Vibrant Malaysia

Exploring KL

I have spent more time wandering a lost in KL than in any other place, over the past week I have logged close to 70000 steps, just walking around and around and taking it all in.  My feet are sore and my legs need a good long stretch, but my heart, is so full and happy.

The first evening, I explored a Beautiful Chinese Temple at dusk.  Between the glow of the lanterns and the bright colors, the temple practically glistened in the sunset.  Every turn there was something new to look at and the atmosphere was meditative quiet.  It was the perfect introduction to Kuala Lumpur.

On Tuesday evening after dinner, we ran into a few of the Business School students, and I went out to a rooftop bar, that had a beautiful view of the city all lit up at night, unfortunately I did not have my camera, so I was unable to capture the view.  This just means you will have to visit and experience it yourself!

Beyond the view, I loved meeting other people who are experiencing life in a non-traditional manner.  Each one of the members of the group expressed a desire to make changes and explore something new in their lives, hence they have all ended up at the program in Malaysia.  The conversations brought up the idea that to really learn about yourself, sometimes you need to make drastic changes and analyze what happens.  Being open to new and different experiences is a great catalyst for growth.

Petronas Towers

Wednesday evening, I went up to the top of Petronas Tower 2!  The timing was perfect, as I got to take in a glowing sunset from 86 stories in the sky.  I have a soft spot for panoramic sunsets, but this one is by far my favorite of the trip so far.  Watching as the sun slowly sank behind the hills, spreading a glow over the city and the second tower was awe-inspiring.  I have so many photos from so many angles of this sunset.

Cameron Highlands

The following day, I made a last-minute decision and took a 4 hour bus ride to the picturesque town of Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands.  Known for the sprawling tea plantations and the cooler temperatures, it was the perfect break from the last few weeks of muggy heat.

This trip was not without its adventures, I ended up booking a hostel about 20 km from the main town, on a beautiful flower farm…in the middle of nowhere.  It was beautifully pristine, however I was the ONLY ONE at the hostel.  I had the place to myself, and I took advantage, relaxing and indulging in an evening listening to rain and reading a book.

I also made a short trip into the small town of Kuala Terla, and visited the largest tea plantation, having a relaxing snack overlooking the rainy landscape.

Muddy Trekking

The following morning, after an early breakfast, I was off on a bus back into town to meet with another solo traveller.  Despite the drizzly weather, we decided to tackle a trek up a small mountain and through some fields.  The three-hour trek was challenging, and very muddy, but the views were spectacular, and worth the trouble.

Throughout this week I have constantly been in awe of the diversity of this beautiful country and all it has to offer.  From the sprawling city scapes to the lush green mountains, I strongly recommend everyone spend sometime exploring this beautiful country!