MALAYSIA
This is a small weekend getaway to Malaysia. The highlight of this trip was that this was my first international solo trip. I chose Malaysia as the visa is E-Visa and the travel time is also less. Since it was a small trip I could cover the major places.
Malaysia is a diverse and vibrant country located in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is a true cultural melting pot, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and religions. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions, from cultural experiences and adventure sports to shopping and culinary delights. It's a country that caters to a wide range of interests and budgets.
I have added the below day-wise itinerary and the brief description of the locations and the activities.
Kuala Lumpur:
Day 1 of the trip started with the arrival at KL airport. The airport is around 60 kms from the city. The best way to reach the city is via metro. KLIA express operates between the airport and KL Sentral, a central hub for all transports. However, the cheapest way is the bus from airport to KL Sentral. I opted for the metro and reached KL Sentral.
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the capital city of Malaysia and a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. Here, towering skyscrapers like the iconic Petronas Twin Towers coexist with historic temples and markets. Visitors can explore a vibrant street food scene, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class shopping malls.
I checked into my hotel, which was just opposite to the KL Sentral mall, freshened up and left for Batu Caves.
I boarded the KTM Kommuter from KL Sentral to Batu Caves.
Batu Caves is a renowned natural and cultural attraction located just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It's characterized by a series of limestone caves and cave temples set within a massive limestone hill. The site is famous for its enormous golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance, which stands as one of the tallest statues of a Hindu deity in the world.
Visitors climb a steep flight of colorful stairs (272 in total) to reach the main cave, known as the Cathedral Cave. Inside, you'll find stunning cave formations and various Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and other deities. The cave complex is an important religious site for Hindus and is particularly bustling during the annual Thaipusam festival.
Batu Caves also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and serves as a natural haven for monkeys, adding to its unique charm. It's a must-visit destination for those interested in culture, religion, and the natural beauty of Malaysia.
(Batu caves)
(Temple inside the cave)
From there, I moved back to KL city. The first stop here was the KL tower.
The Kuala Lumpur Tower, often referred to as KL Tower, is an iconic telecommunications and observation tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It stands as one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. KL Tower soars to a height of approximately 421 meters (1,381 feet), making it one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world. The main attractions is the observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur and its stunning skyline. Visitors can take high-speed elevators to the deck and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city.
The tower houses a revolving restaurant where guests can dine while enjoying ever-changing views of the city below. It's a popular spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. For the adventurous, the tower offers a range of thrilling activities, including a glass-bottomed Sky Box that extends out from the tower, providing a thrilling view straight down to the ground below.
KL Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Kuala Lumpur's modernity and progress. It's a must-visit attraction for tourists looking to experience the city from a unique and elevated perspective.
(KL Tower)
(View from the KL tower)
(The Skybox view)
The next stop was the world-famous twin towers.
The Petronas Twin Towers, often simply called the Petronas Towers, are an iconic pair of skyscrapers located in KL. The Petronas Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world, standing at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet) when they were completed in 1998. They held this title until 2004. As the name suggests, there are two identical towers, Tower 1 and Tower 2, connected by a skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors. The skybridge not only serves as a functional corridor but also offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city. While the towers were originally built to house the headquarters of the national oil company, Petronas, they also house various other offices and businesses. The lower levels of the towers are occupied by the Suria KLCC shopping mall, which boasts a wide range of luxury brands and dining options. The towers are a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
Suria KLCC is a prestigious shopping mall located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is renowned for its luxurious shopping and entertainment offerings and is often considered city's premier shopping destinations. Suria KLCC is home to an impressive array of high-end international and local brands, making it a paradise for shoppers. Just outside Suria KLCC, within KLCC Park, you'll find an impressive symphony of fountains known as the Lake Symphony Fountains. These fountains are beautifully choreographed to music and lights, offering nightly performances that are particularly captivating after sunset.
(Petronas Towers)
(The fountain at Suria KLCC)
After a superb day, I laid down for a must needed rest.
