One Night Stand with KL

Kuala Lumpur, also known to many as “KL”, is said to be the primary go-to place in Malaysia. Not only is it the capital and largest city of this country, it is also home to the tallest twin buildings of the world, The Petronas Towers. For a glimpse of this iconic wonder and more, I rode the 5-hour bus trip from Singapore—anxious yet patiently optimistic like a lover blessed with a small window of time.

Upon first sight, I took KL by the hand and let the conversation flow. I was delighted to find that this huge city is a fascinating mix of the old and new. It’s not so much different from home, really. Well, they’ve got taller buildings and wider spaces, true, but every now and then, you’ll be surprised to hear a familiar word or two, see the same old brands screaming on the streets and malls, even wonder at the same flyovers and wooden houses.

And the people, well, they look just as pretty as us Filipinos, don’t they? In fact, being brown-skinned and no taller than 5’2”, I’m often mistaken for a Malay native. That is, until my half-bemused responses to their “Selamat datang” (Welcome) “Selamat petang” (Good afternoon) or “Terima kasih” (Thank you), give me away as a foreigner.

Strolling along the streets, I took in the sights and malls. From its distinctive cuisine to its towering structures with Moorish, Tudor, Neo-Gothic and Grecian-Spanish architecture, KL has many treasures to offer. For me though, the real gem of KL is a cool, long-haired “TEKSI” driver named Andy, a third generation Malaysian of Indian descent.

You see, I was about ready to brush KL off as just another Manila, when Andy and his spanking “teksi” cruised by, full of tourist brochures, maps and tips on how to experience best his beloved city. With well-trained drivers like him, no wonder Malaysian tourism is booming. Like a real friend of KL, Andy was only too happy to show off its best side or tourist spots. And so, despite it not being in the itinerary, I found myself taking that 30-minute drive to BATU Caves and more.



Located in Gombak district, north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a limestone hill, said to be around 400 million years old. Rising almost 100 meters above the ground, it has a series of caves and cave temples featuring ornate Hindu shrines, many of which relate to the story of Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadam. For the curious, there’s a steep flight of 272 steps leading to the shrine. The site is also well known for its numerous macaque monkeys (scary temple guardians, if you ask me) which visitors feed — sometimes unknowingly too.



The best way to romance the city, Andy says, is atop the famous KL Tower. So there I go on a 52-second elevator ride to what seems like forever.



At 276 meters above sea level, the KL Tower Observation Deck makes you fall in love with the city skyline, which you can get to know better via telescope or an audio kit available in 16 languages. You can also purchase a memento at the surrounding souvenir shops.



The KL Tower Terrace features the 1Malaysia Cultural Village, which offers visitors the rare opportunity of a walk-through Malaysia’s unique replicas of traditional 'kampung' houses in a village setting. Here, I bonded with ‘My Malaysia’ as it strongly brought back memories of home-- of scenic views, the “Bahay Kubo”, of smooth wooden floors, familiar tools and replicas.

Moving on, no visit is complete – Andy says—without a trip to Bukit Bintang district or Suria KLCC. Apparently, shopping is big in Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur alone (according to Andy’s handy brochure) having 66 shopping malls. So, with a familiar Starbucks coffee on hand, I strolled along Suria KLCC, a premier shopping destination in Malaysia due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers.



The mouthwatering smell of authentic Malaysian cuisine led me to Madam Kwan’s Café. One of the great pleasures of being in Kuala Lumpur, I find, is being able to savor its local cuisine and delicacies. Their hawker favorites like Curry Laksa (noodles in curry soup with chicken, fresh prawns, bean sprouts); Madam’s specialty of Nasi Bojari (tri-colored rice with assam prawns, beef rendang cooked in exotic herbs and, of course, deep fried chicken); Malaysian Satay with Chinese tea are particularly delicious. Burp away!



Night finally comes and the city dazzles with its fashionable tall buildings partying around town. Designed by what seems like a nice blend of old age colonial and futuristic architects, these skyscrapers strike their best pose in their evening gowns – some with unique skirting, others with layered floors, curves and hats, and mostly decked in glitter and gold. Of course, the most stunning of them all is the Petronas Twin Towers. The sheer size of it is already overwhelming. Add the colors and the lights all the way to its 88th floor, and you could happily stare at it for hours… till dreams take over.



By the break of dawn, I wake up and stand by my hotel room window, watching the sun rise over the towering buildings. They look different, colder somehow, with the new shade of the morning. Sipping on a cup of hot chocolate, I whisper my goodbyes to this sexy city. Dear KL, I can’t promise you I will be back soon as there are more places to see. But definitely, I will remember you fondly, every now and then.

