Pics of my newest candidate for Favorite City: Kuala Lumpur
Even the moon came out to see the Petronas Towers in KL
I stayed on Ko Phi Phi for two full days, three nights…and that island was dreadful.
Well, it would have been great when I was 18-23, then I would have fit in (a little bit) better with the hordes of youngsters trying to get drunk and laid, but now, at the ripe old age of older-than-that, it was booooring. A gorgeous island now utterly devoid of substance, conversation, or thought, as far as I could tell.
Basically it was paradise…before Tourism ate it. And crapped it back out again, in time for the drunken dung beetles to enjoy the nightly fire dancing (which in itself was fantastic). I would have been lost if I hadn’t met Hector, a Nicaraguan lad of great stories, jolly cheer, and a reliable willingness to ride the mechanical bull. (Yeah, they had one of those. Oy vey.)
But that’s how I like to travel, at least two full days in each spot, more if it’s great (see: Budapest, Mindo, Pokhara) and less if it blows (see: oh I could never name names, but I might point out that I spent less than 24 hours in Singapore).
The street food I ate on (the latter part of) my birthday in Kuala Lumpur. Pick what you want and they’ll grill it for you.
But all of a sudden, I find myself rushing. Only two nights in Kuala Lampur, one in Melaka, and one in Singapore. Last night was one in Bangkok, and in a few hours I fly to Hong Kong for just two full days. Because to my surprise, I am heading back to the US for a bit. Only a minimal idea for how long
I am looking forward to Hong Kong, but before I head there, I want to take a moment to pay quick homage to my newest candidate for Favorite City: Kuala Lampur.
Kuala Lampur is absolutely beautiful. I went for a short stroll one night that stretched happily on and on until I wondered at the empty streets and got back to my room to find it was 1:00 AM.
Merdeka Square, the traditional heart of KL, where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957. The Petronas Towers in the distance.
Looking at the pictures on my tiny screen I was in love, seeing them now…not as much; I suspect it’s a mood thing. Because in their place, a warm Ramadan night in Malaysia, the sounds of China Town and the city all around, the Call to Prayer coming and going, loving the vagabond flow, it was beauty in my eyes.
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- The flavor of ginger on your tongue and in the air
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- Normally a tall building is just kind of ridiculous to me, but I like the Petronas Towers.
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- Great street food in KL. I stayed in China Town with a happy gullet.
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- I remember loving this picture when I took it…
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- I love Kuala Lumpur, the old character, the new ostentatiousness, the character of it all
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- It’s the closest to liking an oil company that I ever expect to come.
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- I got one with her in focus, but like this one better
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- This is the opposite, I thought it a waste at the time, but like it now for some reason
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- This is me after midnight, “where is everybody?”
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- I loved this one too…
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- Felt like the best city for a night time walk I’d ever seen
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- Only in Asia do I feel so safe having my camera out on a night time street like this
Ah, I went to Kuala Lumpur for New Year this year and it was amazing! Such a vibrant city yet it wasn’t too manic. Hong Kong is excellent too, although it’s been 8 years since I went there! Enjoy! 🙂 x
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For New Year’s! I can imagine that would be quite a sight. I completely agree, KL was so alive and energetic, but without being as aggressive or frantic as a lot of cities. Now Hong Kong…holy smokes, this place is crazy! I hope I have a chance to think it over a bit!
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Very pleased you had such a good night in KL, the capital city of my home country. Some times, it’s a moment in time, rather than a tourist sight, that makes a place special. Happy trails!
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I did indeed! And I think you’re right, that evening of just wandering around was better than any tour. It may be because my trip is winding down, so my traveler spirit is cramming in as much experience as possible, or maybe it was the sense of relief of making it through a less-than-ecstatic birthday, but whatever the reason, I’m glad I was in KL that night!
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It took me… six months? longer? to get far enough under the skin of Singapore to appreciate the culture underneath. It’s quite a thick skin. During that time someone assured me that it could happen, but I didn’t believe them until it happened to me.
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: ) That’s good to hear. Because on the surface, it seems like they’ve sold their characters for money and modernity, and are under the misconception that they won the trade. If I somehow find a good teaching job there, maybe I’ll get the six months to see it for myself!
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I wasn’t a massive fan of KL, but these are some wonderful photos.
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Thanks! I think the timing (the relief after passing a rough birthday) and the mood (helped enormously by some good music) had an awful lot to do with it, but the entire city seemed to be made out of Beautiful Blocks that night. Did you have a bad time there, or just not really click with it?
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Yeah I think KL and I just didn’t click. It wasn’t a horrible place by any means, but not one of my favourites at all. Certainly when travelling the people and the mood can make a big difference to our experience.
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