Merdeka is the Malaysian word for "freedom". On the stroke of midnight on 31st August, 1957, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the new Malaysian flag was raised. We were lucky enough to be here for the 47th Merdeka celebrations. The whole EDS crew here went to the "Hard Rock" cafe in Kuala Lumpur for a steak, which was reasonably priced by Australian standards, and a few beers. We then made our way through the crowds to gather at the foot of the twin Petronas Towers. There were so many people there that we all decided to head back to the hotel, with the exception of Hego, who went off to do his own thing.

On Tuesday, Gerard, Hans and myself took a taxi to the Genting Highlands. The rise in altitude meant a drop in temperature, something we were grateful for, the humidity in K.L. is oppressive at times. Located in the Genting Highlands is the world's fastest and South-East Asia's longest cable car system, pictured below.


The cable car takes you to the top of the mountain, where you see the Hotel pictured below. Inside the hotel complex is a casino (we were refused entry due to not having a collared shirt, probably a good thing), an indoor theme park and an outdoor theme park as well. We didn't go on any rides, as they were mainly for kids.