Taking the Big Break

Model of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

In Malaysia there are 70 people per square kilometer. Compared to the U.S.A. with 33 people per square kilometer, Malaysia is packed. Singapore is even more densely packed, with 7350 people per sq km. Both of these countries are very developed.

European ship coming to Malaysia.

The development of Malaysia and Singapore started when the British took over in the 15 century. Before then they found a 40,000 year old skull,dating back when Borneo was still connected to the South-east Asia mainland. Originally, power was in the hands of the aboriginal people. Later Portuguese and Dutch people also wielded influence in the region. The British took control with their amazing Navy. They used the abundance of natural resources to make money in Europe. There were unopposed for 120 years. Then WW 2 happened and Japan took over Malaysia and Singapore with ease. After WW 2 Japan extracted its forces, British took control again. Soon, though, Malaysia asked for independence and the British gave it to them, along with Singapore. The British still left a lot of European influence. This is all led up to present day Malaysia.

Old Malaysia money

Hindu Temple, Batu Caves

Malaysia is not a very touristy country for South-East Asia. The tourist attractions that we have gone or will go to are Georgetown with its history, Kuala Lumpur because it is the capital, then Legoland, and Singapore for its shopping. The one hot spot we missed was a place called Melaka. And, there are many jungles that are fun to explore that we didn’t.

Interesting Singapore architecture

    Malaysia has a diverse environment, not only in animal life, but also in its people.  Here is a graph:

The Orang Asli are the native people of Malaysia.

Here is a chart of the people of Singapore:

I was surprised that there are so many Chinese citizens in Singapore.

    In Malaysia, there are many different religions. Generally speaking, Chinese follow Buddhism, Indians follow Hinduism, and Orang Asli follow Christianity, as well as the Malaysians that follow Islam. We have combed through Hindu and Buddhist temples, and visited Muslim mosques. If you want to go into a mosque, women have to wear a headdress and robe and men have to wear a robe. Luckily, though, Elio and I don’t have to yet!

    Malaysian food is amazingly delicious and completely safe. I have never had any stomach aches. I had more stomach aches back at home then here! You probably think I am exaggerating. I always say the food everywhere we go is delicious, right? Well, it’s true! Back in the U.S.A., the Asian food is to Asian food here as crickets are to cake. And in America, the Asian is good! Char Keoy Teow is tasty, like a spicy Pad See Ew. Satay is wonderful with peanut sauce. And Roti Canai is fantastic, buttered bread with a tasty curry.

    The geography of Malaysia is split into two parts, Peninsular and Borneo. Singapore is an island at the south end of Peninsular Malaysia.  Here is a hyperlink to Google maps: Malaysia

    I love Malaysia! We recently enjoyed Legoland and are on our way to Singapore. Then we go straight to Indonesia. If you choose to visit Malaysia, I know you will have fantastic time!