I must admit, when I first planned my trip to Malaysia, I was hesitant. Hesitant, because I have always viewed Singapore as the place to be when it comes to shopping and safety. I was proven wrong. Malaysia offers that, while maintaining the ecological balance at par with the rate of progress and development.
To be able to enjoy Malaysia more, I decided to take the bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. The entire day was more like an episode of The Amazing Race because we have organized the trip in such a way that there is less idle time. After landing in Changi Airport and having obtained clearance from Singapore Immigration, we then proceeded to Bugis (via train) to have a quick lunch as we were expecting a very long bus ride to Malaysia.
Lacking sleep, arrived at Changi Airport. Copyright Ritche F. Baria |
After that quick bite, we took the cab from Bugis to the Singapore Textile Center where the Eltabina Bus awaits. Since we arrived very early, we were able to stay at a nearby park and enjoy the quietness of the surroundings. It is amazing to find small parks like this in busy Singapore.
On board the Eltabina Bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Copyright Ritche F. Baria |
I spent most of the six hour trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur sleeping. But in a few times of being awake, I did enjoy looking at all the greenery. I am amazed at how Malaysians value nature. I was given the impression that they will plant any tree at any location possible, or merely rehabilitate any area which was disturbed by real estate constructions. They will find a way to maintain ecological balance.
Malaysians value the importance of maintaining the ecological balance Copyright Ritche F. Baria |
I suppose we are near...... |
There is a certain feeling of "home" that Malaysia evokes |
I was also amused by the road signs, their language being a close kin of our Filipino tounge. Being an Ilonggo myself, I noticed that our vernacular has the same words as Malay. The stopovers not only provided relief from the call of nature but these were also venues to explore some Malaysian delicacies like noodles, pastries, and etc.