Malaysia has a modern transportation system offering a variety of ways to see just about everything this amazing country has to offer. The options are so plentiful it's safe to say that regardless of where you are going, there will little problem in getting there, in most cases with multiple options.

My travels in Malaysia have taken me be to Kucing (Borneo), Langkawai, Penang, Melaka, Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara, Ipoh and Kedah. Most of these trips were by land traveling Malaysia's amazing highway system, allowing me to see all the road side attractions and experience the lush tropical geography and climate up close. During the course of my travels I have been able to experience all of the transportation options listed below, except the intercity train, which is at the top of my list of things to do.

Here is a rundown of the various transportation options in Malaysia.

Malaysia Highways

In the Malaysian Language (Bahasa Melayu) Taman Negara means National Park. While there are several national parks in Malaysia, when people refer to Taman Negara, they are usually referring to the oldest and largest in the country. This park is a large protected area in the central northern region of the country.

The park is approximately 4343 square kilometers that spans three Malaysian states - Terengganu, Pahang and Kelantan. The park is nearly all primary jungle and is provides an excellent way to understand the jungle ecosystem up close.

In a previous post I voiced my opinions about Swatow Lane and how the entire street of hawkers was moved from the street into a modern food court.

The corner where we used to enjoy hot mee goreng and ice cold ais kacang.	Swatow Lane street sign

Of the 5 things I planned to do while in Malaysia, the only one that wasn't possible was drinking teh ais on a corner in little India. This is because the cafe right in the center of little india had closed. A minor inconvenience because there are plenty of places to get teh ais, but none with such a prime location. On the positive side though, the other 4 activities were completed.

Since today is the last day of Ramadan, it seems fitting that I right about the Ramadan Market. For anyone who hasn't had a chance to visit a country with a large Muslim population during Ramadan, the basic ritual is rather simple, Muslims don't eat or drink from dawn until dusk. The times that they stop and start eating are marked by the morning prayer and late evening prayer.

As you might imagine when fasting, life doesn't generally continue as usual. This is partly because the body must make it through an entire day on whatever was eaten in the morning, and also because many Muslims use their time during Ramadan to reflect on life, engage in prayer and visit family and friends.

Here I am wandering along Penang Road after eating an amazing lunch at Hameediyah Restaurant on Cambell Street when I see this sign.

Massage, okay makes sense. But what the hell is that photo on the bottom left? It looks like the guys skin has ripped open in the middle. After looking at it for a few minutes, I still cannot figure out what part of the body that is. Here it is in larger format.

Well, after seeing the photo at home, I finally figured it out. Can you see it?

Just got back from Malaysia after nearly 3 weeks in penang and lots to share. I had hoped to blog from the front lines but I was so busy eating that I hardly ever made it to an internet cafe to write anything, much less download photos. Nonetheless, I have some great reviews coming up of local food and can't wait to share them with you.

Malaysia is one of my favorite places to visit, especially Penang where I am very blessed because I have in-laws in there. This not only gives me an excuse to visit regularly, but an insiders perspective into the best that Malaysia and Penang have to offer. My father in-law especially makes my visits all the more entertaining both with his antics and his choice of the best Penang eateries.

Before each visit to Penang I always anticipate visiting my favourite places, which like most activities in Malaysia, usually involves eating. Here is a list of what I am anticipating for my trip next week.

1. Eating Ais Kacang at New World Food Court on Swatow Lane.
2. Nasi Dalcha at Ghaffour in Sungai Pinang.
3. Relaxing with Teh Tarik on streetside tables in Little India.
4. Walking the streets and touring the heritage houses.
5. Browsing the food stalls at the Ramadan bazaar.

What do you think should be the first thing I write about? Let me know in your comments and I will make sure to write a good post with photos about the experience.

Over the past 9 years I have grown to love many things about Malaysia. After each visit I find myself longing for the things that make the country so distinct. I miss the sound of rain tapping on the leaves of the palm trees, the aroma of blended spices which forms the base of nasi kandar, the refreshing taste of teh ais or freshly squeezed mango juice on a hot, humid day, a drive through the rainforest or a walk through the bustling narrow lanes courtesy of its colonial heritage.

When I visited Malaysia in 2007 I anticipated that things would be even more spectacular than in the past since the government had hyped up 2007 as visit Malaysia year. Unfortunately, I was left frustrated, bewildered and even angry, perhaps for reasons some of you may not expect.

In the video below you can get some idea of what the storms were like. Aside from the sound of the thunder and drone of the drops hitting the ground, what I most liked about these storms is that they cooled the air and allowed a nice breeze to blow through our flat.