Raising Malaysia

5:04:00 PM

Malaysia, Truly Asia -- this is now the promotional tagline of this fast-growing country. Never been in my dreams that I would be able to go out of the country and stepping on Malaysia's soil was such an awesome experience that I would never forget.

A close friend of mine has been an addict to Cebu Pacific's monthly discounted international flight fares couple of years now and that's how our backpacking adventure stories started. My first backpacking trip was when I resigned from my previous job in a prestige magazine publication. I was undecided during those times on what to do with my life. I just wanted to be free from all the stress of intriguing glitz and glamour of my work. We took the opportunity to get along with other nationals by a low-cost trip which is called Backpacking.

Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Terms such as independent travel and/or budget travel are often used interchangeably with backpacking. The factors that traditionally differentiate backpacking from other forms of tourism include but are not limited to the following: use of public transport as a means of travel, preference of youth hostels to traditional hotels, length of the trip vs. conventional vacations, use of a backpack, an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights. - (source: wikipedia)

During my trip in Malaysia, I was shocked when I entered its boarder, why? its because the sights and scenes are just like what we have here in our country, Philippines. As if I never flew out from Pinas! =) From its superhighways, flyovers, establishments, roads and their way of living. There were times that I was mistakenly identified as a Malaysian. However, further to my trip, I discovered Malaysia's secret ace of difference from our very own Pinas.

Just to give you a short history of Kuala Lumpur, I just pulled out few excerpts from wikipedia for information:

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population.The city proper, making up an area of 243 km² (94 sq mi), has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million. It is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country, in terms of population and economy.

Kuala Lumpur has its origins in the 1850s, when the Malay Chief of Klang, Raja Abdullah, hired some Chinese labourers to open new and larger tin mines for tin prospectors.The miners landed at the confluence of Sungai Gombak (previously known as Sungai Lumpur, meaning "muddy river") and Sungai Klang (Klang River) to open mines at Ampang, Pudu and Batu. These mines developed into a trading post which became a frontier town.

Bahasa Malaysia—the national language, is the principal language of Kuala Lumpur. Other major languages spoken in the city are Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tamil. English has a strong presence, especially in business and is a compulsory language taught in schools.Similar to most other Malaysian cities, Kuala Lumpur has a heterogeneous populace that is constituted by the country's three major ethnic groups: the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians, although the city also has a mix of different cultures including Eurasians, as well as Kadazans, Ibans and other indigenous races

During the short course of my trip to Malaysia, I really enjoyed every second and every minute of my stay there. As I go through along with this blog, I will just explain to you my experiences using the photos that I and my dear friend Janice Ralar took during the trip.

This signage welcomes you to Malaysia

The Johor-Singapore Causeway, known simply as "The Causeway",

A link of Johor Bahru Malaysia and Woodlands in Singapore

The Johor–Singapore Causeway (Malay: Tambak Johor, Chinese: 新柔长堤) is a 1,056-metre causeway that links the city of Johor Bahru in Malaysia across the Straits of Johor to the town of Woodlands in Singapore. It serves as a road, rail, and pedestrian link, as well as water piping into Singapore.

I find this small bumble bee car so cute!

The causeway is connected to the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration

and Quarantine Complex in Johor Bahru.

This is the Woodlands Checkpoint Immigration in Singapore

Most of the forest reserves of Malaysia are planted with copra trees

At the bus stop station going to Kuala Lumpur, I went to the public CR to pee and suprisingly,

this what I saw.

There are so many fried goodies available in this store for the foreign travelers

I used the public telephone at the bus station to contact our friend in Kuala Lumpur

Transnasional Bus is one of the comfortable bus service transport to and from Malaysia

Transnasional, a Malaysian icon and the leader of the express bus industry, is one of the most prominent and popular household brand names in Southeast Asia region, serving more than 200 destinations, covering all major cities and towns with 1,000 daily departures across Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Using the latest advancement in bus technologies, design and comfort, Transnasional provides safe, enjoyable and affordable travel.

