Visiting Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
If I could have any pre-requisite to a travel destination on top of safety, I’ll probably make it food. As it makes the whole journey a lot more comforting as well as delectable 
. And so Malaysia is one of those places where one can be assured that something tasty awaits at the end of every stroll, saunter and trek. Whether its laksa, char kwei tiao, chicken rice, cendol and of course, the staple nasi lemak.
. And so Malaysia is one of those places where one can be assured that something tasty awaits at the end of every stroll, saunter and trek. Whether its laksa, char kwei tiao, chicken rice, cendol and of course, the staple nasi lemak.Hospitality, food and weather
But little did I know that more than food, I would also be blown away by the local hospitality especially in KL. From our bustling hotel in a local neighborhod in Titiwangsa, to the random strangers in the LRT and the service staff of both big and small establishments. We felt that KL peeps are quite friendly, helpful and gentle.
But another element in the trip that I overlooked was the weather. It can be bright and sunny at some point and then in a moment’s notice- torrential downpour. Then back to sunny 
. This went on nearly everyday during our combined week’s stay. So, timing is everything as well having your trusty umbrella in case you’re caught outside. Otherwise, it is quite enjoyable exploring outdoors.
. This went on nearly everyday during our combined week’s stay. So, timing is everything as well having your trusty umbrella in case you’re caught outside. Otherwise, it is quite enjoyable exploring outdoors.KL sights: Batu Caves and Merdeka Square
The Batu Caves and the Merdeka Square were some of our highlights. The larger-than-life Hindu statue infront of the caves is quite impressive with its rainbow-coloured stairs that lead to a sacred temple where devouts, tourists, and monkeys climb all of its 270 steep steps. Up there awaits a view of the vibrant square below and inside, a closer look into the worship culture of the Hindus.
We stumbled upon the Merdeka Square by accident after checking out the touristy Central Market. The sprawling square is where the sites from the colonial past blend in with the heritage buidings and the later ones from the independent state.
There is no doubt that KL is delightful city to visit that showed us both the sheen of an impressive skyline as well as the heritage trails and cultural harmony that exist among different races.
The long and winding road: Commute to Cameron Highlands
Our road trip to Cameron Highlands was long and winding. It took us nearly five hours from KL’s Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. There were a few refreshment and bathroom stops in between. It was tiring and dizzying. I was probably saved by the anti-nausea tablet, as I could still function after arrival. The weather there was a lot cooler, as it sits at 5000 feet above sea level.
The tea plantations were our highlights, thanks to our knowledgeable driver who showed us around. Both BOH and Cameron Valley were gorgeous, sprawling and manicured. A day exploring the highlands also included visits to various farms such as honey, lavander and strawberry. There was also a bustling farmers market bursting with the freshest produce that we could not find in other parts of MYS. They are probably exported. The prices needless to say, are amazingly cheap.
If there’s anything we wished we did, it was possibly trying out the hike trails, which required a couple more days stay and some hike gear, which I did not have. Next time maybe, if we’re willing to go through the same ardous road trip again.