A DAY IN KUALA LUMPUR


Once again, I'm here for the nth time at the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia.  This recent visit to Kuala Kumpur made me realize how far my home country is in terms of infrastructure and the preservation of the rich culture and heritage.  

I am here to discover why Malaysia is Truly Asia.

The fusion of its past and its unhesitating leap to its future is evidenced by the skyscrapers, bustling streets and various tourist attractions offered to its travelers.

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers is what usually comes to everyone's mind when ask what to do in Kuala Lumpur.   But the truth is, there is a lot to discover in the city.

Major airlines in the Philippines have numerous flights to Kuala Lumpur.  Travel time from Manila to Kuala Lumpur takes approximately three (3) hours.  There is no time difference between the two countries.  Just be alert of seat sales from most of our airlines and before you know it, you have already booked a flight.

Aside from the known Petronas Towers, here are some of the tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur, that can be visited in a day.  Railway stations in the city is efficient with sign boards prominently displayed for directions, thus, making it tour-friendly for everyone.

MALAYSIA TOURISM CENTER



Location:
109, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03- 9235 4848 / 9235 4800
Fax: 03- 2162 1149
Email: webmaster@matic.gov.my

Operation Hours (Mon-Fri):
7.30 am - 5.30 pm
Tourist Information Counter:
8.00 am - 10.00 pm




There are interesting finds for photography enthusiasts and history buffs around the vicinity.  To start the day tour right, it is advisable to make the first stop at no other than, their Tourism Office.


Within the compound of the Tourism Office, is a chocolate factory of their own version, known as the COCOA BOUTIQUE.  It showcases sculpted animals of various forms, boats and the likes, made of chocolates.  Admission is free and taking photos is not allowed.  Visitors can also purchase the dark chocolates of which the country is known for, as pasalubong to your loved ones back in our home country.


Everywhere you go in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers will always greet you.  Thus, a part of the wandering is taking photos of this iconic landmark on varying vantage points at all times of the day.







skybridge that connects the towers

This twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 until surpassed by Taipei 101, but they remain the tallest twin building in the world.  I took more than a hundred photos of this notable landmark and every angle of the tower is always refreshing to the eyes.

Then at the feet of the famous Petronas Twin Towers is an upmarket retail center, SURIA KLCC.  This is one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia, which features mostly foreign luxury goods and high-street labels.  Its attractions include an art gallery, a philharmonic theater, an underwater aquarium and also a science center. Visitors would definitely be amazed at the intricate ceilings and interiors of the mall as well.










BATU CAVES

How to Get There:  We took the KTM Komuter Sentul-Port Klang Line (red on transit maps) north to the newly opened Batu Caves Komuter Station.  It was a breeze.

This was my second visit to the said religious site, and the railway station direct to the Batu Caves is a good improvement for tourism purposes.  In the year 2009, we took the bus going to Batu Caves, which took us almost an hour of travel time due to heavy traffic.  And from disembarking, we still have to walk to reach Batu Caves.  This time around upon alighting from the train station, visitors are directed to the entrance of the Batu Caves.  


Located 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, this limestone hill consist of a series of caves and cave temples at the Gombak District. 

The Batu Caves is the focal point for Hindu Malaysian,  Thus, the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, would be a sight to behold upon approaching the caves.  The vicinity is well-landscaped with other statues on display as well. It is also home to macaque monkeys.  Word of advice - don't bring food as the same may be grabbed from you by these monkeys.  They are everywhere.  Beware!



 


 

Then, its time to freshen up and do the necessary shopping.

THE CENTRAL MARKET

Classified as a heritage site by the Malaysian Heritage Society, the Central Market has now been marked as a landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage.  

There are definitely good finds inside the market, which is arranged in a stall concept, representing the traditional market that has existed in Kuala Lumpur since the 1800s.  



A number of Filipinos are working inside the Central Market, and most were from Mindanao who left the Philippines and went to Sabah, Malaysia.

Travelers can scroll through the many sections that exists in the Central Market.  I was able to buy my ref magnet collection here as well as the dark chocolates of Malaysia from a Filipina vendor, who gave us a good deal.  The second floor hosts a food court, offering an array of delectable cuisine.

Central Market is accessible through the Pasar Seni LRT Station on the Kelana Jaya Line.



Not far from the Central Market is the city's chinatown, the PETALING STREET.  As expected, various merchandise are on display at cheap cost.

While the street is known for pirated items, it does not solely offer such as authentic Malaysian products and cuisine is also a must try in this small chinatown of Kuala Lumpur.  

Known as the backpackers street as well, there are a variety of lodging houses and hostels to chose from.  And a lot of foreigners stay within this vicinity.











Then, we ended the day at THE LIBRARY, a bar right across the Petronas Twin Towers.  It was the eve of my birthday and so the staff of the restaurant treated us for some free drinks and even gave me a free discount card, in case I visit the next time around. There were a lot of Filipino staff at the restaurant and it surely feels like I'm in Manila. 




A day tour in Kuala Lumpur would also reveal the panoramic skyscrapers and towering landmarks of the city, representative of the progressing economy of the country.



a view of the Sky Tower
 

Bonus Attraction during our visit:



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7 comments

  1. Batu Caves... Sooo elusive to us! Anyhoo, sulit na sulit ang day pag napuntahan lahat ng ito, kahit kakapagod. Hihi :)

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    1. yup. nakakapagod pero sulit naman. pabalik from batu caves to kl sentral medyo nakakatulog na kami sa train. hehe btw thanks so much for dropping by!

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  2. You did all these in ONE DAY? Hanep. That's the advantage of traveling with a group, you'll cover more destinations! Like Gay, I haven't been to the Batu Caves as well kahit ilang beses na ko napunta ng KL.

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    1. yup all in a day. kac the ff day drtso na kami sg. hehe this can be done on a solo travel also. their railway stations stations are efficient kaya mas madali mapuntahan mga tourist spots. ung batu caves train lang din so mas mabilis. hehe thanks so much for dropping by also!

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  3. Must do all of these when I go to KL a few months from now... www.sky-clad.blogspot.com

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    1. yes you should. hehe its all worth it. tell me about your experience when you get there. thanks for dropping by!

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  4. di pa ko nakapunta sa Batu cave na yan :) nasa top 10 daw yan ng world's most sacred places #alamna

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