I’d been pretty stringent with my cash flow for the whole trip and found, to my pleasant surprise, that I actually had a little bit of money left. Since the GFC costs have risen everywhere, but in K.L it’s still possible to get a lovely 3 or 4 star hotel for about $80 a night. Back then I totally lucked out and got a fabulous 5 star place right next to the Petronas towers for the same budget. I couldn’t believe my luck.

After spending about an hour in the poshest shower I’d ever seen, I grabbed my bag and headed out to see those famous twins. There they were, towering before me, steel and glass glittering like diamonds in the bright sunlight. No longer holding the title of the tallest building in the world, it does still remain as the tallest twin structure. There are various options for visitors, the best value being a tour of the skybridge that links the twins at the half way mark, costing a huge 3MRY (about $1). And when you’ve done that, why not take a stroll around the haven of KLCC Park before heading out to see more if the city. Walking is always the best way to see anywhere, but if the heat and humidity are too much for you then taxis are as affordable as any bus ride in the UK.

K.L has a truly diverse population, the consequence of which is AMAZING food, brilliant culture, as well as fantastic shopping. After spending two days in the malls and amazing markets of China Town, I decided to experience something a little more cultural and caught a Cityliner bus out to Batu Caves.

Approximately 13km north of the city, Batu is a series of limestone caves with incredible formations dating back some 400 million years. The rather steep 272 steps to the entrance are well worth the effort. Stunning gold statues and dazzling Hindu temples clutter the exteriors and interiors to this natural phenomenon and aside from the 5 Ringgits return bus fare, they are completely free to visit. Words to the wise though; watch out for the pesky monkeys, they are everywhere and extremely cheeky little, well…monkeys.

Liah S Thorley is a travel writer and novelist from the UK. She has travelled extensively and particularly enjoys history and the arts.

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Taken just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

So what exactly did I get up to?

- Nearly drowned whilst tubing.

- Trekked through the jungles of Thailand.

- Didn’t sleep for 5 days when I went to the Full Moon Party.

- Chilled out with a slice of Pai.

- Witnessed what happens when a tiger wants revenge.

- Lost myself in the paradise that is Koh Phi Phi.

- Watched Neanderthals discover fire in Bali.

- Cruised down the Mekong River.

- Saw a baby elephant give tourists quite a scare.

- Found Nemo!

Quite an experience wouldn’t you agree? South East Asia is an incredible region of the world and I intend to spend much more time there in the future. If you want to see more highlights check the video above!

Before I leave just wanted to give you a little present. Asia really is incredible and here is just a glimpse of some of the beauty here. Enjoy!

Where am I? Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur to be exact. The 20 hour journey to Kuala Lumpur from Koh Phi Phi in Thailand was rather uneventful, merely long.

I decided to surprise some friends who flew into Kuala Lumpur. This was their first stop on the way to Australia. Spending a few days with them felt like a renewal of my own trip. I’ve settled into backpacking quite nicely and nothing in Asia really surprises me anymore. But for my friends everything was new and exciting, reminiscent of youthful wonderment at even the most simplest and novel things. It was nice to feel that again, like I too had just arrived in Asia for the first time. I really caught a second wind.

We booked a day tour which included the Batu caves, a deer park and the elephant sanctuary. One of the things I love about Asia is how accessible animals are. This time, among other things, I got to feed a bear honey and put a snake down my pants. Not something you do back in the UK very often.

The last part of our itinerary was the elephant sanctuary which also happened to be educational. After feeding and riding the elephants the last part was to ride the elephant into the river, be thrown from its back and then swim around with the baby elephants.

I heard the screams go up and everyone rush forward to get a better look. There must have been something good going on so it’s one of those occasions where you conform instantly and rush forward too. It took me a while to adjust to what was happening. The people in the river were frantically trying to get away from something. Do they have crocodiles or anacondas here? It was something far more sinister.

Then I caught a glimpse of it. It was about a metre long and as thick as a lamp post. The largest faeces I have ever seen! I was actually really impressed. The baby elephant had created quite a floater!

When nature calls…