Seeing the sights in Kuala Lumpur

So, we turned up at 8am to catch the bus back to Jerantut, and were subsequently told that we should have reconfirmed as there wasn't enough space on the bus. I put up a storming protest, which centred around blaming someone else (the rep back in Jerantut) for the error. After a little debate and a few phone calls, the woman organising things on our end managed to sort out another bus to come and pick us up, only we were told that we'd have to wait a few minutes as the driver was currently in the shower. When the bus did arrive, he drove at speeds approaching my dad's, and made the journey which usually takes 1 1/2 hours in 45 minutes.

KL Tower

From Jerantut, me Flo and Marcus took local buses all the way to Kuala Lumpur, which still only took just over 3 hours, and disappointingly, there were no weird locals doing crazy things to keep me amused . Using the Lonely Planet as a guide, and with me staying well away from any navigational duties, we made it to our hostel without any problems. Though things did look a little ominous as we climed the stairs to the reception, and saw 5 hippies sat around a table, strumming a guitar and playing bongos. Luckily, this was the extent of the hippy action while we were there.

We spent our short stay looking at really tall buildings and sorting out tickets for wherever we were going next. For me, this meant booking my flight to Bali and finally booking a flight to Australia (from Bali.) I get into Melbourne on October 29th.

Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower

First on the sightseeing list was the KL Tower - which proudly bills itself as the fifth highest tower in the world at 400-odd metres tall. We got tickets to go up it to the observation deck, which gave amazing views of the city and of the Petronas Towers. From here we walked over the the Towers themselves (the second highest in the world at 450-odd metres tall) and took some photos.

Petronas Towers with a tree in front

Apart from that, all we did was spend some on the internet, get our last tastes of Malaysian food, and drink some ridiculously expensive European beer. I also took it upon myself to expand my German friends' English vocabulary. I've made sure that they're going to arrive in New Zealand and really blend in; using such pleasantries as "old chap", "I am inclined/disinclined to agree with you"; as well as such basics as what "cleavage" and "morning glory" are. I also taught Flo the "DO IT!" line from Starsky and Hutch, which he's adapted with aplomb into an enthusiastic "f**king DO IT", which he's said he can't wait to use in New Zealand. Boys, you're going to be a big hit.

Unfortunately they had to leave for Singapore the day before I left for Bali, which left me on my own again to wander around the city. In the evening I decided to treat myself and have some proper Western food; so I got a rib-eye steak from an Irish bar with a pint of Old Speckled Hen, before heading off to the Hard Rock Cafe for a Fudge Brownie Sundae. It was whilst munching my way through this that a lonely old expat came up to me and asked me if I wanted to join him, as we were the only 2 people on our own. Innocently I went over to his table, but just in case he had any ideas, I quickly mentioned that I had a girlfriend.

It turned out that he just wanted an English person to talk to - he'd lived in Kuala Lumpur for 6 years, was the director of some company over there, and apparently recognised something of himself in me. So I had to sit there for just over an hour as he imparted advice on me, and picked my brain on certain issues. As I was getting ready to leave, he gave me one final anecdote, which compared me to Bambi and him to an old stag. Slightly disturbed and confused, I went on my way.

written by

olliejohnson on October 6, 2006 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

from the travel blog: A man from Cockshutt.

Send a Compliment

I feel that I should speak in defence of myself in response to the implication that I have a leaden right foot. I drive with decorum at all times paying due regard to the conditions. It is hardly my fault if your mother is of a nervous disposition, although I have had to speak severely to her about the scratch marks on the dashboard and the strange blue colour of the air she emits during some of our journeys. Anyway she can hardly speak as when she gets behind the wheel she drives like a bat out of hades - it's a prime example of the pot calling the kettle black! Suffice to say that unlike some travellers - I don't have any points on my licence for speeding!

written by Old man of Cockshutt on October 12, 2006

Just to help settle the debate, I must admit I was more concerned for my safety driving down the winding Shropshire roads in Ol's car than in Mr J's. But maybe this was because after Ollie saw me clinging onto the door of the car for my life the first time, he decided to scare me a little more. I think I'll be the one driving in the cross-Canada tour... except when I get tired and need a break (which usually happens after about 3 hours behind the wheel).

written by Angela on October 16, 2006

I agree, you should let Angela drive. She's got a perfect driving record and she never gets lost. Also, girls are really awesome drivers, that's why their insurance is lower.

written by Trevor M on October 16, 2006

Oliver
If you need any contacts in Perth let me know i'll sort you out.Also know a few people in Melbourne if you need anything.Jack is in Perth at the moment he'll be there until April time and i'm going over early Jan until early March.Keep these updates coming mate they really are top drawer.Speak soon
Shants

written by Adam Shantry on October 18, 2006

Your choice of Speckled Hen shows that at least I managed to contribute something useful to your education. The Leaking Tap has noticed your absence and Nick requires that you return to improve the situation. To celebrate your birthday in November, quiz nights will be restarting though I suspect that the absence of the traveller will be significant in team performance. On 11th November, Phil and I will be thinking of you from the terraces of Twickenham!

Happy blogging - lots of love Dad

written by Old Man of Cockshutt on October 20, 2006

Like a twit I didn't check my diary - it is the 18th that Phil and I will be at Twickenham - in the south east corner!

written by Old man of Cockshutt on October 20, 2006

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