MALAYSIA

Even military have to do customs here. They are quite strict. Pics in Mikes round the world tour.

Butterworth:- Malay AFB with strong Aussie permanent det. Aussies have a nice beach bar with pool and good food run by a local family if you’re military. Town is sprawling and just above slum level. Watch out for the guy in base who sells shirt/badges etc. Hi will rip you off at the first opportunity. Where’s our badges you thieving git? Toll bridge or ferry to Penang? Ferry to go into Georgetown, toll bridge to go anywhere else on Penang.

Kuala Lumpur:- A mixture of old and ultra modern. Hotel Nikko is fabulous. Visit the Petronas towers, there is a huge shopping center in the lower floors. Lots of superb clubs, bars and restaurants. The people are quite friendly. The city is very clean and orderly, but with a distinct contrast between fabulous wealth and near poverty.

Penang:- Fabulous island with ace beaches and hotels along the N coast. Park Royal would be difficult to beat. However the sewage in the straight is terrible and sometimes washes round to the beaches. The snake temple (towards the airport) is worth a visit if you want to cure a phobia or laugh at someone else's. A days drive around the island is good. A trip up the funicular railway to the top of the hill where Buckminster-Fuller of Geodesic Dome fame lived. View is even better than from the top of the Komtar in central Georgetown, but costs more (still a pittance though). You change carriages half way up the hill and there is a house there overlooking the bridge. One of the worlds most beautiful women lives there.
Mikes tips:- Watch out for gold digging women trying to get married to your passport (We nicknamed you veranda because any one with the inclination could lay on you!). Be sure to eat where the locals eat, particularly in the Chinatown area. It is a world class culinary experience and free to all intents and purposes. Tiger beer is nice. Easiest shops are under the Komtar and along the tourist beaches.

Subang:- Malaysian Air Force base. Everything is less than 15 years old. Very good facilities.