ខ្មែរ
English
In just under two hours you can go from Phnom Penh to the diversity of Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur – getting your travel fix or just a quick break from the city we love. While Phnom Penh has many different experiences to offer both visitors and residents, one of its perks is how close it is to other cities in the Southeast Asia region. From Bangkok, Saigon, Hanoi, and Singapore, getting to some of Asia’s top travel destinations is easy and relatively cheap.
The latest city to add to the travel list in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia with more than 7 million residents and counting. It’s the fastest growing city in the country which is a richly diverse culture and world famous sights. There is more than enough in terms of sights, eat, and shopping so even a weekend away is worth the trip.
- Food
One of the best reasons to visit Kuala Lumpur is the food. From high-class restaurants to street-side stalls, there is something for every taste and budget. Eating at street-stalls in Kuala Lumpur offers a taste and experience of the different culture that have come together in the Malay, Chinese, India, and a mix of influences from the countries have produced a wile selection of places to stop and eat after a hard hay of shopping and sightseeing.
One of the most popular dishes is the Indian inspired roti, which is savoury flat bread, served with dhal, a simple and traditional lentil curry. Roti is normally eaten for breakfast; however, it is so tasty that many people will search for roti whenever they need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Another traditional breakfast item is teh tarik, a sweet milk tea, which is given its creamy flavor by pouring the tea from up high between two cups, many time over. Try and watch for the person making the teh tarik, as it’s as fun to see how it’s made as it is to drink.
Most food stalls will have different curry dishes laid out at the front, so you can see everything and choose what you like. Sweet curries, spicy soups, fried chicken, steamed fish – each different seller will have their own way of preparing their food, so try as much as you can until you find your favorites!
- Accommodation
While booking hotels is nothing new, it can be hard to figure out what kind of accommodation is going to give you the best experience for the best value. One accommodation option that is becoming increasingly popular is Airbnb. Inspired by couchsurfing, the Airbnb website allows people who own properties in cities all over the world to rent their place out for a nightly fee, essentially running their own hotel room. Some offer a whole apartment, some offer just a room in their house, and prices can range from just a few dollars to a few hundred dollars a night.
Because you are likely to be renting from someone who lives in the city, the option is there for you to personally talk with the host. This gives you the opportunity to get some tips and tricks from a local to get the most out of your stay. This could mean recommendations for the best restaurants or advice on how to take public transit to the biggest tourist attractions. Though there are plenty of hotel accommodations available, this is becoming one of the most popular ways to travel.
- Shopping
Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming the shopping center of Southeast Asia. Offering luxury brands like Prada and Chanel alongside more affordable options like H&M and Uniqlo, it’s no surprise people are making weekend trips to Malaysia. For upscale shopping, try Bangsar Village I&ll which is two connected malls. Along with brand name stores, there are restaurants and even a Moroccan-style spa. For a more traditional approach to souvenirs, wander around Karyaneka Boutique or the nearby Art Colony for batik and woven crafts. Whether looking for unique gifts or the latest trends, Kuala Lumpur has a surplus of both.
- Sights
Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Towers. At 88 stories tall. they are especially beautiful to visit at night, when they are lit with giant spotlights, and crowds gathering at the base to take photos. Foran off-the beaten-path excursion, check out the Batu caves. They’re a series of limestone caves that house a Hindu shrine, with elaborate statues and paintings decorating the tunnels and stairs winding through the mountain.
A 43m tall gold statue of the Hindu deity Murugan stands at the base of the giant staircase climbing up into one of the caves, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Kuala Lumpur. If you are interested in discovering more of the religious aspects of Malaysia, the national mosque (Masjid Negara) is a beautiful and unique building in the centre of the city, open to non Muslim visitors at certain times of day. There are many other striking buildings all around the city, so even just walking through different areas provides a wonderful way to view the mix of architecture and cultures that Kuala Lumpur is known for.
