2022 - Malaysia (Part 1 - Kuala Lumpur)

Friday 12 August

The flight up to Kuala Lumpur via Singapore was fine, reasonably comfortable with okay food, although it is a bit odd having dinner at 2:00am. The immigration requirements in Malaysia had reverted back to pre Covid a few days before we left New Zealand, meaning that all we needed to do was to present our passport and scan our fingerprints. Air New Zealand needed proof of vaccination. All the work in setting up the Malaysian Government app was not required.

The train into the city centre deposited us right outside our hotel. We had to wait for our room as we were early, so we went into the large shopping mall next door for lunch and looking at shoes (not me, honest).

The afternoon was spent relaxing and in the very warm swimming pool. It is on the roof of the hotel and is thus in the sun all day. Felt like swimming in a bath and was not that refreshing.

Dinner was at Jalan Alor, a famous food street. There are dozens of restaurants of all types. It is a bit touristy but the food was great.

Restaurant on Jalan Alor.

Restaurant on Jalan Alor.

A small portion of our dinner.

A refreshing beer.

More restaurants on Jalan Alor.

The monorail was a quick and easy way of getting to and from the hotel.

Saturday 13 August

After an excellent breakfast downstairs, we caught the hop on hop off tour bus that took us around interesting parts of the city.

The National Museum. Did not go in.

At the National Museum.

A short stop at the Royal Palace as we could not get in, just look at it from the outside.

The Royal Palace.

The gates to the Royal Palace.

The guard at the Royal Palace.

The KL Bird Park. This is a large covered area will many types of birds. Lots of wading birds. A bit sad to see eagles and owls not allowed to fly around.

Waterfall at the KL Bird Park.

Feeding time at the bird park.

Gardens at the bird park.

A red parrot.

Wading bird section.

Feeding time at the bird park.

Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka). This is the historical centre of the city and is where the British flag was lowered in August 1957. It was being set up for the annual celebrations a couple of weeks later.

Merdeka Square getting ready for the Independence Day ceremonies.

The memorial at the Merdeka Square.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

National Textiles Museum.

Around to the vast KLCC Mall. Went in for a short walk around.

To China Town at Petaling Jaya. This is a large outdoor market selling everything you could think of (and refreshing coconuts).

A tasty treat.

The last stop was Little India at Brickfields.

Little India, Brickfields.

Dinner was back in Little India and was in a small back street place. Very nice indeed.

Sunday 14 August

After another good breakfast, we caught the train north to the Batu Caves complex. This is large collection of statues and Hindu temples in and below the caves. It was very busy and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. There are approximately 200 steps to the top. I got about a quarter of the way up and decided that was enough.

Entrance to the caves and the Lord Murugan statue.

Temple at Batu Caves.

Batu Caves.

Statue of Lord Hanuman.

Detail of Lord Hanuman statue.

Part way up the steps.

The pond at Batu Caves.

More gods at the Batu Caves.

Batu Caves.

Batu Caves.

Local at the caves.

We went back into the city around Bukit Bintang and wandered around a couple of shopping malls whilst avoiding a thunderstorm.

An afternoon swim again and dinner at the mall next door. Chain restaurant with passable food.