Today, we will spend a whole day touring Kuala Lumpur. Your driver guide will show you around historical and modern sites, allowing you to experience diverse cultures while telling the stories behind this metropolis. Our first destination is Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet). From a distance, such a pair of 88-story landmark buildings resemble two imposing ears of corn. Take a lift to the Sky Bridge on the 41st floor, which interlinks the two towers, and you can overlook the city from a 170-meter height. But that’s not enough, and we will continue elevating to the circular observation deck on the 86th floor, where you will be amazed by the panorama of Kuala Lumpur’s forest of skyscrapers through the free telescope inside.
Next, driving past Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Jamek Mosque, we will arrive at Independence Square, also called Dataran Merdeka, valued in Malaysian history. Eclectic surrounded buildings, from the English-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building to Islamic architecture and the guild church, are reminiscent of colonial times, and they also witnessed the lowering of the British flag at midnight on August 30, 1957, and the raising of the Malaysian flag for the first time.
At noon, stop at
Petaling Street, widely known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, one of the earliest streets in Kuala Lumpur, which has existed for about 140 years. You can see many old shops and Chinese food stalls here, many of which have been run from generation to generation for over 50 years. Kim Soya Bean, an inconspicuous cart that has been selling soya milk and soybean pudding for over 80 years, is worth trying. The soya milk tastes rich and smooth without bean dregs; the soybean pudding is silky with a strong bean fragrance, and both are entirely additives-free. Not sweet in original flavor, they can be paired with ginger, white, or brown sugar, one portion costing RM2.5 (about $0.5).
In the afternoon, continue to the
National Mosque of Malaysia, a uniquely designed Islamic mosque in the city center. At first glance, you will marvel at the 73-meter-high (240-feet) minaret, shaped like a folded umbrella, while the blue roof of the main hall is like an open umbrella, shielding each one walking under it. Enter the roomy hall with shoes off and look up, and you will marvel at the dome and even forget the unique umbrella shape outside. Stained glass windows above the pillars and the triangular blue windows on the dome reflect blazing colors in the sunlight, making people unconsciously fascinated. Remember to wear long pants instead of skirts or shorts when visiting a mosque; if not, you will get a Jubah – an Islamic gown with hoods – at the entrance. The hood is a must for women to cover their heads, but not for men.
Then, we will drive out of the city to visit
King’s Palace (Istana Negara), where the Malaysian monarch lives. Although the palace is not open to the public, you can look through the gate railings to see its magnificent appearance and take photos with the cavalryman. From here, you can also overlook the whole of Kuala Lumpur full of high-rise buildings.
Ultimately, we will drive southeast for about two hours to Malacca and directly escort you to the hotel. Have a good rest, and look forward to the Malacca tour tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka (4 stars)
