Melaka:  After leaving KL I stopped off in a place called Melaka, which is on the way to Singapore. "When I arrived, I asked about the bus to Singapore and they said there was no chance, as it's Chinese New Year and the 1st bus would be on the 20th which would be no good as my flight to Aus is on the 19th!! So I was a bit worried about that, so went out with a Kiwi fella from my dorm and had a few beers on the cheap. The next morning we both went to the bus station and managed to get buses for the next day - he was going to the Highlands. Then we went off around Melaka. There is the main fort ruins in town, built by the Portuguese, renovated by the Dutch and demolished by the British! Not much was open but there was the oddest museum in the world called, “Believe It Or Not" and it was full of strange and weird things. Later we went for a bit of food in Chinatown, a beer or 2, and I had an early night - all ready for another country!

17th Feb, Singapore: I had an 9am bus booked, but after getting the bus there I was so early they let me on the 8am bus with the daftest couple I've met, an English lad and his Japanese misses who did not have a clue about anything! Arrived in Singapore around 10.30 and as I had no Singapore dollars, I couldn't get the bus or cab so I had to walk to the hostel that I'd pre-booked (because of Chinese New Year) but at least I found it. Large old place - 2x30 bed dorms there and a good atmosphere, with a free pool, Internet and breakfast. So I had a quick look around the local area, (which is Little India) and then spent the afternoon getting ready for the New Years celebrations by having a few cheap beers. The hostel does this deal - the earlier you drink, the cheaper it is before going to the regular price! I went off to the Quays with a guy called Rob, who I new from the Highlands and KL and saw all the fireworks. It was a little disappointing as there was no countdown and the fireworks were just OK - we were all on the bridge over the river and after 8 mins they finished. Everyone started going home (apart from the westerners who were hugging, kissing or getting drunk), so it was all rather strange! We headed off to Chinatown to see what was happening and that was pretty mad, but as the market starts doing loads of cheap deals, it was mainly dodgy food! We walked the long journey back to the Hostel and the party started there!

18th Feb, I was up early (unlike anyone else) and made my free breakfast - then went off to the City Centre. Loads of clean sky scrapers and greenery - there was even a cricket match going on in the centre which I watched a bit of. Loads of things happening for Chinese New Year and some mad buildings. Then later, I went on the night safari with a load from the hostel, which was something different, but I really liked it, getting the tram around and seeing the animals. We got back at 12 and watched a film - loads of people were leaving the next day and lots of places closed early.

19th Feb: My last day in Asia after nearly 4 months and I'm at the airport now (free Internet!) - the beastie boys were playing tonight and I could have gone for free, but Australia was on the agenda! Can't wait, I wonder what food and films will be on board!