Reading Week: Malaysia

Penang

When you're given the chance to fly for $35 USD, take it and go. That's exactly what my friends and I did - arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 2 AM, go to the hotel, then go back to the airport at 6 AM, heading off to Penang.
 

Having never flown on a low cost carrier, I was pretty intrigued by the boarding process. Needless to say, security wasn't too impressed with me taking photos in the terminal.
 

This was also my first experience with Malaysian street food, and I was pretty proud of myself when I could order my meal in Mandarin.
 

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the most famous temples on the island of Penang, Kek Lok Si was atop quite a bit of stairs - those arrows were rather deceptive.
 

Penang Hill

Sporting something similar to The Peak tram in Hong Kong, we travelled up to Penang Hill, just a couple kilometres away from capital, George Town. Atop this hill, you could see the entirety of Penang from all angles.
 

The Streets of Penang

Mere inches from traffic (albeit slow-moving). 
 

Delicious, delicious street laksa.

Lychee juice in a bag. Otherwise known as just sugar water.
 

Deep fried goodies on the sidewalk. Top notch samosas.
 

Kuala Lumpur

In town for a music festival, but that doesn't mean I didn't appreciate this lovely city for what it's worth.
 

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

A hazy, smoggy day prompted a visit to the National Mosque of Malaysia. A structure of serenity and beautiful architecture.
 

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

On another muggy, sweaty day in KL, I decided to meet up with a friend from Schulich to check out 'the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary.' Many exotic birds were found, some silly looking, some majestic. Some were even monkeys.
 

All sorts of species were present, and they definitely weren't bluffing about it being a large aviary. 
 

There was also a huge abundance of these fancy peacocks.
 

I even spotted a fellow Canonite rocking a hefty 300L to shoot down some birds.
 

Some birds are messier than others. This little one wasn't too keen on staying clean.
 

There were some more common birds that are kept as pets.
 

Others, not so common.
 

Others, too preoccupied with feasting.
 

Others, not birds at all.
 

Brickfields, Little India

Out and About KL

The main reason we were in Malaysia was for Future Music Festival Asia. This was really my first experience at a music festival, but unfortunately it was cut short. Fortunately, I was still able to see one of my favourite house artists and fellow Torontonian, deadmau5. I was lucky enough to make my way up to the very front that night and I was thoroughly content with the experience of hearing Zimmerman live. 
 

I'd love to come back. Until then.