Transnasional Malaysia Singapore Express Bus

Telephone: +65 62947034
Executive Class: Three daily departures (9am, 5.30pm, 6pm) Price is RM69.90.
Economy Class: Eight daily departures (first one at 8.30am, last one at 11pm) Price is RM30

Transnational Ekspress operates from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal and Lavander Street, Junction Off Bus Station Kallang Baru. Economy Class departs at 0845, 1030, 1330, 1730, 2200 2359 daily from Puduraya Bus Terminal and arrives at Lavender Street. Executive Class departs at 9am or 6pm from Malaysian Tourism Centre, Hentian Duta Terminal and arrives at Lavendar St.

Transnasional Bus From Kuala Lumpur to other places in Malaysia:
Routes , timetable and fares: (source: http://www.mypublictransport.com/)

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TERMINAL	ADDRESS	CONTACT
JALAN DUTA	Tepi Bangunan Hentian Duta, Jalan Duta, 50480, Kuala Lumpur	03-62014970

Pudu Sentral (PUDURAYA)	Hentian Puduraya, Kuala Lumpur, 53100, Kuala Lumpur	03-20703300

PEKELILING	Terminal Bas Tun Razak Jalan Pekeliling, Kuala Lumpur 50400, Kuala Lumpur	03-40452955

TASIK SELATAN	Jalan Terminal Selata, 57100 Kuala Lumpur	03 9057 5804

From Kuala Lumpur to :

Batu Pahat:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	BATU PAHAT	9.00AM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		10.10AM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		1.00PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		3.00PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		3.40PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		5.00PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		6.00PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		8.00PM	RM20.60	RM15.50
		9.10PM	RM20.60	RM15.50

Johor Bahru:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	JOHOR BAHRU	7.30AM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		8.45AM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		9.30AM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		10.30AM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		12.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		1.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		2.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		3.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		4.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		5.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		6.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		8.30PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		10.30PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		11.30PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		11.59PM	RM31.10	RM23.40

Mersing:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	MERSING	9.00AM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		12.30PM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		3.30PM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		6.00PM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		11.30PM	RM29.80	RM22.40

Segamat:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	SEGAMAT	10.00AM	RM16.70	RM12.60
		1.00PM	RM16.70	RM12.60
		3.30PM	RM16.70	RM12.60
		7.00PM	RM16.70	RM12.60
		9.00PM	RM16.70	RM12.60

Kulai :

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KULAI	11.30AM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		6.00PM	RM31.10	RM23.40
		11.59PM	RM31.10	RM23.40

Muar:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	MUAR	9.00AM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		10.10AM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		1.00PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		3.00PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		3.40PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		5.00PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		6.00PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		8.00PM	RM16.00	RM12.00
		9.10PM	RM16.00	RM12.00

Melaka:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	MELAKA	8.00AM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		9.00AM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		10.00AM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		11.00AM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		12.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		1.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		2.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		3.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		4.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		5.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		6.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		7.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		8.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		9.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30
		10.00PM	RM12.30	RM9.30

Kluang:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KLUANG	11.00AM	RM25.00	RM18.80
		2.00PM	RM25.00	RM18.80
		3.30PM	RM25.00	RM18.80
		5.00PM	RM25.00	RM18.80
		7.30PM	RM25.00	RM18.80

Pasir Gudang:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	PASIR GUDANG	9.30AM	RM32.80	RM24.60
		4.00PM	RM32.80	RM24.60
		11.30PM	RM32.80	RM24.60

Singapore:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	SINGAPORE	8.45AM	RM46.10	RM34.60
		10.30AM	RM46.10	RM34.60
		2.00PM	RM46.10	RM34.60
		10.30PM	RM46.10	RM34.60
		11.59PM	RM46.10	RM34.60

Gemas:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	GEMAS	10.00AM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		1.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		3.30PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		7.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		9.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90

