I love Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is one hell of a city. There is a magnificent mix of the old, the modern, the spiritual and the soulless. There are the newly arrived and those living there for generations. The citizens make up three principal ethnicities - Malay, Chinese and Indian. It is interesting to note that the Sri Mahamariamman Indian Temple and The Masjid Negara (National Mosque) are located in Chinatown. Chinatown also contains Buddist and Taoist temples. It is really quite diverse.

As soon as we set foot in Malaysia, we were made to feel welcome - even by immigration, which has not been my experience in other countries. People, wherever we went, were consistently friendly and helpful, offering titbits of advice on trains and live music venues. Most found it amusing that three foreigners (Irish, South African, French) were travelling together.

Although Cambodia and Malaysia are but an hour and a half (or two hours depending on the prevailing winds) apart, they are very different. To begin with, KL was breezier and so seemed less hot than PP, although the sun burns the same.

I found KL to be a modern globalised city - the first I've visited in Asia (still haven't made it out Bangkok airport) with a great public transport system and a multicultural society. Although it is of course impossible to make any other than superficial statements based on such a short visit, if you are in Asia check it out. It's worth it!