View from Kuala Lumpur

With a hot and humid tropical climate Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, is a vibrant year-round destination.  Offering probably the best views in KL Traders hotel looks across a landscaped park to the Suria KLCC centre and iconic Petronas towers, the highest twin towers in the world.  Since my last visit a new observation area has opened on the 86th floor (there are 88 floors in total) in addition to the impressive sky bridge linking the towers on levels 41 and 42 (the upper level being for office workers ease of access). The sense of height with bird's-eye view of the city is definitely worth experiencing as long as you don't suffer from vertigo, in which case don't even think about it.

There's always something special about a hotel exceeding expectations and never having been to the Traders Hotel before I was impressed by the highly professional and efficient staff able to anticipate guests' needs before they are aware of them.  Within minutes of check-in a dinner reservation at the Gobo Restaurant and spa appointment had been confirmed on my behalf, so I was able to enjoy a relaxing first night after an unexpectedly long journey from Borneo (flight delayed by over three hours).  My favourite hotel in KL, the Mandarin Oriental, is hard to beat with fabulous outdoor pool plus recently refurbished restaurants (including the excellent Mosaic).  Traders is their near neighbour situated at the opposite end of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre complex.

A short taxi ride away Lot 10 Hutong is a fun, informal place to eat.  Described as Malaysia's "Best of the Best" street comfort food, this is a collection of hawker-style stalls but with air-conditioning.  Or if you're shopping at the tempting Suria KLCC, take the escalator to the top floor and Madame Kwan's for award-winning Nasi Lemak (chicken with a sambal sauce, rice cooked with coconut milk, garnished with hard boiled egg), followed by light banana fritters and vanilla ice cream, both favourite dishes ordered by Malaysians.

KL is a dynamic destination, with the Government's target of becoming Asia's business hub.  The city is relatively young, having been established as a tin mining settlement in the late 1800's, but total transformation in the 130 years since has seen impressive growth and investment. Relics of the old remain with the preserved Central Market, now a cultural and shopping centre; and areas such as 'Little India'; plus 'Little China'.  As a complete contrast go trekking in natural rainforest situated just 30 minutes from the city centre.  Even with a weaker pound Malaysia offers really good value for money and a few days in KL combines perfectly with onward travel to enjoy more of the country and islands, or as a stopover on a longer trip. 

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia!

"Fish lip soup" in answer to my question enquiring what I was eating was not a response I wanted to hear.  My host explained it has replaced shark fin soup as the new delicacy in Chinese dining.  Discretely putting my spoon down I moved on to the next dish, sea snails, also challenging but more appetising as I convinced myself they were just like large cockles.  Perhaps I'm not as ambitious trying new things as I previously thought.  Thankfully the lobster salad and other dishes at the gala dinner I was a guest at were delicious.  I'm currently in Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures but predominantly Malay, Indian and Chinese, all of which are reflected in the diverse range of cuisine.  Instead of asking "How are you" on meeting, Malaysians say "Have you eaten?"  Food is top of everyones' agenda.

I began my trip in Sabah, the eastern state of Malaysia also known as Borneo. The flight to Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it's locally known, took two-and-a-half hours from Kuala Lumpur airport (after a 12.5 hour outward flight from London).  All within easy radius of KK I've seen orangutangs in their natural habitat; been to an award-winning marine conservation centre; travelled on the North Borneo steam railway as a step back to the colonial era; and enjoyed discovering the traditions of the five original tribes in Sabah all centrally demonstrated at the Mari-Mari Cultural Centre.

Staying at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort was fabulous and the perfect place for exploring the area.  For diving enthusiasts, bird-watching; trekking in tropical rainforest; and white-water rafting Sabah is the ideal destination for action and adventure.