Malaysia

Jan 13-23
Jan 13 TK34 IAH-IST, TK60 IST-KUL,
Jan 16 MH1432 KUL-LGK,
Jan 17 MH1432 LGK-KUL,
Jan 23 TK061 KUL-IST, TK17 IST-YYZ,
Jan 25 YYZ-IAH

I had previously been to Malaysia twice for work, and had been consistently impressed with the country.  So this time, when I found out that I had another business trip to Kuala Lumpur, I decided that it would be a good opportunity for Tom to get an opportunity to see the city and also explore a new part of the country together.  In addition to KL, we decided to fly to Langkawi, a small rainforest-covered island in northwestern Malaysia.  We used my hotel points to stay at the Andaman Langkawi Resort, who treated us very well and upgraded us to an amazing beachfront suite with a private plunge pool.  It was relatively easy to drive around the mountain,so we explored the island and relaxed by the beach and pool.  Back in Kuala Lumpur ,we went to the top of the Petronas Twin Towers, a first for both of us.  On Sunday afternoon we joined my coworkers for a bus tour of KL and Putrajaya and ended the day with a seafood feast.  Tom headed home on Sunday night, and I spent the week at work in KL, leaving for Toronto on Friday night.

Jan 13-15
Long journey to KL with an extended stay in the Istanbul Turkish CIP lounge

Sri Mahamariamman temple on an evening walk near our hotel

Jan 16
morning flight to the beautiful island of Langkawi

Small creation of sand bubbler crabs, about two inches wide

Very aptly named Black Giant Squirrel spent a lot of time outside our terrace, creepily

Getting a little sun after a swim in our pool

The very impressive Sky Bridge over the jungle unfortunately closed for renovation.

Unfortunately hazy view

Cable car ride to the Langkawi Sky Bridge

Jan 17-18
Relaxing day in Langkawi and evening flight back to Kuala Lumpur

Jamek Mosque in the city centre

Looking down at our shadow from the Petronas Twin Towers’ skybridge

Looking across the bridge at the tower

Looking down at the City Centre Park from the observation deck

Looking across at the twin tower

Looking out at the sprawling modern city below

Looking back up at the towers from below

Istana Negara, the official residence of the head of state of Malaysia

Seri Wawasan Bridge (2003) in Administrative Capital of Putrajaya

Perdana Putra, houses the offices of the Malaysian Prime Minister

Checking out someone else’s dinner at South Sea Seafood after a lovely dinner

Jan 18
Drop Tom at the train to the airport for his night flight home