The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are iconic structures symbolising Malaysia’s growth and ambition. Designed by architect César Pelli, they blend modern engineering with Islamic design. Completed in 1996, the towers were once the tallest buildings globally and remain the tallest twin towers. Their observation deck offers breathtaking views, captivating visitors day and night.
Category Archives: asia
Taman Tugu
Taman Tugu, located in Kuala Lumpur, is a 66-acre urban forest park that offers a serene escape from city life. With over five kilometers of nature trails, it is ideal for walking, jogging, and family activities. Celebrated for its conservation efforts, it serves as a green oasis for recreation and education.
Kuala Lumpur – China Town
We’ve arrived in Kuala Lumpur, and heading straight for Chinatown’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. Despite the drizzly weather, we explored temples, street art, and bustling markets. The area reflects the city’s multiculturalism with lively streets that celebrate creativity and diversity.
Looking for culture
Abu Dhabi’s Date Market offers a glimpse into Emirati culture with a wide variety of dates, honey, and traditional foods. The Marina Hotel, while a recognisable landmark, lacks architectural charm. The Museum of Local Life showcases the Emirati heritage. Abu Dhabi is ok for a layover, but not a destination for exploration.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi stands out for its stunning white marble architecture, featuring soaring domes and minarets. Completed in 2007, it blends traditional Islamic design with modern engineering and international craftsmanship. Its intricate details, massive chandeliers, and tranquil ambiance make it a remarkable cultural landmark worth visiting.
Abu Dhabi
A two-night stopover in Abu Dhabi. We stayed at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi hotel. While the city is clean and modern it lacks any sort of character.
Banteay Srei – Citadel of the Women
Our final temple stop was at Bante Srei – The Citadel of the Women, a gorgeous smaller scale temple with the most ornate carving I have ever seen. It is all a lovely pink shade too being made of red sandstone. The temple was rediscovered in 1914 and has the most intricate bas relief carvingsContinue reading “Banteay Srei – Citadel of the Women”
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." – The horror of man’s inhumanity to man
Cambodia is a beautiful country, with some of the most welcoming people with the widest smiles of any place I have visited before or since. But it is a country with a past so horrific, so recent, and so terrible that you wonder how people can ever move on. From 1975 to 1979 Cambodia wasContinue reading “"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." – The horror of man’s inhumanity to man”
Heading further back in time. South Vietnam and Cambodia
Now I am firmly in the travel zone I thought, for my own pleasure, I would go back a few years to an amazing journey in 2008 through South Vietnam and Cambodia. As it was to be my first ever experience of Asia and I was travelling alone I decided to have the hassle taken out ofContinue reading “Heading further back in time. South Vietnam and Cambodia”
Ayutthaya and endless Buddhas.
Next up was Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s old capital cities. Located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River, the city was founded in 1350 by King U Thong, who went there to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri. Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Strewn with epic sized Buddhas, swaddled inContinue reading “Ayutthaya and endless Buddhas.”