I had no idea what to expect when we travelled to Malaysia.  A country I had read little about and one that doesn’t seem to get its fair share of headlines in travel magazines, Malaysia has an air of mystery about it that makes it even more intriguing and inviting for the intrepid traveller, and now I have had a taste of this multicultural metropolis, I cannot wait for my second course!

Thanks to its prime location between Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, Malaysia is a country of many religions, cultures and ethnic backgrounds, that all seem to live, work and go about their everyday lives in complete harmony.

A country of modern cities, vast rainforests and sandy beaches, Malaysia really does have something to offer everyone, and whether you are looking to feed orang-utans in Borneo, pick tea-leaves in the Cameron Highlands, or eat your way around Penang – this Southeast Asian gem will not disappoint.

The capital city of Kuala Lumpur boasts a miscellany of ultra modern high-rise buildings dotted between the historic mosques and temples.  The business hub of Malaysia, KL (as it is fondly referred to by the locals) offers everything from luxury shopping malls to knock-off markets, fine dining venues to Hawker stalls, and a varied selection of accommodations to suit every traveller and every budget.

Kuala Lumpur may be an Islamic country but it certainly seems to have a wide tolerance for freedom of religions, and you will find an eclectic mix of style, glamour, religion, and traditional values amongst the colourful and friendly locals.

The highlight for anyone visiting KL would have to be a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers or Menara Berkembar Petronas.  A striking space-age building that retains its title as the tallest twin building ever built, it is a truly magnificent structure, and if you get up early enough, you might be lucky enough to get a ticket to walk the sky bridge between the 41^st and 42^nd floors.  A great experience and one that gives stunning views of the city, it is well worth setting your alarm!

The food in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia in general is just amazing!  Delicious Indian curries, spicy Malay dishes, Chinese steamboats, and sushi menus are available in abundance, and we found the fusion of food in this bustling city to be the highlight of our trip around the world.

Kuala Lumpur is big, busy, beautiful and a little bit bashful, but if you enter with the respect and appreciation it deserves, you will soon understand what makes Malaysia – truly Asia!