Malaysia Ho!

Our transition into Malaysia involved a boat and minivan ride into the southern Thai town of Trang, where we booked a bus with an overnight in Hat Yai before crossing the border.  Our first destination was Georgetown, a french colonial city on the isle of Penang.  

Our first impressions of Malaysia were somewhat unexpected.   The modern structures and multi-lane highways offered a shocking contrast to the less-developed infrastructure of Thailand.  Further, a high diversity of religions greeted us, as we found Buddhist, Islamic, and Hindu temples all in close proximity.  Most of all, we noticed that the beer prices were significantly elevated!  Where is my Chang??  

As we roamed the streets of Georgetown, we happened upon the woman who instructed our yoga class in Railay.  If that wasn't strange enough, we spotted the young Norwegian couple that shared a ride with us into the Big Blue camp at Ko Tao.  Its a small world indeed!

Not having any proper tourism guide to orient or direct us, we grabbed a tourist map from the guesthouse and began exploring.  Here we stumbled upon Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Women must cover up to enter the mosque.  Kaitlin was thrilled about her wraps.

French colonial influences can be seen in the architecture along Lebuh Chulia

After a morning of random rambling, we decided to step into a bookstore to see if we could pick up Lonely Planets for the remaining destinations on our itinerary, which now included Cambodia and Vietnam. Although the prices were too steep for our taste, the owner tipped us off about the cheap and extensive local bus system on Penang.  We haphazardly caught a ride and headed for the Penang Butterfly Farm.  

This is a caterpillar, believe it or not.  

Spikey!

This little guy shoots out his tongue, supposedly imitating a snake to keep predators at bay.  

Check this cocoon.

Kailtin holds a fantastic phasmid specimen

For dinner we located a food venue of sorts, where stands offering diverse cuisine surrounded a plaza with tables and a stage.  As we became accustomed to the new currency (Malaysian Ringot), we indulged in some delicious Indian -- something Penang is certainly not short of.  Sadly we were forced to skip the booze, as prices were a bit too western for our budget.   

For our only full day in Penang, we opted to hop on a guided minibus tour to maximize our touring efficiency.  Although it seemed we were the only ones on the tour, we were later joined by a pair of Dutch guys and an Islamic couple.  

Evidence of Buddhism in Penang: Wat Chayamangklaram

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, reminiscent of the temples in Mae Hong Son, Thailand

We visited this Hindu temple, which we struggle to recall the name of.  Nick was fortunate enough to get an authentic Indian head wiggle from the caretaker!  

Penang Hill

For lunch our guide took us to the local hawker stands, where one receives a plate of rice and proceeds to dish out fixins from a buffet of curried meats and vegetables. Our guide chomped away beside Nick, happily recounting a story about waiting in line for hours to get a free promotional McMuffin at Micky D's. 

I'm lovin' it!

After lunch we headed for Kek Lok Si Temple, renowned as the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.  Although its majesty is undeniable, the integrated souvenir shops throughout tend to subdue the cultural splendor of this temple.

This monk knows how to party!

Kaitlin standing in front of the recently sheltered bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, standing 30.2 meters tall.

One of Kuan Yin's guardians striking a powerful pose

Silk patinings, or batik, is one of the many fine art forms evolving from Malaysia.  As part of our tour we stopped at a batik factory to see how its made.  

Our final stop of the day was the Snake Temple, where poisonous snakes hang in every corner.  Don't worry, its rumored that they are sedated by the thick burning incense!

You can pay to take your picture with this boa.  Although we chose to forgo the opportunity, our Dutch companion was more than willing to shell out some ringots.  

After parting ways with our tour group we retired to Little India for yet another incredible taste of Indian cuisine. Chicken Tikki Masala and Lamb Rogan Josh--Yes please!

The cultural mish-mash of Penang was certainly a welcome experience after so long in Thailand.  And yet, after such a radical change in surroundings with our recent transition, we were ready for more.  The following morning we caught a bus for the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.