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Hi, Kevin & Dawn
Where do I start? I was born & brought up in Malaysia (interspersed with irritating school terms in the UK.) My parents were last generation of British Colonials out there.
I don't know Singapore well. Mum has been there much more recently than I have and recommends Sentosa Island if you have childlren. I think the Tiger Balm Gardens are brilliant as well. A gin sling at Raffles Hotel is an absolute must even if you are not staying at Raffles, just so that you can say that you've done it.
I'd go over the causeway into Malaysia as well. If time (and hotels) permit, I would definitely recommend a trip up to Ipoh to visit the Batu Caves, plus a swim in the cascade at Tanjong Rambutan, near Ipoh. Chenderoh Lake is good too. Pangkor is disappointing nowadays but Batu Ferrhingi, in Penang, remains brill. The Snake Temple in Penang is worth donig - the snake they put into my arms was not cuddly but it was doped up to the eyeballs by the incence, so it was passive.
Holding a snake is an entirely weird sensation. They are scaly, so one expects the same sort of slime as as on a fish. None of that because the snake is bone dry BUT its skin is able to operate independently of its body. This has not stopped me laughing about OH'S Nether Regions ever since..... The sensation is exactly the same....
If it were me, I would also visit the Sultan's Wife in Johore. It is a LONG tradition that the Sultan of Johore always has four wives, one of whom is invariably British. I'd invite myself over for lunch or tea with her, since she will not be far away.
Visit the farms in Johore - the farmers will give you pineapples because it is the only thing they have to give. Please respect them by giving them something in return.
Muslim teaching is that one cannot allow a traveller to pass by one's door without inviting him in and offering him nourishment. Yep, well, I wouldn't recommend the local coffee or the biscuits, but by now the pineapples should be ready for cutting, I think.
Cameron Highlands is brlliant too. At this time of year I would give the East of the Peninsula a miss, though. The real pull there is the giant turtles laying their eggs, but that does not happen at this time of the year. June & July are the best months for the turtles.
If you go into mainland Malaysia and you treat "my own" people well, you'll be amazed by their kindness towards you in return. I speak Malay so I would just stroll over the border into Johore and start asking questions. However they all speak English today anyway(Good On Them - why should they bother to learn someone else's language? But they HAVE bothered).
Cheers
Gill
Last edited by Gollywobbler; 04-11-2007 at 05:38 PM.
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