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Travel Vlog Malaysia Malacca

After visiting Kuala Lumpur, I drove to Malacca (also spelled Melaka). Asking around, I discovered a rich history of the port town. In the early 15th century, Malacca developed as a commercial hub and served as a melting pot for traders from Arabia, Persia, India, and China. I imagined old markets with silk, camphor, porcelain, spices, sandalwood, pepper, and gold. The good fortune of Malacca attracted the Portuguese who sought to control the region and gain power over rival kingdoms. The Dutch then overtook the city, expanded the fort, and added infrastructure to the site. By the 1800s, the British had taken control of Malacca and the city was incorporated into the Straits Settlements. I really enjoyed learning about all this history and exploring the city. I visited several temples of different faiths, walked through streets filled with artwork and colorful murals, and took an evening cruise down the canal. Next stop Singapore! Thanks for watching.

Travel Vlog Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

I loved traveling in Malaysia. I was so inspired by Kuala Lumpur. As soon as I arrived in the city, I was determined to see all I could see. I started with a stroll in the mall and ended up at the Petronas Towers! What a sight! It felt really cool to be there after seeing pictures of the skyscraper city for so long. Looking out over the city from the top of the Skybar, I had an epiphany about my professional life and career goals. Then, I had a night I’ll never forget! There’s a lot to do in Bukit Bintang. I was so energized that I didn’t sleep. I continued my exploring in the morning, visiting some of the capital’s historic and precious monuments. I marveled at the central mosque and walked through the nearby museums. At the national monument, I learned even more history. I was stunned by the Batu Caves. The local religious life is just as fascinating as the temple’s architecture. I really hope you enjoyed my video. I’m thankful as always to my editor Sara from Algeria! Please visit my page to see more of my trips.

Travel Vlog Malaysia Chenderoh Lake Cameron Highlands: Cancer Therapy and the Quest for Rafflesia

Are you ready for an adventure? How about two? This time I learned about local culture at an island homestay and hunted the largest flower in the world deep in the Malaysian jungle. First, nestled in the middle of a beautiful lake, I found “Suka Suka” homestay. “Suka suka” is a Malaysian saying meaning to relax or do as one pleases. This was especially easy since Aziz, Asiah, and their son Azim were so warm and hospitable. And they taught me how to properly tie my sarong! So I swam, relaxed, and took in the scenery while I connected with the nature and people around the village or “kampung.” Experiencing all the charm of a traditional town made for a quaint time. I even played mancala at the lakeside retreat, which during sunset was beyond picturesque. I opted to finish the book I was reading on Leonardo da Vinci. While I was in Malaysia, especially during these few days, I came to realize the importance of the plants in the region and their practical uses. This part of Malaysia has a lot of agriculture, and besides some of the plantation crops, there are also medicinal herbs found in the jungle. I discussed the benefits of Garcinia Cambogia, which contains many anti-oxidants and has potential for use in cancer prevention and treatment. While garcinia is a popular weight-loss supplement, it has proved useful in homeopathic medicine and I was curious about engineering more potent formulations. For the next mission, I journeyed to Cameron Highlands, climbing the mountains while the temperature dropped. Here, there was a brilliant farming community and lush tropical forest, although the area looked as though it was becoming more and more developed. I visited the BOH tea plantation and explored the hill-top markets. Yet, the most exciting time was the rainforest expedition for the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. During the trek, it was pouring; but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the exotic flora and fauna. There are pictures of the Rafflesia flower we found at the end of the video and I posted other pictures on Instagram. After all that, I was soaked and really wished the flower had smelled better. That could be another engineering project. Hope you all enjoyed my journey in the Malaysian countryside. If you liked my videos, please show your support!

Travel Vlog Malaysia George Town Penang

I geared up for a long day of travel. I took the ferry back from Ko Samui island to the mainland and continued by private vehicle to cross the border into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang. Then, I had a full day in Penang. I explored the busy streets and checked out the colorful famous street art. There’s bustling local culture and colonial history. Founded as a free port, George Town was settled and colonized by the British. Though in 1946, the Straits Settlements were dissolved and Penang was merged into the Federation of Malaya. Nicknamed the “Pear of the Orient,” Penang is well known for its soft sandy beaches and is thought to be a hub for all kinds of food. There’s some must have dishes including Char Koay Teow (signature flavor ‘wok hei’), Penang Assam Laksa (rich and spicy fish-based soup with noodle broth), Penang Rojak (thick syrupy peanut sauce with fruit), Mee Goreng (chili noodle stir-fry dish), and Chendol (shaved ice coconut dessert) to name a few. I even tasted some slimy durian, which isn’t like any other fruit I’ve tried. Old George Town is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and has fascinating history as well as pubs, artsy boutiques, cafés, and studios. I visited some of the tourist attractions and included the highlights in this video. I had a very memorable and reflective experience at the Kek Lok Si Temple and surrounding Buddhist temple complex. The Penang Botanic Gardens were also stunning. When you visit Penang you’ll see how much there is to see and explore. Thanks so much for watching my vlog! I had a great time visiting Malaysia and hope you enjoy more of my explorations.