Life. Thoughts. Randomness: Malaysia Diaries

As the all-girls vacation beckoned, my excitement had no limits. It was a dream come true - a holiday with the Amigos for a week in Malaysia!! I still cannot believe how we dreamt about turning a fantasy vacation into a reality which almost became an item in our bucket list - especially after watching a hindi flick 'Zindagi na milegi dobara' which means you will not get to live your life twice. Whew - bollywood sure does inspire you :-)

Su and her hubby picked me up from my humble abode to drive us to the BIA. As we bid him goodbye, Su and I landed in KL at midnight to be greeted by humidity and of course our best friend S and her hubby at the airport. We couldn't stop giggling, laughing, chatting as we met and drove down to Puchong where S lives with her cute little family. Puchong is one of the most peaceful residential locality I have ever seen. We have traveled back and forth to Puchong a zillion times since then that I know the address by-heart and can even say it out in my sleep :D

A quick chai before we hit the sack that night as we had an exciting itinerary awaiting us the next day. Woke up to meet the cutest Junior S the next morning. He is simply adorable - the ever smiling gorgeous baby I have ever met. S is the first one among us to have got married and to have a baby. Junior S sure is precious to all of us. Leaving him in the safest hands of his papa, we headed out to explore the KL city. Kuala Lumpur was an experience to cherish - and not to mention, it was total fun and frolic with the two best friends for company.

How to get there:
Keep a tab on the AirAsia.com for some really excellent deals - especially the popular Friday night deals that last only for a few hours before getting sold out. We booked return tickets from Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia for just $185.

The GO KL City Bus: The air-conditioned pink-colored GO KL City buses ply at every 5-15 mins interval cruise two circular routes covering many of the main sight-seeing attractions in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur city operating between 6:00 AM till 11 PM. Click here for the routes

Here's my list of 10 things to do/must-visit places in the KL City:

1. Suria KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers

Our first destination - Suria KLCC - a premier shopping centre at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. The mall hosts one of the trendiest shopping outlets and given we traveled during the Chinese New Year holidays, the mall was fully decked up with the traditional red Chinese lanterns to floor the visitors. We quickly strolled the mall before heading out to witness the world's tallest twin buildings - the Petronas Towers. I just could not get enough of the twin towers. You could just sit at the lawn gawking at this majestic gigantic architectural beauty the whole day and night. Alas, if my camera could do justice to the beauty that the naked eye witnessed.

SURIA KLCC MALL

SURIA KLCC MALL INTERIORS

Traditional Chinese Lanterns adorning the SURIA KLCC MALL

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

2. Bukit Bintang

We boarded one of the Go KL City buses to our next destination Bukit Bintang - one of the most acclaimed must visit destination in the city that is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. Bukit Bintang is the ultimate one-stop place which boasts for all sorts of dining, entertainment, shopping, attractions, nightlife, glamour, premium malls, specialty outlets with young bustling crowd thronging the place. Bukit Bintang has plenty of places to eat which caters to a whole range of budgets. We explored almost everything here including the night life.

Monorail

Foot Massage Parlour

Chatime Galleria

Pavilion Mall

A Bukit Bintang Restaurant

Manhattan Sea Food

This was yummm ;-)

Malaysia is truly a food paradise

And more seafood

Bukit Bintang at night

The Pavilion Mall

BUKIT BINTANG

3. ChinaTown

Our third destination for the day - China Town symbolizing the rich history and culture of China. Accessible by the Go KL City buses, China Town is apparently known as the area that never sleeps and is far more colorful, crowded and bustling than KLCC or Bukit Bintang. It's main market area, the Petaling street is undoubtedly a place where you can find all sorts of stuff and more importantly imitation goods at bargainable prices. You should not miss the Chinese Temple located in this area for an extremely different divine experience.

Petaling Street

Chinese Temple in Kuala Lumpur

Chinese Temple

Candles at the Chinese Temple

Joss Sticks at the Chinese Temple

Spiral Incense sticks

A devotee at the Chinese Temple

4. Central Market

Our fourth destination - Central Market - a centre for Malaysian Culture, Heritage, Art and Craft. Established in 1888 as a wet market, Central Market continues to be a prominent landmark even today. Kasturi Walk an outdoor pedestrianised lane running alongside the main Central Market building is lined with kiosks and stalls, adding a vibrant ambience to the Central Market Kuala Lumpur shopping experience. I went berserk hunting for souvenirs and Chinese dresses for my little niece.

Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

Kasturi Walk - Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian Kebaya

Souvenirs at Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

Masks at the Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

5. Dataran Merdeka in central Kuala Lumpur

Our final destination for the day - Merdeka square (walkable distance from Central Market) - It was here the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time and has been the usual venue for the National Day parade. The Merdeka square is surrounded by mesmerizing architecture, Islamic architecture to be specific. You will be amazed at the unique architectural style of the Masjid Jamek, Sultan Abdul Samad building, Royal Selangor Club, St. Mary's Cathedral, Textile Museum, Wisma ekran and the KL Railway Station to mention a few. What caught my attention were the cute street lights decorated with red flowers as you can see in one of the images below.