zanzibar138
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 30, 2007
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Mini TR: A quick KL escape
We've just got back from a few days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thought I'd add it in here in case anyone is interested, plus we did do some recon for our big trip while we were there
This started out as a much-needed solo getaway, so I chose KL as the quickest, easiest, cheapest place to get to where I would feel comfortable on my own. A direct flight on AirAsia is only 5.5 hours and less than AUD $400. I only had 4 nights to play with, and the trip was mainly for relaxing, not sightseeing, so initially I'd booked an inexpensive hotel on the outskirts of the city. Then Ben decided he would be able to come along after all lol! So I booked his flight too and paid the extra to choose seats so that we could sit together. He'd always told me how much he loves KL, so I moved us to a hotel closer to the action.
We had a very civilised flight over - leaving mid-morning and arriving mid-afternoon. We bought 3-day PT passes for about $8 each and took the train from the airport. As usual, were led astray by Google Maps. By the time we found the hotel, checked in and freshened up, it was time to head out for dinner. We wandered for a while and eventually found a middle eastern restaurant that looked good (and it was). We finished the evening with drinks by the rooftop pool back at the hotel.
Our first full day we got up at our leisure and enjoyed the buffet breakfast at the hotel (with the usual mix of western and Asian style offerings). Then we walked down to our nearest station and took the monorail to the end of the line. From there we picked a couple of train lines that did a bit of a loop out of the city and back. We ended up close to FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), and decided to take a Grab the rest of the way there for the skywalk (about $3). Unfortunately Mr Google forgot to mention that they close for lunch from 12pm-2pm, and we arrived at about 12:02pm. We grabbed a couple of waters and some pre-cut fruit from a street vendor for about $3, paid the $3 entry each, and wandered around for a while. It was pretty, but the heat and humidity were pretty bad, and it wasn't spectacular, so we weren't willing to hang around for 2 hours.
We took another Grab back to the station (about $2.50) to continue our train tour. Back in the city we decided on a whim to check out Chinatown. First stop was the Central Market, where we bought some t-shirts and cheap bulk hand fans for the wedding, and paid about $3 each for a fish spa. We'd actually done quite a lot of walking by then and our feet did feel better afterwards.
As we made our way outside to find somewhere for a drink, we could hear thunder rolling in, so I suggested we go to the place with a covered terrace where I thought it would be great to sit and watch the storm pass by. Turned out to be pretty big storm and we were there for a while lol! We ended up having something to eat there too. It was actually a Spanish place with not much of interest to us on the menu, so we just shared a dips platter which was actually pretty good and quite filling. Once the storm had passed we continued our exploration, checking out the Kasturi Walk next door, and Jalan Petaling a bit further up the road. We had bought a few more things and were feeling a bit like pack horses, and it was still raining on and off, so we decided to head back to the hotel.
On our way, we stumbled across a junior basketball game that Ben was very keen to watch, so we paid about $3 each for entry, found some seats and randomly watched Kedah vs Sabah u17s. We eventually made our way back to the hotel (many of the stations are linked by bridges or underground tunnels that Google Maps doesn't know about!). We realised we still needed to have actual dinner, but it was after 9:30pm by then, so the only place still open was a very local street food vendor - we did ask at the hotel and they confirmed it was good. We ended up with some very tasty nasi lemak and rendang.
For day 2 we decided to start by going back to Chinatown for massages and another fish spa. We got off at a different station that ended up being a lucky fluke as it was a lovely area full of interesting old buildings and landscaping. We probably spent an hour wandering up to Chinatown from the station.
