Posted on Friday, 4 April 2014

Selamat hari jadi, tuanku - this is how you would say Happy Birthday to a Malaysian Sultan if you were ever so lucky to meet one, which I can proudly say I have. I even got a chance to shake his hand during a very fancy birthday party in the most wonderful palace I have ever been to.

A good few years ago, I was proud to represent my home country Lithuania in an international beauty contest "Miss Tourism International" in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Back then I couldn't even imagine that this trip would be the most amazing adventure I have ever hoped to have.That day, in mid December, when quite a few countries were getting used to the cold and snow, I was welcomed into an island of pearls. I was driven to the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel which is so far the most extravagant place I have ever stayed at. This place was my home for the upcoming 3 weeks. I clearly remember that first moment I stepped into my hotel room where I found a lovely bouquet of flowers and was absolutely mesmerised once I looked at the view from my balcony - there it was, a massive water park, decorative beaches, palm tress and amazing fountains. It looked like my own personal island of fun.Christmas Day at the Kampung Ulu ChuchukI spent most of my trip working – photo shoots, catwalk shows, meeting important people, rehearsing, charity work and much more. However, I never felt bored, tired or unwelcomed. Malayan people are truly one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting.One of the most memorable days that December was the Christmas Day at the Kampung Ulu Chuchuk - a small town in Johor Bahru District, Johor, Malaysia. The locals greeted us with Kompang drums and a Bunga Manggar procession - Bunga Manggar is a traditional Malay decorative item carried to accompany arrival of important guests. Proudly wearing colourful outfits Malays were dancing and singing, inviting us to catch a glimpse into their traditions.

Bunga Manggar procession, Kampung Ulu Chuchuk, Malaysia

We were then treated to some of the popular local delicacies such as lemang, satay and ice kacang. I even got a chance to watch the locals cook rice using bamboo sticks and visit a local crisp factory. Interestingly Malays have a way to stay unique, not only are they amazing cooks, but also very creative - Malayan crisps are made from bananas and tapioca.

Satay skewers

Bamboo sticks used for cooking rice, Kampung Ulu Chuchuk, Malaysia

Malay Wedding and Boiled EggsTraditions in Malayan culture mean everything and what could be more traditional than a good old fashion Malay wedding? After our eventful morning in the Kampung Ulu Chuchuk town, we were invited to attend a Malayan wedding at the nearby village of Banghuris. Each of the 36 contest participants were presented with a boiled egg in accordance with the Malay custom of acknowledging their wedding guests with a gift. We then participated in the customary rose water sprinkling ceremony and danced the joget with the local dancers. It was a fun and eventful afternoon to say the least.A Mango Tree Called LithuaniaTo leave my own footstep on this gorgeous island I was invited to plant a tree and now, somewhere in a small Malayan village, there is a mango tree named Lithuania. Beautiful and sentimental - this was one of the most unforgettable moments of my trip.

It is amazing how beautiful Malayan nature is - between the never ending greenery there is always something magical - flowers blossoming with all kinds of colours, fruit trees and birds, - magnificent. I remember leaving my hotel every morning and passing through this beautiful tree blossoming in pink and it made me think how balanced this city is - nature within the greatness of the Kuala Lumpur concrete jungle.

The Birthday PartyMy days in Malaysia were never dull: I swam in the ocean, practiced fishing in one of the oldest Malayan fishing villages, tasted a variety of sea food including a shark fin soup and crocodile meat canapés, shopped at the biggest shopping malls in the capital and dined at the most extravagant restaurants. And as if all of that would not be amazing enough, on my last days in Kuala Lumpur I was invited to attend a birthday party of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah at his own personal Mosque. There I was, a 17 year old girl from a tiny European country, first time overseas, visiting a Malayan sultan! Life could not get better than that.

Bagan Lalang beach, Sepang, Malaysia

Fishing in Sepang, Malaysia

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque ("Blue Mosque"), Malaysia On my flight back home I was gathering the memories of this wonderful trip and locking them safely in my heart. There and then I promised to myself that one day I will come back, there is just too much beauty and magic surrounding Malaysia - it would be rude not to enjoy it again.

Petrona Twin Towers, Malaysia

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