Discovering Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - A Filipino Travelers Perspective Part B

In case you have'nt read the first part, please click HERE.

4. Dataran Merdeka or The Independence Square

Merdeka Square on top, Sultan Abdul Samad Building (below) [click to enlarge]

It plays a significant role on the Malaysian liberation from the British. August 31, 1957 marks the independence of Malaysia from the British colonizers. There are a few things you should don't want to miss here such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building inspired in Arabic- Victorian architecture. It also contains a giant clock which is a bet similar to London's "Big Ben". It is furthermore said that the structure is made from 4 million bricks!  So it became one of KL's most loved landmarks.

Royal Club of Selangor, Dataran Merdeka.  [Click to enlarge]

The Royal Club of Selangor which is in front of the old cricket field is said to be 125 years old. It’s a communal theatrical club for the elite during the British era. Social gatherings for the local notables and British residents took place here during the 1800s.

St. Mary's Cathedral, built 1894, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.  [Click to enlarge]

St Mary's Cathedral - Oldest Anglican Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  [Click to enlarge]

Another point of importance is the Anglican Church, St Mary's Cathedral, which is the oldest in Kuala Lumpur. It is revealed to be over a hundred years of age. It’s pretty nice and well preserve on it exterior and interior.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Merdeka Square, Malaysia.  [Click to enlarge]

You can also look for the ever edifying Kuala Lumpur's City Gallery within Dataran Merdeka. It stipulates a huge load of chronicled narratives in the form of audio and video, prints, as well as miniaturized model of architectural heritage establish within KL, which is created by seasoned artisans from the ARCH group.

Things to see inside KL's City Gallery.  [Click to enlarge]

5. Istana Budaya / National Theatre

Istana Budaya or the National Theatre, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [click to enlarge]

An important venue for cultural performance - this blue triangular roof infrastructure is said to be top ten of the world’s most advance and sophisticated theater. They give us 15 minutes for picture taking. There is nothing much to see here.

6. New Istana Negara / National Royale Palace

Istana Negara, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [click to enlarge]

A beautiful and magnificent palace fitted for a king lies a few kilometers from the central business district of Kuala Lumpur. This Malay-Islamic architecture laid on 100 hectares of rolling hills is another domestic and foreign traveler’s point of interest. The city tour gives us 25 minutes for picture taking. The royal guards often marched in rows every hour or so.

The amazing Royal Gate with Snappy Royal Guards, Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. [click to enlarge]

  Something to note, the kingship system here in Malaysia is “rotational" and is one a kind throughout the world. All the royal rulers from the nine Malaysian states exchange leadership, hence; the rotational system provides a new Agong or King every five years. That brand-new king will stay for another five years in Istana Negara.

7. Petronas Twin Tower and Suria KLCC

Me standing over Malaysia's Icon, the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. [click to enlage]

The Petronas Twin Tower is an iconic landmark of Malaysia. This huge monument is a testament to its people’s commitment to improve the standards of living. Once the tallest building in the world - still looks magnificent up to this day. The tower's Sky Bridge is open from Tuesday-Sunday and provides a unique picturesque cityscape of Kuala Lumpur.  Here are some important facts on securing the tickets base from their website http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my.

Operating Hours

Visiting Days: Tuesday to Sunday (closed every Monday)

Visiting Hours: 9am-9pm (closed from 1pm-2:30pm on Fridays)

Ticketing Counter : Concourse Level, Petronas Twin Towers

Note: Issuing of Tickets will start from 8:30am.

Ticket Price 

Adult - RM80, Adult (MyKad) -RM25, Child-RM80, Child (MyKid)-RM12 

MyKad and Mykids are compulsory identification cards for Malaysian from 12 years of age and above.

Suria Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is another new development within the area. It houses a wide array of business and shopping centers as well as food courts and a science museum like the Petrosains Discovery Center which located at level four Suria KLCC.  Petrosains Science Discovery Center showcases the history, recovery, and technology used to harness petroleum- source of energy from Malaysian area of responsibilities. They offer a fun and interactive approach good for kids as well as adults. Entrance fee ranges from RM 8.00 to RM 15.00.

