Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur means “Muddy Confluence”.
The Locals call Kuala Lumpur… KL. It is the capital of Malaysia with an estimated population of 1.8 million. The cities diversity of culture and history is because of the Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. You will also see the influences these three ethnic groups have on the food, fashion, and language in Kuala Lumpur.
The ability to embrace its culture’s and authenticity in this modern for ever-evolving world impressed me the most about KL. Yes, it is a city full of Skyscrapers, international hotel brands, and luxurious fashion powerhouses but for me what stood out the most was the pride locals had, regardless of there inheritance, all three cultures live together in perfect harmony. Kuala Lumpur is the 6th most visited city in the world, its temperature sits at the average of 30 degrees all year around. From October to March is the Monsoon season. If you don’t love rain you should avoid visiting KL during these months. KL is made of 11 districts, (1) Bukit Bintang (2) Titiwangsa (3) Setiawangsa (4) Wangsa Maju (5) Sentul (6) Kepong (7) Segambut (8) Lembah Pantai (9) Seputeh (10) Bandar Tun Razak (11) Cheras. The official language spoken here is Bahasa Melayu (Malay), Chinese dialects like Cantonese, Hokkien with Indian dialects like Hindi, Panjabi together with English is spoken here.
I really believe every country you visit, you should at least learn how to say “Hello” and “Thank you” in the local language if not more words. One of the locals told me that shopping is the national pass time and the food is the national obsession in Malaysia. I was really surprised to learn that majority of the locals eat out, mainly because it’s so cheap to eat out and the other reason is that eating out is a Malaysian culture, there is no better way to spend time with family and friends than over a delicious meal. Malaysian dishes are based on rice or mer with Beef, Chicken, Mutton or Fish but never Pork as Malay food needs to be halal. Chinese dishes will have pork and Indian dishes will be mainly vegetable (sometimes Chicken and Fish). You can find all three cuisines are available everywhere.
If you are the adventurous kind, try the food at Jalan Alor ( street food heaven). If you are not that adventurous but still want to experience the local flavors try the Food court, Food Republic, Pavilion. SS2 Selera Malam, Petaling Jaya – also known as “Wai Sek kai”, meaning Gluttony lane in Cantonese. All the Hotels have local dishes available on their menus as well if you don’t fancy facing the hustle and bustle of the streets and shopping malls.
Must See In Kuala Lumpur
(1) Petronas Twin Towers, this 451-meter tall building will take your breath away, you can go up to the public sky bridge and observation deck and admire the city views from up there.
(2) Batu Caves – Magnificent Limestone cave, you have to walk up those 272 stairs to get a real experience of the history and culture of this Cave.
(3) Cultural Night – this is a real experience of Malay, Chinese and Indian music, dance and food.
(4) I City Digital Lights show – Located in Shah Alam, Selangor – relaxing and enjoy the dazzling light showcase with music and colors. I couldn’t stop clicking my camera.
(5) Dinner at KL Tower (revolving restaurant) best views of the city at night
(6) Crab Island – You have to head west to Port Klang, catch a boat ride from there to Fishing Village / Crab Island. Enjoy sumptuous seafood with a Malaysian twist.
(7) Do a cooking class, there is no better way to spice things up and experience Malaysia’s culture. Learn the rich history behind the dishes that once where simple everyday meals, have become delicacies now.
(8) Head over to Genting Highlands, this is a whole day tour. Located on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, the views from the mountain Titiwangsa is spectacular. This is truly is a thrill seeker heaven. Enjoy the theme park in Pahang. Why not try your luck at the casino.
(9) Elephant Sanctuary – this is great for all animal lovers, it gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with the Elephants. Have a ride on an Elephant or feed them or help them a bath. One of those experiences that will stay with you forever.
(10) KL Hop-on Hop-off Double decker bus – 23 stops covering all the tourist attractions. This is a great way to see Kuala Lumpur if you don’t have must time. As a Traveller, Kuala Lumpur is my favorite Asian city. To my surprise, KL was very clean and people were very friendly. The public transport I found was hard to get my head around, but Taxi’s where super cheap. You can hire a Taxi for a day for as little as $200 Malaysian Ringgit which is about $75 Australian Dollars. The driver will take you to all the places you want to visit and he will wait for you while you sightsee ….. just amazing. I loved the feeling of being a royal for a day.
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