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