My visit to Malaysia last month was very special as this time I was traveling with my wife and daughter. My boss finally realized that mixing work with fun can be a good idea. As it was first foreign trip for my four year old daughter(BTW Malaysia was also my first foreign destination) and I was visiting Malaysia after a gap of nine years, we all were very excited about it. Nine year back I came to Malaysia as a Trainee, I must admit lots of water has passed under the bridge since my last visit. In 1998 when I visited Malaysia I was around 15 kg lighter, bachelor and KLIA, Petronas towers and Genting Highlands were under construction and KL was not a hot tourist destination as it is now. At that time Malaysia Airlines use to give 3 day 2 night 5*complimentary stay in KL if you are using KL as a transit for your flights to Australia.
KLIA: Easily among the best in this part of the world. Sparkling clean, well lit, quite a contrast to dingy, smelly, s**t place we call IGIA, Delhi. Well immigration was smooth and within hour of landing we were heading to KL. You can get an Airport Limousine or a budget taxi to KL which is some 50km from the airport which generally cost 70 RM to the city. If you are alone without much baggage then KLIA express is the best way to reach KL. It is super fast train which costs around 35RM to KL sentral.
KL Sentral: Biggest Transport hub within city. From here you can get buses to every part of city luxury bus to Genting(RM 15) including one-way ticket of ropeway ride. Trains to every part of Malaysia where railways goes and local metro all lines have station at Sentral.
*Things to do:
Sky Bridge: View from Connecting Bridge(Sky Bridge) at level 41 and 42 between twin towers is fabulous. Entry is free but limited passes are available on first come first serve basis. Genting Highlands: 60 min drive from KL a tourist delight has all the things to delight every pocket and age group ranging from 24 hr Casinos, amusement parks, shopping malls, 24 hr eating joints and world largest hotel in terms of number of rooms. Batu Caves: This is one of the most pious Hindu temple, the culmination point of famed thaipusam procession. You have to climb some 300 stairs before you reach the temple Visit Museum of Speed: If you are crazy about cars and speed a place to spend hoursmaking cars with Lego sets or chancing your arm with a cricket ball or other gizmos. It is in KLCC Suria mall Visit Aquarium again at KLCC complex. A must if traveling with kids.
*Things to avoid:
*Sitting in Cab without finalizing the fare. Ice and water from hawkers Shopping from Little India(Jama Majek Area.) Buying Rolex watch or other so called expensive designer ware from locals roaming around Twin towers and Suria mall.
*Crime:
*Shopping at Jalan Petling(China Town) without haggling at least 50% of the original quoted price. Not to try local food and beverages. Coffee(Kopi) and Tea(Teh) are ekdum bindaas, furst claas. Try at least once.
Shopping:N numbers of malls ranging from horrendously expensive(KLCC suria) to places where shopping wont cost you a fortune(Sogo). Jalan Petaling is good place to buy authentic looking ‘fakes’. But haggle shamelessly. This place is also notorious for pick pockets so take care of your belongings.
Food: Joints to suit every pocket and palate can be easily found in KL. Just follow your nose and keep your eyes open. Otherwise food courts in malls are a good, cheap(relatively) and safe place to try local cuisine.
Currency: 100 USD will get you around 334 ringgits
Signage in Malaysia more often is in local language but if you apply your brain you will be able to make out. Some of common signs areTandas= Toilet;Pintu= Exit;Kleur= Entry
So if you are in Malaysia enjoy its diversity as it is melting pot for many cultures and as they say its ‘Truly Asia’ as you will find Chinese, Malays, Tamils, Sikhs and many more living and mingling effortlessly here. In the end I like to thank my boss for the wonderful work/holiday we had at KL and hope for many such assignments in future.