Malaysia

Sea turtle hatching at the Bubbles Turtle Conservation Project, Malaysia

There are 7 species of sea turtles in the world, and all are endangered or vulnerable (green, hawksbill, olive ridley, leatherback turtles have lived in Malaysia; other species include loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, flatback and leatherback). In Malaysia, all but two have become extinct or functionally extinct (not laying eggs). The two that are endangered but …

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Underwater life at the Perhentian islands, Malaysia

The clear, ethereal cerulean blue waters surrounding the Perhentian islands are a snorkeler’s paradise. I was able to walk off the beautiful white sand beach at the Bubbles Eco-resort and turtle conservation area (http://bubblesdc.com/) and easily swim into coral beds and see interesting sea life…a variety of sea cucumbers, sponges, coral fish like parrot fish …

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Masjid Negara (National Mosque of Malaysia) and the Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur

You can visit the Masjid Negara, or National Mosque of Malaysia during certain times of the day between prayer service (best to look the visitation times up before going; for my trip the non-Muslim visiting hours were Monday to Sunday: 9am-12pm, 3pm-4pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm, except Friday which is 3pm-4pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm only). It is a beautiful example …

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Batu Caves: 400 million year old caves and Hindu holy site near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Batu Caves are ~400 million year old limestone karst caves formed by tectonic action pushing up an ancient seabed floor of squished-together shells and coral. They are also a funky mix of geologic and guano science, Hindu holiness, monkey shenanigans, stair workout, and retro-cheese. . To get there, take the KTM train north to …

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