Malaysia - Singapore 2013: Day 3 in Central Market and Melaka

Part 3 of 10
September 15, 2013
Central Market and On Route to Melaka


Day 2 was a tiring day. We missed our bus in Putrajaya back to the train station, got lost, wandered for an hour in Putrajaya and got soaked in the rain. It was Day 3 and our last day in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Melaka.

Despite the late night arrival to our hotel, we got up early for our Central Market itinerary. We again took the train from Bukit Bintang station to Maharajelela, got off and walked towards Petaling Street. You won't miss it, it has this large arks with Chinese lanterns all over (though I am not sure if the lanterns are there all year round).

CENTRAL MARKET

Central Market is the famous market in Kuala Lumpur, where you can buy tourist-y stuff. Our travel souvenirs (for the last few travels we had) would always be keychains, t-shirts for the family and scarves for ourselves, aside from little knick knacks that our eyes laid on.

There are unique stores inside the Central Market - from wooden bookmarks and Malaysian made scarves.

Petaling Street aka Chinatown

One of the street foods along Petaling. It resembles what we got back in
the Philippines - puto bumbong. 

magnets and keychains along Petaling Street. 

The Famous Central Market (Yes, it was that old!)

Many decors outside Central Market.
If I am not mistaken, they have art contest during our visit. 

Shoes and slippers of various designs. 

Very cute Pens! 

Reminds us of Biblioarch back at home.
Products sold here are mostly made out of wood. 

Wooden bookmarks (which we got) and IPhone cases made of wood as well. 

OFF TO MELAKA

After a quick shopping trip to Central Market, we went back to our hotel, packed our bags and we were off to Melaka.

From Bukit Bintang, we took the train to Hang Tuah, change trains on Sri Petaling line to Bandar Tasik Selatan (South Bus Terminal).

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS BTS) is the main terminal for buses bound for the cities on South of Malaysia - like Melaka, Penang and Johor Bahru. They also cater to tourists directly bound for Singapore. BTS is one of the best bus terminal we have been to. Very convenient, comfortable and resembles much like the airport. Honestly, I find this way better than NAIA Terminal 1.

We got our tickets for Melaka, and waited for our boarding time and before the sun sets, we were bound for Melaka.

TBS greeting the tourists!

Bus schedules. See? This is just a bus terminal. It exceeded my expectations. 

Bus ticket counters. 

Information Counter at the lobby. 

Bus schedule per bus line. 

The departure lobby. 

Our doors leading to the bus. 

ARRIVAL IN MELAKA

After three hours (and more, we got stuck in traffic in the Melaka Sentral Terminal), we were in Melaka. From the terminal, we took the bus no.17 - you need to be patient while waiting off to the Melaka Sentral Park or Red Brick House.

From the Red Brick House, we walked towards Jonker Walk, and checked in our hotel for the next 2 nights - Riverside Residence.

Greetings from Melaka! :) 

Lane 17 - where to wait for bus no. 17.

Melaka bus station waiting area. 

Tips:
1. HAGGLE! Just like many of the flea markets, haggle on the prices. Unless the shop has tag prices on their items already. But it never hurts to ask for lower price.

2. If you can, depart early for Melaka, so you will get the chance to see how on route to Melaka looks like. We love to look outside our window, and see the nature.

3. If you arrive in late in the evening in Melaka, expect that you'll wait for a long time for you bus bound for Jonker. But do not take the taxis as much as possible. We tried to ask them, but they asked for 25 RM to Jonker, the bus costs only 1.50 RM.

Malaysia- Singapore 2013: Day 2 in Kuala Lumpur

Part 2 of 10
September 14, 2013
Day 2 in Kuala Lumpur

After good night sleep in our hotel, we woke up early for our day 2 in Kuala Lumpur. Our two stops for the day - Batu Caves and Putrajaya.

