As stewards of the region’s most sophisticated transportation infrastructure, clean, cultured cities, and a reasonably well-protected natural environment, Malaysians have much of which to be proud. Perhaps the world’s most tolerant Muslim state, the country’s Malay majority rubs elbows with a Chinese population that accounts for a full third of the population and a sizeable Indian community. While the interaction isn’t without tension, it is a credit to the Malaysians that in the wake of the regional depression their society has stuck together while their massive neighbor to the south erupted in a bonfire of racial hatred. Malaysia’s ethnic mix mingles most in the cities of the cosmopolitan west coast. The sparsely populated east coast remains a bastion of sea faring Malay culture but is equally welcoming to respectful outsiders.
We enjoyed our time most in this region and highly recommend a trip to Kota Bharu if you decide to head east.
KUALA LUMPUR
Somewhere between its self-proclaimed splendor as the “garden City of Lights” and its literal English translation, “Muddy River Mouth,” lies the true capital of Malaysia. KL (as it’s almost exclusively called) has grown into a thriving city whose vertigo-inspiring towers and mega shopping malls are brilliantly balanced by verdant expanses of grass and rows of palm trees. Surrounded by an orgy of construction the locals exude contentment laced with the anticipation of good things to come. Its a nice respite from the sparse amenities in the rest of South East Asia but it sorely lacks in authentic culture. Probably the most unique sights are the women who sport Muslim scarfs and one-piece dresses. Aside from that, our suggestion is to get out of Dodge as quickly as possible!
Petronas Twin Towers – The Tallest Buildings in the World
The Tallest Flagpole in the World
KL Railway Station Complete with Domes, Minarets and Arches
Menara Tower or KL Tower
Tombstones at Melaka (Don’t Go Here!)
Batu Caves
This is probably one of the only sights in KL worth going to. In January and February, hundreds of Hindu devotees descend for the annual Thaipusam Festival, armed with hooks and needles with which to pierce their skin. For the rest of the year, the caves are home to a community of docile wild monkeys and are open to the public. We climbed the 272 steps to the main cave and viewed the Gallery Cave’s painting of Hindu mythology. Definitely worth a visit!
Gallery Caves Filled With Hindu Gods
Batu Caves, A Sacred Hindu Pilgrimmage Site
This Looks Like Fun!!
PENANG
Discovered in 1786 by Francis Light and his British East India Company, the fertile Penang Island was then called Prince of Wales Island and remained under British control until 1957. The British never left much of a mark but the tourists who flock there every year have! This was probably one of the most disappointing segments of our trip because everywhere we went we were reminded that Penang has now become one of the biggest tourist traps in Southeast Asia!
Snake Temple (One Interesting Sight in Penang)
Can You Spot the Sucker?
KOTA BHARU
Kota Bharu is one of the most attractive urban centers in Malaysia. Among a handful of cities in Malaysia with a majority Malay population, the capital of Kelantan state brims with an amiable character that bucks stereotypes of Muslim conservatism. The daily performance of local cultural pastimes (top-spinning, kite-flying, silat, drum-beating, dancing, and puppeteering) are certainly worth a visit. If you go anywhere in Malaysia, go here!
Gelanggang Seni / Cultural Center
Since the state is largely agrarian, the work life of the people closely matches the crop cycle. Once harvesting is complete, the Malaysian people have ample free time thus they pursue many extracurricular hobbies. The city’s cultural center exhibits these past times for tourists by sponsoring free top-spinning, kite-flying, drum-beating, and silat demonstrations. There are also performances of wayang kulit (shadow-puppet shows), dance and drama.
Giant Drum-Beating Demonstration
Decorative Kites Adorn the Skies of Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu’s #1 Kite Master Preparing A Top Demo
We Could Be Here For Hours!
Martial Arts Demonstration
Top Fighting – A Loose Adaptation of Marbles
Top Spinning Contest – Longest Time Wins!
Three Guesses As To Who’s The Sponsor?
Local Fishing Village
A Day’s Catch and Livelihood
Central Market – Those Muslim Women Are Tough Negotiators!
Local Night Market
Weaving Songket (Cloth of Gold/Silver and Cotton)
Making Batik (Wax With Color on Fabric)
