Australia, the lucky country

I know I know, once again I'm behind on my blog posts - so much for my resolution to post more regularly and not let WEEKS go by in between.

Today's post is not actually about life in KL but about my home country. Yesterday I was down in the little convenience store below our condo and as I was paying, the shop owner asked where I am from. When I said Australia, he let out a little sigh and with a smile, said,

"Ah, Australia. The good country."

I'm writing about this because it's not the first time it's happened since I've been here. Taxi drivers, people sitting next to me in cafes, hotel valet staff - pretty much every Malaysian person I have encountered has had this same positive reaction to Australia - it's good, lucky, happy, great. 

Australia has it all in their view, it's safe, people have good jobs, locals are friendly, there's a real sense of freedom and it's all packaged up in a nice climate that is seasonal but still mostly warm and sunny.

And yet, reading the Australian news every day, you'd think people had real problems back home. Not a day goes by when the media (and the general public) is not lamenting how hard life is, how they don't have enough money, how groceries are too expensive, how the streets of Sydney are too dangerous, how kids are not educated enough, how Cityrail sucks...etc. 

Sure, it's all a matter of perception and relativity and grass is always greener and all that, but let's stop for a moment for a reality check. Australia is really a lucky country in so many ways, not least because most days you see real blue sky, not the polluted haze that's been hanging over KL of late.

I've been as guilty as the next person when it comes to whingeing about the price of coffee in Sydney or its public transport woes. But I hope that having lived abroad now and heard how positively Australia and Australians are spoken of, that when we eventually return I will be a bit more appreciative of just how good we have it. 

Happy birthday Malaysia!

To celebrate, The Boy and I are off to the Perhentian Islands for a long weekend with our Scottish couple friends and our South African scuba diving instructor friend.

Weekend away from KL - Langkawi

Living in Kuala Lumpur is fantastic if you like to travel. You are in a central hub for travelling in the region, with other SEA countries at your doorstep and the rest of Asia not far away. And with the likes of Air Asia, Jetstar, Tiger and other low-cost airlines all servicing KL, you have the choice of fares so cheap for international travel they would certainly rival the cost of domestic air travel back in Oz.

That being said, The Boy's business commitments at the moment make it difficult for the two of us to go anywhere on a long holiday. Luckily, Malaysia is in itself a fascinating country to discover and has plenty to offer in the type of holiday the two of us love - relaxing by the beach. As inland as KL is, it does make me miss Sydney's beaches and how accessible the coast was from anywhere. And when lying by the artificial beach at Sunway Lagoon is no longer enough, what better than to hop on a quick flight to one of the many beautiful islands dotted around this country.

So one sunny weekend in late June, we headed to Langkawi with 6 others for a couple of days of sun and relaxation.  

We stayed at the Frangipani Resort on the more happening end of Pantai Tengah beach (closer to Pantai Cenang). A cute little eco resort, our garden villa (with amazing outdoor rain shower) was only steps from the beach and at night you could hear the sounds of the ocean.

Our garden villa

The beach was only steps from the front door

Frangipani flowers around the resort

The highlight of the weekend though was a sunset cocktail/dinner cruise we all did through Crystal Yacht Holidays. 

Arriving at the marina

What the boys hoped we were going to ride

Our real boat

We watched the skies anxiously as the sunny day had turned an ominous grey as we arrived at the marina. Sure enough, it started to rain as soon as the boat started moving but luckily we escaped the bad weather and soon enough were in calm, gorgeous ocean waters.

It was free-flow drinks on board (soft drinks and a selection of cocktails) and the friendly crew made sure noone's cup was ever empty. Once we were in open water the jacuzzi net was put out the back of the boat, which was our cue to jump into the warm sea while the crew prepared our delicious dinner.

Eventually the sun started to set and we were heading back to the marina. A beautiful end to a great cruise. Definitely a must-do when in Langkawi!

The next day after a leisurely breakfast we headed to the Langkawi Cable Car together with our Scottish couple friends. The Boy and I had done this before on our previous visit in May 2011 but it was an overcast day and the fog at altitude had meant we couldn't see anything at all. Waking up to another blue skies and sunshine day, I was determined we wouldn't miss out this time.

View from the cable car on our way up

Sky Bridge (closed when we visited)

 

The fog literally began to creep in while we were up on the observation platform. Still, we were happy to have been able to see some of the breathtaking views before it got swallowed up in the grey mist.

 

Access to the Langkawi SkyCab is in Oriental Village, which is a bit of a tourist spot in Langkawi with several souvenir and clothing shops and a few eateries all in a pretty-ish setting. The Boy and I had already checked it out on our previous visit and unless you are looking for souvenirs, it's not really a must-do.

Back down on the ground, there was time for a leisurely seafood lunch (another must) and a few more moments at the beach before heading back to the airport with our duty-free purchases in tow. Yeah, did I mention Langkawi is a duty free island? Alcohol is one thing that does not come cheap in KL so The Boy and I stocked up on vodka and scotch at prices that would be unthinkable anywhere in Australia!

Lobster lunch

Bye Langkawi! We'll be back soon!

 

Out and about from KL

Wow, I'm not sure how it happened but despite my good intentions, it's been over two months since I was last on here.

