Malaysia and Sabah
Malaysia has been a revelation offering insights into the Muslim world, the Chinese world and the world of two very special monkeys : the Orang utan and the Proboscis. Courtesy of the Air Asia big pass I organised my flights round a fascinating trip through Malaysia and Sabah. I was immediately struck by the modest Muslim attire that was worn by everyone. The ladies wore colourful scarves hiding their hair and long dresses down to the ground. My hotel swimming pool was full of young women cavorting in full length top to toes bathing suits which would not be out of place in the 1920’s movies. The gentle smiles of the Asian people and the welcoming gestures was lovely. Kuala Lumpur is a big skyscraper city with the Petronas Towers ruling the roost. The lovely revolving Minaret (Tower) restaurant offered delicious local dishes and a stunning view of the city. Fighting for space with these tall buildings were some very pretty Colonial buildings, a Chinatown and an India-town and a huge bird park complete with an artificial lake. Yes volcanoes erupting, scarring poor Chinese men for life, almost drowning in the surf you name it I was doing it in Malaysia. A poor Chinese man walked into my seaside bungalow and was transfixed and could not move as I, in my bra and pants (not a pretty sight) shouted and screamed at him to get out. I ended up flinging my sandals at him. He couldn’t move (Comatose) as he had had such a fright! I laughed and laughed afterwards it was so funny! The Perhentian Islands had crystal clear water and the aquatic life was stunning. George town was gorgeous full of Colonial houses painted pale pinks, yellows and blues and cobbled streets. Jonker street is a great shopping street with goods from all over the world. I fell in love with Kuching as it had three China towns and I saw the most beautiful Chinese temples nicer than anything I have seen in China because they were not destroyed by the Cultural Revolution and also because the three Chinese societies are competitive with each other and want to have the prettiest temples in their area. Kuching also has a river front with restaurants lining the river banks making for a leisurely evening stroll.
