Arriving in Kuala Lumpur with only a week left before my flight to Australia I eventually decided on just staying here for my remaining time, taking some time out from all the travelling and seeing the city at a slower pace. It meant I won’t see any more of Malaysia, but well I can always come back.

Being a city, it is quite noisy, dirty and crowded, but there were a few places to get away from that. The Lake Gardens were particularly nice to walk, with very few people around and a few attractions such as an Orchid garden, bird park and small deer park. A short walk further also led to the National Monument, a really well kept area with a sculpture park and statues dedicated to those lost in the wars Malaysians have been involved in.

National Monument

On another day I took the trip out to Batu Caves, quite overcrowded with people as well as monkeys, but an impressive site nonetheless. The towering gold statue stands at the bottom of the steps that lead into the cavernous cave complex above.

Batu Caves

I think my favourite time to enjoy the city though was at night, with the temperatures much more pleasant, plenty of wonderful food to be found, and the glowing city skyline. I’ve not always been entirely sure what I’ve been eaten, but it’s always been nice!

Some towers

Whilst here in KL I also finally managed to find a local gig to attend! I managed to find a decent record store where I bought a Dismember t-shirt (for £7, bargain) and enquired about any upcoming concerts. There was some American grindcore band playing the following day, with plenty of local support bands. It was a bit of a mission to find the place, in one of KL’s suburbs, but with the help of some locals I managed it. With so many bands due to play it was supposed to start at 3pm… it eventually got under way at 6pm. The venue was basically just a practice studio so every time I fancied a drink I had to go across the road to 7Eleven haha. The locals were very welcoming anyway and it was good to finally experience a gig here. Whilst not all the bands were to my taste there were a couple who impressed me. Unfortunately with the delay in starting I did have to leave for the last bus before the main band played, just to make sure I wasn’t stranded in a KL suburb miles from the centre.

The remaining time here has just been spent relaxing and sorting a few things out for Australia. Oh and I got a new tattoo.

So this is my final post from South East Asia, I’ve had a wonderful time and everything has worked out well in the end. Seen most of what I wanted to see and been to most of the places I wanted to go. Tomorrow I wait around for my overnight flight to Melbourne!