I’ve travelled to Asia before (admittedly not to many countries) and with the exception of a few places, it wasn’t particularly one of my favourite continents (for the curious ones, Antarctica and Africa remain my no 1 favourite continents). But it was somehow the start of this journey that helped me look at it differently. Perhaps because I became more open minded? I should hope so. After Singapore, Malaysia was another surprising country – a pity that’s a bit underrated though. What I’ve seen so far has pleased my eyes, my stomach and my soul…and it all started in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur (or KL as people know it)
It didn’t surprise me that KL is a big, congested city (truth be told, traffic in KL is not only nerve wrecking, but it surely can test your patience limits). What surprised me though was the choice that it offers to those that pass its doorstep: from relaxing in an infinity pool and soaking in the view of the Petronas twin towers at night through to parks for the nature lovers and to colourful streets for the wanderers and culinary adventures seekers. You could spend a few good days in KL, if only to walk its streets in Chinatown and Little India that boast with all kinds of delicious food. Mind you, the king of all kings – the mighty durian – is also to be found in the same streets. If you’re brave enough to try it, it will make for a good story to tell your friends. Locals will definitely enjoy the look on your face putting on those gloves (to prevent your hands from smelling funny the whole day) and trying the so famous fruit. Who knows?! Maybe you’ll even get to like it (I didn’t).
So if you happen to be in KL (most likely because you have to go somewhere else from here), don’t be fast in thinking that it’s not worth a longer visit – that, of course, if you are not tight on time which changes things a little. Either way, KL will surprise you if you allow yourself to indulge in all that it has to offer.
If, however, you are tired of KL, down south there’s Melaka, a 2 hours ride from KL TBS – Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (watch out, buses to popular places in Malaysia depart from here, not from KL Sentral – the central station – as you’d expect). The city is quite popular among the tourists and there’s no surprise why. Narrow, colourful streets (some busier, others quieter), old buildings, good food and a sea breeze feel – that’s how I was rewarded by getting there. You can decide to spend a night in Melaka if you don’t want to rush through the city (which I’d recommend) or take an early bus from KL to give yourself a few good hours to walk around the city (which I did). That would also do.

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Penang
I didn’t know much about Penang (apart from Georgetown being a UNESCO heritage site) and therefore didn’t expect much. I didn’t even want to go there at first (I know what you’re thinking: how silly of me), yet I decided to pay it a visit (I do make some good decisions sometimes, eeeh). I stayed in Georgetown, perhaps like most of the island’s visitors (in particular, backpackers looking for cheaper accommodation). You can decide to fly to Penang or take the bus – I went for the cheaper option and took the bus from KL. The view on the way is definitely worth the 5 hours ride.
Penang is a place that should not be missed. Where else could you find a love lane, beautiful street art, amazing night hawker food, a myriad of temples (Chinese, Indian, Thai, you name it), colonial architecture, jungle or coastal treks – all in one place?! The island bustles with tourists and is very lively, in particular at night, when it’s cooler and everybody feels a bit more energetic (after walking in the scorching sun).
A stroll in the night hawker streets will be a treat to your stomach: those tasty noodles or satay bbq will definitely make even the more picky among us want to try them. Your ears will be treated too: there are many bars that offer good live music (don’t worry, they stop around 1 am and you can enjoy a good sleep – for those that are extremely sensitive to noise like I know who).
But despite its night vibe, Penang has a cosy feel, a feel of a place where time has stopped. It was perhaps for this reason that Penang felt special… or it was perhaps because I got to spend some quiet time by myself… or on the contrary because of the new people that I met and the stories each one of them had.

Perhentian Kecil
When I think back of the Coral Bay in the  Perhentian island Kecil, three things come to my mind: beautiful, cosy beaches, Ewan’s tasty mango shakes and…my second scuba diving experience. And it would be a good picture to remember, wouldn’t it? It would, if it hadn’t been for a silly skin rash that my body “hosted” for all three days that I spent there. But this didn’t take away (too much) my joy of being on the island.
Although there’s not much to do around the island, for snorkelling fans, scuba divers (or aspiring divers) and sun lovers it is the place to be. Coral Bay is a better choice if you want some quiet time. For those of you  who’d like to show your dance moves, Long Beach seems to be the right place for it.
There’s also Perhentian Besar, Kecil’ elder sister. Google and Kecil’s locals say it is more for family holidays or honeymooners which, as you’d expect, is also more expensive (as in much more expensive). Coral Bay on Kecil was thus a good choice for me. So good that I almost didn’t want to leave (just kidding) or it didn’t want me to leave. I left the island “in style”: in pouring rain, but not before getting a few good bruises after slipping on some stairs and not before my bottom got enough shakes from the bumpy boat ride. Epic…or Murphy’s laws at their best.

Cameron Highlands
Cooler temperatures, green all over, tea plantations and… strawberries. Yes, that’s right. I was as surprised as you are reading this: who would imagine finding crazy amounts of strawberries in the Malaysian Highlands? And this is what makes the Highlands famous for (perhaps even more than the tea plantations?!).
The place is a welcome break from the heat…but not a break at all, as it challenges you to hike its many jungle trails. Wouldn’t you like to burn all those calories from the delicious Malaysian desserts you’ve enjoyed? It’s trails 10 and 6 or 8, 3 and 2 or rather 7 and 2? Don’t worry if you have no idea of what I’m talking about (I sound like an expert, don’t I? But don’t be fooled). Once you get to Cameron, you’ll speak the same mysterious language (and you’ll sound like an expert too).
The trails will challenge your fitness levels, but will reward you with some good views, peace of mind and even fun laughs after you’ve tasted a fruit on the way only to find out later that the “fruit” is used for soap and it’s not to be eaten.
Cameron, even though a bit more touristy than what I expected, is a good place to retreat to and take in the greenery all around.

My journey in Malaysia is not over yet, so stay tuned. I’m planning to go to East Malaysia (Borneo) and I’m not expecting anything less than to be awed.