Tampin:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	TAMPIN	10.00AM	RM10.10	RM7.60
		1.00PM	RM10.10	RM7.60
		3.30PM	RM10.10	RM7.60
		7.00PM	RM10.10	RM7.60
		9.00PM	RM10.10	RM7.60

Dungun:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	DUNGUN	10.00AM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		10.30AM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		11.00AM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		11.15AM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		1.00PM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		9.00PM	RM32.90	RM24.70
		11.00PM	RM32.90	RM24.70

Kemaman:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KEMAMAN	10.00AM	RM29.30	RM22.00
		10.30AM	RM29.30	RM22.00
		11.15AM	RM29.30	RM22.00
		1.00PM	RM29.30	RM22.00
		9.00PM	RM29.30	RM22.00
		11.00PM	RM29.30	RM22.00

Kuala Terengganu:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KUALA TERENGGANU	10.00AM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		10.30AM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		11.00AM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		11.15AM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		1.00PM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		9.00PM	RM40.00	RM30.00

Jerteh

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	JERTEH	9.00AM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		9.00PM	RM40.10	RM30.10

Butterworth:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	BUTTERWORTH	9.00AM	RM31.30	RM23.40
		11.00AM	RM31.30	RM23.40
		3.00PM	RM31.30	RM23.40
		6.00PM	RM31.30	RM23.40
		11.00PM	RM31.30	RM23.40
		11.59PM	RM31.30	RM23.40

Penang:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	PENANG	9.00AM	RM35.00	RM26.30
		10.30AM	RM35.00	RM26.30
		4.00PM	RM35.00	RM26.30
		11.00PM	RM35.00	RM26.30
		11.59PM	RM35.00	RM26.30

Arau:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		ARAU		10.30PM		RM42.80		RM32.10

Kangar:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KANGAR	1.30PM	RM45.50	RM34.20
		9.30PM	RM45.50	RM34.20
		10.30PM	RM45.50	RM34.20
		11.00PM	RM45.50	RM34.20

Kuala Perlis:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KUALA PERLIS	9.30PM	RM42.80	RM32.10
		11.00PM	RM42.80	RM32.10

Alor Setar:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	ALOR SETAR	10.00AM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		12.30PM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		1.30PM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		5.30PM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		11.00PM	RM40.00	RM30.00
		11.59PM	RM40.00	RM30.00

Baling:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	BALING	9.00AM	RM35.70	RM26.80
		10.30PM	RM35.70	RM26.80

Changlun:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		CHANGLUN		11.00PM		RM42.80		RM32.10

Jitra:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		JITRA		10.30PM		RM42.80		RM32.10

Kodiang:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		KODIANG		10.30PM		RM42.80		RM32.10

Sungai Petani:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	SUNGAI PETANI	9.30AM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		11.00PM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		12.30PM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		4.00PM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		5.30PM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		11.00PM	RM36.00	RM27.00
		11.59PM	RM36.00	RM27.00

Tunjang:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		TUNJANG		10.30PM		RM42.80		RM32.10

Grik:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	GRIK	9.00AM	RM30.30	RM22.80
		10.00PM	RM30.30	RM22.80

Ipoh:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	IPOH	8.30AM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		9.30AM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		10.30AM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		11.30AM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		12.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		1.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		2.00PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		2.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		3.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		4.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		5.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		6.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		7.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		8.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		9.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00
		10.30PM	RM17.30	RM13.00

Kuala Kangsar:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KUALA KANGSAR	9.00AM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		10.00AM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		11.30AM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		1.30PM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		4.10PM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		4.30PM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		6.30PM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		8.40PM	RM22.00	RM16.30
		9.00PM	RM22.00	RM16.30

Kroh:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KROH	9.00AM	RM34.50	RM25.90
		10.30PM	RM34.50	RM25.90

Lenggong:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	LENGGONG	9.00AM	RM30.30	RM22.80
		10.00PM	RM30.30	RM22.80

