In Malaysia and have no plans?! Here's what you can do.

Tripoto
31st May 2018
Photo of In Malaysia and have no plans?! Here's what you can do. by Anoop Jain

This was my international tour after a long time and a visit to Malaysia was always on the cards! We took the Malaysian Airlines from the Chennai international airport(MAA) to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport(KLIA). The flight was really congested TBH! But the excitement was way ahead of the problem. We landed and stayed at Jalan Ipoh, where I swear the view was mind blowing. We were on the 24th floor and we were able to view half of Kuala Lumpur.

Flight from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur!

Photo of In Malaysia and have no plans?! Here's what you can do. by Anoop Jain
Day 1

Since we reached late last night, we started the day a bit late. We planned to visit Batu Caves in the morning and Putrajaya in the evening.

Batu caves is a religious place with the Murugan statue. We are supposed to climb a particular number of stairs in order to visit the temple. There is also cave villa, where a ticket of RM7.5 needs to be purchased, to witness the sceneries. It has a bridge on a lake and fishes around. Fish food can be purchased and the fishes can be fed. Couple of peacocks can also be found there. They are left open. Pigeons are an attraction at Batu caves and they can be seen in large numbers.

Murugan Statue and the stairs to the temple at the Batu Caves!

Photo of Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Putrajaya is an area where all the government buildings are located. All government officials in Malaysia reside here. It consists of tall buildings with a spectacular architecture worth seeing.

Putrajaya in the night!

Photo of Putrajaya, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Since we had time left, we decided to visit two more places.

Dataran Merdeka is a big lawn where children are found playing and enjoying. This is the place where the Malaysian flag was first hoisted after getting independence. Opposite to this lawn is the Sultan Abdul Samad building. This is the building where the government offices were placed earlier before moving all of them to Putrajaya. Merdeka square has attractive spots and sceneries around, which are worth a snap.

A bridge behind the Sultan Abdul Samad Building!

Photo of Merdeka Square, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Sultan Abdul Samad Building!

Photo of Merdeka Square, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We decided to have dinner at this pure vegetarian restaurant. I didn't expect Indian food to be available in the Indian style in Malaysia. But this was a wonder. We loved the food and we were really really excited for the upcoming days.

Day 2

This day was dedicated to Suria KLCC and it's surrounding attractions. And breakout was an eye catcher. It's a real escape game with hints and riddles. It's right opposite to the Suria KLCC. There were various themes from which we chose the 'joker' theme. It was really really fun and I would suggest everyone to have a visit to this fun filled place.

Breakout entrance!

Photo of Breakout, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

This is otherwise known as the famous Petronas Twin Towers. It's actually a mall from inside with various places to visit. We first went to the aquarium. It's an enclosure with water on all three sides. There were sharks, various types of fishes, etc. And information of various types of fishes was also displayed. We then went to the KLCC Park, which was nothing more than a normal park. It wasn't that great. Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the bridge connecting the two towers as tickets need to be purchased at least a week before. So, it's recommended to purchase your tickets beforehand.

Petronas Twin Towers!

Photo of Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Aquaria KLCC!

Photo of Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We then visited the Menara KL. It is basically a network tower that has been constructed into a building. It provides us the opportunity to have a view of Malaysia from the top. It is called the Skydeck. Even here, tickets need to be purchased at least two days prior. But fortunately, since it was off season, the tickets were available. We were taken to the top floor by the lift. And the view was just splendid. Fear aside, the thrill from the top was fabulous. Moreover, they have a glass box where you can stand and all the sides are visible. It was the most scariest thing I've ever experienced.

KL Tower from the bottom!

Photo of Sky Deck KL tower, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

The view from the top of the KL Tower!

Photo of Sky Deck KL tower, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

KL Tower entrance!

Photo of Sky Deck KL tower, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Ring Zhi is a famous Chinese vegetarian restaurant. We had dinner there. Items that must be tasted by a vegetarian in Malaysia are the vegetarian versions of chicken, mutton, fish and what not. OMG! Don't you feel amazed?! I myself did. At first, it sounded weird but it tasted really good. You must for sure give it a try. Finally, we were done for the day.

Menu card!

Photo of Ring Zhi Vegetarian Restaurant, Jalan Prima 8, Metro Prima, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain
Day 3

Looking for India in Malaysia?! This is the right place you're looking forward to then. Brickfields is called the Little India in Malaysia. It totally feels like India with the buildings and people matching the criteria. You can find all types of Indian things like dresses, jewellery and also Indian food.

Brickfields!

