Our tour today begins with
Batu Caves, a temple complex located on a hill in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. We will climb up 272 rainbow-colored stairs to the largest of three main caves, with a ceiling over 100 meters (330 feet) high and a gorgeously decorated Hindu shrine. Standing under beams of sunlight pouring down into the dark cave, you can’t help but be infatuated with the holy site’s sacredness, added by the natural masterpiece of karst landscape.
After visiting, drive back downtown to
Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka), one of the world’s largest squares, whose construction lasted 15 years from 1961. As a witness to Malaysia’s independence, the square is home to the Independence Monument and a towering 100-meter-high flagpole hoisting the national flag. Looking around, you will find many featured architectures, including KL City Gallery, St Mary’s Church, and Royal Selangor Club, among which the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the most spectacular one built by the British.
Around noon, we will head to
Petaling Street, the most Chinese-inspired old street in Kuala Lumpur. Lined with Chinese-style buildings on both sides, the street is crowded with vendors and small shops hanging eye-catching Chinese signs and advertisements inside and outside. Now that you are in the place famed for its cuisine, don’t miss Kim Soya Bean, which has a long queue from early morning. Smooth soy milk and soybean pudding with a rich bean flavor are their signature snacks; they can be sweetened with ginger sugar, white sugar, or brown sugar, a portion costing only RM2.5 (about $0.5).
In the afternoon, continue to the
National Mosque, Malaysia’s largest mosque and one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. Through the towering minaret, you will see Malaysia’s will for national independence. Meander through the mosque, and you will find a distinctive hall consisting of multiple staggered columns, through whose gaps natural light shines in on the smooth marble floor, becoming more gorgeous supplemented by transparent patterned glass windows.
As the saying goes, if you haven’t been to the
Petronas Twin Towers, you haven’t been to Kuala Lumpur; thus, we will visit it as the last destination today. Elevating to the Sky Bridge on the 41st floor and the observation deck on the 86th floor in succession, you can overlook the grand and marvelous city landscape of Kuala Lumpur. Accompanied by trees and ponds, Petronas Twin Towers look more picturesque during the day if photographed in the KLCC Park behind. Since we are here in the afternoon, you can also shoot the sunset scenery. If you want to catch the night view, you can return after dinner between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. when less crowded.
► Where to Have Dinner Tonight: Restoran Sai Woo
Located in the liveliest Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur, it takes 10 minutes by taxi from the Petronas Twin Towers. Although a time-honored brand that opened in 1980, its price is reasonable at RM40-60 ($8-12) per person. You can sit open-air and taste a variety of seafood delicacies with local characteristics. Don’t miss the signature Chili Crab, Stir-fried King Prawns, Grilled Stingray, and Salted Egg Yolk Squid, which have attracted many repeat diners.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars)
