Terry Larke

My Malaysia is truly diverse!

She has many islands which feature unique culture and charm. I am only touching on 2 of these islands in this journal, Penang (the Pearl of the Orient) and Langkawi (the Island of legends), along with a few general (but no less special) things you can find in Malaysia. We hope you will join us to discover more of these treasures!

PENANG HILL
Penang Hill - has one of the world’s oldest funicular railway systems. At 830 metres above sea level, it provides a panoramic view of the island and a beautiful view of Georgetown below. The ride up is slow as it meanders up the hill, past monkeys carrying their babies, pitcher plants and the amazing views of the bungalows and clearings throughout the jungle.

TEMPLES
You cannot mention Malaysia without mentioning the temples. One of our favourites is the Kek Lok Si Temple , Air Itam. This complex is the largest in Southeast Asia and is continually expanding for over 20 years. It stands majestically on the top of the hill while the Golden Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) glistens overlooking the city of Georgetown. This culminates with the beautifully crafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas”

LANGKAWI
Langkawi - One of the things we loved most about Langkawi Island was the cable car which takes you up to the second highest peak of Mount Mat Cincang. To say it more simply, it takes you up, way way up! It takes about an hour to get to the top, with small stops in between. You seem to ride straight up the side of the mountain; as the jungle canopy becomes smaller as you ascend into the heavens above the jungle. Animals, birds and waterfalls get smaller beneath you as you drift into another world. It is said that on a clear day, you can even see parts of Thailand Indonesia as well as a large part of the island, from the top of the Mountain. It is the most amazing experience. We did it, and will do it again!

NIGHT MARKETS
Night Markets – Found throughout all of Malaysia, you can’t go to Malaysia without a few evenings at the night markets (Pasar Malam)! In the evening, streets and sidewalks turn into eating areas and night markets. It is a magic transformation! The food in these stalls is freshly prepared while you wait, which makes it all the more delicious. From regional specialties like satay to fish and chips, you can get it all! It is the cheapest way to eat but also the most enjoyable as you sit out in the open-air or under large tents and soak in the sounds of Malaysia at night. The shopping is amazing, and bartering is a must! Pasar Malam always makes the night seem all too short!

UNFORGETTABLE CULTURE
Culture - Speaking of leaving the best, and arguably, the most important for last. You are immersed in this remarkable culture from the moment you arrive in this amazing country. It is seamless blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures, with a bit of British, Thai, and Indonesian thrown in for good measure! Despite being half a world away, we didn’t feel like a foreigner in this country. The people are friendly and the blend of different cultures is fascinating. Malaysia has something for everyone, the historian, the businessman, the backpacker, the eco-tourist, city-hopper, beachcomber, the bargain shopper and YOU!

To quote the British Novelist and playwright , Somerset Maugham, “If you haven’t seen this place, You haven’t seen the world.” Out of the countless places in Malaysia we have seen and experienced, this list is but a small sample of what we have discovered about the richness of Malaysia.

Stay tuned to this site or email me today to find out about our first escorted tours to this amazing jewel in Asia’s crown!