-- SunStar Weekend, 28 May 2011

The Lion King in SIN City

Okay, I confess, when I was researching Asian destinations in travel sites like agoda.com and airasiatravel.com, it took me a moment to realize that SIN City was actually a code for Singapore. I know—funny, right? There I was ignoring it with the careful thought I should go look for a ‘wholesome’ destination. “Told you all along ‘twas what you were looking for,” the smartass in me could only roll my eyes.

What happens in SIN City anyway? It wasn’t the month of the ‘Big Singapore Sale’ so there’s no chance for greed. Singapore time and money (at current conversion rates: $1 = Php 35) are too precious for sloth. Local food? Nah, for me, too bland for gluttony. Wrath? Not a chance when the people are too disciplined and everything from transportation, the roads, to the placement of their buildings are too organized. You only have to stroll by the Marina Bay’s Esplanade and, as a Filipino, be amazed that somehow, it could be done after all. With that, yes, I admit a twinge of envy. What leadership, what hard work for their country! If only …

Just then, I was distracted by a roar on the streets. From one billboard to another: The Lion King has arrived! That is, Disney’s multi-award winning Landmark Musical has finally reached the shores of Singapore. As it happens, the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands is currently the proud new 'home' of the Lion King produced by Disney's Theatrical Productions and Base Entertainment. Performing in Southeast Asia for the first time after touring the world over 13 years, this musical has already won over 70 major international theatre awards. As a matter of pride and lust, this, finally, is one hot happening I’ve got to see.

The story is, of course, familiar to anyone who saw the 1994 classic Disney film. At its heart, The Lion King is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pride Lands. I’ve seen the film a handful of times (and loved it over and over) and yet, the story is even more powerful in theater – the death of Mufasa, the grief of Simba, the viciousness of Scar, the tug-of-war at Pride Rock—somehow it’s all magnified here.


Perhaps it was the moving live performances of its lead cast – Broadway veteran Jonathan Hume (Simba) and Puleng March (Nala). Or it could be the revolving stages, breathtaking lighting effects or simply the sheer size of the 1,600-seat Sands Theater, which easily filled up even 30 minutes before show time.

Whatever it is, Director Julie Taymore was able to blend African art and Broadway artistry brilliantly. From the first Zulu chant—that hair-tingling moment when Rafiki, the wise old baboon, opens the show chanting against the black and crimson African sunrise—all the way to the closing notes of the last song ‘Circle of Life’, I was on the edge of my seat, all the while thinking: O-M-G.

The theatre production was so wonderfully rich, it was hard to decide what to look at – the changing sets; the life-size animal puppets from elephants to rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes sauntering from the aisles to the stage; the twist of Balinese-inspired jungle dances; or the characters behind the elaborate masks and complicated costumes. All these to process while you vainly try to remember the haunting lyrics of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Academy Award-winning ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’.

Yeah, it definitely got me. For two whole hours, I was blissfully lost (and found) in the African Savannah.

As I watch it all in SIN City, it’s only quite natural that I pick up a few lessons from The Lion King as well: 1) That hyenas are really annoying; 2) That bad things do happen, and there’s nothing you can do about it (Timon to Simba); 3) Just because someone says it's your fault doesn't always mean it is (Scar); 4) Remember who you are and where you came from – at the bottom of it all, you are still The King’s child (Musafa); 5) When the burden’s too big, better let it go-- “Hakuna Matata” or No worries! (Timon and Pumbaa); 6) It’s always a worthwhile challenge to live and breathe and try not to eat each other; and 7) Finally, a lesson from the Baboon: we can cannot run from our past, instead we learn from our sins/mistakes and turn these into opportunities for discovery and growth.

After the show, going back to the concrete jungle of SIN City was a bit disconcerting. We washed it down with Tiger beers.


We went up to the intriguing Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark, a giant surfboard or a ship (depending on how you look at it) floating atop three hotel towers. At the viewing deck, 200 meters in the sky, I took a moment and looked down towards the bay, the towering structures and bright lights of SIN City. Yes, definitely, there’s pride there. But well-placed, if you ask me.

You see, Singapore is unique. From a humble beginning, this tiny island with no oil, not even resources as abundant as ours, has managed to emerge as an economic powerhouse, from third world to first world in a matter of decades. Well, no wonder it’s Asia’s very own Pride Rock, don’t you think?

According to the “Malay Annals”, once upon a time, a prince of the Sri Vijaya empire landed on the island and heard a strange beast roaring, which he later learned was a lion. He immediately named the island “Singapura”, a Sanskrit word for Lion (Singa) and the City (Pura). Centuries later, The Lion King lands in the city as well, still roaring with success. In the Sin City jungle, I suppose, the lion never sleeps.

The Lion King Musical plays at The Marina Bay Sands Theatre, with eight shows a week, till the final curtain call on 31st May 2011. Ticket starts from $65 to $240. If you happen to be in Singapore or are planning to visit anytime soon, go watch it. You won’t regret it lah!

--SunStar Weekend, May 7, 2011