Magnificent Malaysia!

We first stepped in Malaysia when we visited Legoland in Johor Bahru on Christmas Day after spending four (4) days in Singapore. We just want to see how this theme park compares to its predecessor in Windsor, England and Billund, Denmark. Being a new theme park built in September 2012, it needs a lot of catching up to do. Young kids will have a blast in this theme park. The attractions in it are a plenty for young schoolers while teenagers have limited choices. Star Wars Lego collection was impressive like the rest of Miniland where enormous amount of time and patience were invested in it to build the attraction. What a talent and commitment to art! 

After spending the day in Legoland, we were picked up by the 2nd taxi driver pre-arranged by driver Neil. Neil was a conscientious driver who recommended this driver friend to save ys some money. He did not get any tip from us for he was booked by the hotel through a transport service from Malaysia. Malaysian taxi was advisable so as not to get off by the Malaysian border from Singapore. If Singaporean taxi was used, we will have to transfer and walk aling the Causeway Link which was inconvenient with luggage to tag along. We had to skip the 8pm  fireworks in Legoland to make it to our flight in Senai airport to Kuala Lumpur. The aforementioned airport was approximately 30 minutes away from Legoland using the expressway. We were charged by meter which reached MYR 80. We did not pay extra aside from the tip. Toll fees were taken cared of by the driver. It was a smooth drive without traffic. We were lucky to skip the rain for it poured hard immediately after we went out of the park. We had to allow couple of hours leeway for we didn't know what to expect in a new country where traffic report is bad. So it was a real surprise to arrive to the airport 5 hours before our scheduled departure for KL.  Senai International Airport was a small airport but the people in ur had friendly faces with ready smiles. We thought of checking in immediately and just spend time in a coffee shop inside bur we were surprised for there was no coffee shop inside. After check-in were just small boarding gates so we had to get our trolley back and go out. The Immigration Officer just smiled and nodded when I asked if we could go out again. Saw three officers on guard and they were all smiling. I bet they are used to tourists like us. Cool officers! 

Checking in was easy using  AirAsia check-in kiosks. Luggage tags were also printed out.  So, it was a breeze at the check-in counter.
We boarded as acheduled and the flight was short with an episode or two of air pocket encounters. It went so quick that I barely finished my noodles and we were already landing in KL. 

Getting off at KLIA was easy following all signs to the taxi stand. Elevator was just tricky with odd-even system. We had to find the elevator that would take us to the third floor and airport staff were very helpful with needed directions. And when we found the taxi counter, we approached it and paid MYR 2 for taxi service. Took the economy vehicle using the Proton car which was cheaper and the only available at that time. Other car brands were charged more. The Proton taxi driver scared us though for he was driving in the middle of the road the fact that it was around 11pm. It was dark and raining and we were in the middle of the road! He was not drunk but he just can't stay inside the left lane. Some drivers have that bad habit. He also kept of clearing up his throat which made me think he was uncomfortable like he wants to cough or pee, might be sleepy or might been experiencing some pain or else about to have a heart attack! He sort of scared us and we felt sorry for him. I offered him lozenges but refused it. I would have wanted him to take it to help him clear his throat and relieved him but I cant force him. He spoke little English and I did not know any Malaysian. Thats why it was such a relief when we finally got to our hotel in KLCC just passing by Petronas Towers.

The Malaysia tour started with free and easy day since we arrived super-late, just before midnight. So, we went around the city on our own to see Petronas Towers and then the shopping malls. We've seen Suria KLCC, Pavilion and Bukit Bintang. There are other malls to mention but these malls are superb and posh showcasing numerous brands. The decors were also awesome that you can spend so much time admiring them. The giant and glittery Christmas decors amazes me. I am not the artistic person and was not gifted with such talent that is why I am always in awe when I see superb arrangements and decors of anything---flowers, ribbons, gifts, stores, walls, malls, etc. I envy artistic people. 

The following day, we went to Malacca and really enjoyed this experience. Would write more about this including Legoland and Batu Caves. Foodcourts were also great. We enjoyed our Malaysian experience and it's really a place I would love to go back to especially the shopping malls! When we went there, it was also the year-end sale season which is why I enjoyed this so much. To make everybody happy, keep hubby occupied in a cafe while shopping. ;) Of course, I just used the money I saved from D-I-Y-ing this tour.