My sisters and I planned of having our reunion set outside the country. The only problem was, we couldn’t buy plane tickets earlier because we were waiting for my other sister's arrival from Dubai. When she finally arrived, fare has skyrocketed. The cheapest we could find was a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My husband and few friends came with us too. We booked our stay online at Silka Maytower Hotel through www.booking.com.
Day 1- August 10, 2015
Aboard the plane, we were greeted with clouds like scattered popcorns. I could just marvel at God's creation. It was a smooth three- hours and forty-minutes flight. Arriving at KL International Airport, we didn't let this chance pass without having to take pictures. We then took the bus since it is much cheaper than taking a cab. I wasn't aware on how long we've traveled from the airport to our hotel because I immersed myself in sightseeing. Suddenly, there it was- KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers adorning Kuala Lumpur’s night skyline. Seeing these beauties contented my heart. They are after-all, the icons of Malaysia. Wrapping our first day was enjoying a feast of local cuisine at the comfort of La Maison Restaurant.
Day 2- August 11, 2015
We met Thiyagu at the hotel's lobby. He was referred to us by the hotel's staff. He showed us tour packages and corresponding prices (It's much cheaper to go on a group tour so you could divide the expenses when hiring a van for yourselves and it's much fun! Plus, it allows time flexibility and convenience). We decided to visit Batu Caves first. It is a limestone hill that houses several caves. Standing in front is the world's tallest golden statue of Lord Murugan- a Hindu deity.
Seeing it for the first time is mesmerizing. On the other hand, when I saw the stairs (272 steps), I doubted myself if I could reach the Temple Cave, which is the biggest cave on top. Have to find that for myself later.
Entrance to Batu Cave is actually free (so be sure to include this in your trip to Malaysia) but there's a dress code you have to follow because this place is considered sacred and should be treated with respect. It’s a place of worship and devotion for Hindus. As I was wearing a short, a lady helped me to wrap my scarf around my waist. Good thing I brought my ever dependable scarf. But if you happen to wear shorts, there're shawls being rented or borrowed.
My husband and I reached only three fourths of the stairs (It’s actually a great achievement to have reached this part already. Hope upon returning to this place, I could see the temple cave already). I convinced him to leave me behind and take a look inside the Temple Cave but he insisted on staying with me. We just entertained ourselves by taking pictures of monkeys. Be warned though of staring or feeding them. They may become aggressive and for sure, you don't want to play tug of war with your bags.
Next stop Genting Highlands. We rode the genting skyway cable cars. Lush greenery, mist, fog and heights - a perfect cocktail for a bit of excitement. On top, casino, if you're up to play. Restaurants for hunger pangs and shops if you feel like buying. Mine, a sling bag for my daughter as my pasalubong. Better bring jacket, shawls and umbrella when you visit.
Day 3- August 12,2015
We transferred to Hotel Transit where we find it more comfortable. Room rates were almost the same with the previous one. We quickly left our things and headed at
Istana Negara (National Palace) which is the Official Residence of The Yang di- Pertuan Agong, head of state of Malaysia. (Thanks, Wikipedia)
It was scorching hot when we arrived at Istana Negara. (Better to bring your umbrella, water and sunglasses.) Good thing, we've sprayed ourselves with sunblock. We lined ourselves in front of the gate together with other tourists who are taking pictures.
Too bad, palace grounds are off limits to public and tourists. From afar, I was filled with awe to see this magnificent palace. Combination of Islamic, Malay and Western-architectural design, mounted guard and well-kept landscape. I wonder what more is there to explore on the other side of the fence.
We transferred to Hotel Transit where we find it more comfortable. Room rates were almost the same with the previous one. We quickly left our things and headed at
Istana Negara (National Palace) which is the Official Residence of The Yang di- Pertuan Agong, head of state of Malaysia. (Thanks, Wikipedia)
It was scorching hot when we arrived at Istana Negara. (Better to bring your umbrella, water and sunglasses.) Good thing, we've sprayed ourselves with sunblock. We lined ourselves in front of the gate together with other tourists who are taking pictures.
Too bad, palace grounds are off limits to public and tourists. From afar, I was filled with awe to see this magnificent palace. Combination of Islamic, Malay and Western-architectural design, mounted guard and well-kept landscape. I wonder what more is there to explore on the other side of the fence.
Next, we visited KL Tower. Entrance fees costs 52RM for observation deck while 105RM for open deck. We opted for the observation deck. Ushers guided us in taking turns to ride the elevators.
The view from the KL tower offers the city view of Kuala Lumpur at the height of 276 meters above ground level. In one part of the wall, we saw the models of the tall towers of the world. Other activities you can try here are XD theater, F1 simulator, visiting mini zoo or blue coral aquarium or eat at the revolving restaurant.
Oh, and chocolate shops... Free taste that filled our sweet cravings. Bought some chocolates too!
Quick stop at National Monuments (Tugu Negara). This bronze sculpture was built in memory of those who sacrificed themselves for Malaysia’s freedom.
Emblems attached under the ceiling at Central Pavilion.
Bonsai Walk Art and Culture
A perfect background for picture-taking showcasing beautiful flowers and bonsai. It felt like I just stepped into a fairyland.
Kota Melawati located at Bukit Melawati where we enjoyed nature, ruins of old port and monkeys.
Tourists were allowed to feed the monkeys. We, on the other hand, were afraid to feed them because they tend to be aggressive to get food immediately.
Tourists were allowed to feed the monkeys. We, on the other hand, were afraid to feed them because they tend to be aggressive to get food immediately.
Then we went to Selangor for firefly watching. While waiting to get dark, we had a satisfying fresh seafood feast. Yummy! After that we prepared ourselves by wearing life vests for our 30-minute boat-ride. Luckily, it didn't rain that night. The boat-ride was fast at first and then it stopped near mangroves where thousands of fireflies flicker their lights- like Christmas lights.
For the grand finale for that day - Petronas Twin Towers. We preferred seeing it at night to appreciate it much more. It never failed us! The tower's light stands out like silver on a dark night. The sight was captivating.
Day 4- Last Day in Malaysia
Our flight was scheduled in the afternoon. We made sure to bring some souvenirs and gifts back home. We went to Central Market by foot. There are different stuffs you could choose from. I settled for chocolates and printed shirts. Thiyagu, our guide, fetched us afterwards. Out of kindness, he even showed us around buildings and bridges near the airport. I wish I could have noted each one of them! Anyway, I was fortunate to have captured some of it through photographs. Afterwards, Thiyagu dropped us off to the airport. We were grateful to him for making this trip fun and he was really a great help in going around places but best of all, we found a new friend.
Looking back to this great vacation, we enjoyed every bit of it.
Bye Malaysia ... for now.
Our flight was scheduled in the afternoon. We made sure to bring some souvenirs and gifts back home. We went to Central Market by foot. There are different stuffs you could choose from. I settled for chocolates and printed shirts. Thiyagu, our guide, fetched us afterwards. Out of kindness, he even showed us around buildings and bridges near the airport. I wish I could have noted each one of them! Anyway, I was fortunate to have captured some of it through photographs. Afterwards, Thiyagu dropped us off to the airport. We were grateful to him for making this trip fun and he was really a great help in going around places but best of all, we found a new friend.
Looking back to this great vacation, we enjoyed every bit of it.
Bye Malaysia ... for now.