Bex and Lox Go To Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Tin prospectors in the mid-19th century settled the area at the convergence of the Gombok and Klang rivers; the relatively young Kuala Lumpur (known as “KL” by locals) is a burgeoning cosmopolitan, financial center marked by grand skyscrapers and a culturally diverse population of Malays, Indians and Chinese. Old colonial customs and buildings, and modern architectural design intertwine in Kuala Lumpur.

The most notable and visible landmark is the majestic Petronas Twin Towers of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre—one of the tallest buildings in the world. Other top attractions include the Chow Kit market (the city’s largest food and clothing market), the elegant Jamek Mosque and Chinatown. Visitors will also find countless museums and art venues including the National Art Gallery, the Islamic Arts Museum and Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur’s state-of-the-art theater. 

Singapore, often called the “Switzerland of Asia,” is an island-state in Southeast Asia. What was once a fishing village in the 1800s is now a popular business and tourist destination.

Strolling along the skyscrapers scattered throughout downtown, you get a sense of the modern architecture and mix of historical landmarks, such as the luxurious Fullerton Hotel in the former colonial post office, and old Chinese shophouses now converted into bustling boutiques, hotels and restaurants. Dining in Singapore is top notch and varied, with nearly every kind of ethnic cuisine represented, especially in the city’s many quality food courts, which are several steps above those found elsewhere around the world.

For an evening expedition through the city’s tropical habitats, you can admire animals from the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna or Burmese jungle on a tour through the popular Night Safari. To purchase some Singapore souvenirs, visit the multi-story shopping centers located in the Orchard Road district. Stop by one of the many ethnic neighborhoods in Singapore including Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street, for a look into Singapore’s diverse cultural history. You can plan a day trip to one of the city’s museums including the Changi Museum or a family picnic at one of the approximately 400 public parks that are in downtown Singapore and along the Singapore River. 

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, about 19 miles off the mainland coast of northwestern peninsular Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island) with a population of some 45,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba.

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies in winter when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks—but hampered by inaccessibility—the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret."

Langkawi is a tax-free zone, so normally cheap Malaysian shopping is even cheaper here. Langkawi is great for dozens of outdoor activities as well, such as bird watching, scuba diving, jungle trekking or exploring the mangrove forests on a cruise ship or kayak.

Singapore, often called the “Switzerland of Asia,” is an island-state in Southeast Asia. What was once a fishing village in the 1800s is now a popular business and tourist destination.

Strolling along the skyscrapers scattered throughout downtown, you get a sense of the modern architecture and mix of historical landmarks, such as the luxurious Fullerton Hotel in the former colonial post office, and old Chinese shophouses now converted into bustling boutiques, hotels and restaurants. Dining in Singapore is top notch and varied, with nearly every kind of ethnic cuisine represented, especially in the city’s many quality food courts, which are several steps above those found elsewhere around the world.

For an evening expedition through the city’s tropical habitats, you can admire animals from the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna or Burmese jungle on a tour through the popular Night Safari. To purchase some Singapore souvenirs, visit the multi-story shopping centers located in the Orchard Road district. Stop by one of the many ethnic neighborhoods in Singapore including Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street, for a look into Singapore’s diverse cultural history. You can plan a day trip to one of the city’s museums including the Changi Museum or a family picnic at one of the approximately 400 public parks that are in downtown Singapore and along the Singapore River.