We got our massages and some tasty nasi lemak with ayam goreng (fried chicken) for lunch. We then decided that we wanted to be closer to that area for our honeymoon trip, so thought we'd check out some nearby accommodation. Accommodation within Chinatown was mostly low budget, but we found a couple of hotels on the outskirts of the area that looked nice, and decided to check them out to see what the location was actually like. We had obviously picked the complicated way to get to the first one, and were wandering for a LONG time trying to find it. The lobby was amazing when we did find it, perhaps a little too snooty for us and not convenient enough. We did manage to find a closer train station though, which linked to the main KL Sentral station via a long underground tunnel, and took a train to the next hotel at the other end of Chinatown. We were immediately impressed by the location literally next to the monorail station and with large shopping centres across the road and at the back. It also appeared to be easily accessible via another train station on a different line. We were equally as impressed by the luxurious lobby, and asked the concierge if we could have a look around. He immediately organised a little tour for us, showed us a couple of rooms, restaurants, spa and pool area with a view of the KL Tower. We were sold.
After our tour we headed across to the large shopping centre for some cold drinks, and Ben thought he was getting a bit of a scratchy throat so wanted to get some lozenges. It was getting late-ish by then, so we decided to just head back to the hotel to hang out by the pool for the rest of the day. We had a swim, watched the sunset with some drinks and shared some wedges for dinner, then just watched a movie back in our room.
The morning of our last full day, Ben woke up with a full-blown flu. Fever, headache, congestion, cough, nausea... you name it, he had it. He stayed in bed while I went down for breakfast and then tried to find a chemist. Nothing was open until 10am, so I decided to check out the larger shopping centre across the road. It was kind of hard to get to - I felt more comfortable taking the monorail back! It was 10 floors plus a basement level, and this was just one wing of 3. Somewhere in there was a theme park but I certainly couldn't see any sign of it! I did find a chemist though and a supermarket to pick up a few things in case Ben felt like eating/drinking.
Having dropped off the supplies for Ben, and purchased an extra day's worth of transport (about $3), I decided to check out the botanic gardens, as that wouldn't have been much of much interest to Ben. Once again, I approached from the wrong side and found myself wondering if I was somewhere I shouldn't be, and wandering for what seemed like a long time! Eventually though I did come across the entrance to the orchid garden, which turned into the hibiscus garden. It was all very quiet and I spent a while wandering through taking photos.
I'd run out of water while I was wandering and, conscious of the heat, felt it was important to find somewhere to replenish. I eventually managed to find my way to a very local cafeteria style place. It had been quite busy with locals, so I bravely tried a couple of the dishes on offer, which were very tasty and I hoped wouldn't make me sick! Back to the gardens, I wandered along the other side in the direction of the train station, and saw a lovely stream and lake, some fun kids playgrounds, and a very nice sunken garden where there were 2 couples having wedding portraits taken. I couldn't help but wonder how they were managing in formal suits and gowns when I was struggling in a cool loose sundress. There was a little kiosk near the main lake where I got a much-needed Fanta, as my water from lunch was nearly gone! Then it was just a short stroll along the edge of the lake back to the museum and attached train station.
I'd been walking for hours, so I decided not to bother with the museum, although there were some interesting artifacts on the outside that I had a quick look at as I walked past. I had been planning to go back to Chinatown for another massage, but couldn't be bothered by then so I looked for a place at KL Sentral. It was about twice the price of the place in Chinatown (still only about $30 for an hour massage though!) but much nicer and I left feeling much more human and like I could actually make it back to the hotel.
On the monorail back to the hotel, the skies opened up, so I decided to find somewhere for dinner at the large shopping centre attached to the station, and ended up with a fast food version of nasi lemak with ayam goreng, which was still pretty good! Then picked up some more supplies for Ben and headed back to the hotel. He was starting to feel a bit better, so managed to eat a bit of watermelon and drink some electrolyte drink and we watched a movie.
Luckily Ben was feeling a LOT better the next morning, and was able to have some breakfast with me before a late morning departure for the airport. Given the circumstances, we decided to just order a Grab, which was only about $20 but I think our driver thought he was in the F1 so it was a bit of a nerve-wracking drive! For our honeymoon I think I'll investigate private drivers - will be a bit more expensive but I think worth it for peace of mind. After a non-eventful flight (the best kind), we made it home to some very happy doggies!
