10 September 2015

Selamat Detang Ke Malaysia!

If there's another memorable experience that happened to me this year, it would be my very first adventure to Malaysia. With their famous slogan, "Malaysia truly Asia", who'd want to miss the opportunity to see what Kuala Lumpur has to offer?

Six days (or five days and a half) of immersing ourselves with Malaysian food was a very challenging game for most of us since we're accustomed to eating pork on a daily basis... or maybe just for some of us.

(Hello, photo heavy post)

DAY 1: MNL to KL, MY


My favorite aerial shot of the Philippines.
While on the plane, I took pictures of the now-tiny looking Philippines. Philippines itself has so much to offer, but it's also a privilege to see what other countries have in store for tourists.

We arrived in Malaysia at around 6 in the afternoon with the sky still as bright as 4 P.M. in the Philippines. We also witnessed, for the first time, the bright red sun that's about to set.

It was a long 45-minute drive from the airport to our hotel. With their wide road and much disciplined drivers, traffic was much bearable to handle.

Nothing much happened on our first day since it was already a bit dark and tiring to wander around.

DAY 2: City Tour and Batu Caves



If our call time in the Philippines is around 6 in the morning, just add two more hours in Malaysia. Yes, sun rays don't kiss your cheeks until 7 to 8 in the morning there.

I haven't done any research about Kuala Lumpur and that's what made the trip even more exciting on my part.


Whilst unfamiliar of other places in Malaysia, I do know a few of their major tourist destinations like Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves. Forgive me for not knowing about Kuala Lumpur Tower. Opps.

Let me start narrating my first day of being a tourist in Malaysia by sharing my wonderful experience inside Petronas Twin Towers.


Riding our way up to the 86th floor via elevator was faster than expected. The interiors of the said tower was beyond breathtaking, let alone the knee-shaking view of the city straight from the observation deck.

Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our tour guide named "Faiz" then took us to Merdeka Square (Independence Square) and Kuala Lumpur gallery, where the government's plan for the city was creatively presented to us.

*Sorry, but I don't have any pictures inside the gallery.

Malaysia's National Monument
Before heading to KLCC for lunch, we had a quick tour inside Malaysia's National Monument.


Definitely not leaving the place without capturing some Instagram-worthy photos. *wink*


We went straight to Batu Caves right after eating our lunch. Apart from being a worship place for Hindus, Batu Caves is also known as one of Malaysia's tourist spots.


You'll definitely have to ready your legs and be brave enough to face the monkeys if you wish to climb your way up inside the cave. I suggest not bringing any food nor bottled water as it attract monkeys; they'll surely steal your food and/or water from you or chase you until you cautiously hand it to them. Believe me, one monkey kept on following me because I was holding a bottled water on our way down.

After the tiring climb in Batu Caves, the bus we rented for our entire trip dropped us off to Chinatown. There's nothing much to see in Chinatown, unless you're up for cheaper than mall price bags, clothes, and gadgets.

DAY 3: Istana Negara and Genting Highlands



On our 3rd day (or 2nd day touring around KL), our tour guide, "Kapa", escorted us to Menara Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur Tower) for a very short trip — just enough time for us to take a picture with it (and of it for photography purposes).

Next, she brought us to Istana Negara (National Palace/King's Palace). While on our way there, she talked about the history of Malaysia and the kings that were given the privilege to stay inside Istana Negara. In simple logic, Istana Negara is the Malacañang Palace of Malaysia.

In case you're unaware what Malacañang Palace is, it's the residence and workplace of the Philippine president.


We didn't get past the gate due to their very tight security (yes, very), but still worth visiting if you wish to see how their National Palace looks like.


The highlight of this day would be our trip to Genting Highlands. We got to ride on a cable car, enjoy Snow World, and enjoy our late lunch at Merryland Fried Chicken (I'm not even sure if this should be included on the list, but I loved their chicken!).

Then we had dinner at Berjaya Times Square. After eating, boyfriend and I had to leave the group since I was desperate of having that white Madrid Birkenstock. Glad I found a pair of my favorite Birks in Lot10. *Happy kid*

DAY 4: Melacca


If Kuala Lumpur is known to be highly urbanized, Melacca, on the other hand, is known for its cultural and historical motif. Being a tourist, knowing and seeing Malaysia's culture and history is significant, thus this should be included on your list.

Taken around 7 in the evening.
After eating our dinner in KLCC, we went to Changkat Bukit Bintang for some ice cold Carlsburg and bumped into our fellow kababayan who gave us directions as to where the clubs are located. We ended up sleeping at 4 in the morning and woke up at around 7... in the morning.

DAY 5: Sunway Lagoon and Putrajaya

It was a day filled with slides and rides. Sadly, we weren't able to document those priceless moments we had while enjoying their spirit-lifting slides since bringing of GoPro pole wasn't allowed while riding the lifebuoy.

Putrajaya
After spending the entire day at Sunway Lagoon, we went straight to Putrajaya, as suggested by the driver of the bus we rented, since we didn't have enough time to visit the place after our Melacca trip.

I find the place elegantly beautiful, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.

DAY 6: Kuala Lumpur Tower

Our last destination before heading to the airport. Menara Kuala Lumpur (or Kuala Lumpur Tower) is known for its white, slender body shaped like a honey dipper that illuminates colorfully at night. Used mainly for communication purposes, the tower also has something to offer for tourists who wish to explore the place.

Hazy view of Kuala Lumpur due to forest fire in Indonesia.
Inside lies a relvolving restaurant named Atmosphere 360. 360 because it gives you a panoramic view of the city while scrumptiously eating your meal.

They also have this heart-thumping dining set ready to take you up in the sky while enjoying your dinner with your companions.


I shall end this entry with a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur and a wide-angle shot of the very people who adopted me for five adventure-filled days. I may not be able to teleport back to this very moment, but writing my indelible experience somehow brings back the excitement I felt the moment I entered KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) 2.

Thank you to my boyfriend, his siblings, and most of all, his parents for inviting me to join their out of the country trip and for treating me as part of their family; to my dear parents for the love, trust, and support; and most importantly, to God for keeping us safe throughout the trip and for the beautiful weather.

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