Couple days in Kuala Lumpur

After nearly 30 blissful days making our way around Bali and Lombok, our time in Indonesia had come to an end.  No, not because we wanted to leave, but because our 30-day tourist visa was about to expire. We had pretty much already made the decision that we wanted to come back to this magical country and explore some other islands and in order to do that we needed to exit the country and come back, scoring another 30-day tourist visa. This is essentially what brought us to Malaysia.

Being the hub for Air Asia and only a short 2 hour flight away, Kuala Lumpur offered us a cheap and convenient spot for a “visa run”, and we figured since we are here we might as well see a bit of Malaysia before jumping back on a flight to Indonesia. Our flight into KL landed pretty late at night so by the time we cleared customs and made the 1 hour drive into the city to our hostel we pretty much went straight to bed, conserving our energy for exploring the booming metropolis the next day. The next morning after breakfast of toast and peanut butter on the roof of our hostel (score – they actually had peanut butter here!) we decided that we would explore the area we were staying in, Chinatown and Central Market, and then head into the city centre in the afternoon.

Entrance to Central Market

Since we had done little to no research on Malaysia prior to our arrival we really did not know what we were in store for, and what we found when we went outside was big time SHOCK! NO, it wasn’t particularly culture shocked and KL itself is a pretty clean, modern infrastructure type place, but coming off of 30 days of pure island lifestyle we were not ready for the city life again. Crowded sidewalks, non-stop honking, multiple lanes of traffic…. A town with more than one street for that matter was really an overload to our new island style senses. After about 30 minutes of trying to get oriented, first in Chinatown (we were a bit too early and places were only just starting to set up at noon) and then trying to find the subway, we were overwhelmed and decided to retreat into the central market to make a new plan.  We had a coffee, strolled through the stalls of the much quieter central market – essential an indoor arts, crafts and stuff market – and then decided we would head to the subway again and do what it seems most Malaysians do…. Go to the Mall.

A short walk to the subway and 3 stops later we found ourselves at KLCC the upscale shopping centre attached to the Petronas towers, Kuala Lumpur’s landmark claim to fame, and the worlds (second) highest office towers. Over our 2 days in KL we spent more time than I care to admit wandering the 6 floors of luxury loot, however I somehow remained empty handed while Jonny did some damage at Top Man an Uniqlo . Another bonus we found at the mall, they had a western style grocery store that carried Salt and Vinegar chips (really hard to find outside N. America) and PICKLES!! REAL DILL PICKLES. Ok, they were no strubs but after nearly 6 months without any, these pickles did the trick. We bought a jar and then immediately ate the whole thing in the food court.

Modeling our Pickles

Inside KLCC Shopping Mall

After exploring the mall and surrounding area we headed to a delicious little food spot, quite fittingly called Delicious. It had been recommended to us by former travel partner Kait who had come here just a few weeks back. We opted for the tea for 2 menu which consisted of a little tower of mini crust-less sandwiches, tea biscuits, scones, truffles, strawberry’s and your selection from the day’s variety of desserts, oh and of course a tea…..which we both traded in for a coffee.

Entrance way to Delicious

By now we had somewhat gotten used to the city life again and were ready to go back and brave Chinatown.  For those of you who have been to Canal St. in New York City (their Chinatown), Chinatown in KL is like that…..but on crack! Jonny begrudgingly followed me around as a wandered, perused and bargained my way through, making a significant number of purchases which I rationalized at Christmas gifts for friends and family…… yesssssssssssssss Christmas gifts. After spending much for time that we should in Chinatown we headed back to the hostel to take care of many things we were behind on such as flights, banking, blah, blah.

Bright lights of Chinatown

Wandering the narrow streets

Deep in important negotiations

The next day we just took it easy and explored more of the local area around us before heading back down town in the late afternoon, back to the mall!! This time we only spent a short time there before heading over to grab a drink at Skybar, the rooftop bar at the Swanky Trader’s hotel near KLCC.  Although we weren’t too impressed with our Mojito’s and goat cheese platter (which actually ended up coming with Brie NOT goat cheese……. I know First World problems), the venue was pretty happening and it offers a killer view of the Petronas towers. 

Sneak peak of the towers through the trees

Inside the Skybar on top of the Trader's Hotel

Petronas Towers at night 

The Petronas towers are twin skyscrapers which from 1998 to 2004 were the tallest in the world until Taipei 101 went up in Taiwan stealing their thunder. They are actually quite impressive, demonstrating a great of Islamic and modern architecture. After our drinks we had planned to go get some dinner at a more upbeat part of town, lined with fancy restaurants and bars but instead opted to grab a quick bite (at the food court of course……mall culture) and head back to get some sleep before our early morning  bus the next day to Penang. 

OOO_Talia and Jonny