Lumut:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	LUMUT	8.30AM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		10.30AM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		1.30PM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		3.30PM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		6.30PM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		8.30PM	RM24.60	RM16.80
		10.00PM	RM24.60	RM16.80

Parit Buntar:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	PARIT BUNTAR	9.30AM	RM27.90	RM21.00
		3.30PM	RM27.90	RM21.00
		11.00PM	RM27.90	RM21.00

Teluk Intan:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	TELUK INTAN	8.00AM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		8.30AM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		10.00AM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		12.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		1.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		2.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		3.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		3.30PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		4.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		5.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		6.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		7.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		9.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		9.45PM	RM14.10	RM10.60
		10.00PM	RM14.10	RM10.60

Taiping:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	TAIPING	8.30AM	RM24.60	RM18.50
		11.30AM	RM24.60	RM18.50
		1.30PM	RM24.60	RM18.50
		4.30PM	RM24.60	RM18.50
		6.30PM	RM24.60	RM18.50
		10.00PM	RM24.60	RM18.50

Endau:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	ENDAU	9.00AM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		6.00PM	RM29.80	RM22.40
		11.30PM	RM29.80	RM22.40

Kuala Lipis:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KUALA LIPIS	8.00AM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		9.00AM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		9.30AM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		12.30PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		1.30PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		3.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		4.30PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		6.30PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		8.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90
		11.00PM	RM14.50	RM10.90

Kuantan:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KUANTAN	1.00AM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		8.00AM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		10.00AM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		11.30AM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		12.15PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		2.30PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		3.15PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		4.30PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		5.15PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		6.15PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		8.30PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		9.30PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		10.30PM	RM21.90	RM16.50
		11.59PM	RM21.90	RM16.50

Raub:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	RAUB	8.00AM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		9.00AM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		12.30PM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		1.30PM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		4.30PM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		6.30PM	RM10.70	RM8.10
		8.00PM	RM10.70	RM8.10

Gua Musang:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	GUA MUSANG	9.30AM	RM26.00	RM19.50
		3.00PM	RM26.00	RM19.50
		11.00PM	RM26.00	RM19.50

Kota Bharu:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	KOTA BHARU	9.00AM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		10.00AM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		10.30AM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		2.30PM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		9.00PM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		9.30PM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		10.00PM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		10.30PM	RM40.10	RM30.10
		11.00PM	RM40.10	RM30.10

Pengkalan Chepa:

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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		PANGKALAN CHEPA		9.00PM		RM41.30		RM31.00

Pengkalan Kubor:
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DEPARTING FROM		DESTINATION		TIME		ADULT FARE		CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR		PENGKALAN KUBOR		9.00PM		RM42.90		RM32.20

Rantau Panjang:

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DEPARTING FROM	DESTINATION	TIME	ADULT FARE	CHILDREN FARE
KUALA LUMPUR	RANTAU PANJANG	9.45AM	RM44.40	RM33.30
		10.00PM	RM44.40	RM33.30
		10.30PM	RM44.40	RM33.30

Most of Malaysian nationals live in these high-raise building condominiums

The usual taxi cab in Malaysia, they called it (TEKSI)

Berjaya Times Square
Acknowledged as Malaysia’s largest building ever built in a single phase with a gross built-up area of 7.5 million square feet, Berjaya Times Square is an international landmark offering unparallel shopping, luxury accommodation, business, fine food and beverage, and abundant entertainment to the estimated 2.5 million visitors each month.

A busy pedestrians street of Puduraya, Kuala Lumpur

All the vehicles in Malaysia whether public or private are right-hand drive units

A usual ambiance of a small cafeteria along the street

The Robinsons Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The Gardens L1-2 Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
03-2089-1188

As a traveller first coming to Kuala Lumpur I was predominantly drawn to the greatness of the twin towers and did not feel the need to find more shopping centres, until I found, which is when i started asking around, I came across Mega Mall. Yes, MEGAMALL. If we have SM Megamall, KL has it too...

