Kuala Lumpur

Staying at the Backpacker's Traveller's Inn in KL. It's okay as hostels go. Glad we have one of only 6 rooms with a window and balcony though. Were first shown a tiny room with air con and no window but opted for a larger one with a fan instead (still no window). Just as we were about to take that the woman said 'oh we have one with a balcony for an extra 3 Ringgit (50p) per night if you want'. Bargain.

From our room we can view the bustle of KL, and what bustle is is. We're just one street down from Jalan Petaling, which houses a massive Chinese market. The street starts off busyish in the morning, but as the day goes on the pavements fill up with more and more hawker stalls. So much so that by the evening you have to walk on the road a lot of the time, avoiding KL's drivers, which is a feat in itself.

By night the street is absolutley teeming. We have a great view from the balcony (including of the top of KL tower all lit up if you crane your neck). There is a hawker that sets up right outside the hostel and Alec and I spent about 45 minutes watching the man plunging various types of food into big pans and trying to work out what everything was.

So, in KL we have been up KL tower and took a city tour to the Kings residence, a chinese temple, the city's rainforest, a batik shop, independence square and various places. We also took a trip out to Selangor last night to see the fireflies, feeding mokeys and stopping off at a Malay village for seafood on the way.

The firefly experience was completely magical. We went out in a boat with about 6 other people onto a moonlit lake, with everything quiet except the gentle 'put-put' of the boat engine. As our eyes became accustomed to the dark we realised that all the bushes around the lake were gently twinkling with fireflies.

Only half an hour in the lake but it was enchanting. Very peaceful and relaxing and in direct contracts to KL.

Moving on from KL tomorrow for some peace and quiet and coolness in the Cameron Highlands. Hoping to stay a few days if it's nice and have a break from the moving around.