Malaysia
Here & There
31.01.2012
After leaving Vietnam, we decided to make a stop-over in Malaysia on our way back to Thailand. Once again, I knew little about the place I was going to visit, so we found a Lonely Planet book, and started reading. We knew it would be hot and beautiful (we would still be in SE Asia after all), but we didn't know it would be so 'Western' Among the first things we noticed after landing in Kuala Lumpur, were the modern road system, and the lush green foliage. Mike said he could just as easily have landed in California. We headed to a mall to get the computer fixed, and ended up eating sushi, bowling, and window shopping in actual stores where the staff is made up of bored teenagers who could care less if you bought anything; they certainly weren't going to talk you into it. Meg was in heaven. Even Mac was happy.
We didn't waste too much time in the city, however, because my beautiful resort was waiting. It was called "The Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort" - so fancy. It was a palm tree shaped cluster of villas, built on stilts over the ocean. It was total luxury!
The kids were able to windsurf, paddle board,
cart surf, play ping pong ...
It was such a nice treat. A 5-star holiday in the middle of our 2-star travels.
Another quick stop in Kuala Lumpur gave us just enough time for another mall fix, and a visit to China Town. The taxi ride alone was worth the trip. Our driver wasn't really a taxi driver, he was some sort of consultant with a master's degree in something or other, who was just helping out his brother. Despite it being Sunday, he was determined to avoid the traffic jams. It didn't take long for him to get lost, and turn a 7 minute ride into a 60 minute one. I still burst out in a fit of giggles when I think of him saying (in his Indian accent) "Oh my god, this road goes somewhere else!", "Oh no, now we're on a toll road", and chanting "KL KL just follow the signs that say KL and we will get back to Kuala Lumpur".
The theme in China Town seemed to be - food on a stick.
We then headed to the Vegas/Disneyland of Malaysia. Genting Highlands is a mountain top themepark-casino. One of the best things about this resort is the uber-cool gondola ride up to it. If you look hard in the background, you can just make out one of the hotels at the top of the mountain.
So, for three days, we rode roller coasters, ate fast food, bowled, and gazed out our window at the lights of Kuala Lumpur miles and miles away.
Mac on the "Flying Coaster"
I'm not sure why I let Meg talk me into this drop-of-death at every theme park we visit, but here we are again.
They even had something Mike's speed
Our last stop was at the island of Langkawi. We didn't stay long, but managed to sneak in a boat ride through the many gorgeous islands that this area is famous for.
We also hiked up to an alpine lake known for it's fertility powers, where we all swam with our mouths firmly closed.
And remember, whenever traveling in Malaysia, be mindful of the signs...
and check to see who's hanging out in the kitchen 
And we're off to Thailand.
Posted by wilsonprawdzik 05:27 Archived in Malaysia
Thought it was time for a visit to your blog. About to head off to Rendezvous in the -18 (-30 with windchill) weather to watch Alexandra dance on a stage in a tiny dress. Poor kid. Not sure why I thought now would be a good time to look at sunny beaches. Great photos. Love the close up of Mac in the water - cool shot.
26.02.2012 by YukonWombat