Summary of Malaysia

Our journey has now taken us to Thailand. Our Malaysian experience is summarized below:

-Malaysia has 2 distinct parts, Peninsula & Borneo Island. The mainland is surprisingly modern with a highly educated population. Borneo Island was a pleasant surprise, it still felt like Malaysia except it had some roughness to it similar to Indonesia.

-We found the food to be out of this world. Indonesia was a good warm-up for our immune system allowing us to gorge on authentic street foods everyday. Indian, Chinese, Malay, Thai and all the different fusions possible combining all or some of these cuisines. Excellent!

-Unfortunately we did come across a couple of testosterone fueled young men who think getting tourists to their destinations “faster” (understatement of the century) is good.

-Interesting observation was Indonesians and Malaysians are both predominately Muslim, however Malaysia had significantly more religious based rules. (ie. segregated lineups for men/women)

-Our trip to Borneo was superb, unfortunately there was one bad wildlife encounter. At our hotel in the evening a big (8” wingspan) beautiful butterfly landed on a chair. Several guests let it climb on their fingers admiring the giant. Finally it gracefully flew away straight up into the ceiling fan....we were showered with a dozen pieces of beautiful butterfly. (Is that good luck, not sure?)

-We flew Air Asia 3 times while here. Their motto is “Now Everyone Can Fly” because it is so cheap. Problem being not “Everyone” should fly until they have read the pamphlet on how to check in and pack a bag. Never seen so much chaos for simple check-in procedures.

Prices:

Bottle of water: $0.30

Beer: $2.00

Meal for 2 with drinks: $4 - $7

Hotel: $8-15/night

COLIN