We've just got back from a few days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thought I'd add it in here in case anyone is interested, plus we did do some recon for our big trip while we were there
This started out as a much-needed solo getaway, so I chose KL as the quickest, easiest, cheapest place to get to where I would feel comfortable on my own. A direct flight on AirAsia is only 5.5 hours and less than AUD $400. I only had 4 nights to play with, and the trip was mainly for relaxing, not sightseeing, so initially I'd booked an inexpensive hotel on the outskirts of the city. Then Ben decided he would be able to come along after all lol! So I booked his flight too and paid the extra to choose seats so that we could sit together. He'd always told me how much he loves KL, so I moved us to a hotel closer to the action.
We had a very civilised flight over - leaving mid-morning and arriving mid-afternoon. We bought 3-day PT passes for about $8 each and took the train from the airport. As usual, were led astray by Google Maps. By the time we found the hotel, checked in and freshened up, it was time to head out for dinner. We wandered for a while and eventually found a middle eastern restaurant that looked good (and it was). We finished the evening with drinks by the rooftop pool back at the hotel.
Our first full day we got up at our leisure and enjoyed the buffet breakfast at the hotel (with the usual mix of western and Asian style offerings). Then we walked down to our nearest station and took the monorail to the end of the line. From there we picked a couple of train lines that did a bit of a loop out of the city and back. We ended up close to FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), and decided to take a Grab the rest of the way there for the skywalk (about $3). Unfortunately Mr Google forgot to mention that they close for lunch from 12pm-2pm, and we arrived at about 12:02pm. We grabbed a couple of waters and some pre-cut fruit from a street vendor for about $3, paid the $3 entry each, and wandered around for a while. It was pretty, but the heat and humidity were pretty bad, and it wasn't spectacular, so we weren't willing to hang around for 2 hours.
We took another Grab back to the station (about $2.50) to continue our train tour. Back in the city we decided on a whim to check out Chinatown. First stop was the Central Market, where we bought some t-shirts and cheap bulk hand fans for the wedding, and paid about $3 each for a fish spa. We'd actually done quite a lot of walking by then and our feet did feel better afterwards.
As we made our way outside to find somewhere for a drink, we could hear thunder rolling in, so I suggested we go to the place with a covered terrace where I thought it would be great to sit and watch the storm pass by. Turned out to be pretty big storm and we were there for a while lol! We ended up having something to eat there too. It was actually a Spanish place with not much of interest to us on the menu, so we just shared a dips platter which was actually pretty good and quite filling. Once the storm had passed we continued our exploration, checking out the Kasturi Walk next door, and Jalan Petaling a bit further up the road. We had bought a few more things and were feeling a bit like pack horses, and it was still raining on and off, so we decided to head back to the hotel.
On our way, we stumbled across a junior basketball game that Ben was very keen to watch, so we paid about $3 each for entry, found some seats and randomly watched Kedah vs Sabah u17s. We eventually made our way back to the hotel (many of the stations are linked by bridges or underground tunnels that Google Maps doesn't know about!). We realised we still needed to have actual dinner, but it was after 9:30pm by then, so the only place still open was a very local street food vendor - we did ask at the hotel and they confirmed it was good. We ended up with some very tasty nasi lemak and rendang.
For day 2 we decided to start by going back to Chinatown for massages and another fish spa. We got off at a different station that ended up being a lucky fluke as it was a lovely area full of interesting old buildings and landscaping. We probably spent an hour wandering up to Chinatown from the station.
We got our massages and some tasty nasi lemak with ayam goreng (fried chicken) for lunch. We then decided that we wanted to be closer to that area for our honeymoon trip, so thought we'd check out some nearby accommodation. Accommodation within Chinatown was mostly low budget, but we found a couple of hotels on the outskirts of the area that looked nice, and decided to check them out to see what the location was actually like. We had obviously picked the complicated way to get to the first one, and were wandering for a LONG time trying to find it. The lobby was amazing when we did find it, perhaps a little too snooty for us and not convenient enough. We did manage to find a closer train station though, which linked to the main KL Sentral station via a long underground tunnel, and took a train to the next hotel at the other end of Chinatown. We were immediately impressed by the location literally next to the monorail station and with large shopping centres across the road and at the back. It also appeared to be easily accessible via another train station on a different line. We were equally as impressed by the luxurious lobby, and asked the concierge if we could have a look around. He immediately organised a little tour for us, showed us a couple of rooms, restaurants, spa and pool area with a view of the KL Tower. We were sold.
