The next day it was Vesak Day so conclusion; best day to go out and meet with the locals around. We found this great spot at KLCC park where there were tons of children and families. Excellent place to find people to draw, but after awhile of drawing, we were chased away by the security. We then went to another place to take more videos and pictures and got whistled by another security. We were just asking for it but then I guess that's what makes this trip more thrilling to be in. We were greeted by a treasure of Malaysian Art in a certain floor of the KLCC towers. A lot of stores selling handicrafts being made Malaysian people. This goes to show if you have the right avenue and the right market, pursuing a business in Art is not at all impossible. Even in such a modernized culture in KL.

The trip to Bandar Ileh after that was excellent as Malacca was the part of Malaysia which was the most historical compared to other cities. We saw a lot historical buildings and shop houses which were now being used as stores to sell souvenirs and items for tourists. Multi-racial shop owners, colorful trishaw riders. People came from all walks of life over at that place. There was very old buildings made by the Dutch and Portugese. So it was kind of a history lesson given by none other than our beloved driver, Mr Euga. He was quite informative about historical facts of Malaysia.

For those of you guys who havent been to Selangor before, well, there''s nothing much happening there. There are rumors that that place is where the rich people stay at. A lot of open space and the houses are far apart from each other. One of the teachers there told us that the families always stay at home because just to go the nearest shop they have to drive out for quite long. Well, i wouldnt wanna go out if it was that far away anywhere.

For Malaysia, nothing much to talk about. Somewhat similar to Singapore the fact that it's a multi-racial society here also and it's so modernized. A bit of nostalgia though when I brought Pete to Petaling Street. The chinatown night market of KL. A lot of bargains there and Pete is excellent at that. The last time I went to KL i was actually staying at a backpacker's inn down that street. Brings back memories when I was sitting down at this coffee shop called "Mawar Merah". Me and Habib sat down there late night when we were there the last time around. Had kopi and burgers, it was a nice experience. M'sia serves really sweet kopi btw. Can u believe it? we actualy stayed there for 3 nights for onli 30 Sing dollars each, but then of course 6 guys arent really particular abt accommodation la, so it was easy, the fact that we went there without even booking our hotel beforehand.