Photo of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We went to Shah Alam from Brickfields. We decided to visit the gallery first but unfortunately, it was Sunday and it was closed.  But fortunately, we found a lake nearby and the water was too calming for the hot sun. We found out that it was apparently called the Taman Tasik Shah Alam! We took a few snaps and then went to the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, the largest mosque in Malaysia! Since it was Posa Ramadan, we weren't allowed to go in. I think our luck wasn't good and finally, we went to Plaza Alam Sentral for a coffee but ended up having a bubble tea! Going to Malaysia and not having a bubble tea is kind of an incomplete trip according to me. Supposedly, Chatime and Tealive provide amazing bubble tea throughout Malaysia.

Galeri Shah Alam entrance!

Photo of Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque from outside!

Photo of Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Taman Tasik Shah Alam!

Photo of Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Finally, to complete the day, we visited the I-city! I-city consists of attractions like the wax museum, snow world, theme park, etc. It is actually a display of more than a thousand LED lights at one place. So, it is known for its lighting in the night. It's best to visit this place at night. First, we enjoyed the dry rides. TBH, I don't think even kids would enjoy those rides. Anyway, we moved on and went to the snow world. It had freezing temperatures. I swear 5 more minutes and I was dead in there. It has a lot of statues which were made of ice I suppose. We then went to the wax museum. This was something interesting. With famous personalities like Barack Obama, Jackie Chan, etc., it felt real standing in there! I would mark this a must visit place. Now, we were completely tired but we gathered our guts to have ais kacang, a famous dessert in Malaysia. It is commonly known as ABC!

Ais Kacang!

Photo of I-City, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Wax Museum!

Photo of I-City, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Anoop Jain
Day 4

We decided to go to the Penang Island by car! This was going to be exciting as we had to cross Southeast Asia's longest bridge, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge. The drive with water by the side was a life time remembering experience. After entering the island, we went to the famous snake temple. After praying, we witnessed snakes in open. It was kinda creepy as well as scary. But we managed to successfully get out of there. We then hit the clock tower, purely for snaps! Haha. Nearby, we visited the 3D trick art museum. It was my first visit. So, maybe I was a lil excited. And yes, we took more than a hundred snaps, not kidding. We then went to the Cornwallis Fort. That was also very nearby. To sum up, all attractions in Penang are literally next to each other. So there's no worry about the transportation cost there. Everything can be reached by just a walk. So yeah. Fort Cornwallis?! I would call it a waste of money because there's nothing to see there. But the view of the beach behind attracts the eye. With that, we called it for the day.

View while driving to the Penang Island!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Fort Cornwallis entrance!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

The 3D trick art museum!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Snakes in open at the snake temple!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

The statue of Buddha at the snake temple!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Penang Clock Tower!

Photo of Penang Island, Penang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain
Day 5

We dedicated this day to the most amazing of all islands in Malaysia, the Langkawi island. It's an island that can be reached only by flight or by ferry. Ferry is the boat service that is provided by the Malaysian government and I think it's the cheap and the best way. We started early in the morning. It took us one and a half hours to reach the island from Penang. We rented a car and we couldn't have asked for a cheaper price. It was just 50RM for a day. We decided to buy all the tickets of places we were visiting at the ferry station itself. We were all set now.

Our ferry from Penang to the Langkawi island!

Photo of Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Chatime at the ferry station!

Photo of Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We went to the Langkawi sky cab, where cable car is apparently very famous. For reaching there, we are supposed to cross the oriental village, where some shopping can be done. And then, it was time to experience the longest cable car in a mountain. I'm serious, it was a lil scary as we were heading up. Gradually, things calmed down and we were fine with the height. The cable car gives a great view of the mountains, oceans and islands nearby. After reaching the station, we were asked to get down to have a visit to the sky bridge, for which tickets need to be purchased separately.

The Langkawi sky cab!

Photo of Sky Cab, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

A spot at the oriental village!

Photo of Sky Cab, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Sky bridge is an architectural wonder as it stands on just one pole. Unbelievable?! Indeed. There are two ways to get to the sky bridge. One by just using the stairs or by sky glider. Sky glider is more like a lift on a mountain. We went by the glider and had an amazing view of the surroundings from the bridge. We were brought back to the station by the glider and then by the cable car to the base station. It was an amazing experience.
There were two more attractions included in our sky cab tickets! They were Sky Dome and Sky Rex.

Sky bridge standing on one pole!

Photo of Langkawi Sky Bridge, Jalan Telaga Tujuh, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Sky dome is an oval shaped ceiling where a movie is displayed about the space. It is the worst thing I've ever been to. I don't know why they have it in there. It would be my kind request for you to not visit that and waste your time.

Sky Rex is a 3D experience of us trying to escape from a variety of dinosaurs. It was ok ok. Obviously a lil fun after experiencing the Sky dome.

Skyrex!