Genting Highlands:
Day 2 was a trip to the Genting Highlands. Genting Highlands, often referred to simply as Genting, is a popular hill resort and entertainment complex situated high in the Titiwangsa Mountains of Malaysia, just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Genting Highlands is known for its cool, temperate climate, which provides a welcome escape from the hot and humid weather in the lowlands of Malaysia. This makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a refreshing getaway. One of the main attractions in Genting is the Resorts World Genting, a massive integrated resort complex that includes a variety of entertainment options. It houses one of the largest casinos in Southeast Asia, making it a prime destination for gaming enthusiasts. Genting Highlands features several indoor and outdoor theme parks, including the popular Genting SkyWorlds theme park (formerly known as Genting Theme Park). These parks offer a range of rides, attractions, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. To reach Genting Highlands, you can take a scenic cable car ride known as the Genting Skyway. This ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and mountains. Aside from its entertainment and leisure facilities, Genting Highlands is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and offers some stunning natural scenery. It's an excellent place for short hikes and outdoor activities.
(Cable Car at Genting)
Genting SkyWorlds is an expansive theme park that promises a world-class entertainment experience for visitors of all ages. It is part of the larger Resorts World Genting complex, perched high in the Titiwangsa Mountains, making it one of the highest theme parks in the world. The theme park is divided into multiple immersive themed zones, each offering a unique and captivating experience. These zones include Adventureland, Andromeda Base, Epic, Forest Valley, and more, each with its own attractions and themes. Genting SkyWorlds boasts a wide range of rides and attractions, from thrilling roller coasters and water rides to family-friendly attractions and live shows. The park is designed to cater to visitors with varying interests and adrenaline thresholds. Additionally, Genting SkyWorlds features live entertainment shows, performances, and character interactions, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the park. There are numerous dining options and souvenir shops scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to refuel and pick up mementos of their visit.
(Genting SkyWorlds theme park)
(Top view)
There is an additional stop in the cable car on the way to Genting Highlands. The stop is Chin Swee station and a climb down on a sequence of escalators leads to Chin Swee Cave temple.
Chin Swee Temple is perched on the slopes of the Genting Highlands, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Its serene and tranquil setting adds to its charm and spirituality. Chin Swee Temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion in Buddhism. A giant statue of Guan Yin, standing at 15 meters tall, is one of the main highlights of the temple. It's an awe-inspiring sight that's especially beautiful when lit up at night. Another unique feature of Chin Swee Temple is the Nine-Dragon Wall, an intricately carved and colorful wall featuring nine dragon sculptures, a symbol of strength and protection in Chinese culture. The temple is an important religious site for Buddhists and also attracts visitors interested in the cultural and architectural aspects of Chinese Buddhism.
(Pagoda)
(Chin Swee temple)
(Buddha statue)
(View from the top)
Genting Highlands provides a unique blend of entertainment, leisure, and natural beauty in a refreshing highland setting, making it a popular destination for those looking for a quick escape from the city or a fun-filled family vacation.
Langkawi:
Today, I left KL and boarded a flight to Langkawi. Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is a stunning archipelago of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the northwest coast of Malaysia. Langkawi is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring lush rainforests, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and verdant hills. The island's landscapes make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
(Langkawi)
I reached Langkawi, rented a scooter to roam around and checked in to my hotel. After a quick fresh up, I left to explore the island. The first stop was the Sky Bridge.
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is situated in the Gunung Mat Cincang area of Langkawi Island, part of the Langkawi Geopark. It spans between two peaks of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest, hills, and the Andaman Sea. One of the main attractions of the Sky Bridge is its panoramic views. Visitors can admire the lush rainforest canopy below and gaze out at the sea and nearby islands. On a clear day, it's possible to see parts of Thailand in the distance. To reach the Langkawi Sky Bridge, visitors typically take a cable car ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, which is also known as the Langkawi SkyCab. The cable car ride itself is a scenic experience, ascending through the rainforest to reach the bridge's upper station. To reach the Langkawi Sky Bridge, visitors typically take a cable car ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, which is also known as the Langkawi SkyCab. The cable car ride itself is a scenic experience, ascending through the rainforest to reach the bridge's upper station. Visiting the Langkawi Sky Bridge offers an unforgettable experience, with its combination of natural beauty, thrilling heights, and architectural wonder. It's a popular attraction for both adventure seekers and those looking for a unique and scenic outing. One can also visit a 3D art gallery and attend 3D and 4D shows at the entrance of the cable car. There are many restaurants here.
(Skycab - a cable car to reach the top)
(3D dome)
(Cable car at Langkawi)
(Views of Andaman sea on the way)
(Skyslide to slide down to the Skybridge)
(The Sky Bridge)
The next stop from here was the Eagle Square.
