Kuala Lumpur welcomed us with a warm evening and an accommodation disappointment. The first morning welcomed us with a downpour. Was it a crisis? It was. But we changed the accommodation within 30 minutes and waited for the rain to go away. And everything turned out really well.
The story of (not)staying at Regalia Suites deserves
The story of this stay is a short motivational story of not giving up. From the very beginning it all looked shady. All tourists have to register at the reception desk. But the receptionist didn’t know the owner of our apartment. Finally we were picked up by the owner’s friend who skipped the registration and brought us upstairs. Well, the apartment wasn’t the one we booked on Airbnb. We texted the owner, he admitted and told us not very convincing story about renovation. Few bugs later we decided to take the photo of the swimming pool and leave this place. 30 minutes later we were in a sparkling clean and comfy room in a building with an infinity pool on the 48th floor. The price was almost the same and thanks to our quick reaction we got a full refund from the Airbnb. After all, it was all worth it, wasn’t it?
It’s all about the Petronas Twin Towers
It was raining when I woke up. Not very optimistic. It always rains on my holidays, it didn’t in George Town so maybe it finally got me? Ok, I can wait, put on flip flops and a raincoat. I have to find my breakfast somehow. We had no idea where to go. The only reasonable direction for me while in Kuala Lumpur was Petronas Twin Towers. And it was a very good direction. We had pancakes with egg and curry sauce for less than 3 ringgits in the Suria KLCC. Once we were done with breakfast, it wasn’t raining anymore.
The moment we went outside, I fell head over heels for Kuala Lumpur. First of all, Petronas Twin Towers. Since I was a child, these towers have been a synonym of an exotic place somewhere far away. They may not be the tallest, the prettiest, but it doesn’t matter. It was my dream, they were on my bucket list and I saw them. Multiple times.
But even 2 towers won’t make the whole city great. And I’m really impressed with Kuala Lumpur. It became my no 1 city in the Southeast Asia.
So what’s there?
I have my criteria for favourite cities, including a diverse architecture and lots of parks. Kuala Lumpur is Asian Melbourne to me. We walked around it a lot, passed traditional Malay wooden houses, skyscrapers with really intriguing facades, colonial architecture. My favourite combo.
We went to the KL Forest Eco Park – a jungle in the heart of the city. A real one, which sounds like hundreds of chainsaws. Over 100 years ago a forest reserve was created, later they added canopy walks and now you can get all sweaty, enjoy nature and be in the middle of Kuala Lumpur at the same time. In the urban jungle. And fight your fear of heights.
We’re wandering around with no detailed plan, just wanting to go to Merdeka Square, the Independence Square. It was a cricket field once, in 1957 the flag of Malaysia was hoisted there when the country got its independence and today you can take a photo with the “I love KL” sign and enjoy the architecture. And Petronas Twin Towers on the horizon. You can also get stuck in the middle of the pedestrian crossing. And get asked by an Asian for a selfie together.
From Merdeka Square we go to the Chinatown. I’m not a fan of Chinatowns, I just don’t get them. At least no one can tell me I haven’t tried! I just don’t feel this vibe.
We go back to our infinity pool, because you know, #priorities. Our randomly chosen route proves that the architecture of KL is really surprising. Just like the facades on our evening walk to the Petronas Twin Towers.
That day we did 28,5 km by foot.
Practical info:
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur? You won’t find many hotels in the city, rather apartments for short term rentals. Ours was in the Expressionz building. It had a washer/dryer which came in handy. And the infinity pool! Not having an infinity pool in Kuala Lumpur is a serious mistake.
Where to eat? Hard topic, as opening hours seem to be very random. Pancakes for a quick breakfast are great, you’ll find them in the Suria KLCC food court. The stand with the longest line. Best Cheese Naan was also great. And Sushi Zanmai for a cheap sushi and ramen. Mingle Cafe is a nice place in Chinatown, but prices are a bit higher.