Kuala Lumpur

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur (KL: really everybody, including the locals, calls it just KL), I met a Dutch couple with which I made my way from the bus station (which is a bit outside KL) into the city. The metro system is not as good as in Singapore and run by different companies (which can be quite confusing when u have to change all the time to different stations), but I finally arrived at Chinatown, where I checked in in the Monkey Inn (was a recommendation from backpackers in Singapore).

The Monkey Inn was the best place I have stayed in so far...I would say European standards, a big common room with flat screen and DVDs, couches and PCs and nice staff. It was located in Chinatown (maybe my favorite place in KL). For 1-4 Euros u can get any kind of food. Basic stuff like fried noodles, satay to go (6 pieces for 3 ringgit = 70 cents), or more expensive...seafood. At night the night-market is a highlight. They have some really nice stuff and when u like something u can bu it at many shops...which puts u in a very good bargaining position ^^... that way u can get discounts up to 65 %.

KL itself has some nice parks and main touristic cites. I did some of those at the first day on my own. But the Petronas Towers are just not that flashing when u have been standing at the ground of the Burj al Kalifa. Much more I liked Chinatown and Little India. Full of life, flavor and color.

When I came back to the hostel, my real KL experience started. I met Edmund , his girlfriend and Cassandra (all from Singapur). They just came to KL for clubbing. When they asking me if I want to join, I didnt hesitate, even though I spend that night a lot (European prices) but it was worth it. KL at night is much more fascinating than at day (as I didn't bring my camera...there are also no pictures:( ). Full of bright colors and people. The problem with being in an islamic country is just that you shouldn't drink on the streets and stay in the club & bar areas. After meeting an Iranian friend of Edmund in the city, we had a Shisha, bought some drinks at 7eleven and then made our way to the Zouk club (very fancy, dress code, mostly locals...just few tourists). Before I got some introduction into club behavior (communication is done by passing a text message on a mobile phone, and there a some basic rules for getting a light, making cheers, etc.). The club and the music was great...and I found out Emund is fully into dancing. He (and others) made some crazy moves (don't know how its called...a mixture of break & robo dance?). Close to 4am we went home...and had a noodle soup before going to bed.

The next day...after some Aspirin and Satay, I went to the Batu Caves with Tarek, a French guy I had met in the hostel. He was a really nice fellow...had a good talk. Batu Caves was the most impressive site in (near) KL. Though it is kind of hard to get up all the steps while being chased by monkeys, its totally worth it.

So far I had only done some sightseeing at the different places I went to...now I was really looking forward to beach life. For my trip to the Perhentian Islands I had booked a flight in advance which was very convenient. From what I have heard, the jungle train must also be very nice.