Discovering Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia in general is an incredibly fascinating experience. Whether you find yourself exploring the bustling city centre, stumbling upon hidden restaurants and unique shops, or immersing yourself in the diverse ethnicities of Malaysia, there is an abundance of knowledge and culture to be discovered in this remarkable country.
Let’s begin by delving into the rich tapestry of Malaysian people. Malaysia is home to three prominent ethnic groups. The Malays, constituting 70% of the population, adhere strictly to the Islamic faith, observing daily prayer rituals in their daily lives. The Chinese and Indian communities, comprising roughly 30% of the population, uphold religious customs. The Chinese community predominantly practices Christianity, while the Indians adhere to Hinduism.
During my time in Kuala Lumpur, I had the privilege of learning about these ethnic groups directly from the locals. Despite occasional tensions during election periods, the different communities coexist harmoniously in their day-to-day lives. The insights I gained from numerous taxi drivers provided a unique perspective on this cultural melange.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the city—a captivating adventure waiting to be explored. Unveiling the charms of Kuala Lumpur and immersing myself in the exciting events and activities happening throughout the city was truly eye-opening and a source of endless enjoyment.
In this edition of KL Diaries, covering days 4-6, I had the privilege of further discovering Kuala Lumpur, and I must say, I was not disappointed. Building upon my initial exploration in the first edition of KL Diaries, I was thrilled to uncover even more highlights. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the captivating experiences that await.
Discovering Kuala Lumpur – You’ll love it.
Kuala Lumpur Diaries: Days 4-6 – Discovering Kuala Lumpur
As I continued my exploration of Kuala Lumpur, I was amazed by the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition and from visiting the breathtaking Petronas Towers to browsing the vibrant street markets in Chinatown, each day brought a new adventure.
I indulged in delicious local cuisine, including the famous satay and nasi lemak, and discovered hidden art galleries and museums. As I walked through the bustling streets, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and colourful street vendors, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder at all the city had to offer.
Each turn brought a new surprise, and I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store during my remaining days in Kuala Lumpur.
Merdeka Square
There is an indescribable charm about heritage-listed buildings worldwide that genuinely excites me. This feeling is intensified in Asia, where history and culture permeate various architectural marvels on your KL tour. It’s a wonder to behold these carefully crafted structures, some of which have withstood the test for centuries.
One such place is Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka, which boasts a collection of remarkable heritage buildings. Among them, you’ll find the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, now serving as the office of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture of Malaysia. Adjoining it, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery and St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral complete an ensemble that will captivate your camera lens.
As someone with an inherent fascination for these captivating structures, I find great delight in contrasting their timeless beauty against the backdrop of the modern world. Exploring destinations in Asia has become a quest for me to uncover temples and palaces steeped in rich history and cultural legacy.
During my visit to Merdeka Square, I meandered through the area for hours, fully engrossed in capturing every moment despite the scorching heat of Kuala Lumpur. Such is life in Southeast Asia—unexpected challenges intertwined with moments of pure joy.
Merdeka Square in KL.
Central Market
Discovering Kuala Lumpur continues just a stone’s throw away from Merdeka with the Central Markets. This historic landmark, dating back to 1928, offers an enchanting indoor market experience where you can stroll through many stalls.
The closed roof and air-conditioning provide a comfortable setting as you peruse an array of traditional clothing, unique jewellery, and captivating souvenirs. Additionally, you can savour a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants available.
What truly sets this market apart is its distinctive two-story building arrangement. It houses a diverse range of stalls inside and boasts an outside area with a more modern selection of products. You can find phone accessories, fashionable headwear, stylish jewellery, and contemporary attire here.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this truly unique market destination. Unlike any other market in Southeast Asia, it offers an experience that is sure to captivate and delight. Be sure to include a visit to the Central Markets in Kuala Lumpur on your itinerary; it’s a Malaysian experience not to be missed.
Take a wander through the Central Markets.
Outside the Petronas Twin Towers
Kuala Lumpur, in my opinion, isn’t mainly known for its picturesque beauty. The city is filled with towering skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. However, amidst this urban landscape, there are some captivating elements that deserve recognition. One such example is the stunning Petronas Twin Towers, especially when illuminated at night.
During our visit, we arrived at the iconic Twin Towers just before sunset. We were fortunate enough to capture a few photos in the fading sunlight before venturing into the Suria KLCC shopping mall located at the base of the towers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Twin Towers came alive with a mesmerizing display of lights against the night sky. The sight was simply spectacular, despite the presence of numerous tourists eager to capture the same photograph.
