Hi Guys,

As you can see I have now made my way down to Kuala Lumpur. I left Penang as planned last Thursday, after a 5 hour bus and ferry combination I arrived in the Cameron Highlands. As it was coming up to the Chinese New Year, I ended up having a little difficulty finding a hostel that had any availability. On my 5th attempt I was told that I can stay but for only 2 days and not the 3 that I was originally planning. As I was running out of options I decided that this was the best I would get. So wasting no time I promptly checked in and then went on the search for one of those famous cream teas! It did not take long, I was rewarded with the best cup of tea that I have ever tasted along with fine homemade scone filled with cream and jam! I was quite literrally in heaven. Oh my god, how old do I sound?

On the second day, I decided to get up quite early as I had to fit 2 days worth of sightseeing into one. I decided to skip the very touristy/family attractions like the butterfly centre and the strawberry picking and opted for a long trail that combined a decent walk with a visit to a tea plantation. So off I went at a reasonable 9am. Now being totally useless with directions which I of course am, it took me about an hour to find the start of the trail. Eventually I got there, the trail though was pretty challenging and often in places a little dangerous, as it was quite slippery, promanantly downhill and involved criss-crossing over big tree roots, jumping over huge pot holes and lots of pretty steep drops! At times, I was a little scared and I even fell on my bum a few times, but never the less it was quite enjoyable 2 hours, as it was a bit like a giant playground! I am such a big kid I know!!! So anyway, by now I had been walking and often in places crawling for 3 hours until I finally got to the main road, whereby I saw a sign for the tea plantation just 4kms up the road. So I thought, 4kms is not that much and started my way up the hill. It took about an hour in the end, and by the end I was completely knackered. So I arrived at the centre, and I read this sign that says "we apologise but the tea factory is closed today". After 4 hours, of walking I could have quite easily cried, however I found the funny side of it and smiled to myself, making my way to the tea shop. I was atleast going to sample some tea. So anyway, after about half an hour and a quick climb to a view point later, I decided to make my way down. As I was determined to avoid the trail that I came down, it involved walking 15kms along the road. So after about 6kms, a taxi pulled up saying he can give me a lift for $4! By then of course I had walked hours, so I quickly jumped in and made my way back into town.

Oh my goodness I have already rambled, I apologise this might be a long one. Anyway, the following day (Saturday) I caught a bus to Kuala Lumpur. Knowing that KL would also be packed for the new year celebrations I decided to phone ahead and secured availability in a hostel near the station. So, I arrived about lunch time and KL was experiencing the mother of all storms, it was completely pissing it down! Kind of reminded me of home I suppose. So anyway, I decided to wait under cover until the rain atleast got a little lighter, so I must have waited for about an hour, until eventually the rain was beginning to flood the paths, I started walking and I must have only walked about 10 metres, and low and behold, I see the sign of my hostel. It was right where I was bloddy standing, I felt like such a fool!!!!!

Anyway, I checked in and as it was still raining I got comfortable in the big communal lounge with the massive screen tv. As there was nothing on the owner decided to put a film on and asked the room what they wanted to watch, to my absolute horror some idiot says "have you got hostel?" Seriously I could have quite happily nutted the bloke there and then, I had to sit through a very painful 2 hours watching a very scary and rather sick horror film by of all people Quentin Tarrantino (Not even going to apologise here for the piss poor spelling). So anyway, as with all horror films I ended up watching it and hiding behind my hands at the scary and gory parts, of which there were plenty. The bloke next to me starts laughing, "you don't like horrors much do you?", so I tell him the story about how I fainted watching scream and that seemed to make him laugh even louder! Oh well it broke the ice I suppose! I know I will be facing a few fears on this trip, but this is one I don't think I will ever recover from.

So, once the film finished, miraculously so did the rain! I decided to get out and see the city and made my way for a quick wander around Chinatown before catching the monorail to the KL Tower. The tower, aparently is the fourth tallest in the world and had great skyline views. As it had been raining ealier it was still a little cloudy, however the sun was just breaking through, which was wicked! It gave the impression that you were even higher than you actually were.

The next day, being the Chinese new year, I decided to stay around Chinatown itself. I went to Merderka Square, which was cool, visited the museum, which was a little dull but had great views overlooking the square! I then spent the rest of the day wandering the streets and markets, shopping and generally chilling.

On Monday, I decided to check out the big shopping malls in the golden triangle area. It baffled me why a shopping mall could be classed as a tourist attraction, that is until I got there. The malls were absolutely huge, and one in particular called Times Square even had a massive multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, karaoke section and even a theme park. For a moment I had to think where I was, I mean you could be mistaken for thinking you were in Vegas or somewhere. Anyway, I enjoyed a morning there before I caught the monorail to the big Landscaped lake Gardens, which were stunning and onto Little India for a quick bit to eat! All in all I had a busy but enjoyable day.

Which finally leaves me onto today, inititally I was due to go to Melaka today, but at the last minute I changed my mind. I opted instead to join the que for the free tickets for the famous Petronas Towers, which of course is the big twin towers with that skybridge! This was so cool and definately worth the wait in line. After this I caught the bus onto the Batu Caves. Which is just outside of KL and pretty interesting, you have to climb a series of steps to reach the main cave, whereby there is a kind of temple/shrine inside! It was a bit surreal but quite scenic and enjoyable!

Ok, I am going to stop waffling before I bore you all to death. Tommorrow I am making my way down to Melaka, which is a historical port just south of KL before making my way onto Singapore, whereby I finish my Asian leg of my tour.

I hope everyone reading this is well and i hope to see you soon.

Take Care

Jon