After years as a Southeast Asian runner-up, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is on a winning streak. More fun and easier to negotiate than Bangkok, grittier than Singapore and more eclectic than Hanoi, the buzz about KL is as palpable as its intoxicating aromas of sizzling satay, stinky durian, sweet incense and petrol fumes.
It’s curious that a city where you still have to watch your step for pavement cracks and pot-holes can also feel cutting edge, but cast your eyes to the skyline and around the streets and you’ll see what we mean. In just …

•The little plastic containers that camera film comes in are excellent for storing things. The best use I found for them was salt and pepper holders.
• If you’re a drinker, make sure you have your own wine/bottle opener! Sometimes you can get them as key rings. You’ll never find one in a hostel cause they’re constantly stolen.
• Always travel with a pack of cards. It’s the best way to make friends and a lifesaver if you’re staying in a hostel with no TV.
• A sarong has many uses. It acts …

Kuala Lumpur Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
If you just want to get around Kuala Lumpur and tour the city at your own leisure without:
* being tied down to rigid scheduled tours by tour agencies, or
* being irritated by unlucky encounter with unscrupulous taxi drivers, or
* getting lost by driving through unfamiliar roads
I would strongly suggest that you get on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. These double decker buses (with glass rooftop) will get you around Kuala Lumpur all day long! You can get on or get off at any of the 42 destinations …

As independent travellers, we like to assume that we’re above the workings of Tourist Zones. Look closely, and you’ll notice that some of the most colourful indie-traveller hangouts in the world -Panajachel in Guatemala, Dali in China , Dahab in Egypt - have much in common. Granted, these place retain their own geographical and cultural distinction, but each location shares a laid-back predilection for catering to aesthic and recreational needs of Western budget travellers.
Thus, keeping in mind that much of our time as travellers involes moving in and out of …

Gua Tempurung, is located in Gopeng, Perak, and can be reached from the North-South Highway by exiting through the Gopeng Interchange (about 25 km south of Ipoh). You then take Federal Route 1 and proceed south about 2 km until Kampung Gunung Mesah. Turn left and drive through the kampung road for about 4 km. This kampung road can support heavy vehicles including buses. As you drive through this kampung area you begin to see the limestone hills in the distance. Approaching the caves is a very mystical experience with …