Who goes to Malaysia (read about the best things about the country here: favorite in Malaysia), his journey most likely starts in Kuala Lumpur, a city that feels very international because of its many expats who settle here. A real Malaysia experience you will not experience here, but hey, that does not mean that there is nothing to do in Kuala Lumpur, KL for intimates. And then? Well, this is what you must do and see in Kuala Lumpur

In addition to 'highlights' such as the Patronas Towers and the immense shopping malls - Berjaya Times Square even has a roller coaster in the mall - the following places are worth visiting:

You can enjoy tasty and cheap food (during the day). Chinatown, Central Market and Petaling Street Market. Tip: get a soy juice from the latter, super tasty and cheap. In the evening you eat the tastiest and cheapest dishes Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang district. This street is always busy and full of locals street food tents. My favorites? Pad Thai (with seafood) and Nasi Lemak. The Bukit Bintang district certainly comes alive in the evening and as a woman you can participate in favorable happy hours and lady nights almost anywhere. just saying.

For a beautiful view of the city and the Patronas Towers, go to helipad. Drink a cocktail here for the atmosphere and you immediately realize that you are being the ultimate tourist, because yes, everyone on this roof terrace comes - just like you - for a photo opportunity. Would you like to meet backpackers? Then you go to the bar of the 'Reggae Mansion' hostel.

You will find it just outside the city Batu caves, or a temple in a cave. If you have already seen a lot of temples, this will not really surprise you, but if you spend several days in KL, this is a great day trip. You can get to the Batu Caves by train from KL Sentral for RM2,60 (about 50 cents). There are a lot of monkeys around the temples, very cute, but pay close attention to your cameras and phones. The monkeys are skilled pickpockets. Downaide about this place: many tourists feed the monkeys and I even saw a monkey very neatly take a Magnum ice cream out of the packaging. Not okay.

My absolute favorite of Kuala Lumpur? The Lake Gardens. These botanical gardens are amazing and very large. Here you will find the most extensive collection of palm trees, ferns, herbs, flowers and so on. There is even a kind of playground made of bamboo huts! Wonderful to walk through and relax. Sidenote: there is also WiFi in the gardens, but I actually try to have a part-time digital detox when traveling and I can recommend that.

A few more practical matters: immediately download the Grabcar app (by the way, also your help in anxious times Bali). This is cheaper than Uber, especially during rush hour, and actually works exactly the same. To and from the airport, an additional fee is charged due to the toll that must be paid. Furthermore, taxis are often expensive, public transport is fine, but in my opinion walking is always the best way to get around.

Love, Renée

 

 

Top image via @planet___x