It's Mid Valley Megamall. Megamall has a bit of everything, to suit your tastes, from extensive stalls selling everything from tourist kitch, jewelery, shoes,clothes and the supermarket (Carrefour) on the lowest level sells everything else you cant find in other levels.

This mall is also predominantly cheaper than KLCC or Times Square, with generaly a lot more variety.

Mid Valley Megamall is so well located that it offers easy access to people living in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya. Right between two cities, Mid Valley is South-East Asia’s largest shopping mall. It offers shopaholics a total of almost 190,000sq metres of retail space.

Address: Lingkaran Syed Putra
Phone: 603 2983 3333
Website: http://www.midvalleycity.com.my/

This is Emy our friend and tour-guide during our stay at KL

A grand architectural ceiling structure of Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre)

Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers.

Apart from Suria KLCC, Bukit Bintang district has the highest concentration of shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. It houses various cafes, alfresco dining outlets and retail malls. The Bangsar district also has a few shopping complexes, including Bangsar Village, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens. The Damansara subdivision north-west of Kuala Lumpur, though not in the city-proper, is the home of the only IKEA outlet in the country, and a cluster of locally operated malls like Cathay Multi Screen Cinemas, The Curve, Ikano Power Centre and One Utama.

Buildings with all-glass shells exist throughout the city, with the most prominent examples being the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. As of, September 2010 Kuala Lumpur's central business district today has shifted around the Kuala Lumpur city centre (KLCC) where many new and tall buildings with modern and postmodern architecture fill the skyline.

At last! Up close and personal! Seeing these two towers was such a breathtaking scene!
as in so WOW!
I was teary-eyed when I first saw this superb architectural work of art
The 452-metre (1,483 ft) tall Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin buildings in the world.
They were designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art.

I was so delighted seeing my mobile phone accessing a different network! MY MAXIS.

at the KTM Komuter train station

Stesen Sentral, the state-of-the-art transportation hub for Kuala Lumpur’s integrated rail transportation, seamlessly links all urban and suburban residential, commercial and industrial areas. It is a direct link to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya (the Federal Government Administrative Centre), Cyberjaya and key areas within the Multimedia Super Corridor. Stesen Sentral was awarded Best Steel Roof Design and Honorary Mention for Excellence in Architecture by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Inside the KTM Monorail Komuter

Just like our toll gates here in the Philippines... Look-a-like!

at the bus station Putrajaya

See those highlands...? Amazing isn't it...? I can feel the cold breeze at the area!

Kota raya have a wide range of shoes, handbags, clothes and textiles. Kota Raya is strategically situated at the junction of Jalan Silang and Jalan Cheng Lock, which is the 'hub' of the city containing some of the oldest development in Kuala Lumpur. Its surrounding area has the highest concentration of financial institutions and leading hotels. Several schools and learning institutions also surround the complex.

Inside the Rapid KL Metro Train Station

Filipinos do not have to worry where to taste our very own sumptuous dishes, just drop by here at La Manila, you will never be a homesick diner in KL. Located at Midvalley Mall KL.

Me, Emy and Ja during our KTM public bus adventure

If you are searching for awesome bargains for your loveones, you must run fast going to Jusco!
Enjoy Exciting Bargains Galore (Participating dept : Babies, Kids, Toys, Ladies & Mens, Shoe , Bags & Luggage) up to 70% discount

Jaja and I, invaded the office of our fellow Filipino call center agents in KL

This is where I stayed in KL

From our unit, you can see the half panoramic view of the KL's cityscapes

Our fellowmen who were very accommodating during our stay in KL

Some goodies of KL

And this was the start of our Batu Cave experience
Meet my best buddy friend Jaja

The Batu Caves are situated thirteen kilometers (seven miles) north of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. They are the sacred place for the Hindu's in Malaysia. They consist of three main caves and a number of smaller ones. The caves are made of limestone and 400 meters long and 100 meter high. They were discovered in 1892. From your hotel in the Golden Triangle you can reach the Batu Caves easily by taxi or public bus (11 and 11d). The public busses can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.
At your arrival you will be greeted by lots of monkeys. They are going for your peanuts and banana's, which you can buy in several shop, before you climb up to the caves. You have to climb 272 steps, which will lead you to the religious and magnificent Batu Caves.

