People see Malaysia as a huge land mass. In reality it is an easy and cheap place to travel in. KL is easily accessible from Singapore and the rest of SE Asia, and it's a perfect weekend away
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Petronas and KL from Menara Tower
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KL is a sprawling metropolis, with a misture of shanty and modern. The modern, purpose-built commercial zone of KLCC, is a tourist haunt, full of fun bars and shopping plazas. Out of KLCC, is the more authentic KL. You can find great bargains in the night markets in JL Petaling, Chinatown. Just make sure you haggle well as they target the rich tourist! For a taste of old KL, head to Chow Kit for the night. It's the seedy side of the city, but keep your wits about you and you'll find out why it's still a fav with the locals. The rest of KL is sprawling and the easiest way to reach is it by LRT. Get out of KLCC and experience the real thing. For a taste of a bustling Asian mecca, you don't have to go far. Just catch a bus to KL, which will drop you at the famous Puduraya bus station- Just think, New Delhi in a shoe box! It's a scene of insanity, but great fun, just like the rest of KL.
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| Favourite spots: |
Even though they are a tourist icon, you can't go past the Petronas Towers. They are stunning from the ground and the 44th floor... not to mention they are free. Make sure you are there early, cause the wait is worth the view. Open from 8.30 aside from Mondays. This is the same for the Menara Tower, higher then Petronas and you have to pay, but the 360 degree view is worth every ringgit. Just get there early to avoid the tour groups with their cameras. If the smog lifts you can see for miles (look for the Batu caves). Chinatown is a must see. Stalls cram the main street at night, and if you can get through the sea of tourists and locals, there are many bargains to be had! If you can't stand the insanity anymore, then head for Mederka Square, the traditional cultural heartland of KL, with a grand serenity come nightfall.
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| What's really great: |
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Crowded market in Chinatown
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There is not one thing in KL which can be said to be special. The entire place is what makes KL. You can go from the craziness of the markets, to sipping a lager in a trendy bar, within minutes. It's a melting pot of old and new, which makes KL unique. Even in KLCC, the shopping malls are subsumed by street merchants and breakdancers come the night.
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| Sights: |
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Menara Telecommunications Tower
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I think I've said it all. Petronas, Chow Kit, Chinatown, Merdeka Square, what more can you fit in, in a few days!
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| Accommodations: |
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Casa Embon- more than meets the eye.
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There are so many places to choose from in KL. I stayed in KLCC, near Bukit Bintang. This area is a little more expensive, but you really do get what you pay for. There are many cheap, windowless cells to choose from near the Puduraya bus station, but trust me, it's worth paying a little more. We stayed in Casa Embon, a new backstreet hostel- cheap friendly and great location.
There are also many hotels in Bukit Bintang which range from RM50-70 a night. You can bargain though.
A highly recommended place in Chinatown in the Red Dragon. Close to the markets.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for, so be warned!
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KLCC is the home of the new and trendy clubs in KL. However, if a mini Ibiza isn't you, then there are plenty of bars and pubs around to suit every taste. The Reggae Club is a hit with tourists, though it takes a little to get people on the dance floor. But once you get going, the DJ will be willing to please you with your choice of music (reggae of course!)
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| Hangouts: |
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Bukit Bintang- pub and restaurant central
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A fav pub is Finnegans, in Bukit Bintang. Relaxing, even if the beers cost more then the local Hawker Centres. Filled with Ex-pats, its a great place to chill at night. Bukit Bintang Walk has many pubs where you can relax and get a nice cold one. The cocktains in KL left a little to be desired, but the Beer was great, and half the price of Singapore!
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Little to be said here, KL is filled with them. You can pay through the nose to get some half-hearted European nosh, or hang and mingle with the locals in the hundreds of Hawker centres. Be adventurous, and do what we did, just close your eyes and point to something!
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| Other recommendations: |
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Puduraya- main bus station- welcome to KL!
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If you have time, head out to the Batu Caves, which are spectacular. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness a religious ceremony in progress. Else, just relax and enjoy the surroundings out of the insanity of the city.
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Published on Friday September 3th, 2004 by afra069
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Read comments (2)
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8 votes
