Well we are now well and truly off the Thailand tourist trail. We made it to Malaysia, finally- a minibus dropped us off at the border. Clutching our passports, and with no Malaysian Ringits, we set off in taxis and local buses, arriving to the island of Penang late afternoon. My first impression of Malaysia is how modern everything seems in comparison to Thailand. No more straw shacks, think high rise buildings, new cars, and excellent roads. We hopped off the ferry and stayed in Georgetown for a night- a city unremarkable in itself, but as a hop off for Malaysia was great.
There is a real mix of ethnicities in Malaysia; Indians, Chinese, and Malays battle it out in the restaurants- and seemingly everyone speaks English. Beers and alcohol are more expensive here, possibly to do with the fact that 95% of the population are muslim. Had a few curries since we have been here- Fresh Naans and proper thick curries- yum!
Anyway, after a night in Georgetown we set off for the Cameron Highlands. Some 6 thousand feet above sea level, we have gone from searing humidity to chilly evenings. The evidence of British colonialism is apparent- Golf courses and 'high tea' served after 4pm are popular everywhere.
This region grows 40% of Malaysia's fresh produce, particularly strawberries- local strawberry jam is excellent. Today we went on a tour around the highlands, starting at a Rose Garden (Terribly British, but unfortunately also terribly boring). We then headed to a tea plantation- rows and rows of tea bushes as far as the eye can see. We went to the factory, saw how it was made, and even tasted a cup of the Boh Tea.
Finally we went to a 'Butterfly and Insect Farm'- Basically a mesh room of enormous butterflies, and all manner of creepy crawlies in vivariums- We saw giant scorpions, and held enormous dung beetles.
Not sure where we are going next, possibly Taman Negara national park, maybe Borneo- we have yet to decide.
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