Actually, I know exactly how it happened. You see, since late June, I have been on a plane at least once a week. Extravagant, some might say. But no, it's been all discount airlines for me! Busy? Definitely. And the affordable and relatively painless flights have really made me appreciate how brilliant KL's location is as a hub for travel through Asia.

So where have I been?

First there was a weekend away in Langkawi with The Boy and assorted friends. Despite almost missing our flight, it ended up being a brilliant holiday. Our second time there but we enjoyed it just as much, perhaps even more due to the social aspect. Highlight was the sunset cocktail/dinner cruise. But more on this another time.

Then my parents and sisters arrived from Sydney for a whirlwind visit, having already passed through Singapore to visit Brother no. 1. Following that, mama and I flew out late at night over to Japan (Kansai International Airport, Osaka) for a week of lazing and feasting with my grandparents. Overnight flights are never fun but at just over 6 hours, it was over by the time I had a little snooze and a bit of breakfast.

A couple of weeks later I was back at KLIA this time headed to Hong Kong for a long weekend to visit a toasty friend of mine from school days and also meet up with a dear work colleague on her stopover back from Europe. We were feeling very pleased with ourselves for planning such a clever international catch-up until Typhoon Vicente hit and we found ourselves stranded at the airport overnight.


By this time, we were into August and due to the colliding of stars and the mysteries of the universe, I booked an impulse flight back to Sydney to see my family and friends, who are not so near these days but still remain the dearest in my heart. On the way back I tried out Scoot for the first time - Singapore Airlines' budget carrier - even travelling up front in ScootBiz thanks to my darling mama purchasing a last-minute upgrade for me at the check-in counter.

I felt like I had literally unpacked my woefully insufficient clothes after my freezing Sydney encounter (yes Sydney does have winter) when I was zipping up the suitcase again, this time for a quick business trip with The Boy over to Singapore. We went there by Aeroline coach, which I've mentioned before, and came back on Jetstar, which I give a big thumbs up to if only because they fly to KLIA and not the infernal LCCT.

And now I am looking at my itinerary for yet more flights - this time The Boy is coming too as we head to Kota Bharu then onto the Perhentian Islands this weekend for some sunshine, blue skies and blissful beach time with friends.

After that my travel plans do dry up a little, although I'm still hopeful for a wee trip somewhere close in September or October - perhaps Penang, Langkawi (again) or even across the border to Chiang Mai or Koh Samui in Thailand? The Boy and I then have a trip together back to Sydney for an early Christmas as prices double in December/January. 

I can't believe how quickly this year is flying by. Looks like the other destinations on my Asia travel list - Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia, South Korea and more Thailand will have to wait till 2013!

Weekend in Melaka...or is it Malacca?

One blazing hot weekend in June, The Boy and I celebrated a milestone. It was our first weekend away since moving to KL and we were going to Melaka, that lovely UNESCO heritage-listed historical port town about 2-3 hours drive away.

The Boy and I on Melaka River

Melaka centres on the river. The water is not the best but the brightly painted restored shop houses that line the river on both sides - some converted into cafes and accommodation - and the cruise boats ferrying tourists up and down give it a nice life. We happily did the 10-minute leisurely stroll up and down the river to our hotel several times over the weekend, always finding something new to notice and enjoy at different times of day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melaka is perfect for a weekend trip because most of the tourist sites are clustered close together, which makes for easy sightseeing. The only obstacle was the heat, which seemed to be about 5 degrees warmer than KL! Luckily, cold fresh fruit juices, refreshing bowls of cendol and beers (The Boy's drink of choice) are plentiful, and people-watching enjoyable.

Melaka town centre

Melaka town centre

Colourful tri-shaws lined up waiting for customers

While we chose to walk, it seemed the 'tri-shaw' was the mode of transport of choice for many other visitors that weekend. For some reason, the drivers of these bicycle/carriages insist of blasting loud music as they ferry passengers around, anything from loud 80s ballads to dance club hits. 

St Paul's church ruins

 

Water wheel

A'Famosa fort ruins

Maritime Museum

Malaysians will tell you to go to Melaka for the food. In fact, one of The Boy's staff drives there with friends every couple of months for a feed. Melaka is known for several dishes including chicken rice balls, satay celup and cendol. We had a delicious lunch at Famosa Chicken Rice Ball restaurant on Jonker Street, returning later to check out the night markets, which were bustling.

At the top of Jonker Street

Sunny afternoon in Chinatown

Rice balls and chicken = simple but oh, so satisfying

Lovely interior at Famosa Chicken Rice Ball restaurant

Heaven is fresh juice in a jar on a hot day

Good night Melaka, we'll be back!

We travelled to and from Melaka by Nice Executive Coach which was great aside from a miscommunication which saw us miss the bus on the way there (luckily there was another one 2 hours later) and on the way back we were unfortunately seated beneath a leaking airconditioner which splashed water on our feet every time the bus took a sharp turn. The seats are comfortable though and it looks like one of the nicer coaches that do that route.

Travel tip: If you can help it, don't travel on a public holiday weekend. The roads were so crowded with Malaysian holidaymakers, the trip took an hour longer than scheduled each way.