Kuala Lumpur

This is our final day on the Silver Whisper and we spend it in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. We stayed in the city 18 years ago, but to my shame, I can’t remember very much about it - except for the Petronus Twin Towers. Then we went up the towers, admitting the architecture and the view they provided. No longer the world’s tallest buildings (though I think they’re still the tallest twin towers) they’re still magnificent as we view them from outside on today’s tour. 


We start off in the museum which is beautifully set out and illuminated (rebuilt after the British bombed it by accident in WW2). It provides an excellent starting point for understanding this city - and country. As is often the case, I wander off, focusing on the things that interest me, and end up outside the museum before the rest of our group and visit the pavilion housing some sort of cultural show celebrating Sabah - one of the two Malaysian provinces on the island of Borneo. I start talking to a group of young people from the island who have all dressed in their local costumes - presumably to perform later that day. They are delightful and happy to pose for a few quick photographs. 

It’s then on to the Malay Village or Kampong Bharat. It seems strange to have an area dedicated for Malays in Malaysia (or Malaya as it was) but it seems it was a response to the increasingly multi national population. Its origins are explaimed as follows: 

‘The Malay Agricultural Settlement was established in 1899 when His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, granted the land to the Malays under a special condition that only ethnic Malays could own the land and live in the area. Malay people under this definition are those who speak the language, practice the Muslim religion and customs and are approved by the Board of Management of the Settlement.’ 

Many of the houses still exist and have a distinctive character of their own - though it does seem strange to be wandering around what seems to be their gardens! There’s something quaint about this low rise area in such a modern city. Many of the houses are now restaurants of various kinds, and a few we passed seemed to be selling some very tasty looking street food - as usual interacting with and photographing the people is a major attraction for me. 

Then it’s on to lunch in a city centre hotel  - another buffet, but well set out and delicious. An added bonus is a visit from Father Christmas - it’s amazing how big a deal is made of Christmas out here - and we each receive a mini Cadbury’s chocolate! 

Finally it’s on to the iconic Petronus Towers. Rain has been threatening all day, but by now it’s sunny - and very hot! I spend some time photographing them from every angle before returning to the air-conditioned comfort of the coach. 

And so it’s back to Port Klang and the ship. It’s our last night and we must pack ready to leave our cases outside the door by 11.00. I can’t believe how quickly these two weeks have gone.  We’ve really enjoyed the Silver Whisper; I’d worried that it would feel just two small, but with only 280 people on board, it’s felt intimate and special.  We’re now not sure how we’ll feel in the bigger Silver Dawn when we board later tomorrow.