Welcome to my first full week in Malaysia. Loving this country after this week's visits to Kuala Lumpur, Penang Island (arrived Monday pm) and Langkwai Island (arrived Friday pm)! The people, the food and the infrastructure are equally incredible. I'm feeling very blessed for having that brief (and chance) conversation with a fellow traveller on the Sri Lankan safari back in early May! I strongly recommend you consider traveling to Malaysia if you are planning to be in Southeast Asia. I found Kuala Lumpur easier to navigate and walk, while busy it felt less chaotic like the other destinations I've been to. I'll see what adventures lay ahead when I visit the island of Borneo next week!!
Heads up for those who like seedless fruit. The watermelon (red and yellow varieties) and oranges, which are both fresh and delicious, served through my travels have seeds (and lots of them - just finished eating an orange as I write this blog).
Starbucks Factiods - based on my experience of looking for mugs to add to my brother's Starbucks international mug collection:
- Thailand - readily available (purchased on previous trip)
- Sri Lanka - unavailable as the country is devoid of Starbuck locations
- Philippines - available in major cities and where you find large number of tourists/expats
- Malaysia - hit and miss if mugs are available in individual stores. First time in my travels that I am able to find a mug with the name of a city other than the city I am visiting. The only two cities I can find so far is Kuching and Cameron Highlands (tourist area - not a city). I am unable to find a mug with either Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia
A key transportation change started in Manila - began using Grab app (SE Asia's version of Uber). I resumed using Grab in Cebu and have used Grab exclusively to travel around Malaysia. The other transportation change, at least on the Malaysian peninsula, has been cars replacing tuk tuks and tricycles as the mode of transportation. Rides are so much more comfortable in a car!
Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
I started the week satisfying my desire to ascend the Twin Towers; going to provide the opportunity for me to say 'I was there!' whenever the towers appear in my life going forward. Haha! I was blessed to have a relatively clear day for my visit - it is rainy season. Info tidbit - there is a third shorter Petronas tower that is in the shadow of its more famous twin siblings!
While we were on the 86th floor admiring the vista, a tower employee highlighted I should visit the toilet for the extra special view from that vantage point. At first I had second thoughts about his sincerity, however I discovered he was being helpful. The washroom view was well worth the extra few steps. So, when you are visiting the towers, remember to head to the washroom for that special extra view! BTW - there are five levels of ultra chic shopping at the towers' base. There are multiple shopping destinations within the hotel's vicinity.
 |
Interesting perspective between buildings on way
to the Twin Towers
|
 |
| Recreational area at foot of Towers |
 |
| Traders Hotel (my KL home) |
 |
| KL Tower (left side of photo) |
 |
Remember Beryl's chocolate shop from
Melaka last week?
|
 |
| Merdeka 118, formerly known as Menara Warisan Merdeka, KL 118 and PNB 118, is a 118-story skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At 678.9 m (2,227 ft) tall, it is the second-tallest structure and the second-tallest building in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa at 828 m (2,717 ft). |
 |
| In my happy place! |
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Introducing the seventh tallest communications tower in the world. Oliver, from Traders Hotel, recommended visiting this tower - a short 2 km walk from the Petronas Towers.
 |
| From the base |
 |
| Petronas Towers/Kuala Lumpur from KL Tower |
Sin Kiew Yee Shin Lee Beef Noodles
Another Oliver must visit recommendation (with apologies to my vegan/vegetarian readers). The noodle house is popular destination with the locals. Has been pleasing patrons for the past 40+ years. You order from a photo menu and pay when your meal is brought to your table. Be prepared to share a table, simple surroundings and possibly for waiting in line for a seat. I shared a table with an engaging local couple.
 |
| Beef Noodle heaven |
 |
| My meal - beef and noodles! |
 |
| Chef in action at front of shop |
Penang Island/Georgetown
Monday was travel day to Penang Island where I booked a four night stay at a beach resort about 20 minutes from Georgetown - the island's major city! The five hour bus trip from KL (going north about 330 km) was the simplest way to get to the island - when I considered all the travel options. I missed my chance to take the train to Penang. I am planning to return to Penang prior to leaving Malaysia so the plan is to take the train to KL in early August.
Georgetown Walking Tour
I spent one rainy morning doing a walking tour of the Georgetown tourist highlights captured in the photos below.
 |
| Georgetown Jetties |
 |
Yop Kongi Temple - find bicycle rickshaws across
the street |
 |
| Kapitan Mosque |
 |
St. George's Church - first Anglican church
in Southeast Asia. Where I met Jenny; a wonderful
woman who had the responsibility to greet visitors. I won the prize for coming the furthest distance to
visit! |
 |
| Fort Conwallis - British India Company |
 |
| Clock Tower |
 |
Peranakan Mansion - celebration of Baba & Nonya
cultures in Penang |
 |
| Peranakan Mansion |
 |
| Peranakan Mansion - interior |
 |
| Peranakan Mansion - interior |
 |
| Penang Street Art - off Armenian Street |
 |
| Special street art for my friends! |
Sunsets
The colours and cloud formations are breathtaking!
Batu Ferringhi Beach - Penang Island
These photos are taken from the resort's beach front. Notice the improvised retaining wall to protect the beach. Eroding beach fronts appear to be a common challenge throughout my travels.
Meals
 |
| Hummus extraordinaire! |
 |
| Lamb Marsala |
 |
| Roadside fine dining |
Langkwai
I flew to Langkwai on Friday afternoon for a four night stay in Pentai Tengah beach which is approximately 2.5 km south of Pentai Chenang where the main beach (and the stores, shops, restaurant, bars and additional traffic is found. Yes, I chose the quieter part of the island.
Pantai Tengah
The Aloft Hotel (Marriott property) is about a five minute walk from the beach. The hotel does provide an on demand buggy ride to the beach on request. I've found the sea water in Penang and Langkwai is murky. I miss the crystal clear water found in both Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
 |
| Pentai Tengah - looking north |
 |
| Pentai Tengah - looking south |
 |
| Beach view from hotel balcony |
Pantai Chenang
The Pantai Chenang beach is definitely a much longer and better developed beach for anyone wanting to experience the broader range of beach activities. There are many more hotels on the beach as well.
 |
| Looking north |
 |
| Looking south towards Pentai Tengah |
Storms
Here's evidence of why you'd want to stay inside during a storm on this island. Thunder, lightning and winds blowing on Friday night; same day I arrived in Langkwai. These photos are taken within easy walking distance of my location.
Meals
 |
Cactus Restaurant
Craving spring rolls - were so so |
 |
Cactus Restaurant
Beef Rendang
|
 |
Bobi's Restaurant
Beef stew |
Next Week
It's off to the island of Borneo! Fly to Kuching on Tuesday (July 25) for two nights; fly to the country of Brunei on Thursday (July 27) for two nights; fly to Kota Kinabulu on Saturday (July 29) for three nights. Thought I'd add Brunei to my itinerary given its proximity and my understanding Canadians can visit visa free for 14 days.
Comments
Post a Comment