Day 2: Malacca

Today started early, with an 8am start. First stop was crossing the causeway that separates Singapore & Malaysia. While exiting Singapore, we noticed a man in handcuffs being marched out of the immigration office, which we thought was something different. After entering Malaysia, we had a look at a pewter factory. Pewter is a tin/antimony/copper alloy, and is seen by Malaysia as their Next Big Thing. As usual, there was a gift shop, after the tour.

We were then meant to get to Malacca by 1pm for lunch, but a cycling race meant that lunch was closer to 2. The lunch was good, with a buffet provided. The spread was impressive, with both local specialties, such as curried fish head, to the more predictable, such as roast beef.

After lunch, we were taken around old Malacca, including the Cheng Hoon Teng temple, which is a multi purpose temple, serving most faiths which were around when it was built in the early 1600's. One amusing moment occurred after we exited the temple and was walking around as a group. Someone noticed a "Hell passport" and asked the tour guide about it. Next thing you knew, he was off to the nearest shop, and showing the whole package, including the passport, plane tickets and cheque book. Most of the tour bought one as a souvenir, Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

Our final destination was St Paul's Church, where St Francis Xavier was originally buried.
With the delay in getting there, we didn't leave until 5:30, and got to the border at 8:15. While waiting to enter Singapore, there was a lady with a child being processed, when she was asked to go to the immigration office, the same office that I mentioned earlier.

Some observations:
Most cars in both Singapore & Malaysia are either Japanese (such as the new, improved, Nisson (Datsun) Sunny), Korean, Malaysian (in Malaysia - Proton) or European, with few or no American cars.

Roadside sign: NASA - total lubricating solutions

Crossing the road in Malaysia is like crossing the road in China - walk & hope (as there are few, if
any traffic lights).

People actually know to keep to the left & overtake on the right, instead of what I'm used to seeing (find a gap & go between lanes to overtake)

Orchard Rd (Singapore) at 9pm is like George St in peak hour (or Nathan Rd at any time)

Off to HK tomorrow.