Amazing Malaysia and Singapore

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a futuristic city of high rises, shopping malls and many fabulous restaurants. This city emerged in the 1860’s when a band of tin miners arrived prospecting for ore. It quickly rose into a noisy, booming city.  Today the 21^st century skyline remains a brilliant legacy of the 1990s boom time. The easiest city transit system is by rail. It is cheaper and less congested than by road. Visit Chinatown and Merdeka Square which is the traditional heart of Kuala Lumpur. The easiest way to see this city is with a city tour and local guide to translate and explain all the history. Tours are easily purchased from your hotel service desk.

 Moneychangers are easy to find and generally around shopping malls, bus and train stations. Kuala Lumpur Tower is the fourth highest telecommunications tower in the world. You can take an elevator right to the top viewing deck for a superb panoramic view of the city. One of the world’s tallest towers is the Petronas Towers joined by a sky bridge. There is a lift to the 41^st floor which brings you to the sky bridge level. Each tower is 88 floors high. The floorplan is based on an eight sided star which represent the ancient history of Islam.

A very good day trip is a visit to the Batu Caves. They are approximately 15kms north of Kuala Lumpur. A Hindu Shrine was built in a vast open space known as Temple Cave, reached by a straight flight of 272 steps.  Almost a million pilgrims visit here each year in January/February. Watch for the many little monkeys trying to steal your food or bag! They are very friendly and extremely quick.

Cameroon Highlands is an important farming area and well worth a visit. The weather can be damp and cool because of the high altitude. There is a network of jungle trails, waterfalls and mountains. There is an excellent golf course situated within the Cameroon Highlands, which would offer you a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy colourful sights such as rose gardens, apiaries, temples and lush green tea plantations where you are encouraged to sit down and sip a brew. Recent construction of apartment blocks has changed the somewhat English atmosphere but visitors are still charmed by the Highlands.

Bangkor Island has one of the best beaches on the west coast of Malaysia.  Its main industry is fishing and tourism.  It is a great laze-on-the-beach destination. Ferries from the mainland operate on a regular basis.

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The Penang area is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, predating both Melaka and Singapore. It is a must-see stop on the Asian overland trail. The beaches are great alternatives to frantic Georgetown, which is the major city in the Penang area of 28-sq-km. Travel around by Chinese bicycle rickshaws to view the many shop houses, elaborate temples and colonial styled buildings. Georgetown also has a lively nightlife scene. Central Georgetown is compact and easily navigated on foot during daylight hours. One of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia stands on a hilltop near Penang Hill. It took more than 20 years to complete, and was largely funded by donations. The design is Burmese on the top, Chinese at the bottom and Thai in between and is said to be one of the many interesting sites to explore.

Malaysia is an economical destination and has many long stay options. An enjoyable vacation away from the cold Canadian winters.  

Singapore is a world apart from other Southeast Asia cities and only 604- sq-km island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is very clean and can be fun and extremely interesting. The roads are lush tree-shaded expressways and you will realize quickly why it is called the garden city. Greenery is everywhere – as are shops, Orchard Road being the magnet of shopping for the average tourist.  The food scene in Singapore is mouth-watering and introduces you to the many Asian dishes. It will also be light on your pocket! Here the culture of Chinese, Malays and Indians all combine for a unique South East Asian experience.

Restorations of buildings have made Chinatown into one of the most picturesque areas in Singapore. It is known for its lively street life and abundantly colourful temples. The veranda –like walkways through Chinatown are very different and you need to watch your step as you negotiate them. Discount cards are available for travellers over 55 years and can be applied to tours, so remember to ask for them. To finish off your Singapore experience try a Singapore Sling cocktail which was first served at the famous Raffles Hotel in 1915.

Malaysia and Singapore is a wonderful destination to put on your bucket-list. You will find each country very different but both magical in their own culture.

Lynda Spriggs

Lobstick Travel and Tours.