We drove to an area called Batu caves. Hanging out with John is great, although I never really know where we’re going. I guess it makes the place even more exciting as I never have any idea what to expect! At Batu caves are: monkeys (the highlight), Hindu temples, and huge statues. Ate some more Malaysian food, my stomach is still holding strong (touch wood!)

Following the caves, we headed to a forest reserve and saw some more monkeys. First time it rained during my stay in Malaysia, however we were under the tree canopy and so got more wet from the sweat produced getting up there. As in Penang there was a tree  canopy walk, but following Penang’s style, it was also closed! Seems like I’ll never be able to do a tree canopy walk. Next time huh?

John dropped me of at Terry’s place about 9 where no sooner had I got in the door, Terry suggested we go out for dinner. Hit the Arcades again and I completed Time Crysis! Now I never need to play that game again. Was somewhat of an anti-climax. I reached new levels of greatness on the DDR and all was good. For dinner we ate Korean BBQ. This meal consists of a plate of raw meat, vegetables and noodles where one must cook the food on the burner provided. I’ve ate similar food before and always remember how one of my friends said “Why are we paying to cook our own food?”. However, it is rather fun (as long as you don’t give yourself food poisoning) and delicious.

On the way home, I bought Terry some cake as a thank you gift for having me from the local cake shop and 5 minutes after arriving home, got picked up by John to go out again. As they say, thre is no rest for the wicked!

John took us to Ministry of Sound in KL. As many of you reading this will know MOS is a huge clubbing chain originating from London. MoS in KL is awesome and no sooner did I arrive in the place I got spotted as DJ Crusoe and the crowd demanded I performed. Was intending to have a quiet rave tonight but thought can’t dissapoint the fans… Ended up headlining the night and not getting home until 7am. John and Anthony were seriously impressed and wants me to come back. The after party was immense and the girls were stunning (John hooked up with a famous Malaysian model). I guess its amazing how much uni-radio can help your career.

Only had a couple of hours sleep before having to get the bus to Singapore. Its a hard life being a DJ…

DJ Crusoe at MoS

MoS Kuala Lumpur

Ate Roti Canai for lunch, a famous Malaysian food. Very eat-able, much nicer than the stuff Norman attempted to feed me a few nights earlier.  No trip to KL would be complete without a visit to the KL twin towers, however, the towers were closed today as it was a Monday. A little disappointing but I have climbed enough towers/mountains/etc to last me a life time so not too bothered.

We saw many luxurious shopping malls but all were very empty due to the high prices and global recessions. There is a huge divide here between the rich and the poor. Its strange to think of Malaysia as a 3rd world country but I guess thats because I’ve only been seeing the wealthier parts.

Bought my first souvenir of the trip, a Hoya circle polarising filter for my camera. A huge variation in the prices however, alerted us to the fact some may have been fake. I have been trying to limit the amount I spend when travelling, but Ty, the Aussie guy reminded me  without a filter on your lens, small knocks can trash your camera. He accidenty illustrated this very well when his Cannon 40D (a camera currently priced on Amazon for £612.32 body only) fell out of his rucksack and smashed onto the concrete. Fortunately for him, the camera was ok only at the sacrifice of the filter. The lens on the camera was probably worth half as much as the body also. I found out his camera was a replacement for another one he dropped. Maybe I should get mine insured again someday….

As I have not planned this trip I must keep checking my itinerary every couple of days. I was shocked to see that due to my extended stay in Thailand and in Penang that I now have only half a day in Singapore. Originally my whole trip had been planned in order for me to work in Singapore and now I’m only there for half a day. Its strange the way things turn out. I would have extended my stay in Singapore however my flight is already booked to Vietnam and cannot be changed. I’m a little bit apprehensive about going to Vietnam but am hoping that will sort itself out once I arrive.I can’t really believe am only half way through my trip yet. Have no idea how Michael Palin travelled for 80 days….

In the evening, had fish and chips at the Manhattan fish market, an American chain of restaurants with Norman’s brother, Terry. Was expensive for Malaysian yet very cheap for the UK. Will probably be my last Western food in a while. We played in the Arcade for a bit to pass the time, where I showed Asia my awesome skills at DDR and Time Crysis. Following that I booked my bus ticket to Singapore for Wednesday. Once again, I don’t really want to leave…

Note

Never underestimate the importance of credit cards when travelling. Without mine I think I’d be stranded. Take heed of this advice if your going travelling (this is for you simon!)

Have decided to include the day number in all my posts from now on. This was influenced by the book I am currently reading ‘Michael Palin-Around the World in 80 days.’ One of my favourite modern day adventurers. I’d like to do a Michael Palin style adventure one day, however 80 days is a long time to travel for. I intend to watch the television series the book is based on when I get back.  Like Palin, local people find it hilarious to call us Mi-kel Jackson. However, in my case probably more so seeing now he is dead and had so much media coverage.The other book I bought at Heathrow I have now finished. I gave it as a parting gift to Norman. It is remarkable at the speed you grow attached to someone when your travelling. Feels like I have known him for ages now and it is sad to leave. Next year he is moving to Australia and I hope to keep in touch.

This morning, after emerging from my deluxe comfort bed fighting the sleep out of my eyes. Last night was spent chilling with Norman until fairly late. We watched the Venus and Serena tennis match at Wimbledon. Up until now haven’t watched any tennis and only been kept updated by emails from my mother. Was weird watching the tennis at 11pm LIVE from England as usually I’ve always watched it at UK time (4pm approx).

Made the journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur which was an adventure by itself. Took a really comfy modern air conditioned bus for 4.30 hours with only Michael Palin for company and trying to sleep. We passed through lots of jungle although I didn’t really appreciate the views as much as I should have done and preferred to sleep. There’s a limit to how much jungle you can look at.  Then followed by train and then the oldest bus I’ve ever been on  (they drive with the doors open). Arrived at Sunway district, and got off at my stop. I was instructed to get off when I saw the giant sphinx. It looks a little bit out of place in Kuala Lumpur I have to say….Following this, I then spent ages trying to find Norman’s brothers house. Visited every back street in the area and was about to give up when a ray of light shone down from the sky and fell upon the house (actually I asked someone in a hotel). Fortunately, I made it before sundown and spent the evening chilling with Terry discussing our future plans. (Have already broken my promise from this morning)

Tomorrow am meeting one of Normans school friends at 10am to go to KL centre. Have a burning desire to go up the KL twin towers and walk over the Petronas bridge, one of the key sights in KL. However, ticket availabilty is scarce and so may not have the opportunity. Will spend a few days here before heading on in order to relax heading to Vietnam via Singapore, somewhere where I have very few contacts and will have to be on my guard.