Hari Ng Larga: Kuala Lumpur - A City Of Contrast & Diversity

When we talk about Kuala Lumpur, the first thing that comes to mind is its most famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers, which is the tallest Twin Towers to date. But there are more fascinating places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. So this time we decided a family trip to explore Kuala Lumpur as well as doing side trips to the neighboring districts.

First we went to Sunway Lagoon because the kids can't wait to get there. Sunway Lagoon is Asia's first Nickelodeon Themed Park. It is comprised of a Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park, and of course the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon. So, needless to say, it has the compete package for a perfect getaway with family and friends.

We stayed at a hotel just right beside Sunway Lagoon which offered stay packages that include admission tickets to the theme park. As computed, the package offered more savings compared if we acquired the stay and admission tickets separately. The name of the hotel is Resort Suites At Bandar Sunway - click here ===> to visit their website

Sunway Lagoon

View of Sunway Lagoon from hotel

The Theme Park is huge so directions are needed

A Long Suspension Bridge in the middle of the park

First glimpse of one of the pools

The Surfing Pool (I think we are the first visitors of the park)

Kalahari Kids Village

One of the many Kiddie Pools

The Vuvuzela Slide (one of the highlight slides of the park)

The African Python Slide (one of the highlight slides of the park)

Wave Pool

Wave pool with waterfalls on the side

Waterplex 5D Cinema

Go Kart at Extreme Park

Archery at Extreme Park

Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon

Pirate's Revenge at Amusement Park

Compulsory Photo for guests

Check this video for some of the water slides in the park

Here are the admission rates and other pricing details for Sunway Lagoon:

For more info please visit their website: https://sunwaylagoon.com/

After Sunway Lagoon, next part of the trip is to explore attractions in Kuala Lumpur. There are a lot of options to explore Kuala Lumpur, you may opt to course through travel agencies that offer packages, ride a Hop-On Hop-Off bus, or a DIY itinerary for yourselves. There are a lot of places to visit in Kuala Lumpur and here are some of them:

Chocolate Kingdom

KL Tower & Atmosphere 360 Restaurant

The KL Tower is the highest observation deck in Malaysia and also one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. On top is the observation deck as well as the famous Atmosphere 360 Restaurant. Atmosphere 360 is a revolving restaurant with spectacular 360 view of the city offering lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner buffets.

KL Tower

Atmosphere 360 Restaurant @ KL Tower

KL Tower Observation Deck

Blue Coral Aquarium @ KL Tower

Here the ticket prices for KL tower entrance and buffet prices for Atmosphere 360 Restaurant:

For more info, please visit their website:
KL Tower - https://www.menarakl.com.my/index.php/online-ticketing
Atmosphere 360 - http://atmosphere360.com.my/

Click this video for a glimpse of Atmosphere 360 Restaurant in KL Tower:

Jalan Petaling

This is the China Town of Kuala Lumpur. Usually, crowded with tourist and locals alike shopping to the many item shops in the area looking for good bargains. The area has a lot of food stalls in the area with very affordable prices.

Jalan Petaling

Central Market

Just a few meters walk from Jalan Petaling is the Central Market. One of the tourist landmarks in Kuala Lumpur for shopping enthusiasts. Inside, you can find handicraft stalls perfect for 'pasalubongs'.

Central Market

Petronas Twin Towers

The most iconic landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Every tourist coming to Kuala Lumpur add this place in their itineraries as up to date, the Petronas Twin Towers still remain the tallest twin towers in the world at 451.9 meters in height. There is a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd connecting the two towers. There are stories that each of the towers were built by 2 different contractors. One tower was built by a Japanese contractor and the other by a Korean contractor each determined to prove better than the other by racing on who will finished first. As per stories, it was the Japanese contractor who finished with a mere 1 week ahead.

Petronas Twin Towers at night

Petronas Twin Towers at day time

You may purchase tickets for the sky bridge either online or their ticket outlets. Here are the prices for the tickets:

For more information, visit their website: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/

National Palace (Istana Negara)

The National Palace is the official home to the monarch of Malaysia. It is located along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim. Tourists are not allowed to enter the complex but are allowed to take pictures beyond the entrance gates. And similar to Buckingham Palace, there are guards that are fully dressed in uniform at the entrance gates. No fees are collected when visiting this place.

