Travelled down from York on the train,  then a very sticky tube to Heathrow. Night at the Crown Plaza, Terminal 4. Flight at 11.00am tomorrow.

Drove up to Cameron Highlands which is 2000m above sea level. The landscape is dominated by lush tea plantations and strawberry farms. The drive up between limestone cliffs and palm trees. We stopped at the BOH plantation and had the tea making process explained and enjoyed the amazing views from…

Morning from Strawberry Park Left the hills behind headed for  Kuala Lumpur, stopped en route at Lata Iskandar waterfall. Arrived on the outskirts of KL for lunch then onto Batu Caves, set high in a range of limestone cliffs, it is a vast cavern complex discovered in 1878 and now…

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, evolved from a humble town in the 1850’s to become the modern, vibrant city it is today. Busy day of sightseeing in KL and started off at the King’s Palace. The King left whilst we were there together with his motorcade. Then we watched…

Leaving KL today for Malacca. Another World Heritage site, situated on the southern peninsula coast. It was named by a Sumatran Prince after the melaka tree. It is now a thriving city known for its historical buildings,  antique shops and night market. Full day in Malacca, the first stop being…

Arrived in Singapore around lunchtime. Wonderful afternoon with Jenny and Jess at the Gardens by the Bay. The plants, flowers,  sculptures were amazing. We took the MRT (like the London tube) five stops, it was very efficient, clean, air conditioned (not like the London tube) Then in the evening we…

Singapore From a small fishing village Sir Stamford Raffles saw its potential as a trading post between the east and the west.  He drew up a town plan producing the layout of the modern city. We travelled along Orchard Road, the busiest shopping street in the world with every designer…

Short plane journey from Singapore to the island state of Sarawak and its capital Kuching. It has modern high rise buildings and historic colonial ones. as well as lots of restaurants selling different types of cuisine. The town is built around the Sarawak river and the waterfront is a lovely…

Early start this morning for the short drive to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, a rehabilitation centre for various animals and birds especially the semi wild orangutans. Unfortunately all we got to see were some big trees, some butterflies, birds and plants, although we experienced the noises of the jungle. Some of…

We travel to Kota Kinabula today, the capital  of the Sabah region on the north West coast. Most of the historic buildings were destroyed in World War II and the town had to be completely rebuilt, only three structures remain of the old town. Last but one hotel! Checked into…

Today we took a speedboat to Manukan island which is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. It was a little bit of heaven with coral reefs, many different fish, monitor lizards, birds, chameleon and even a Paradise tree snake. I had a dip in the South China Sea…

Walk along to the mall for a coffee this morning before my short transfer for three days of relaxation. Looking over to Gleneagles golf course! Some of the malls are really smart Checked into the Shangri La Rasa Ria for three nights before coming home. Lots to do around the…

Walked along the beach after breakfast and wished I hadn’t had that pastry. It’s very hot and humid. A day by the pool is planned. A couple of birds round the pool and the monitor lizard which decided to take a dip! Music in the lobby by musicians playing traditional…

A few photos taken around the resort The hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia Another amazing sunset and I’m just going to have a Sunsetini cocktail! It just gets better

Last day. Leaving about 3.00 pm for the airport. Morning round the pool and last few photos. Saw a chameleon in the flower bed but he was too quick for me!

Back home to chilly UK. Another adventure with lots of exciting things to see and do. What I won’t miss will be my glasses steaming up every time I set foot outside and not understanding why my photos look blurred when it’s the lens that has steamed up. And tofu…