Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My trip to KL made me realise that the capital of Singapore's neighbour is similar in many ways, yet different. For one, KL is very developed. It's easy to get lost in its shopping complexes, as it is in Singapore. However, it is less tidy, less neat, less clean, less developed, less safe. Albeit all these, KL definitely has a more relaxing atmosphere, much slower pace of life, less stress. Less stress perhaps translate of happier people. Yes, there are some who seem genuinely happier than most singaporeans, especially the working people. However, the general people on the streets seem slightly discontented. Would this be a good alternative to the extreme-city-modernity of Singapore? I think not. For one, it is moving in the direction of becoming a modern city - it smells strangely similar to Singapore. The stress level is lesser, but not significantly so. For those searching for slightly less stress, yet want the modernity of the city life, this could be a good option.

I started my week-long Malaysia journey with a trip to the capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL). One of the things that I look forward to is the food. The good food in KL is not easily found. It lurks along the worn-down streets. First stop - the beef noodles.

The beef noodle is good. After the beef noodles, I visited the row of shopping complexes, as Christmas approaches.

At night, we went to the famous, and thankfully nearby Jalan Ah Lor to eat.

Getting ready for Christmas! The Christmas crowd is insane! It's utter chaos everywhere - similar to Singapore a few years back.

Decided to visit a club highly recommended by the hostel owner, nearby. Turns out to be a really posh club.

The next day, its nothing other than hitting the Petronas! I did some photoshoot at the Petronas. (see below).

At the Petronas shopping complex, in its A & W, we met other Singaporeans and decided to eat together. They were the ones who helped us settle our order, because the cashier could only speak Malay. Thereafter, we decided to tour together. They were much crazy fun. 

This is the best ice lemon tea I've ever tasted!

That night, we visited another club.

The next day, we decided to tour together as well. They were nice to meet us at our hostel. Onwards Petaling.

We visited a famous mosque.

We had to dress up in this, in order to walk around the mosque.

Then, we proceeded to an indoor amusement park (in a shopping center) and took the rollar coaster and other crazy stuff. I will never try it again.

I finished the night at Jalan Ah Lor again, with Claypot.

The next day, I visited a famous char siew noodle stall (took some effort to find it), did some shopping, and visited the Petronas at night.

Night photoshoot of the Petronas!

End of KL.

Boat Trip to Helsinki.

I managed to board the ship from Estonia to Finland at the very very last minute. Thank God for a hardworking and efficient service woman at the counter, who told me I had to be quick because the ship is starting in 5 minutes. She processed my passport within 1 minute (woo, Singaporean passport always trusted anywhere). I was slow because I was still mentally calculating which boat is cheaper to take. I was walking to a few different docks to check the price. My advice now? - the price difference isnt that great. If you're in a hurry, dont be choosey. I almost didnt catch any boat out. But Thank God that I got the cheapest one again.

The boat trip was amazing. The scenery breath-taking. Here's some photos.

Goodbye, Tallin.

The ship is well-furnished inside. 

One of the best things to do while in a ship, is writing a diary while looking at the passing sea (:

 The Estonian flag.

 Rent a trolley for 2 Euros!

 Tallink - the name of the ship.

Onward to Helsinki (:

Helsinki, Finland - Day 1

In Finland, I finally get to meet an old finnish friend - Anna. I met her in Singapore when she came over for exchange. I miss the times when we had much fun doing project work together.

With her address in hand, I need a map. Thank God, there is a large map of the city at the dock. You can even manually maneuver the map with a handle at the side. Smart invention.

Out of the dock, my first sights of Helsinki.

Nice apartments near the dock.

Saw this guy on a leaning-bicycle. Looks like a very comfortable transport, but I wonder how does he keep himself alert from traffic dangers - I might fall asleep in this position.

On the way to Anna's apartment, I passed by a cementary.

The architecture of Finland has Russian influence.

On the way to Anna's apartment, is the famous rock-church. The walls of rock you see below, is actually a church. I stumbled upon this place without even knowing it. Curiosity got the better of me, as my eye caught sight of this strange structure. After walking round it, did I realise to my pleasant surprise that this is a church. I imagined the feeling of attending weekly service at this place.


The rock church (Temppeliaukio Church).

Carrying on my way to Anna's apartment (I hope I am on the right track).

I had such a hard time finding her exact block and apartment, that in the end, her boyfriend found me at her void deck. Her boyfriend looks very young and handsome. 

Finally, we meet again! :). She has to be youngest looking westerner I've ever met (much younger than her age suggests) So here's the place that I would stay for the next few days, while I visit Helsinki and the towns nearby.


She made my first dinner (rather, supper), in Finland :)