go flashpacker

KL is a place I seem to end up going back to time and time again.  There are a number of reasons for this… The reach of Air Asia makes KL one of the best hubs to get to anywhere in South East Asia (I think that is the main reason).  Also, it’s an easy city to get your bearings in after a long flight (14 hours) from the UK… so if you are a first time visitor to the region there is limited culture shock value! Flights from the UK to KL are relatively cheap – and from here SEA is your oyster!  You could even get your flights to KL, hang for a few days and then check the Air Asia timetable to see where you want to go… Thailand, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos … aaarrggghhh too much choice Obviously you need to sort your visas out for your destination (if required) … but where better to do this?

I have to say it’s not the most ‘authentic’  Asian cities in the world, by this I mean if you are looking for centuries of history and culture you will not find it here.  It’s only been in existence for around 150 years or so, so this is to be expected.  There are a lot of shopping malls, which if you like shopping is great.  On a hot sticky day they are good for the a/c too!  Don’t get me wrong though I do like KL, and feel this is still a place worth visiting.  There are some great little eateries, particularly street food on Jalan Alor in the evening, as well as Chinatown.  You can also get some tasty Indian food opposite The Radius Hotel on Jalan Nagasari just off Bukit Bintang.

All in all KL is a vibrant, multi culture city which is easy to navigate and has good transport links (LRT), meaning that no place is too far away.

Some places of interest I enjoyed are below:

Butterfly Park

After a couple of days pounding the streets head here for a peaceful, tranquil time… love this place – they have some great insects too … ooohhh creepy crawlies (don’t worry they can’t get to you!!)

Bird Park

Another great spot to chill out and enjoy, with a range of birds to be seen… including flamingos!

Batu Caves

Another good half day trip from KL is the Hindu shrine of Batu Caves.  If you are lucky and visit during the festival of Thaipusam (Jan / Feb), you will see the devotees piercing various body parts as sign of their faith… definitely a must see if you can make it.

Word of warning… Monkeys!  Do not take any plastic bags with food in (or in fact without food in) as the monkeys will ATTACK!  And believe me they will not rest until they have your bag of goodies … so beware.

Filed under: Uncategorized on January 11th, 2010