Laman Padi literally translates as Field Rice in Malay, so a very apt name for this living museum that dedicates itself to the history of rice cultivation in Langkawi. The site covers fourteen acres, and the bulk of that is made up of paddy fields where water buffalos graze and egrets strut. The sign at the entrance has images of colourful birds that you are … Continue reading Laman Padi, Langkawi
This part of the trip was always going to be pretty relaxed. The first six weeks have been full on, covering who knows how many miles as we pounded the pavements of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping and Georgetown. Now it is the time to feel the sand between our toes! By day Langkawi has numerous excursions on offer, boating through the … Continue reading Beach days in Langkawi!
Over the years we have visited a few cemeteries, two in Scotland stand out particularly – Edinburgh and Stirling. When we read the Penang heritage brochure and learned about some of the graves near the coast road we were intrigued. It was a chance to visit the resting place of Captain Francis Light and many others of high rank from the East India Company. An … Continue reading Penang’s Cemeteries
The caricatures that are scattered around the streets of Georgetown came about through a competition to market this UNESCO world heritage site. Work on them began in 2010 and as of now there are fifty-seven of these sculptures in place. Each of the pieces is relevant to where it has been sited, the theme is called ‘Voices of the People’ and the idea is to … Continue reading Penang – Steel Rod Artwork
Georgetown was established as the first British settlement in South East Asia by Captain Francis Light of the East India Company in 1786. It grew rapidly in the first half of the nineteenth century with a big influx of immigrants from China and India. In 1826 Penang was incorporated into the Straits Settlements (alongside Melaka and Singapore), before becoming a British colony in 1867. Light and … Continue reading Georgetown, Penang
It was originally known as Klian Pauh – Klian due to it’s mining heritage and Pauh after a type of small mango. By the 1870s mining disputes between different groups of Chinese immigrants had became so bitter that the British intervened, took control of the situation and got her first foothold in Malaysia. By 1874 the feuding was over, and the new name, Taiping, was … Continue reading Taiping – City of Everlasting Peace
A short bus journey from Ipoh is Gunung Rapat and a group of cave temples that are well worth a visit out of the old town for. From the main road the first one you reach is a Taoist place of worship, Ling Sen Tong, or ‘Rock of Heavenly Spirits’ as the name translates. hits you is the colourful facade, bright colours abound – curving … Continue reading Ipoh Cave Temples…
A day out from Ipoh and just a thirty minute train journey away is the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, the home of the Sultan of Perak. A beautiful city set where the river of the same name feeds into the River Perak. ‘Kurang-Sa’ in Malay means one-hundred minus one, and the small tributary Kangsar is the ninety-ninth to flow into the Perak River, giving … Continue reading Kuala Kangsar – a Royal Town
We visited Ipoh in 2020, so for us this is our second wander around a very attractive but laid back city. There is a heritage trail that takes in some of the significant buildings as you wind your way through the streets and alleyways. Throw in a good smattering of street art along the way and it makes for a great unhurried walk. Walking in … Continue reading Sleepy Ipoh
Having visited the Petronas Towers during the day a little over two weeks ago, we finally got to see them by night. As well as the impressive towers to view there is an accompanying sound and light show on the lake behind. As we approach coach after coach is already parked up, so we sense that it is going to be busy. After a photo … Continue reading Colourful Kuala Lumpur
For us food plays a big part in the whole travel experience – new tastes, textures and flavours add to the backstory of where you are in the world. Chopsticks and robots serving meals always bring that element of added danger too… In Kuala Lumpur we bedded ourselves in gently, rice and noodle dishes at the Jalan Alor food market, the longest of its type … Continue reading When in Rome…
Our map from the tourist office is looking a little faded and creased, over the last few days we have put it to good use. Today we can declare that we have visited each and every highlighted temple, tomb and tourist hot spot. The surprising thing is that we have also discovered so much more, streets and sights that don’t merit a mention on the … Continue reading More Melaka
Oldest On the Bus 