When traveling from Thailand to Bali, I decided to make a few quick stops in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. I knew that if I was only going to be spending roughly 48 hours in KLL, I needed to stay in a place that was close to the sights and the nightlife. The Trader’s Hotel was a perfect fit, which offered amazing views from my room, perfect service, and a complimentary happy hour with tea and biscuits (perfect to catch up on some blogging). They are one of the few hotels where you can actually see the full view of the Petronas Towers, and the rooftop bar, SkyBar, is particularly popular, meaning a short commute back to your hotel room. The cherry on top? It’s centrally located, meaning you’re close to tons of great culinary options including Shanghai, Bijan, and Cilantro.
For my one full day, I decided to trek out to the Batu Caves. I had heard mixed reviews, but I am a sucker for anything that gets me outside. If you’re staying close to City Central, which you likely are, you will need to arrange a cab to take you to the caves. Have your concierge strike a deal for a ride there and back, so you don’t have to hassle with a cabbie for a ride home. An added bonus: it will usually save you a few bucks, too. Once you arrive at the caves, you’ll see a giant set of steps and a massive gold statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, identifying the caves as a place of worship. Because of that, it is important that you dress appropriately. I err on the side of covering up. I kept on a long sleeve top and a skirt that hit below the knees, just to be safe.
Once inside, it’s a little dark and dingy, and for the most part it’s not all that interesting. Because of this, I can see why people would be disappointed. I decided to stick around and check out every nook and crany, and after a period of time, chanting and prayer began. For me, this was the real treat. As much as I try to be respectful of the people around me, I do still find religion in general quite fascinating, so I stood back and spectated from afar. I didn’t take any pictures because I feel like that’s pushin’ it. Afterwards, I journeyed back to my hotel and treated myself to a solo dinner and then drinks upstairs at the bar. I ended up meeting a group of MMA professionals in the city for a tournament, and we stayed out until the wee hours of the morning. Just proof that you never know who you are going to meet when you travel.
So, if I had to leave you with three tips for a quick trip in Kuala Lumpur: 1) Book a hotel in City Central with a great view. Trader’s would be my pick. 2) Spend more than 15 minutes at the Batu caves and enjoy the people watching (remember to dress appropriately!), and 3) Enjoy the burgeoning food scene with a dinner at Bijan for traditional Malay cuisine.
Do you have any tips for a long layover in KLL? Leave me a comment!
Venture travelist 