It was December 5th, 1995 when we started our trip to Malaysia. We went as the entomological expedition organized by Young Entomologist-collector's School (YECS) of Vladivostok Child and Youth Creative Center (CYCC). Our group consisted of five person: Vladimir M. Yanpol -  director of CYCC; Vladimir R. Meshcheryakov - head of YECS; Anton Voronkov and Alexei Maslov - students of YECS; me - student of the Far-Eastern State University and interpreter of the expedition. Aeroflot Russian International Airlines flight SU827 ferried us from Khabarovsk to Singapore International Airport Changi. It was my first trip abroad and I was absolutely spellbound. We had four hours to our connecting flight MH0656 to Penang and took a brief tour in the airport. We knew that Changi was named the world's best airport in 1995. Malaysia appeared to be hospitable and welcoming. We were not exposed to luggage inspection and easily passed through immigration control. Penang met us with hot and humid evening. Up to this moment we did not feel tropical climate because of air-conditioning. David Goh and his wife Mrs. Goh met us at the airport. The first thing we did after saying "Hello!" to each other was supper in one local cafe in the open air. From this time I began my intensive practice in English. All the time we spent in Malaysia we were transported in the car, shown on the picture to the right. While in Penang, we stayed in Bayu Emas ("Golden Breeze") Apartments set within a one-hectare tranquil and green enclave in Batu Ferringhi, Penang's most famous resort location. A beautiful Sunny Beach Resort was just a short 150 metre walk away. The 5-star Bayview Beach  Resort is across the road and the natural landscaping surrounding the apartments comprise unspoilt green hills and refreshing Chin Farm Waterfall Park. But most interesting place we wanted to visit at first was David Goh's Penang Butterfly Farm - the first in the world to be set up in the Tropical Region. All the times, there are between 3400-4000 butterflies representing over 120 species flying freely in a 41 by 43 metre enclosure. We walked amidst these amazingly beautiful butterflies along the footpaths, which took us around the landscaped garden. The butterflies came to rest on the flowers, plants, rock surfaces - often close enough to be touched but of course this was not to be encouraged or allowed! It looked like a dream and it seemed sometimes it was not happening to me. Each stage of butterfly life cycle was illustrated by live displays. We saw eggs, caterpillars and pupae of different species inside the butterfly sanctuary as well as other small arthropods like large grasshoppers, stick insects, giant scorpions, spiders and millipedes. Some snakes and other reptiles were also exposed in the farm. Right near the butterfly sanctuary the breeding area was located. It was the place where the first time I saw live caterpillars of Raja Brooke's Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana). T. brookiana also known as King Butterfly is a symbol butterfly of Malaysia. Its charming caterpillars feed on Aristolochia foveolata right at the farm and the visitors have the chance to see adult butterflies in the sanctuary. I was lucky and had these butterflies sitting on my shirt two times. I saw other beautiful birdwings like Troides helena  being fed on flowers and feeding spots. There were also other exhibitions at the Penang Butterfly Farm like Insects and small reptiles display room. In this room we saw a wide range of malaysian insects such as the largest 3-Horn Rhino beetles and the rare Orchid Mantis. Also on a display were a Giant Brown tarantula and various species of giant and colourful beetles and unusual lizards. The insect museum appeared to be the first of its kind in the country. It was an exhibition of colour as well as beauty of the insect kingdom right before our eyes. We were thrilled by the wide range of historically and culturally fascinating objects on sale at Tribal arts and artefacts gallery. This gallery covered collections from Tibet, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Borneo Island, other Indonesia islands and Papua New Guinea. It was trully a collectors' paradise. We also found a wide range of items ranging from little trinkets to mounted butterflies and insects frames. Visiting Penang Butterfly Farm was in our daily program. But we also had a lot of other entertainments every day. Swimming in the pool was among our favourites. Just try to imagine that it was winter in Russia and we were absolutely happy to use the chance to relax under the shine of tropical sun. Till that time I could not swim and Anton and Alex learned me how not to sink. >>