The island of Penang is widely acknowledged as one of the finest destinations in Southeast Asia, with outstanding beaches, exotic sites and food that is worthy of Paradise. Malaysia on the whole has an integrated racial culture of indigenous Malays, Chinese and Indians. The muslim Malays hold most of the power and privilege. The Chinese, for the most part, are money oriented. They keep their heads down, work hard and Capitalise and you will not find a more family oriented race than the (predominantly Hindu) Indians who have a traditional system of respect for others that is sometimes detrimental to their own well being.
I am holidaying here in "the Pearl of the Orient." It is the fourth time I have visited in the last sixteen years with my Malaysian-Indian friend and I love it more and more each time. You can truly slow down and relax and with a relatively stable Pound being the equivalent of six Malaysian Ringit it is possible to be a bit splashy with the cash for a short while. The Ringit has almost the same local spending value as our Sterling pound has here.
Of course there is plenty to see, from Thai and Burmese temples with large reclining buddhas, Hindu extravaganzas and time-honoured Chinese festivals to butterfly farms, tropical fruit gardens and ancient Pagodas (tiered religious towers.)
Like any nation, Malaysia has its fair share of crime, not least its part in the international child-traffiking trade, but from my experience on the ground I think its fair to generalise that Malasians are a mild mannered and considerate people who do their best to live in harmony, despite the many differences between the three races here.
They also have a direct and gentle sense of humour. Shortly after I showered yesterday in my hotel, I attempted once again to go online in the reception area. (Internet connection is not one of Malaysia's strong points.) Whilst trying to help me crank-start the computer (using cogs and steam!!) my grinning young chinese accomplice commented: " You funneeee!"
"Why am I funny?" I piqued.
He giggled.
"Yoh hair is like noodles!"
