It’s just under a three hour flight from KK to KL, as the locals call it and another hour drive to the city.. plenty of time for blogging. KL looks like a big city and I’ve only got one full day tomorrow and what’s left of tonight (I’m in the car as I type this and it’ll be at least 8pm before I get there) so I’ll have to make the most of it. There’s clearly a lot of apartment living here as I can see towering block after block all the way from the airport into the city.
I see the Petronas towers from the motorway and then a huge new building that looks like the tallest building I’ve ever seen. The driver tells me it’s 106 floors and I find out it’s the 106 Exchange soon to be the biggest in Malaysia – it’s monstrous and seems to dwarf everything else.
It’s late by the time I leave the hotel for a look around but the place is buzzing. There are shops everywhere and I even manage to get a quick mani/pedi that’s not finished til 10pm. There are a lot of Arabic restaurants that don’t sell alcohol so I find somewhere a little more ‘east meets west’ and have a cocktail and some food. I try the nasi ledang which has dried anchovies with satay, rice and pickled veggies… it’s ok, wouldn’t be my favorite! As I head back to the hotel the place is still buzzing with street performers and crowds of people.
Next morning:
I navigate the monorail and head toward the Menara KL tower. The station I’m heading for is called Bukit Nanas (which means big pineapple). There’s a free shuttle from the bottom of the hill which most people seem to opt for as it’s a steep hill and it’s a sunny 30 degrees but it’s nice to walk up and see the greenery on the way up.
There are some great views from the open observation deck. There are also a couple of sky decks where you can walk out in your bare feet and look down through the glass – it is quite a ways up.
There’s a great view of the Petronas towers:
While building the KL tower, the authorities ensured that they kept some of the local jungle. They have now created an eco park with a canopy walk which is a lovely way to get back down the hill.
It’s odd to be among so many sky scrapers while walking through tree tops. It’s like a mini green jungle among the concrete jungle:
As I walk through the streets I notice how everyone is in their work outfits going between offices and I’m thinking how happy I am to be in elephant pants wandering around, exploring a new city without a care in the world. Not sure I could be any happier with no stresses of work… I am literally smiling to myself and generally appreciating this new life of mine and what do I walk past…. the Juniper office… ahhh the memories… of course I wouldn’t know anyone in this office so on I go…
Next it’s time to visit the Petronas twin towers. They are massive:
A ticket to get into the tower for a tour is about €17. You get taken to the skybridge first which is 41 floors up. Then up to the observation deck, indoor this time, on the 86th floor. It is really high. This is the view of the other tower:
Looking down from skybridge between the two towers:
These are the tallest twin towers in the world. It’s a cool visit and I’m very impressed. It’s amazing being so high up and looking around from that height.
Next I go to Merdeka square. I’m very proud of navigating the city but everyone is very happy to help out and ask if you need help or directions. There’s a pretty river walkway beside the mosque which I take
Independence square has a high flag flying and all around here is definitely the older part of town.
From there I head back to the hotel with the intention of a swim in the outdoor pool but it starts raining just as I arrive back. Within an hour it’s bucketing down with a few thunder and lightning showers. So instead I opt for an hour FaceTiming my BFF at home, followed by room service and a glass of wine. Tomorrow it’s on to New Zealand.
Bye bye Malaysia!
odohertyelaine 