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Singapore - Malaysia |
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In the end of January 2001 we went for a 3 months' around-the-world-trip. A so called ATW-trip. We started in Singapore, crossed the border to Malaysia the next day. After 2 weeks we took the plane to Auckland in New Sealand and stayed there for about 6 weeks. After that we went back to Asia, Vietnam to be precise. We started up north in Hanoi and went down to Saigon (HoChiMinh) by bus. Quite an experience. From Saigon we went to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see the world famous Ankhor Temples. After so much travelling we needed some rest. Where can you better go than Thailand? So after a week in THailand on Koh Lanta and Patong beach on Phuket we went back to Singapore again, from where we took the plane back home.
This town is (in-)famous for its many rules: don't spit on the street, no chewing gun, no eating in the subway, no jay walking etc. etc. A lot of rules, but it is very nice to see the streets to be clean. A big difference with Amsterdam. And in fact Singapore is one big shopping mall. I think you can spend at least a week here (if not more) living under ground and see only shopping malls. Unfortunately it is not so cheap (anymore), so bring a lot of cash and leave your girlfriend at home!!
Finding a cheap place to stay was difficult. The first
night we ended up in a pretty nasty room in little India, close to Bugis
station. Big, but that's all it was. And that for 45 S$. Of course they ripped
us off, but it was the first day and I wanted a shower.
The second time we came here we stayed in Guesthouse Aw .... Only a small room,
but not too bad and now for 26 s$.
The last time we came to Singapore we stayed in the Fragrance Hotel, close to
Kalang station. This was also 45 S$, but is was pretty luxurious. A good value
for money, even though it did not really fit in our budget.
The business area is pretty imressive with all the big buildings. In the middle of this business centre is the Singapore river. At the river there are lots of small restaurants which all have tables outside. So eating here is pretty pleasant, although pretty expensive. The Fullerton Hotel is one of the impressive buildings at the river.I wonder how much 1 night is the penthouse will cost here!!
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Malaka
This town on the West coast has a great
history. Many wars started here. The Dutch have been here in the past also, and
from Malaka you can go to Sumatra in Indonesia crossing the Street of
Malaka.
We thought the rivertour was the highlight of Malaka. It is a nice town, but
that's all there is. From the river you can see a lot of houses build on thin
poles. But some spots are really great, so bring a lot of film.
In the centre of town there is a completely red 'Heerenhuis' (Gentlemen's house)
built by the Dutch. Just accros the bridge is Chinatown, not very special but
you can find some nice chinese shops and temples here.
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Kuala Lumpur We only have been here half a day and saw only the nice area of KL. Just beneath the Petronas Towers is a big shopping mall with a lot of pleasant terraces. So of course we had a good time here, enjoying a great view and a cool beer.
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The Petronas Towers (also known as the Twin Towers) are the highest buildings in the world. It's got 89 floors with a total hight of 360 meters. Between the 43th floors there is a walking bridge which you can visit for free. The view from here is amazing. Hope you don't have any fears for altitudes !! |
This small island North-West from Kuala Lumpur (appr. 100 km. West from Ipho) is not very popular with tourist, but still there are quit a lot of accomodations and the beach is not that bad. At night there is not very much partying or even a nice bar to have a beer is lacking, but for a few days it is pretty cool. We stayed here for 3 nights, we needed some rest from all the hard work we did at home before we left (sure....!!).
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| The beach | Pangkor Harbour |
