Reflections of Malaysia

We will caveat this by stating that we didn't really see and experience Malaysia at 'its best'.  We only stayed at two places and didn't get to do the train journey we'd planned.  Plus the weather wasn't great with rain most days and noting most of the activities we planned were outdoor, this did impact on what we did.  However here goes:

• We really enjoyed the Asian curries and they sated our 3 month's craving for them!
• The landscape was very hilly, green and lush
• The people were a little indifferent and not as friendly as the other SE Asian countries we visited
• The three main cultures (Malay, Asia and Chinese) all lived peaceably side by side and whilst each had its own districts, the young people in particular really intermingled
• Georgetown, whilst a UNESCO heritage site, was a bit run down and we really covered most of the town in one day
• The roads in Penang were wide and congested thereby making it difficult and dangerous to hire a bike
• Due to the rain we got the funicular to the top of Penang Hill (rather than our usual preferred mode of on foot) and it was very crowded, with lots of school kids
• Whilst we didn't get a view on top of the hill, the postcards showed it is very extensive, therefore would recommend going there in fine weather
• Similarly with Cameron Highlands, little to do in the rain and again we did everything from a tourist perspective (tea plantations, trip to the high point etc) in a day.  Again the views on a clear day would have been worthwhile 
• The trails in Cameron Highlands were poorly marked and the maps weren't of much use.  Apart from the natural hazards of the jungle (mainly snakes and spiders), there were reports of incidents of walkers being assaulted/mugged
• Prices were reasonable for food, beer and accommodation; western food (i.e. pasta) and wine was more expensive (about the same as home)