(source:www.malaysiasite.nl)

Once a year they celebrate the Thaipusam festival in the Batu Caves. It's a celebration for the son of Shiva (Subramaniam) and the becoming "one" of Pusan and the Brihaspati stars.

The Thaipusam festival.
Every year, on Thaipusam, as many as 800,000 devotees and other visitors may throng the caves. As a form of penance or sacrifice, many of them carry kavadis (literally, "burden," such as a pitcher or jug). These are large, brightly decorated frameworks, usually combined with various metal hooks and skewers which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue.
B
y doing this penance they expect some favours from their Gods.
The festival is held in the tenth month of the Hindu calendar (mostly the end of January).

The procession starts on the evening before the Thaipusam festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple in the town centre of Kuala Lumpur.
By doing penance they want to extort some favours from the Gods.

The kavadis is placed on the shoulders of the devotee. The kavadis represents a miniature shrine.
Women carry a silver jug full of milk on their heads, some are pierced through their cheeks and tongues and others not.

Chains are dropped from the central body of the kavadis and hooked onto the flesh of the bearer. The length of the spears had to be limited to a metre in consideration for other devotees. Others hook limes, oranges or coconuts onto their bodies.
They are always accompanied by an entourage of relatives and friends to make them enthusiastic with dance parades, songs, musicians playing the drums and the flutes.
As they arrive at the shrine at the Batu Caves, the Swami removes the hooks, spears etc.
The vow is finally fulfilled.

Thaipusam is celebrated at Peninsular of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and on Penang
The procession on Penang starts on the eve before the Thaipusam festival at the Chettiar Temple in Penang Street.

Every day there is a little celebration of a group of Hindus in the Batu Caves. Every time it's an imposing event, although there's no self torture.

Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave is he best known and biggest of the caves.
It's visited by many devotees.

These are long tailed-macaque monkeys.
You can take photo's of them, carrying their babies for the peanuts. There are locals in the entrance, who will approach you to buy peanuts!

but for the meantime, I guess there were no peanuts available, these monkeys just go with the flow,
coconut husks were available at that time.

Long tailed-macaque monkeys:
they love peanuts, but they love crisps and coconuts too!
(sources: www.batucaves.com)

During my stay in KL, I was so lucky enough that I was able to meet
Ms. Natasha Kraal, Editor-in-Chief of Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia
She was very accommodating during my visit in their publication office

Behind a grandeous building, there is a messy back side of it...

at Damansara Highway going back to Kuala Lumpur

Oh Ipoh is too far already... I guess its already at the western part of Malaysia

My KL experience has not just ended during my first visit.I had another chance to see the fast economic development of this country just recently.

Below are the photos during my second visit in this Truly Asia country.

I met these three beautiful Malaysian girls at the Mc Donalds branch.

They were so happy when I approached them if I could have a picture with them.

I stayed at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Set amidst 350 acres of lush tropical greenery, the resort-style Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie is a tranquil retreat , overlooking two 18-hole world class golf courses and is in close proximity to Malaysia’s largest theme park, Sunway Lagoon. Located not too far from the bustle of central Kuala Lumpur and just 3km from Subang Jaya and Shah Alam with easy access to Petaling Jaya and Port Klang.
(source: http://www.klhotels.com/)

Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie's peaceful setting makes us a good choice for meetings away from the office. We offer 14 fully equipped meeting rooms and 2 impressive ballrooms with space for up to 500 guests. We're a convenient base for business in Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Subang and Port Klang, and Kuala Lumpur Airport is just 45 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Upgrade to a stylish room in Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie's exclusive Executive wing to enjoy complimentary wireless Internet and access to the plush Executive Lounge for complimentary breakfast.

