Kuala Lumpur (KL) is home to the iconic Petronas Towers and Batu Caves, but also to a plethora of grand parliamentary buildings, mosques and temples.
The built-up capital was a stark contrast to our previous island life in the south of Thailand. A return to city life meant that it was back to the metro, back to the malls, and back to iconic skylines. It was time to pick up the pace and tick off as many historic sites that we could into our two-day window; as we combined our trip to KL with a few nights in Singapore.
KL felt like a colourful and multicultural capital that is rapidly growing, which is supported by being labelled as one of the fastest growing economic hubs in Southeast Asia. Yet perhaps it was our constricting budget, or the area we were staying in, but we did feel a little underwhelmed by KL. Nonetheless, here’s our highlights from the city:
What to do in Kuala Lumpur on a budget
Take a stroll to Little India and grab a big bowl of vegetarian Thali at B Wood Restaurant. 15 Malaysian ringgit (myr).
Admire the renovated historic architecture against a modern city backdrop. Check out the old British Colonial Government Offices, now the Sultan Abdul Samad building, and the beautiful Jamek Mosque. You can also follow the road down to explore the oldest Hindu Temple in KL – Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
Take the metro to Sentral and then a bus to Batu Caves for only 4 myr. Batu Caves is a huge limestone hill with a series of Hindu caves dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. At the entrance for the caves, you won’t be able to miss the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, painted in gold. It looks like a bit of a trek, but the main anxiety lies with the mass of monkeys waiting for you on the steps!
When the city lights up at night, don’t miss out on standing beneath the Petronas Towers – the tallest twin towers in the world. The architecture has a significant islamic influence and is truly stunning.
Getting around KL
After travelling for some time in Southeast Asia, when you find that there’s great transport system such as a metro, it’s a god send. You can get around the city for 3-5 myr at a time.
There’s also an airport shuttle to Sentral, which is 55 myr for a single or 100 myr for a return.
You can take a very cheap, seven or so hour bus journey to Singapore, or a short and cheap flight.
ottermigration.wordpress.com 