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Kuala Lumpur. Malays don't just know their neighbour, they know their neighbourhood. I once spent three weeks in a Malay home, in one of the poorer areas of Kuala Lumpur. Children played in the narrow streets while neighbours gossiped across creaking gates, putting the world to rights. By the way, if you're not bored of my analogy yet, Hobbits are very community spirited and love a bit of chit-chat and tittle-tattle. Doors are left open and everyone knows everyone else. If there's a wedding the whole street gets invited and there'll be no free-loaders, everyone helps out. Frankly Malaysia upholds all the morals and ideals that your parents try to convince you their childhood used to be like. The only difference being that in Malaysia it is actually true. Of course it's not perfect and there is still crime, but you will find Malaysia a very easy and safe country to travel around. So don't be shy and make sure you have a chat with the locals, but be careful, I did and I ended up marrying one!

The culture and way of life
Malaysia has a rich history, which is hardly surprising since India and China lurk on either side in relatively close proximity. Consequently Malaysia is made up of approximately 60% Malays, 25% Chinese Malays, with the rest being made up of Indian Malays and indigenous people.
Malaysia has been colonised by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British which further compounds the sense of diversity in architecture, language and history. Like the Malay food, the culture is a stir fry of intoxicating blends. You can find British colonial buildings pompously nestled between a Hindu temple and a Malay hawker stall.

The ambiance throughout the country is Caribbean in its languorous pace and affable nature. A word of note however; Malaysians may be laid back but religion is a strong part of most people's lives, so keep a check on your moral conduct. Raucous behaviour, skimpy clothes and a general disregard for polite behaviour is likely to raise a few eyebrows and perhaps the odd wagged finger. This advice is less relevant in tourist areas and in the capital Kuala Lumpur, but then again you're a grown adult and you should be showing a little more decorum by now anyway.

Malaysia offers fabulous value for money and the food, accommodation and travel costs are particularly agreeable. I once paid for a fine seafood meal for 11 people consisting of stingray, prawns, rice, assorted fish, sauces and soft drinks and had to stifle my sniggers when I was told the bill was

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