Author: Amy
Outside one of our many stays in Kuala Lumpur the Rainforest Bed and Breakfast
After having a few longer-term rentals we thought we would try to do Malaysia in parts – the beginning and ending in Kuala Lumpur and the middle in the Cameron Highlands so we could see the city and the outskirts. We’ve envied some other travelers we’ve encountered that seem to wing it and thought we would try winging it on accommodations for the Cameron Highlands. That didn’t work!! When we arrived we learned that Chinese is the second largest population in Kuala Lumpur and Chinese New Year is a HUGE celebration. Companies and Federal offices all close for at least a week. We could not find any place to rent in Cameron Highlands, as it is a popular destination for those to get out of town. Ultimately we stayed in Kuala Lumpur and did a bit of hotel/hostel jumping.
Cherry Blossom are a sign of new beginnings
Kuala Lumpur was in full festive swing. Everywhere you looked was covered in red. We were able to see some lion dances that were so pretty. 2012 is the year of the dragon so there were huge beautiful displays of dragons all around. One thing Kuala Lumpur does right is their shopping malls – there are a lot of them and wow are they beautiful. Chinese New Year is considered a time of new beginnings so the theme is also cherry blossom trees. A time for cleaning out the old and starting the New Year fresh, with new beginnings. Kuala Lumpur was a great start to our time in Asia.
Lions dance and then they give oranges to the crowd. It's a popular custom to give oranges because in Chinese, the word "orange" sounds like "Ji", which means "good luck"
The big red dragon at the mall. Based on the year he was born Keegan is a Dragon.
Meeting the God of Fortune
Famous Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur - they remain the tallest twin buildings in the world ever built. We never did get to the walkway - it was closed when we tried and we never made it back to try again.
Journey For 4 
Carey
February 10, 2012 at 10:37 am
Another place I want to visit….Malaysia! What a fabulous time to be there….New Years! The Cherry Blossom Trees are beautiful! I love to see the traditional dress, customs, food, celebrations of the countries! Thailand….? did you go, or are you going? Can’t wait for those posts!! I spent my honeymoon in Thailand….12 years ago! The people were WONDERFUL!!!
Grandpa & Grandma
February 10, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Wow, Keegan this is your year, Dragon. How beautiful those trees are and all of the decoations.
looks like a great place to be Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our valentine’s
Jim & Karen F.
February 11, 2012 at 1:33 pm
We haave been to Kuala Lumpur — but had hotel reservations. We usually “wing-it” in Europe — but then have a car to travel further down the road, if we strike out. You are very adventuresome — which will provide you with a multitude of great stories!