We arrived in Melaka after a very bumpy 4.5hr bus ride from Mersing. It was almost dark by this time so fortunately we were met by a tout at the bus station who took us to a very nice hotel, Kota Lodge, where we actually got a 3 bed dorm and air con which was absolute luxury. After showering off the long trek and bus ride we went for a walk through the night market, saw many things to buy but after throwing out half our stuff to make the bags lighter we decided against any new purchases. We had dinner at the well renowned 'Capitol Satay' where we actually had to queue up for 10 mins or so to get a table. It was very popular with the locals so we knew we were in a good place. What we got was a table with a big hot satay pot in the middle where you'd buy sticks of food for RM0.70 and cook them in the satay sauce for a few minutes. It was absolutely delicious. We then had a beer at one of the local bars listening to some live music (a very good front lady but pretty awful backup).

Next day we got up and had some delicious rice balls with chicken - apparently a very popular breakfast or lunch in Malaysia. It was pretty yummy. After a few more sights we were off on another bus to Kuala Lumpur. Overall Melaka is a very beautiful city and a stark contrast to Kuala Lumpur.

Arriving in the chaos of Kuala Lumpur was definitely something else. We weren't exactly sure what to expect and when we arrived we were definitely taken by surprise. We arrived in China town which is where we heard was a good cultural and cheap place to stay. After searching for a place to stay we decided on a place which seemed like the best of a bad bunch. Our bed was extremely uncomfortable but the bathrooms were clean so it was bearable. We headed straight on the train to the Menara Tower (or KL Tower) and the views from the top were simply stunning. The Petronas Towers were definitely a huge draw card to the city I think and the view from the Menara tower made them look amazing. We also got the opportunity to see a cultural show and then some animals which they have in a small zoo at the bottom of the Menara Tower. We both really enjoyed the traditional dancing and at the zoo we got some pictures taken with a snake which was quite cool. They had lots of snakes and spiders from all over the world (except oddly not Australia) and there was even a baby monkey which was really quite adorable. We then walked to the Petronas Towers to take some more shots - Sammy took some amazing photos, Spud, Scottie and Ro, you'll be proud J

After a fairly rotten sleep we got up and found the sanctuary that is Starbucks. Never have we enjoyed a Starbucks as much as we did that day! It was like an entirely different world in there where we could eat, drink and play games whilst the chaos of KL passed us by! We did a bit more window shopping and found almost every brand name item was a fake. We then hopped on a bus for the Cameron Highlands….. more on that later though. So overall if you make it to Malaysia, Melaka is well worth a visit. A lot of history and the people are really nice. It's a really beautiful city. As for KL, perhaps in better accommodation we would have enjoyed it more andit was definitely worth the visit but probably the first hard cultural shock of the trip (many more to come I'm sure!).

We hope everyone back home is safe and well. We miss you guys heaps and love receiving emails and messages from you so please keep them coming and let us know what's going on in all your lives.

Peace out man! (ha, sorry, just getting in touch with my inner hippy)…..

Nikki and Sam