Timeline: July 3-6 2018. SFO-TPE-KUL KUL-TPE-SFO via EVA Air.
When I think about countries to visit, I tend to choose countries that are, let’s just say not in a lot of people’s bucket lists, and Malaysia is one of those. Perhaps not as popular as its South East Asian neighbors Thailand or Vietnam, Malaysia is vibrant, modern, and with so much to offer.
I did not realize how taxing it is to get to Kuala Lumpur as there are no direct flights from the US to Malaysia. It literally took us 24 hours to get there but as soon as we got there, it was well worth it.
Despite the long immigration queue to get out of the airport, everything I experienced in Malaysia was worth writing home about. It was a 45 minute, wide roads and tree lined drive from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport to KL (Bukit Bintang district specifically). Our Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) driver was this young guy who described himself as Chinese Malaysian who seemed surprised that we went to Malaysia from San Francisco just to visit. From what he was saying, most of the tourists he drives around come to Malaysia from somewhere else in South East Asia. (specifically Singapore.)
As much as we wanted to hit the ground running, we were just tired AF to do anything because of the long ass flight. It also did not help that the hotel we stayed at Fraser Place KLCC was so inviting, clean, spacious and relaxing that all we wanted to do was sleep! We managed though to squeeze in dinner at this restaurant by our hotel, BBQ Nights. The food was great, cheap, and the service was excellent. I guess we were that exhausted that when I tried looking for any pictures of what we had for dinner, I got nothing! LMAO. (I told you guys I’m a horrible photographer) Despite the lack of pictures of our dinner, believe a fat guy when he says the food was good. I gotta say, if this is what we had to expect for the next three days, we are in store for a great visit.
Hopped on a Grab, to head on to Batu Caves. It took about 15-20 minutes to get to Batu Caves from the center of the city. As soon as you get there, you get enthralled by the huge statue of Murugan. (the Hindu God of War) It is said to be the biggest Murugan statue in the world. While we were taking in all of the sights, one thing I noticed was the absence of in-your-face vendors hawking all kinds of stuff. A sure thing to expect in touristy sites specially in Asia. No one was hustling there but the monkeys who will surely steal anything you have that is edible. (Note: it gave me pure joy to see monkeys scare the shit out of kids holding food)
(One thing I have to tell you folks is through out reading my entries is you will find out how much I hate stairs. If I wanted to work out, I would go to the gym, but me and Gym are not friends, in fact I have not seen him eye to eye since 60 pounds ago, so no, I did not go up there. The last time I did a complete climb of stairs was the Church of our Lady in Bruges, Belgium years ago and I still fill the after effects to this day. I did try going up the stairs of the cross in Coron, Palawan but quit halfway so there).
After spending an hour or so at the caves (or the bottom of it) we were headed to Merdeka Square. Merdeka Square is where independence from Great Britain was declared in 1957. It is a vast, green, open space, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of busy Kuala Lumpur. It is also where one of the tallest flag poles in the world is located.
We went back to our hotel to refresh and made our way to one of the highlights of our trip, the food heaven that is Jalan Alor. It is a place like no other. Jalan Alor wakes up all 5 or 6 of your senses. The combination of the pungent smell of durian and the alluring aroma of black pepper crabs in the air; the sound of locals and music from street musicians; Indian, Chinese and Malay influence that makes up a truly unique and delicious Malaysian cuisine. Food is vibrant, full of colors and flavor! If I can eat Nasi Lemak and grilled chicken fish (this is what they call it) everyday for the rest of my life, i’ll be ok.
The next day we headed over to the Petronas Towers, one of the most iconic structures in Asia and the world. It is a massive and truly impressive structure. The guided tour gives you ample time to take as many pictures as you want. After initially getting over quick bouts of dizziness, we were able to take in the scenery and the beauty of the Malaysian skyline. (Quick tip: try getting there at night where the lights are spectacular, ALSO BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE.)
After the Petronas towers, we spent the day walking around the city. Walking in the city is easy as Malaysia has airconditioned elevated walkways. Even for a lazy ass like me, there is absolutely no excuse to walk around the city. From the towers, we walked to Suria KLCC all the way to another beautiful mall, the Pavilion, where we squeezed in a movie; Ant Man and the Wasp. Before you know it, our day was over.
Everyone we met in Malaysia were warm, nice and truly proud of their country. Most importantly with my interactions with them, it highlighted how ethnically diverse Malaysia truly is. Everywhere you looked, it was a mixture of people with Chinese, Indian and Malay descent. Three different cultures, working harmoniously to create what Malaysia is today. If there is one lesson Malaysia needs to teach the world, it is how diversity should be one’s strength and not what divides it.
EXIT ROW BRIEFINGS:
- HOTEL: FRASER PLACE MALAYSIA KLCC
- Don’t look for bacon in Malaysia
- Take Grab, unless its rush hour, then you’re screwed
- Yes to Ayam Goreng (Malaysian Fried Chicken)
- Malaysia is a non tipping country
- Try durian. See or smell for yourself
- Maggi Hot Cups!! available at 7-11s nationwide
“Safe travels, and be kind to your flight attendants.”
Stewardude 