Memories of Malaysia

One of the advantages of living in Singapore is that it just an arms length away from several countries, Malaysia being one of them. 

Much like Singapore, Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. The diversity of races, religions and cultures make this country a popular tourist destination. Malaysia is so much bigger than Singapore and has an abundance of natural beauty in the form of forests, valleys, mountains, caves and beaches. 

We have been to Malaysia several times now (November 2006, April 2007, February 2008 and February 2010). It is just a 4-5 hr journey from Singapore to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) and having relatives in KL meant that we always had a reason to visit.

One of our first holidays after coming to Singapore, was to Desaru (April 2006), a small coastal resort town in Johor. A 25 min ferry ride from Singapore, this place is the ideal place for a relaxing weekend getaway.

On the ferry

Pulai Desaru hotel

Desaru beach

For longer holidays, KL and Genting Highlands are worth a visit. My favorite place in KL is obviously the Petronas towers. The imposing structure is truly breath-taking and without a doubt, looks better at night. We visited the Menara, Batu caves, Botanical gardens, KLCC Aquaria and some really nice shopping malls with their own attractions (Mines Wonderland and Sunway Lagoon).

Petronas towers

Petronas at night

Menara

Traditional Malay costume

Batu caves - KL

View from the caves

Orchid gardens - KL

Aquaria - KLCC

Mines Wonderland

Lights at Mines Wonderland

Sunway Lagoon

During one of our trips, we also went to Genting Highlands. The three things I love most about Genting is the weather (gloriously cool), the spectacular cable car ride in the midst of lush greenery and Space Shot. If you are wondering what in the world Space Shot is, it is a type of amusement ride that slowly propels riders up a tower then suddenly and without warning plunges them down followed by a series of air-cushioned bounces. I screamed my lungs out! I also liked the flying coaster where you sort of lie down and then travel the course of a roller coaster. There was this haunted house which we entered and much to my chagrin, turned out that I was the only one scared to death....that really doesn't show me in good light since there were a large group of 10 year old's with us too 😛

Genting Highlands

Look at the view

Space Shot

Indoor theme park - Genting

Fun in Genting

Wonderful amusement park

The next time we went to Malaysia was exclusively for the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang in April 2007. My hubby is a huge fan and a walking-talking Formula 1 encyclopedia. This was one of the first Formula 1 races that I ever watched from start to finish (well, I had no other choice did I?). I had always thought of Formula 1 as a bit boring....a bunch of cars going round and round, making a hell of a lot of noise in the process. But I have to admit that with gradual understanding of the rules, the immense technicality involved, the drivers, teams and history, I have come to respect the sport and I do follow it on a regular basis. I now even have a favorite that I root for 😊

Sepang Grand Prix

The last trip to Malaysia was to Langkawi in February 2010 with my in-laws accompanying us. Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. Langkawi is an idyllic place for a relaxing holiday. You can rent a car and drive around without any problems. The roads are good and there is hardly any traffic. The highlights of my Langkawi trip were: the cable car ride to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang, walk across the 700m high sky bridge, island hopping tour and Eagle Square. One distinct feature of the beaches in Langkawi are that the water is very still with hardly any waves. The resort we stayed in had rooms with sea views but standing in the balcony, I always felt that I was looking at a lake. If you see the pics, you will know what I am talking about.

Langkawi cable car

Sky bridge

River cruise

Island hopping begins

Bras Besah island

Loved the water

Pregnant maiden island

Eagle square

Symbol of Langkawi

                   Goodbye Langkawi

A road trip to the beautiful Cameron Highlands has been in the pipeline for so long but it hasn't yet worked out. Hope that day will come soon *fingers crossed*

If you get a chance to visit Malaysia, please do. There are so many things to see and do in this country. Malaysia is fascinating in its diversity - in the same country you can explore modern thriving cities, explore colonial architecture, sample mouth-watering dishes that has cultural influences from the neighboring countries, experience some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and hike through lush tropical forests.

Have you been to Malaysia? What did you like best about the country? Do leave a comment to let me know.

Cheers,

Megha