Singapore, Melacca, KL, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara and the Perhentian Islands

 G'day All!

Hope everyone is doing better than I am. It ain't easy walking the streets, spending time by the beach, meeting other backpackers, sampling new dishes and just experiencing different cultures. I do miss my desktop terribly ...

Been having a wonderful time though. Singapore was interesting. Very much like any other big city, only generally clean. I had lotso walking to do, it's the best way to see and experience the place. I even visitted a few shopping malls en-route. Just to see what they are like and it gives me a chance to freshen up as well. The weather in Singapore was balmy for the most part. I had to carry around a face cloth to wipe the sweat away often. I've also noticed that there is a much bigger youth population in Singapore than elderly folk. Quite possibly that is due to the wars which probably killed off many of the those who would otherwise be elderly today. Another observation is that short skirts, short tops and shorts in general are quite common. There is also a lot of interaction between males and females and it is openly shown between the youth. Anyway ... after the shopping mall I made a few stops at some riverside developments. Needed to get some architectural photo's for the office. And then I made it to the worlds' largest Ferris Wheel. Didn't get on though. S$29. Much prefered taking pictures from outside. I've even got to tread along the highway, which most tourist wou'dn't ordinarily do.

I made my way to the river area. Lots of tourist here. I got to see some inspiring buildings. There are lotso new high risers coming up along side the water areas. I've visitted picturesque Merlion. Took lotso pics there. Than off into the heart of the city. It's not very big in the centre. But you can notice the office workers very easily. There is lotso construction and road works taking place. A lot of the roadworks is carried out by people of South Indian descent.

'China Town' and 'Little India' are common areas to most cities. In Singapore I stopped at a Chinese Temple. I couldn't get in at the time. I've visitted many Chinese and Hindu Temples on the Island. In the evenings the markets get very busy, mostly with tourists. I walked through China Town. Everyone was enjoying supper. It is common practice to eat out rather than cook at home. Cost wise food is relatively cheap. People in Singapore are friendly and obliging and one feels safe even late, or rather, early in the morning. Didn't make it to Sentosa Island. Been told it's just another tourist attraction like any other. Visited the National Botanical Garden. It has a huge collection of orchids. Got caught in a cloud burst as I went through the rain forst section. The Almighty must have found it funny.

Got into Malaysia by bus. First stop was in Melacca, a rustic town which has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site. It looks and feels similar to Stone Town in Zanzibar. There are loads of museums in Melacca, most of them very small and fronts for shops. But the town is attempting to develop itself into a tourist destination. They have a beach front and river system, none of which is exploited like in most western countries. The people are very laid back, as are most of the tourist that come here, a lot of whom are backpackers.

I met a Canadian Asian at the hostel in Melacca. He's been travelling for over a year now. He did part of my trip, only backwards. He gave me some good advice about visas and travel in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Nepal. He even did part of the Annapurna trek which really has me excited. I'm looking forward to that section of my travels. The only thing is the trek can take a minimum of 16 days if not more. I'm gonna have to cut back on some of the other places, but I'm finding that difficult. At most hostels I pass through, backpackers always have another  exciting and less frequented place to recommend. From Melacca I visited Kuala Lampur. Another big western city. The Petronas Towers were exciting, though the view from the Sky Deck is not all that great. Didn't spend much time there. Next I trekked North Eastwards to the Cameron Highlands and the Taman Negara National park in Pahang. I did some walking there through one of the bigger natural rain forests. It was interesting and most people who go in usually come out with a few leeches. They are quite common here. I returned with none. Don't think they like the masala in my blood. The insect life here is also interesting. They have many which are usually camouflaged and difficult to spot.

From there I ventured off to the east coast to the Perhentian Islands. It was fun, but not as relaxing as you would think. The Perhentian Islands are what Ko Samui and Langkawi used to be like 20-30 years ago. Frquented by few and loved by all. But once again, many developements are beginning to take place and soon it will no longer be as appealing, to the backpackers anyway. I did some snorkelling. It wwas awesome. We saw Reef Sharx, Turtles and loads of colourful fish. No Nemo though. Today I've made my way back to Khota Baru and will be catching a night bus to Penang, George Town. From there catch a ferry to Langkawi and over to Thailand. Apart from the walk in the rain forest of Taman Negara I haven't had any exciting things happen as yet. But that will probably come in due course when I get to the more natural places. Thus far it's mostly been towns and city trips. Most travellers have informed me that Laos and Cambodia have been the best places to visit on their itinerary.

As for food, I feel like a pack donkey carrying all the food I've brought along from home. Last night a mouse in the room kindly offered some assistance and ate through my backpack to get to the chevro. So now my backpack is a few grams lighter, and a tad torn. I've taken to eating food from where the locals eat and even had local sweet drinks of sorts. No problems thus far. One day I came across a Nando's and had to have some chips. As it is the body is struggling a bit since I don't have to deal with traffic, sit behind a computer, etc., etc.. But I'm getting used to it. Already I can see my money getting less and less. There are many places to purchase wonderful gifts. But as a backpacker it is not advisable. I know my niece is gonna complain about that issue ...

The food in S/E Asia is quite good. There are numerous Indian and Chinese restaurants. I always check to see who is eating there, how they cook and clean and then take my chances. It wouldn't be right to come all this way and not try the local cuisine. Before I forget, I've even used a bicycle on the roads in Melacca. It was fun and gave my feet a well deserved break. Unfortunately places hire bikes out. Oh well, just gonna have to keep on trekking. Annnyway, hope everyone is fine. I'll e-mail whenever I get the chance. Sorry you couldn't be here. Take care and take it easy ...