 8. Kuala Lumpur Tower /Menara Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Bentang nightscape, Berjaya Times Square at the background. [click to enlarge]

Menara Kuala Lumpur or KL Tower is a telecommunication tower located at Pineapple Hill (a forest reserve), aside from that, the Viewing Deck a comfortable spot to get an eagles' eye of KL by day or during the evenings where the lights transform the city into a vibrant and picturesque sea of endless opportunities and possibilities. For the brave hearted souls, KL Tower is hosting yet another year for Base Jumping! The KL Tower Base Jump 2013 will be held this coming Sept 27 to October 1. Visit their website http://www.kltowerjump.com to get more info.

Tickets and other things you want to see at Menara KL. 

Regular tickets start from RM 27 for kids and RM 47 for adults. A MYKAD holder usually gets 40% off. Furthermore, a there is a photo-shot prior to entering the elevator, eventually; it’s just an extra cost when you get your photos printed. A guide will take you to the elevator on your respective Viewing Deck level. There are souvenir shops inside each viewing deck as well as small restos. If you want to know more about KL tower promos, etc. you can visit http://www.kltower.com.my.

9. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) / Malayan Railway Limited

KTMB Railway Station Building, Jalan Sultan Hishamudin, Kuala Lumpur. [click to enlarge]

One of the oldest railway operators in Malaysia which dates back to the British colonial regime.  At the back to this building is Masjid Jamek. The most beautiful mosque in South-East Asia - Masjid Jamek is just 300 meters away from the Central Market (Pasar Seni) across River Klang. We had trouble locating this point of interest at that time..he he..Lessons learned: planning is a must! :)

10. Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station

Inside KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It is a huge and modern transportation hub which links the KL Light Railway Transit system (LRT), KTM Intercity Railway and Express Rail Link (ERL). Not just that, this RM 11 billion project which expires until 2015, promises to provide a flawless transportation system designed to improve the lives of Malaysian citizen existing in KL.

In-front of KL City Air Terminal within KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. [click to enlarge]

The Express Rail Link which unites KL International Airport at Sepang is much more convenient where KL City Air Terminal is also situated. We settled RM 100 for a group saver discount valued at RM 25 each since 4 of us took the train. Regular fares are RM 35 per individual. The travel will take 28 minutes, and yes Wi-Fi is available  on-board.

It’s a quite a stunning experienced I had in Kuala Lumpur, as for the total cost, it’s inexpensive and affordable. No wonder that this place is like a tourist haven for cut price products, yummy delicacies, remarkable sites and attractions, easy transportation, cheap hotels, and accessible transportation.

Budget Rough Estimates

I bet PhP 10,000 allowance would be much enough for a 3-5 days stay in KL excluding plane tickets. Most tourist spots are free and accessible. You can live for as much as RM 60 per day(tourist). Hawker stalls serving delicious meals at RM 10. So what are you waiting for?

Our Hotel cost per night                   RM 36.7 * 2 nights =       73.4
Food budget per day                       RM 30.00*3 days    =       90.00
Entrance Fees*                               RM 47.00                =       47.00
Hop-in-hop-off City Tour               RM 38.00                =       38.00
Transportation per day                   RM 15 *3 days        =       45.00
------------------------------------------------
 Rough Total Budget per day         RM 293.41  *Php 13.2  =  PhP 3873 or  USD 94.9 in 2 nights and 3 days.

* Optional

Note: 1 USD = 40.83 PhP
          1 RM = 13. 2 PhP

Transportation cost might be lower; we do a lot of walking, and the train cost RM 2.00, taxi cabs around RM 30-50. Furthermore, since I've mentioned that shopping, here is a bit affordable and fun, you'll probably loss yourself doing a lot of purchasing at the end. haha  OK that's it...if you want to ask me anything, feel free to comment below. I’ll be glad to provide information up to my best. Bye for now! Happy Easter Sunday from the Philippines!