Round The World and other travels

A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries

This is: Singapore & Malaysia 2014

A longer look at KL

Early to bed, early to rise, as the old saying goes: I was back in the Executive Lounge shortly after 0730 and it was empty. I asked whether I was the first guest of the day, but it turned out that four others had already been and gone. Just as on the previous evening, the breakfast spread was superb, and included an egg station for freshly cooked omelettes, fried eggs and so on.

When I was ready, I took a one-stop hop on the Putra line to Panar Seni. A short walk from the metro station brought me to Jalan Petaling, otherwise known as KL's Chinatown, where the bustling street, busy market stalls and shops, swinging lanterns, colourful temples and burning joss sticks all made for an authentic Chinese experience. Much of the street was well shaded, itself something of a blessing on another hot and sunny morning. Another short walk, still not straying far from the metro station, brought me to Central Market (this time using genuine English-language spelling!) The main market building, brightly painted in pale blue and white, was constructed in stages between 1888 and 1937, and is now a Malaysian cultural heritage site.

In due course, I made my way back to the metro station and rode the same line another few stops to the 'KLCC' (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) station, located directly adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers. The two skyscrapers ranked as the world's tallest buildings from 1998 until 2004. They currently occupy 9th position, and with the sole exception of the new One World Trade Center in New York City, all of the structures responsible for the twin towers' slide down the rankings are located in Asia. Although I had visited the complex in 2006, I was painfully aware that this was now quite a long time ago. Besides, no visit to KL would be complete without seeing the city's most iconic landmark.

The views from the front (that is, the concert hall side) were not ideal due to the position of the sun; on the other hand, some superb views were available from KL City Park at the rear. The giant shopping mall looked spectacular, especially with the elaborate Christmas decorations, and the air-conditioned environment made it a perfect venue for a light, coffee-shop lunch.

LEFT: Approaching the Petronas Twin Towers from the street side
RIGHT: Seasonal internal views of the huge shopping mall
RIGHT: As ever, the best views of the towers were from the KL City Park side
ABOVE: The KL monorail
BELOW: Christmas is in full swing at Nu Sentral mall

After lunch, I walked along Jalan Ampang to the nearest monorail station at Bukit Nanas. I had seen the trains at this very location during my one previous visit to Kuala Lumpur, but hadn't sampled a ride. I travelled on this unusual system back to KL Sentral. On my way back to the Hilton, I passed through the Nu Sentral mall, which had another elaborate and spectacular Christmas display, this time including live Christmas music!

Malaysia Airlines lounge at KUL (KLIA)

Back at base, I had plenty of time to cool down, relax, read, take a shower and pack prior to checking out a little earlier than planned, at around 3:15 in the afternoon. The weather had changed, with heavy showers now part of the picture. I took the KLIA Ekspres back to the airport where, being a One World Emerald, I was given the full first-class check-in experience, during which I spent most of the time sitting on a comfortable sofa. I then spent time in the Malaysia Airlines 'Regional' lounge, which in spite of its name was stylish and comfortable, offered hot food and even featured a spa. I thought I had left for the gate rather early, but it turned out that the boarding process was already underway.

(Link to flight log in side panel)

Luggage delivery at Singapore Changi Airport was as efficient as ever, and I was soon riding the Skytrain transit to Terminal 3. It deposited me practically next door to my last-but-one night stop, the Crowne Plaza. Interestingly, the front desk staff knew from their computer system that I was a previous guest (not unusual in itself) and still identified me as an IHG Rewards Club platinum member. (Although true as at my previous stay in 2009, this certainly wasn't the case any more.) I was upgraded to a King Deluxe room, given a free drink voucher and was called in the room to inform me that a bowl of fresh fruit was on its way. Well, what fun!

In spite of all this unexpected attention, I realised that I needed to settle down and get a good night's sleep in preparation for what would be a very long Monday.