Lucky enough, I stayed at the Executive Suite Room... =) weeeiii...
Guests of the Executive Club Level enjoy personalised services such as separate check-in counters, access to two boardrooms and a reading room.
There are a total of 54 rooms including 47 Deluxe Rooms, 4 Junior Suites and 3 Executive Suites

Another addition to the Holiday Inn chain, the four-star Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie has 26o carpeted, air-conditioned accommodation units featuring traditional furnishings and fixtures. Besides that each accommodation unit has a colour TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi access, complimentary coffee and tea-making facilities, an in-room electronic safe, writing desk, mini bar, IDD phones and attached bathroom with standard amenities, hot shower facilities, a bathtub and basic toiletries

This poor cat I think was so tired that he could no longer find a proper place to sleep in.
Instead, he just decided to take a nap on the chair of the grand piano in the hotel.

Unwind at the plush Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie hotel, next to Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Set amid lush tropical greenery, the resort-style Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie is a tranquil retreat 35km from the bustle of central Kuala Lumpur and 3km from Shah Alam.

Lose yourself in our 350-acre tropical gardens and cool off in the palm-fringed outdoor pool. Guests are welcome at neighbouring Glenmarie Golf and Country Club for a game of tennis and round of golf.

HOLIDAY INN KUALA LUMPUR GLENMARIE

1 JALAN USAHAWAN U1/8 SEKSYEN U1, 40250 SHAH ALAM KUALA LUMPUR, 40250 Malaysia

Hotel Front Desk: 6-03-78025200 Hotel Fax: 6-03-78041000

(source:www.holidayinn.com)

On my way to the city of Kuala Lumpur to start my whole day urban trip

I was at the busy street of Bukit Bintang

Upon strolling around, I saw this small gathering of KL residents. Its an opening party of a new coffee shop

at the Royal Selangor Mall

Spotted: The Menara Tower

ENHANCED VISIT EXPERIENCE AT THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

It was announced last year of October, PETRONAS Twin Towers is now offering a new visit packages to give members of the public enhanced and more exciting experience when they tour Malaysia's most famous landmark.

The new packages, in addition to the existing Skybridge tour on Level 41, includes a visit to an observation deck on a top floor of Tower 2 and a meal at the Malaysian Petroleum Club (MPC) within Tower 2 of the buildings.

The fees for the visit packages now starts from as low as RM3 per person for the basic Skybridge tour, to RM350 per person for the premium package that includes a fine dining experience at the exclusive, members-only MPC, almost half-way up the world's tallest twin towers.

Entrance to the Petronas Museum

The PETRONAS Twin Towers was designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates (USA) in association with KLCC architects.

The tower's floor plate design is based on simple Islamic geometric forms of two interlocking squares creating a shape of eight-pointed stars. Upon the eight-pointed stars, are eight superimposed semi-circles softening the inner angles.

These semicircles are themselves anchored by the arcs of the main structural columns of the buildings. The semi-circles were superimposed in the inner angles of the interlocked squares to create more usable floor space.

The design details continued to dictate the way in which the buildings would rise in as graceful a fashion as possible. To maintain the vertical axis and tapering of the design, each tower is set back five times in its ascent.

Architecturally, these forms reflect the paramount Islamic principles of "unity within unity, harmony, stability and rationality."

At the uppermost floors, the walls are gently sloped inward to taper and contribute visually to the height and the elegant form of horizontal silver ribbons of stainless steel.

Every aspect of the design contributes to the audacious verticality of the Towers. The decision to symmetrically align the Twin Towers and connect them with a spanning bridge emphasised the classical nature of the architectural design.