National Palace

National Palace Entrance Arc & Gate

National Palace

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Here you can get a glimpse of traditional Malaysian culture as well as their history. There are outdoor exhibits as well as those that are indoors. It is open from 9:00AM - 6:00PM daily, with entrance fees for tourists at RM5 for adults and RM2 for children 12 years & below.

National Museum Entrance Arc

Outdoor Exhibits

Indoor Exhibits

National Monument

The National Monument is the place that commemorates those who died during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Tourist are welcome to visit here for free.

National Monument

Merdeka Square

Another one of the famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur is the Merdeka Square. In it is one of the tallest flagpole in the world rising at 95 meters in height. It is located just in front of Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Royal Sengalor Club.

95-meter Malaysian flagpole

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Royal Sengalor Club

Jalan Alor

One of the most well-known streets in Kuala Lumpur located in Bukit Bintang. It is famous due to the long strip of food stalls where you can dine along the street. From traditional Indo-Malay, Thai, Chinese, Indian cuisines to numerous grillers and exotic foods, you have it here. It comes alive during the night time where tourists and locals alike flock the stalls for dinner.

Food Stalls

Tourist and Locals flock the street

Grillers

Hot Pot

Check this video as we stroll along Jalan Alor:

Batu Caves

Batu Caves are situated in a limestone hill in the out skirts of Kuala Lumpur, particlarly in Gombak, Sengalor. It is a popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. Entrance is free for Batu Caves but you are required to pay entrance fee of RM35 for adults and RM28 for children if you want to enter the Dark Cave. To see the limestone cave, you have to ascend 272 steps to get there.

Small Temple as you enter the compound

Giant statue at the entrance

Golden Statue of Lord Murugan at the foot of the hill

Entering the Limestone Cave

Inside the Cathedral Cave

Video clip of Batu Caves:

Kuala Lumpur is a very interesting place to visit. Rich in culture, history, and modern day innovations that are very evident within the city. Aside from the places we have visited, there are more attractions and interesting places to visit. I'll definitely coming back to explore more. Not only in KL but the rest of the places in Malaysia.

Based from my experience, here are some tips when you are visiting Kuala Lumpur.

Allot a whole full day from morning to night when you visit Sunway Lagoon. The theme park is huge and with several park attractions that will most likely eat up your time. Entrance to the park is not cheap so it would be best to maximize your stay.
If you are to spend overnight in Sunway Lagoon area, try to search for hotels with accommodation packages that include entrance tickets to the park. It is usually more discounted than buying directly.
We have availed of a guided tour to some of the attractions in the city. Unfortunately, we were not happy with the tour because the guide had given us time constraints. So, I suggest that you avail of the Hop On-Hop Off Bus that is available in 24 hrs and 48 hours. By doing this, you can visit the attractions at your own pace. In my estimate, it will take you around 8-12 hrs to visit the tour itinerary in the Hop On-Hop Off Bus. For more information visit their website here ====> http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/kl/
If you plan to visit the KL Tower and dine at the Atmosphere 360 Restaurant at the same time, I suggest that you go directly at the Atmosphere 360 booth because upon availing buffet tickets to the restaurant, it will also come with free access to the Observation Deck and the Blue Coral Aquarium.
Be aware that most taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur especially in city center will try to contract you to a rate that is usually expensive than meter rates. Make sure that before you ride the taxis, inform the driver to use the taxi meter in charging your fare.
Forex rates in the city proper is better than in the airport. So, if you are to avail forex in the airport just exchange minimal amount and do the rest in the city proper.
The KLIA Express VIP Service based on my experience is very good and affordable specially if you are in groups 3 or more. Their staff is very helpful and very accommodating. You can book a transport service with them either online by credit card or by simply calling them and pay when you get there. For more info please visit their website ====> https://www.kliaekspres.com/vipservice/
If you wish to visit Batu Caves, you need not acquire services of a guided tour. Batu Caves is just one train ride away from KL Sentral station.
Best time to visit Batu Caves is very early in the morning or later in the afternoon because the heat can be intense between noon to early afternoon. I suggest that you also bring extra clothes if you plan to ascend the steps to the cathedral cave.
There are a lot of mischievous monkeys in Batu Caves. Caught unaware and these primates will steal belongings and/or food that you have. I suggest not to bring food when you enter the cave and keep all your belongings intact.

For more travel and food blogs, please visit: http://haringlarga.blogspot.com/p/home.html

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Kuala Lumpur - A City Of Contrast & Diversity

No comments:

Post a Comment