I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur more than a handful of times over the past two years, yet I hated it when I first stepped into the city. After traveling Bali, Thailand, and Laos, I just expected Malaysia to be the same, little villages with a lot of cultures. I spent time in Penang before I came here which I fell in love with. When I came here, I felt I stepped into New York. I’ve learned to embrace KL and now love having short stays here when I’m passing through. Here’s what how I spent my last weekend here.
SUNSET AT TRADERS HOTEL
Head over to Traders for happy hour and the best view of the towers. Be sure to bring your camera; you’re not going to want to miss this show!
Home of where the film Entrapment was filmed (Sean Connery & Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a huge shopping mall where you can find everything from Gap to Gucci along with other European favorites, Marks and Spenser’s and Harrods’s. Get your shopping fix on at this huge mall and head up to the observation deck to get a view of the towers.
EAT LOCAL AT JALAN ALOR
Not your ordinary hawker center, This is filled with restaurants with everyone wanting your business. A perfect place to head with friends as you can order a bunch of local plates and share.
VISIT BATU CAVES
Don’t be turned off by hearing about the gobs of people that go here. I went in the morning ~10 am, and there weren’t that many people there. There’s even a market below where you can buy trinkets and street treats. The caves are worth a visit and the main cave is free to go in. Only 5 miles from the city it’s just a short ride for ~$1 on the Kommutor. It’s a great cheap day out.
GET EDUCATED ABOUT SHARK FINNING AT KLCC AQUARIA
Usually one against aquariums, I had to go in and support KLCC’s as they have a mission to stop shark finning which is a huge problem in Asia. The focus at the aquarium is educating the public on the harms of shark finning and what it’s doing to the fish population which is something I can get behind.
FIND A GOOD BARGAIN IN CHINATOWN
During the day you can shop for all the knock-off watches and bags you want, in the evening this turns into a proper night market filled with vendors trying to sell their goods. Food vendors make their way to the streets too where you can buy everything from fruit to roasted nuts.
STUFF YOURSELF SILLY AT CENTRAL MARKET
Dubbed the locals market, here you will find clothes, souvenirs, and even a fish spa. Stuff yourself silly at the hawker center on the top floor or some street treats right outside. Don’t miss eating Putu Bamboo which is right outside and is made fresh right in front of you. This pandan, rice flour, palm sugar, coconut treat is one of my favorite sweets.
TAKE PICTURES OF MASJID JAMEK
