Nightlife in Langkawi

 Wafts of sweet-smelling hookah smoke rise against the myriad of colors that flood the dimming sky. Laughter echoes across the starlit beach. There are couples sitting around bonfires, feet buried in the pearlescent sand. We're in Langkawi now.

Penang's Night Markets

After two days of relaxing in the cool highlands, it's back on the road and to the humidity. I jumped on an early bus to Georgetown, Penang for 30rm ($9.25). Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage City because of it's delicious food, so I planned to make this my longest stop in Malaysia. It's also conveniently located about three hours away from the Thai boarder.   However, given the recent military coup and exodus of Thai intellectuals to places like Cambodia and Laos, I might spend longer than expected in Malaysia waiting and watching what happens. If anyone has any thoughts, please email me.

Drinking Malay Style: The 'Super' Beers

Yesterday, I left Kuala Lumpur for a much needed break in the Malaysian highlands. Hopping on a bus, I took a pleasant three-hour ride north to the small town of Tanah Rata. It's a cozy little place nestled high in the mountains amongst giant tea plantations and stunning orchid gardens. The dry weather is the perfect escape from the humid weather and crowded metropolitan hubbub of peninsular Malaysia. And with single rooms starting at 10rm ($3.15) a night, it's a steal.