Kuala Lumpur 2025: My Malaysian Adventure
Essential Tip: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Heads up, future travelers! Remember to complete your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online (it's free!) within three days before you arrive. There are a bunch of links floating around, but stick to the official government one: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my to avoid scams or unnecessary fees.
First Impressions: Familiar Vibes
KL kinda reminds me of Hanoi or Saigon. The city center is bustling and modern, but the outskirts have that old-school charm with traditional houses. Very similar to Vietnam!
Lush Landscapes and Wildlife (Sort Of)
Malaysia is seriously green! So much jungle everywhere. I heard there are loads of monkeys, but sadly, I didn't spot any. The crow population is definitely up there with Singapore though!
Bus Ride from Singapore: A Forest Journey
I took a bus from Singapore. Golden Coach was my choice, costing around RM 25 or so. The ride took about 3-4 hours from 8am to the final stop. You need to exchange the online ticket for a physical one at the bus station. Almost the entire journey from Singapore to KL is through lush jungle. The immigration process was pretty quick, and the bus made a few stops along the way.
Navigating the Streets: Organized Chaos
The roads here can be a bit confusing and busy, even with some traffic jams, but surprisingly, it doesn't feel as chaotic as Vietnam.
Public Transport: Trains and Tokens
Public transport includes buses and trains (check the map!). There are two types of trains: underground and elevated (like in Hanoi). They don't have travel cards like Singapore; you buy a token for each ride at the machine. Remember to have small change (RM 1, 2, or 5) for the machines. If you don't, the counter staff at the station can exchange it for you. You can use tokens or bank cards to enter and exit the station. The train stations are similar to those in Vietnam – not as modern or cool as in Singapore.
Scooters: A Fun Alternative
Instead of public bicycles like in Vietnam, KL has these cool electric scooters for getting around.
The Unseen Side: Homelessness
It's sad to see that there are still homeless people and beggars, including child laborers asking for money, especially around the Petronas Towers. Near where I stayed, there was an old man sleeping on the sidewalk every night. People would give him food, and he'd eat it. He slept so soundly, even early in the morning when I gave him some bread, he didn't even wake up.
Similar Vibes: Time and Opening Hours
Malaysia shares the same time zone as Singapore. Shops and malls are generally open from 10 am to 10 pm. KL Sentral, the city's largest train station and a hub for many train lines, opens early, probably to cater to tourists heading to the airport.
Food Costs: Not Dirt Cheap
Food isn't super cheap here, expect to pay around RM 10 - RM 15 for a simple meal at the mall.
Damascus Bread: Hype vs. Reality
I tried the famous Damascus bread, which cost me around RM 35, and honestly, it wasn't worth the price. A RM 5 bánh mì back home is way better. I saw a long queue at the Bukit Bintang branch and had to try it. This just confirms that Vietnamese bánh mì is the best in the world! Someone from the UK even raved about it when they tried it in Singapore.
Petronas Towers: A Tourist Magnet
The Petronas Towers are stunning, but super crowded with tourists. I bought a souvenir tower model for RM 20, only to find it for RM 18 at Batu Caves and even cheaper inside the cave for RM 15! :))
Saloma Link: Colorful Nights
Near the towers is the Saloma Link bridge, which is beautifully lit up at night and a popular spot for photos. However, you have to walk through a Muslim cemetery to get there.
Aquaria KLCC: Underwater Disappointment
Aquaria KLCC, located inside the Convention Center, costs around RM 80. I went because I missed the aquarium in Singapore. Honestly, it wasn't that impressive. The sharks weren't as big as I expected (maybe the glass makes them look smaller?). I was surprised to see insects there too (totally random).
Merdeka 118: The Tallest in the Land
Merdeka 118 is the tallest building in Malaysia. It's right opposite where I'm staying, but I haven't had time to visit yet. I'm staying near Berjaya Times Square and across from Lalaport, a huge mall that makes shopping very convenient.
Anime Love
They're really into anime here. There are shops filled with anime merchandise, and even the advertisements have an anime style.
Football Fandom?
I'm not sure if they're big on football here. I didn't see any small-sized football fields, only two 5-a-side fields at Bukit Jalil - the National Stadium, which looked pretty cool.
A Melting Pot of Cultures
There are many Indian people, but most seem to be Chinese. I can't really tell the difference between Malay and Chinese people. There are also tons of tourists, and whenever I ask for directions, they always say they're tourists too and don't know! I did notice that Muslim women, young and old, always wear headscarves.
Batu Caves: Pigeons Galore
Batu Caves is full of pigeons, probably more than people! There are monkeys at the entrance, but they're tiny. There's a train from KL Sentral to the caves. You can buy a ticket at the counter or tap your card. I accidentally tapped my card on the way there and it cost me RM 35 or so, buying a ticket is probably cheaper. Entrance to the cave is free.
Getting to the Airport: Train or Bus?
You can get to the airport by train or bus. The train has two lines: KL Express and KL Transit. The fare is the same for both, around RM 55 or so. KL Express is the fastest, taking about 30 minutes from KL Sentral. KL Transit takes a bit longer because it stops along the way. If you're not in a rush, the bus is cheaper, around RM 12, and takes about 1.5 hours.
Durian and Pork-Free Cuisine
Durian is a local specialty, but the ones I saw were smaller than in Vietnam, so I didn't try any. I also noticed that restaurants don't seem to serve pork.
Language: Familiar Sounds
Many Malay words sound similar to English, and the language is quite similar to Vietnamese in pronunciation.
Chocolate Souvenirs: A Must-Buy!
If you're visiting Malaysia, definitely buy chocolate as souvenirs! It's cheaper and more plentiful than in Vietnam. A pack of Cadbury at the airport costs RM 12 or so, while it sells for RM 15 on Shoppe in Vietnam. You can find it even cheaper at the malls for around RM 9, and it's made in Malaysia!
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