Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral train station highlights the economic differences between Malaysia and Thailand. It's a sparkling, clean place, all modern digital timetable boards and metallic corners, and makes poor old Hualampong look in dire need of a spring clean. I enjoyed wandering around KL's Chinatown, which has lots of decent food stalls where you can buy various deep fried delicacies for no money at all as well as sit down and munch on a proper Chinese meal. Little India was also a great experience, with its colourful night markets and vast array of eating options. And of course, the Petronas Towers are a marvellous sight that defines the whole city. Overall, though, I must say I found the city less engaging than Bangkok.
Cameron Highlands
Up in the hills, the Cameron Highlands are an old British colonial settlement. The temperature up there is far more palatable than the searing heat of KL. You'll need a jumper! It's good tea-growing country, and there are many plantations you can visit to drink a lovely fresh brew. There are plenty of decent walks, too, clearly signposted, which will take you through forests and past quaint rose gardens. The Cameron Highlands were further evidence of the vast diversity of Malaysia.
Harold
(to be continued)