After our tour we headed across to the large shopping centre for some cold drinks, and Ben thought he was getting a bit of a scratchy throat so wanted to get some lozenges. It was getting late-ish by then, so we decided to just head back to the hotel to hang out by the pool for the rest of the day. We had a swim, watched the sunset with some drinks and shared some wedges for dinner, then just watched a movie back in our room.
The morning of our last full day, Ben woke up with a full-blown flu. Fever, headache, congestion, cough, nausea... you name it, he had it. He stayed in bed while I went down for breakfast and then tried to find a chemist. Nothing was open until 10am, so I decided to check out the larger shopping centre across the road. It was kind of hard to get to - I felt more comfortable taking the monorail back! It was 10 floors plus a basement level, and this was just one wing of 3. Somewhere in there was a theme park but I certainly couldn't see any sign of it! I did find a chemist though and a supermarket to pick up a few things in case Ben felt like eating/drinking.
Having dropped off the supplies for Ben, and purchased an extra day's worth of transport (about $3), I decided to check out the botanic gardens, as that wouldn't have been much of much interest to Ben. Once again, I approached from the wrong side and found myself wondering if I was somewhere I shouldn't be, and wandering for what seemed like a long time! Eventually though I did come across the entrance to the orchid garden, which turned into the hibiscus garden. It was all very quiet and I spent a while wandering through taking photos.
I'd run out of water while I was wandering and, conscious of the heat, felt it was important to find somewhere to replenish. I eventually managed to find my way to a very local cafeteria style place. It had been quite busy with locals, so I bravely tried a couple of the dishes on offer, which were very tasty and I hoped wouldn't make me sick! Back to the gardens, I wandered along the other side in the direction of the train station, and saw a lovely stream and lake, some fun kids playgrounds, and a very nice sunken garden where there were 2 couples having wedding portraits taken. I couldn't help but wonder how they were managing in formal suits and gowns when I was struggling in a cool loose sundress. There was a little kiosk near the main lake where I got a much-needed Fanta, as my water from lunch was nearly gone! Then it was just a short stroll along the edge of the lake back to the museum and attached train station.
I'd been walking for hours, so I decided not to bother with the museum, although there were some interesting artifacts on the outside that I had a quick look at as I walked past. I had been planning to go back to Chinatown for another massage, but couldn't be bothered by then so I looked for a place at KL Sentral. It was about twice the price of the place in Chinatown (still only about $30 for an hour massage though!) but much nicer and I left feeling much more human and like I could actually make it back to the hotel.
On the monorail back to the hotel, the skies opened up, so I decided to find somewhere for dinner at the large shopping centre attached to the station, and ended up with a fast food version of nasi lemak with ayam goreng, which was still pretty good! Then picked up some more supplies for Ben and headed back to the hotel. He was starting to feel a bit better, so managed to eat a bit of watermelon and drink some electrolyte drink and we watched a movie.
Luckily Ben was feeling a LOT better the next morning, and was able to have some breakfast with me before a late morning departure for the airport. Given the circumstances, we decided to just order a Grab, which was only about $20 but I think our driver thought he was in the F1 so it was a bit of a nerve-wracking drive! For our honeymoon I think I'll investigate private drivers - will be a bit more expensive but I think worth it for peace of mind. After a non-eventful flight (the best kind), we made it home to some very happy doggies!
TBH not really my thing so I'd rather prioritise Disney... and manatees 
I have the same thoughts sometimes when I hear people mention a weekend getaway to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Trying to keep some of our plans a little fluid as I don't know how much tolerance Ben is going to have for Disney, so we can maybe pencil this in for a non-Disney day and re-evaluate closer to the time.