Photo of SkyREX, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

This was more like an aquarium with information displayed about various species with the presence of all species that stay underwater. It was informative. But the real attraction was the lost world tunnel and the typhoon experience inside it. We didn't visit the typhoon experience due to time constraints but we did visit the lost world tunnel. It's a dark place full of mirrors where one is supposed to find a way out. It was real fun.

Underwater world entrance!

Photo of Underwater World Langkawi, Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We then went to Dataran Lang, also known as the eagle square. It's just a spot for taking pictures with a beach nearby. Langkawi means eagle and thus the spot is very famous. We then had to return to the ferry station by 18:30 as that was the last ferry of the day. We rushed but managed to reach.

Dataran Lang!

Photo of Eagle Square, Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia by Anoop Jain
Day 6

We decided to go to the Cameron Highlands. We started this day very very late as we were really tired after a long travel and walk at the Langkawi. We literally started only after lunch. We drove to the top from Penang. It took us almost a couple of hours. And the worst thing was all shops and attractions close early there but we anyway decided to give it a shot.

Cameron highlands!

Photo of Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We first visited the lavender garden. It's an amazing garden with a variety of lavenders of different colors, that are worth a snap. One thing that must not be missed there is the lavender ice cream.
We then generally visited some strawberry farms, tea plantations and bee farms. They were quite normal like how they are everywhere.

Strawberry farm!

Photo of Cameron Lavender Garden, Taman Tringkap, Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

The lavender garden!

Photo of Cameron Lavender Garden, Taman Tringkap, Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Tea plantation!

Photo of Cameron Lavender Garden, Taman Tringkap, Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Cameron square is a mall, a very small one. One can just visit and collect various Cameron souvenirs. There is also a food court in there. One who visits Cameron highlands cannot return without having the strawberry juice, as strawberries are something famous there. The juice is purely made of only strawberries. We called it a day and we drove back to our base to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 7

You must be wondering that I went to Malaysia and missed one of its most famous spots?! No, I didn't. I went to the Genting Highlands. Better late than never. Haha! Unplanned trip you see. Happens! Though we went to the longest cable car in a mountain the day before, we were still excited for the fastest one.

We went to the Sky Avenue. It's located on the top of the Awana mall where the cable car can be found. So, the mall had to be entered first and then escalators need to be used to reach the top. Tickets were mere RM7, the reason being a lot of people using it actually like a cab to reach the top of Genting highlands. We then realised that we made a mistake by driving up the hill with so much difficulty. We should have just parked it down and taken the cable car from there. Anyway, we sat and the fear had vanished this time as we had already experienced this the day before. This was very close to the land and thus, wasn't very scary. One good thing about this is it stops at a temple where we can get down, visit the temple and then come back. We got down at the temple station.

The Genting Highlands cable car!

Photo of SkyAvenue, Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

We then went to the Chin Swee temple. It's a Chinese temple. It depicts various stories that happened in the past. There are two statues of Buddha I guess. This temple itself has twelve attractions inside it. Though we didn't visit all of them, we had a look at all the main places. The temple is located 4600 feet above sea level. You are supposed to climb 10 floors(not sure) to get to the temple. Then we visited the holy waters and then had some Chinese food at a restaurant nearby. There is also an observation tower that is accessible by lift to users. It gives a view of almost the entire highland from there. We then returned to the cable car station and then to the Sky Avenue.

One of the Buddha statues!

Photo of Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highland, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Chin Swee temple!

Photo of Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highland, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Another Buddha statue!

Photo of Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highland, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain

Going to the Genting and not visiting the casino?! Are you kidding me?! Do visit this eye glittering casino right inside the Awana mall. This casino is split into three parts as in gold, platinum and silver. One has to be 21 in order to visit the gold. Platinum and silver can be visited by anyone. I'm not well versed with gambling and thus, I had no clue what was happening in there. But the ambience and the interior made me stay there for almost an hour. I was just watching people win and lose. Finally, we vacated the place and went back. It was raining and it is advisable for everyone driving up to be really careful and patient while driving. Brakes do not work efficiently in such conditions and thus, it is recommendable to park your car down and use the cable car to visit the highland.

Sky Casino entrance!

Photo of Sky Casino, Genting Highlands Resort, Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia by Anoop Jain
Day 8

This was kinda my last day in Malaysia because we were going to Singapore the next day but were staying in Johor Bahru. So, we decided to shop a bit. We went to this mega mall where one can purchase any kind of things he wants. I wasn't that interested to shop and thus, I chose to explore the food places. I found Tealive and had a bubble tea, one of my favorites from Malaysia! Nothing beating Milo Ais though. Haha. We roamed for sometime and we were done with Malaysia.

Tealive at the Mid Valley Megamall!

Photo of Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Anoop Jain