Malaysia and Singapore

Singapore, a city-state, has no less than 5 million inhabitants on a very small territory. On the contrary, the density of Malaysia counts less than 100 inhabitants per km2. The difference between the two countries is disconcerting. If Singapore and Kuala Lumpur offer a western-style modernism, the great majority of Malaysia has remained wild, like the highlands of Cameron and the jungle of Taman Negara

Published Wednesday January 3rd 2001,
11:04

Modified Wednesday January 3rd 2001,
14:27

By Olivier Paudex

Introduction

This sightseeing travel started with Singapore, and then continued through South Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur. Through the many temples, Buddha statues, floral and animal species, Malaysia is an amazing country much less known than its Thai neighbor. It is really worth visiting, if only to compare its west coast, which is as modern as it gets, with its east coast, which has managed to preserve an unspoiled nature and a much less ostentatious architecture.

Singapore

Singapore has 5 million people in a territory of 725km². So much for being an anthill on a human scale. To compare, the density is twice as high as in Zürich. While Singapore is a decidedly modern city, it has managed to coexist with its old colonial past.

Singapore, a mix of ultra-modern buildings and colonial past

To get out of Singapore by land, there is only one bridge, very busy with trucks. The traffic jam is constant, from early morning to sunset.

Malacca

Malacca is a city located a 10-hour drive, by bus, from Singapore. It is a place that has retained its colonial character.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. Although it is the largest city in the entire country, it is not very populated. Only 1.5 million people share a territory of 243km², which makes Kuala Lumpur a very pleasant city to visit compared to Singapore. The English colonial architecture is still very much in evidence.

Kuala Lumpur, its modernism and its colonialism

The Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers are the modern jewel of Kuala Lumpur. It is today, the tallest twin towers in the world (in 2001). They both have, 88 floors.

Thean Hou Temple

The temple complex of Thean Hou Temple is located in the middle of the city on top of a hill. It is considered the most beautiful in the country.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is located outside the city, about 20 kilometers north. It is a Hindu religious site. The staircase to the caves has no less than 272 steps.

The Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is well known as a tea tree planting region.

Another interesting activity in the Cameron area is the butterfly farm.

…his peacock.

…and its flowers.

Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara National Park, located northeast of Kuala Lumpur, is the place to see if you are craving wilderness after visiting the big city. Taman Negara is a tropical forest in which you can hike. To get there, you have to take the train to Jerantut, and then the journey continues with a 2+ hour boat ride, to Kuala Tahan.