June 2
Today we visited Langkawi which is one of about 100 islands of which this is the largest of the group. It is about 60 percent jungle and has only been developed since 1987.
We arrived to a tropical downpour which stopped as we reached our first stop about 30 minutes drive from the ship at the Budaya Craft and Cultural Complex, where we were able to browse the traditional Malay handicrafts while craftspeople demonstrated their skills in kite making, silk painting and weaving.
We then moved on to the Galeria Pardana Museum – a really interesting museum created to showcase all the gifts, souvenirs and awards received by the 4th and longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia, known as “Dr M” and his wife. It was a fascinating mix of porcelain, crystal, silver and textiles and well as weapons, plaques, musical instruments, Islamic art and paintings. The highlight for Alex was the collection of motor vehicles, including a . Unfortunately we could not take photos.
We then moved on to the Oriental Village to take the cable car up to Mt Mat Cincang, one of the island’s highest peaks at over 2,000 ft above sea level. We had great views on the way and could even see Thailand which is only 2 km away. Unfortunately clouds obscured the 360o views from the summit.
We had a great tour guide – very knowledgeable and friendly – who kept us entertained with legends of the island as well as poems and singing. Definitely a place we would love to visit again.

Sat, June 1

Off to another early start for our excursion to the capital of Malaysia.  The ship berthed at Port Kelang and KL was about an hour’s drive away.  The roads are excellent and 8 line highways were not unusual along the way.

It is a beautiful and vibrant city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient minarets, sikhs’ turbans, muslim veils and even an English cricket pitch.  It is also a garden city and unlike other cities which struggle to keep their lawns green, KL  has successfully managed to keep the threatening jungle at bay.

On our City Sights tour we visited the National Museum which was very interesting with its exhibits covering Malaysian history and culture.  We also stopped at the massive Blue Mosque but unable to go in as they were at prayer.  We then moved on to the National Monument; very impressive bronze at 15.54 metres high.  Also marvelled at the Twin Towers – 88 stories high, featuring a Skybridge  at the 41^st and 42^nd level.

Fri, May 31

We arrived in Singapore this morning and set off on our excursion to see the orchid garden and Chinatown on our City Drive.

Having been in Singapore in the last year, Orchard Road, Raffles Hotel and Chinatown were familiar; however we did stop at Mt Faber and the Presidential Palace as well as admiring the oldest Hindu Temple in the city, the 19^th century Sri Mariamman Temple.

But the highlight for us was visiting the Botanical Gardens to explore the Orchid Garden, which is the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.  Needless to say, many photos were taken as the orchids were absolutely stunning.

As we wandered around Chinatown it was interesting to see each apartment with its’ own bamboo pole to dry their clothes.  We were told that newcomers to Singapore who may want to get a job as a maid have to pass a government-run course on how to hang out the laundry on a pole so that they do not fall out of the window!