I highly recommend visiting the Petronas Twin Towers at night, and perhaps even on multiple occasions, as I did. It truly is an experience worth cherishing.
The Petronas Twin Towers at night.
A Wet’n’wild Hike at Maya Falls
The hike at Maya Falls, also known as Lata Medang, was undeniably the highlight of my time in Kuala Lumpur. It encompassed a captivating five-hour trek through the lush rainforest, offering a stunning medley of picturesque scenery, magnificent waterfalls, and the harmonious symphony of nature. Despite encountering an intense storm that failed to dampen our spirits, the expedition proved refreshing and exhilarating.
We had the pleasure of organizing the hike through Airbnb day tours, led by a seasoned guide named Thomas. After being picked up from our accommodation, we ventured an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur to the charming township of Kuala Kubu Bharu. Here, we indulged in a delightful Malaysian-style breakfast at a local restaurant, fueling ourselves for the adventure ahead.
Embarking on the hike, intended to last approximately four hours, proved to be an actual test of endurance. However, due to the inclement weather and slippery terrain, our progress was slightly hindered. With our trusty guide and a pack of friendly dogs leading the way, we meandered through the awe-inspiring landscape until we arrived at not just one but three cascading waterfalls. Each waterfall we encountered surpassed the previous one, which magnificently captivated us.
On the return journey, we encountered relentless storms, accompanied by pounding rain, which compelled us to slow down. As we braved the elements, a few group members, including myself, acquired a few leech bites, resulting in minor injuries.
Despite this unforeseen encounter, the entire experience proved to be an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the bravery of my 12 and 10-year-old boys and my courageous wife. Our journey concluded with a well-deserved local lunch, appreciated all the more after the exhilaration of the hike.
Taking a breather during our hike at Maya Falls through Airbnb tours.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves, often mentioned in travel brochures about Malaysia, is considered a must-visit attraction. Located in Sur, this scenic destination offers more than just its natural beauty and mesmerizing monkeys. Adorned by the towering Murugan statue and accessible through a challenging 272-step climb, the cave entrance at the top promises a captivating experience.
Despite my belief that it may be slightly overrated, I can’t deny the charm of Batu Caves. The cave is an intriguing blend of stunning architecture and natural wonders, albeit bustling with tourists. Planning a visit to Kuala Lumpur allows you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant tourist scene and spend a wholesome couple of hours exploring the caves.
While it took me around 30 minutes to reach Batu Caves, I found the journey worthwhile. The serene ambience and the awe-inspiring surroundings make this destination an excellent choice for leisurely exploration. So, add Batu Caves to your itinerary during your stay in Kuala Lumpur, and you’ll not only have a memorable time but also find it an ideal opportunity to embrace the tourist experience.
The monkeys are on the move at Batu Caves.
A Quick Wander through the KL Forest ECO Park with KL Tower Views
The enchanting KL Forest ECO Park, a picturesque little city forest, is not far from where we are staying. This hidden gem offers a serene city walk under a verdant canopy, providing ample shade and breathtaking views of the nearby KL tower. As you stroll along the canopy-style bridge, you’ll be captivated by the stunning cityscape that unfolds before you.
What’s more, entry to this magnificent park is free! If you have an hour to spare or need a refreshing nature escape, a visit to the ECO Park is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience, indulging in a blissful respite from the bustling city centre.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as this idyllic setting offers countless opportunities to capture memorable photographs for your cherished photo album.
That Kuala Lumpur city is that way.
A Night Swim at the Face Suites Infinity Pool
In the first edition of Kuala Lumpur Diaries, I shared about our excellent Airbnb apartment with an Infinity pool on the 51st floor. The views of the Petronas and KL Towers from the pool were absolutely breathtaking. We had the most delightful time in Kuala Lumpur, especially when we indulged in a night swim at The Face Suite’s rooftop pool.
Imagine this – a family swimming at night, surrounded by the glowing cityscape, capturing those precious moments through beautiful photos. We laughed, splashed around, and had a great time together. These are the kind of memories that make travelling so worthwhile and that we hope to recreate and cherish for years to come.
We all know that eventually, our children will grow up and have their own lives and families. That’s why it’s crucial to make the most of their childhood and create lasting memories. We want these memories to stay with parents and kids, creating a bond that will endure for many years.
As I conclude the second part of my KL diaries, I want to share this cherished memory of our time in Malaysia. I’m thrilled that the concluding days were equally memorable. And to my readers, I can assure you, “it really is” – see you in the third and final edition.
Capturing great images at the Face Suite’s Infinity Pool.
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