Pictures: Malaysia and Singapore

After a brief encounter with Islamic extremists in Southern Thailand, I ambled my way through the Malaysian peninsula down into Singapore. En route I found myself in the middle of the rustic markets of Muslim Kota Bharu, Diving in the pristine marine parks near the road-less island of Pulau Perenthian (the only place I've ever been without land transport), jaunting through the world's oldest rainforest in Taman Negara, and eating non-stopped ethnic cuisines at Kuala Lampur's Little India and China Town. Malaysia was pretty amazing, but with just under 2 weeks to spend there, I barely scratched the surface.

I knew I was going to like Malaysia. Singapore was the real shocker. Far from the boring, sterile, strict metropolis that I - along with most people - imagined, it's a vibrant city packed full with charm and character. City planners here all deserve sashes of medals for the effective way in which they fused colonial and modern architectural elements, laid out streets and shopping districts without a trace of anonymity, and created the magnificent water promenade that runs along the Quays of the Singapore River.

Check out the pictures when you get a chance.

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