The writings of Lao Tse, the ancient philosopher and founder of Taoism in China, tell that the reality of a hollow object is in the void and not in the walls. Cesar Pelli, architect of the Towers, has drawn upon the strength of the void between the buildings -- delineating an invisible axis of symmetry. For the architect, it is this void that gives the PETRONAS Twin Towers their sense of grandeur and unique identity.

(source:www.petronastwintowers.com.my)

While strolling around the Petronas area, I saw the main corporate office of Maxis Malaysia

MAXIS is the leading telecommunication provider in Malaysia

I was so tired of walking...

I stopped for a while and saw this iconic logo of Malaysia.

I didn't hesitate to have a picture with it.

The KL Monotrain

The KL Monorail is an urban monorail system (previously known as Peoplemover Rapid Transit - PRT) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It opened on 31 August 2003, and serves 11 stations running 8.6 km (5 mi) with two parallel elevated tracks. It connects the Kuala Lumpur Sentral transport hub with the "Golden Triangle". (source:wikipedia)

I find these two resto-bar uberly stylish.

(Above: A congo themed restaurant. Below: A night club that highlights chinese firework celebration)

The Kuala Lumpur Tower or simply called Menara Tower (Malay: Menara Kuala Lumpur; abbreviated as KL Tower) is a tall tower located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its construction was finished in 1995. It is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft)

The roof of the pod is at 335 m (1,099 ft). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners a panoramic view of the city. Races are organised yearly where participants race up the stairs to the top. The tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to observe the crescent moon which marks the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.

The touristic building is adorned with designs that reflect the Malaysian Islamic culture. The main lobby of the upper ground floor is decorated with exquisite glass-clad domes that sparkle like giant diamonds. These domes were designed and arranged in the form of the Muqarnas by Iranian craftsmen from Isfahan.

The KL Tower is the seventh tallest telecommunication tower in the world (after Tokyo Sky Tree in Japan, the Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower in China, CN Tower in Canada, the Ostankino Tower in Russia, the Oriental Pearl Tower in China, and the Borj-e Milad in Iran). Built to enhance the quality of telecommunication services and the clarity of broadcasting, KL Tower represents the symbol

of Kuala Lumpur.

KL Tower is managed by Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Telekom Malaysia Group.

KL Tower is also the first pit-stop in The Amazing Race Asia 1 and fielded a route marker on the final leg of the same race. (source:wikipedia)

I dropped by at the Times Square to see what are the latest stuff in the stores but her I found this...

While resting after a long walk in the city, I was fond of watching this Kabuki stage play presentation.

It brought back the memories of my college days.

After visiting Times Square, I headed to the nearest KTM Train station to continue my journey going to the historical and sacred Batu Caves

Just got lucky being accompanied by these three young hot Swedish men as we enter to the newly reconstructed Batu Caves featuring more stores and new park ameneties

This is the newly built Hindu Temple, another additional attraction at the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are situated thirteen kilometers (seven miles) north of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. They are the sacred place for the Hindu's in Malaysia. They consist of three main caves and a number of smaller ones. The caves are made of limestone and 400 meters long and 100 meter high. They were discovered in 1892.

Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader. He was inspired by the 'vel'-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga within the caves.

From your hotel in the Golden Triangle you can reach the Batu Caves easily by taxi or public bus (11 and 11d). The public busses can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.

At your arrival you will be greeted by lots of monkeys. They are going for your peanuts and banana's, which you can buy in several shop, before you climb up to the caves. You have to climb 272 steps, which will lead you to the religious and magnificent Batu Caves.

Batu Caves (Tamil: பத்து மலை), is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.

A 42.7-metre (140 ft) high statue of Lord Muruga was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in the world. (source:wikipedia)

The ceiling is 100 m above the ground and this huge chamber is lighted by daylight from several holes in the ceiling.

At the end of the caves you can see the bright sky, when you look above you.

If you go up the stairs, you can meet a lot of long tailed-macaque monkeys and if you have foods with you, they'll climb to you
(source: www.malaysiasite.nl)