Batu Caves
I’ve visited this place a couple of times but still amazed with the place. Although it’s not in Kuala Lumpur area, this is a must see place in Malaysia. It is truly exotic and tremendously gorgeous. It’s located in Selangor State, and it’s about 13 kilometers (7 miles) north of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. While this place is a ‘tourist attaction’ area, it’s also a holy place for Hindu’s in Malaysia. This place culturally very interesting, nothing like it anywhere else, even in Indonesia, my country. Once in a year, usually between January to February, they are celebrating Thaipusam festival. You should not missed this festival when you around here on February. In Thaipusam festival you can observed Indians carrying large ‘kavadhi’ (a metal frame attached to the body), piercing their cheeks, mouth, and hands.
This area consist with 3 main caves and a smaller ones. When you get there you will be welcome by the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, standing at 42.7 meter (140.09 ft) high. There are also a very long stairs, about 272 step, that will take you to the main temple inside the caves. Along the stairs, you will meet a lot of monkeys, they are waiting for your food, like bananas or peanuts. While you are resting after climbing this stairs, you should not put anything outside your pocket or bag, or the monkey suddenly will grab your things and run away. Read more
Petaling Street Kuala Lumpur
I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. Jakarta doesn’t have China Town. Even they have maybe about 10% Chinese population, Jakarta is still doesn’t have a China Town. So, I didn’t have any idea about China Town looks like back in 2006. But I do have seen a movie about China Town in Hollywood movie, so maybe it gives me a little idea in my mind about China Town.
My first experience with China Town was in Kuala Lumpur, in 2006. I went to Petaling Street, that’s the busiest place of China Town in Kuala Lumpur. It was afternoon around 3pm, and my mind was fulfilled with my imaginary thing about China Town, but then I felt disappointed, that place was so boring, so dull, and not so many activities around it. I wonder why. Then I decided to came back at evening around 7pm, and boy, that place had change into the real China Town and very lively. A lot of street hawkers was selling many strange food, vendors selling and yelling, and people were everywhere and very crowded. This place had changed from the dull place at noon into bustling night market at evening. That’s why I recommend you to come at evening, start from 7pm to Petaling Street. Please don’t come at noon!
Central Market Kuala Lumpur
This is the place where you can buy some souvenirs, handicraft, artwork or t-shirt to bring to your home country. It is located at the border of China Town, so it would be a good place to start to walk around the city. The room is fully air conditioning, and also has a nice atmosphere to walk and shop. The price is relatively cheap, most of them are already has a price labelled on it, but don’t worry, you can also bargain until you have a reasonable price.
There are also a food court at level 2, mostly they are selling Malaysian food. Upstairs, you can also find several pieces of furniture, traditional Batik t-shirt and Sarong. If you bring your own car at week end, be prepare to find another parking place outside the Central market, because the parking place is not to big. You don’t need to buy a ticket to go inside Central Market. In the week end the place will be crowded by local’s and tourists, and sometimes the place also looks dirty.
It’s easy to go here, try using the Putra LRT train, stop at the Pasar Seni Station and then you can walk from there. The distance from the Pasar Seni Station to Central market is about 200 metres. If you want to see more pictures of Central Market and also want to buy it as a souvenirs please go to this link.