Visiting Langkawi
Mar28

Visiting Langkawi

Most visitors to Malaysia are familiar with Penang, but Langkawi has a much different feel and provides such a different experience, especially if you love uncrowded beaches and lots of wildlife and nature.

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The life of gay people in Malaysia, the female perspective
Oct07

The life of gay people in Malaysia, the female perspective

–I recently did an interview with a gay Malay Muslim male about his experience of life for gay people in Muslim Malaysia, and I wanted to share a woman’s experience as well. “Miss PLU” graciously accepted to be interviewed. I’m in my 30s and a female. The sexual orientation would be a lesbian or what the local gay community calls a “PLU” which stands for “People Like Us.” I am a Malay and a Muslim. Not active but still believe...

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The life of gay people in Muslim Malaysia
Sep20

The life of gay people in Muslim Malaysia

While life as a gay young person growing up during the 1980s certainly was rough, I know that many people had it much worse. And many still do. As I contemplated living in Malaysia, I had to ask the question What would life be like for me as a gay man in Malaysia? While the Malaysian culture is diverse and split among three major ethnic groups (Malay, Tamil, and Chinese), the majority are Muslim. You see and feel its influence...

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Malaysia’s Blue Mosque
Sep13

Malaysia’s Blue Mosque

Lots of people have heard of the famous Blue Mosque in Turkey, but did you know there’s also a pretty impressive one in Malaysia? It doesn’t get a lot of visitors, but it’s worth the trip to see. And the lack of hordes of tourists makes it even better. Building of the domed mosque finished in 1988. It was built to celebrate the city of Shah Alam being dedicated as the new capital of the state of Selangor. This impressive structure...

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Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur
Sep04

Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur

KL offers some great public transportation options for getting around the city, to and from the airport, and to other destinations. And best of all, they’re extremely affordable. Trains Like most big cities, especially in southeast Asia, KL traffic can be horrific. Especially on a Friday afternoon. The monorail (MRT) and light rail (LRT) systems get you out of the vehicle traffic saving you a ton of time. This is even more helpful if...

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Spending time with a Hindu god
Sep02

Spending time with a Hindu god

I wiped the sweat from my brow as sun gleamed off the immense golden statue. Today’s nemesis was located to the god’s right. I stopped to take a photo, partly to ready myself. I nervously glanced at the stairs as they disappeared high up the hillside. Not only did I dread facing the 272+ steps because I have bad knees, but I have become pretty out of shape. Sure I walk a lot, but that doesn’t compare to the training I used to do...

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