Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Cool-Ah Lumpur Adventure: Day 1



I have been to Malaysia twice, but only had the chance to explore the Sabah State. I had a pleasant stay in Kota Kinabalu, that's why I am open to the idea of going back there for a vacation, if time and promo fare permits. I mean c'mon! Who couldn't resist its pristine white sand beaches, the surrounding azure waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the Malaysian hospitality, and the lush rainforest of Borneo?

My travel blogger friends however told me that the other side of Malaysia is different, particularly Kuala Lumpur. To be honest, I was quite expecting Kuala Lumpur to be like Manila or worse, Jakarta, only that KL has a more efficient mass transportation system. Well, glad that I was wrong with my presumptions.

For those who have been asking about our KL-SG itinerary, here's how we fared our first day.

Our flight to Kuala Lumpur from Manila was delayed for almost an hour due to air traffic congestion. Well, what's new? Three hours and thirty minutes of figuring out the most comfortable sleeping position inside the cabin, we've finally arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2). They say that you can already guess the economical progress of a country by just looking at their main gateway. Well, what do you know? NAIA 3 looks like a piece of junk, ready to be recycled.

Since we were 7 in this trip, hiring a van from KLIA2 to our hotel in Bukit Bintang district was a wise decision since KLIA2 is a thousand civilizations away from the heart of KL. It was almost two in the morning and passengers will pay a surcharge fee, just like in Singapore. We checked in at Sunbow Residency Hotel and paid our three-night stay.

Four hours later, we freshened up and made our way to the Batu Caves! Take note that we only rode a monorail and an LRT to Batu Caves. While enroute, I couldn't help but notice how clean and organized this metropolitan was. KL is definitely the antithesis of Manila, or even Jakarta.

First stop: Batu Caves




Batu Caves is a limestone hill located at Selangor, Malaysia. It is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. Since this is a religious shrine, visitors are expected not to wear revealing outfits such as pekpek shorts (aka shorts that are shorter than your undies) and short sleeves. We first went inside a limestone cave filled with artworks and statues of different Hindu deities. We paid Rm. 5 each for the entrance fee.


Aren't you excited?

The atmosphere inside the cave was cold but very humid.

Next stop was the famous 272-steps to nirvana. This famous Malaysian tourist attraction was featured several times in The Amazing Race and The Amazing Race Asia. While climbing your way to the top, you need to avoid those pesky monkeys. Nope, these chimps aren't as cute and nice as Monkey of Powerpuff Girls before he accidentally bathed himself with Chemical X. When provoked, they bite. I tell you, they were even wilder than the zombies of The Walking Dead. Just a tip: Don't bring food and drink items while climbing the stairs. Even a shiny plastic bag of sandals wasn't spared!



Oh no you don't!

The journey to nirvana was exhausting, but fulfilling at the same time.

Next Stop: KL Tower

This is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, standing at 421 meters (1,391 feet) above sea level. Aside from communication, this tower also has a revolving restaurant and an observatory deck, offering a panoramic view of downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The package tour of KL Tower costs Rm 117 (Php 1200) per person, and it includes an access to the observatory deck, and three other attractions namely the 6D Cinema, Formula One driving simulator, and the mini zoo. 

It was raining so hard when we got there and the only thing we saw from the deck was just a blank gray space (thought I'd write your name there LOL). After ten minutes, the weather cleared up. It was indeed a spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur. Truly worth it, I tell ya!





The three other attractions were already a bonus. For the 6D cinema, we tried the haunted mining station. At the F1 driving simulator, we had a mini race and I finished 6th place out of 7th. Mom finished last, and now I know where I got my 'bad driver' genes. HAHAHA! The mini-zoo's a perfect place to those people who love animal interaction and encounter.





Khaleesi, the mother of... Parrots?!

Just look at their faces. Priceless.

Last but not the least... Petronas Tower.

The KL tour wouldn't be complete without visiting their famous icon - the Petronas Tower. This skyscraper used to be the world's tallest structure for a long time, until Taipei 101 took its limelight. But lol and behold, Dubai's Burj dwarfed Taipei 101 six years after. Still, Petronas Tower currently holds the record of being the world's tallest twin structure, standing at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet). Seeing KL's twin towers in person was surreal. The structures were brightly lit and it literally stood out. Like me. Jk.


Skybridge at 42nd floor.




A selfie with the KL's icon was challenging since you're facing against the light. But, who cares? I wouldn't mind if I looked dark on my selfie because BEHIND ME IS THE FUCKIN' PETRONAS TOWER!

Our first day (and night) in Kuala Lumpur was truly a blast. Of course, I wouldn't deny that there were bloopers along the way, but hey! Those misadventures made our journey a memorable one.

Can't wait to blog our Day 2 in KL!

MORE PHOTOS!


SANA MAULIT MULI

Batu Caves!

Lambada!

Wazzap nigga



MANKIE

At KL Tower's observatory deck

Busy sa selfie

KL Tower at night


10 comments:

  1. Your photos of the Petronas Tower...just lovely! AirAsia currently has a seat sale for Kota Kinabalu, P1200 RT! Haha I was just thinking about KK last night.

    Ochi | Ochi In The City

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    1. Thanks Ochi! KK is a very nice place. You should visit KL too!

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  2. It seemed that you have a great experience at Kuala Lumpur. I love the photographs !!!

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  3. I am amazed at the structures in Batu Cave. Though Petronas is no longer the highest skyscraper, I think it is the most beautiful among the skyscrapers.

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  4. Wow... i love all your photos.. i really wish I can visit Malaysia someday... I'm so eager not just to visit their famous landmarks but also to meet my Malaysian blogger friends

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  5. Nice photos! I've been to KL long time ago and this makes me wanna go back and explore the city! Thanks for sharing!

    Angelo
    www.AngeloTheExplorer.com

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  6. Amazing photos! I haven't been to KL but I'm planning to visit soon.

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  7. looks like everyone had a wonderful time, including the monkey! :) Kuala Lumpur is one of the many wonderful places I would love to visit with my boys, I hope we can go there soon!

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  8. Your photos are so beautiful! Enjoy na enjoy ako sa panonood. Ang cute ng monkey din! ^_^

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