Malaysia seemed always to be the one country in South East Asia that we didnt know too much about. Other than a few nights in Singapore, it was always our last 'lengthy' stop before flying to Australia and not many of the travellers we'd met seemed to venture there. For that reason we perhaps didn't give it as much time, or research it as much as our previous destinations.

With George Town already done and dusted, it was time to head to Kuala Lumpur (KL). Other than it being the Capital, again we knew little else about the City and like George Town, this was definitely a good thing..

The bus journey to KL was wholly stress free. Mainly due to Alix neatly managing to secure the front row seats (with extra leg room) while I loaded the bus with our backpacks-
Well done Alix! We arrived at the bus station early evening and made our way to Raizzys Guest House, which was a decent place to stay equipped with free tea and coffee, bean bags and Films. Nice.

The next day was a cultural experience that we will probably never forget. Alongside about ten other travellers from our hostel we took the short train journey to the annual 'Holi' Festival- the Indian Celebration of Colour (you may have seen it on Idiot Abroad?!). As soon as you walk in you face hundreds of local Indian men, women and children who happily smother pink, green, purple and blue paint all over you! We didn't hold back and quickly realised this was definitely a time to embrace the madness.
With blokes spraying everyone with hoses from the roof, paint still flying everywhere, Indian music blaring and dancing: it really was quite an experience. Happy Holi!

The next day of exploring was quickly interrupted by the sight of H&M, Topshop and Zara. Shock. To be fair it was quite handy because we were both in desperate need of some warmer clothes for NZ. Alix bought a coat and I went for a thick cardy- both very cheap I might add.

One thing we had always planned to do in KL was a day trip to Seremban, an hour outside the City. Seremban was the place that Alix's Grampy served in the Army in 1953. Our plan was to visit his then residence, Rasah Camp, and perhaps take a look around. Unfortunately it is now occupied by the Malaysian Forces and is guarded by two mean looking soldiers, armed with assault rifles! Alix asked very nicely but they explained our entry wasn't possible. Who were we to argue? Our cab driver kindly explained some of the history though and drove us past two large entrances to the camp where we took some pictures. Despite not being allowed in it was still very nice for us, particularly Alix, to see where Jim served.

Our last night in KL was also superb where we visited the famous Petronas Twin Towers. They are two symetrical and gigantic pieces of architecture that sit proudly in the heart of the city, surrounded by large water fountains and greenery.
We infiltrated the 5*' Traders Hotel opposite the Towers, 007'style, and hopped on the lift to the 33rd floor. The 'Sky Bar' was extremely plush and despite looking out of place, we did our best to blend in. The view of the towers at night from this bar was simply stunning, and Alix luckily
enjoyed free rum cocktails as every Wednesday night at Traders Hotel is 'Ladies Night'!

Like a spontaneous night out at Uni when you had previously planned to stay in and write your dissertation, or when Fulham win away at White Hart Lane totally unexpectedly... KL and Malaysia is now firmly stacked up high in our 'favourite places so far' pile, because of how much we DIDN'T expect, how little we knew about it and how much it pleasantly surprised us.