Eagle Square, also known as Dataran Lang, is an iconic and prominent landmark located in Kuah, the main town of Langkawi Island in Malaysia. At the heart of Eagle Square is a massive and imposing sculpture of a sea eagle with its wings outstretched, poised for flight. This sculpture is one of the largest eagle sculptures in the world, standing at about 12 meters (39 feet) in height. The eagle is not only a symbol of Langkawi but also represents the island's name, which is derived from the Malay words "helang" (eagle) and "kawi" (reddish-brown). Eagle Square is situated by the waterfront, offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the nearby islands. It's a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the sea breeze and take in the scenic beauty of Langkawi's coastline. Eagle Square is a popular spot for catching picturesque sunsets over the Andaman Sea. The changing colors of the sky against the backdrop of the sea and the giant eagle make for a memorable evening experience.
(Eagle Square)
In the evening, I strolled around the Cenang beach. Pantai Cenang, often referred to simply as Cenang Beach, is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches on Langkawi Island. Pantai Cenang is known for its stunning stretch of sandy shoreline, lined with tall palm trees and crystal-clear waters. It's widely regarded as the most picturesque beaches on Langkawi.
Also note that Langkawi is a duty-free island, making it an ideal destination for shopping. Visitors can find a variety of items, including alcohol, chocolates, and electronics, at lower prices compared to the mainland. So this area is also known for shopping. The beach is lined with numerous restaurants and bars, offering a wide range of dining options, from local Malaysian cuisine to international dishes. After dark, Cenang Beach comes alive with lively nightlife, including beachfront bars and clubs.
After another long day, I tucked myself on the bed for a good night sleep.
Island Hopping:
The day started on a bad note as it started raining and it continued to rain the whole day. But it still did not stop the fun. I took a 3-hour trip for island hopping. The trip starts with a boat ride from Pantai Tengah to Dayang Bunting island. Dayang Bunting is a picturesque island located in the Langkawi archipelago, which is part of Kedah state in Malaysia. It is celebrated for its natural beauty, featuring lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and a freshwater lake known as Lake Guillemard. The island is uninhabited and has been designated as a protected area, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The main attraction on Dayang Bunting Island is the legendary Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting). The lake is named for its unique shape, which is said to resemble the belly of a pregnant woman. According to local folklore, it is believed that the waters of the lake possess mystical and fertility-enhancing properties. Visitors can swim in the calm and clear waters of Lake Guillemard, making it a refreshing experience. The surrounding rainforest and limestone hills provide a serene and picturesque backdrop.
(The mountain of the Pregnant maiden)
(Lake of the Pregnant Maiden)
The next stop is the Eagle island. This is an abode for eagles. The boatsman throws meat on the water and the eagles swoop down to pick them and this is a star attraction.
The next stop is a beach island called Pulau Beras Basah, also known as Beras Basah Island. This is a captivating tropical island located in the Langkawi archipelago. It is renowned for its pristine and inviting beaches. The powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for beach lovers. The calm and shallow waters around Pulau Beras Basah make it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The coral reefs near the shoreline are home to a variety of colorful fish and other marine creatures, making it a popular destination for underwater exploration. Since it was raining, I was not able to snorkel here.
(Eagle island)
(Pulau Beras Basah island)
After this, I was dropped at Pantai Tengah and I strolled to Cenang beach for my next stop, Underwater world.
Underwater World Langkawi is one of Langkawi's most popular and fascinating attractions, offering visitors a chance to explore the mysteries of the ocean's depths. Underwater World Langkawi is a world-class aquarium that provides a window into the underwater world of the Andaman Sea. It houses a diverse collection of marine life, showcasing thousands of species, including fish, corals, turtles, sharks, and more. One of the unique features of the aquarium is its penguin exhibit, where visitors can observe charming and playful penguins in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment. The feeding sessions are too good and not to be missed. There is a feeding session for sea lion where a show by the playful sea lion is showcased.
(Penguins at Underwater World)
That was my last activity in the trip. As it was raining, I could not continue further. I packed my bags and departed Langkawi and Malaysia filled with lots of memories.
Malaysia is truly a wonderful country. With abundant natural sight seeing places to amazing structures to bustling and happening cities to calm and serene beaches, the country has everything to offer. KL is a global city and there is no dearth for food, accommodation and sightseeing. Langkawi on the other hand is a more secluded and a relaxing place. There are a lot of other places in the country which probably I might visit later on. Malaysia is truly a cheap Singapore and it left a mark in my travel diary. Do visit Malaysia and let me know how you feel. Until next time, bye bye.