BATU CAVES

Our hotel in located about 7 minutes walk from Bukit Bintang station and we used the train off KL Sentral. It is a quick ride to the station - and quite a 3 minute walk to the main KL Sentral station - which we realized, it is where we got off from the airport the day earlier. And the fare - 2.1 RM.

Moving on, from KL Sentral station, we took the train directly to Batu Caves - the newest addition to the main train line of Kuala Lumpur. It transfers the tourist directly and conveniently.

Upon reaching the Batu Caves station, the temples and monuments are just outside the station. Few minutes walk upon the exit and we were right in front of Hanuman - the Monkey God. Batu Caves is the limestone hill with various temples and with two main towering monuments - Hanuman at 50 feet and Lord Murungan - a golden statue at the feet of the main cave at 140 feet tall.

The main cave - where three of the main temples are located is a good 272 step climb with monkeys all around. The monkeys are the main caretakers of the stairs, frolicking around and grabbing food from the visitors. Be careful of these food snatchers.

Hanuman - The Monkey God. 

One of the many temples and the garden. 

Lord Murungan and the 272-step climb behind. 

The food snatchers. They can open anything - from bottles to canned chips. 

A little baby monkey with his/her mom. A coconut was opened and they went down
to drink the juice. 

Atop the cave. 

A cute little Malaysian-Hindu girl.
Head/hair is covered of white clay.

One of the many Hindu Gods carvings in the temples and stairs.

PUTRAJAYA COMPLEX

After a scorching hot visit to Batu Caves, we went off to our next stop - Putrajaya complex. We traveled back to KL Sentral using the same line we took to Batu Caves, grabbed a quick lunch in McDo and we were off to Putrajaya using the KLIA Express. Quite a hefty cash out for the train fare, but is a quick ride to Putrajaya.

We got off the Putrajaya complex station, and went down to the Bus Complesx and rode Bus no. 11 off to Putrajaya complex.

The Putrajaya Complex is composed of the Malaysia's Prime Minister's Residence, the Pink Mosque and administrative and commercial buildings of Malaysia.It seems to be a fusion of old Malaysia and modern ones - reflective on the facades of the buildings.

The Pink domed Putra Mosque is the main attraction in the complex. Open from 5 in the afternoon onwards, all tourists should wear what we compare to Hogwarts robes as sign of respect to the religion and its beliefs. There are many guides inside, which explains every single bit of the mosque.

We were not able to catch Bus no.11 by the time we went out the mosque, so we walked around for the nearest bus stop. Passing by the PM's residence, lost tourists like us, walk straight ahead passing by a food complex. On the highway, there is a bus stop and you can take Bus no.6 back to the KLIA-Putrajaya station.

We had the bus to ourselves!

Putrajaya bridge. 

The Pink domed Putra Mosque. 

The dome's details.

The Prime Minister Residence

"Hogwarts" robe. Tourists are required to wear these robes inside the mosque.

My friend on the tiled floors of the mosque.

The Putra Bridge at night.

The Putra Mosque at night.

TIPS:

1. Leave early if you want to take our itinerary. You can spend the morning at Batu Caves and afternoon at Putrajaya.

2. Do not hesitate to ask for directions. Helpful policemen and guards are around. Though they do not speak good English, they are helpful as to draw where to go.

3. In foreign countries, use simple English. :)

4. In Batu Caves, do not climb the cave WITH FOOD, even with bottled water. Monkeys will grab them. They are used to grabbing things from the hands of the tourist. Do not do what the Korean tourist did, but behind us as she protects her food from the monkeys - making us her wall. If I am as bitch as her, I would push her down to the stairs. Hahahaha!!!

A Year End Report for 2013

This past year was probably the best so far. It taught me a lot this year, gave me a lot of adventures and learned how to treasure every single day.


TO KEEP ON APPRECIATING MY JOB.

2013 taught me to appreciate my job - may it be unknown to most people, usually mistaken to municipal officers, BIR Tax officers or census conductors, the benefits of travel and understanding more of the consumers and the sellers are the best part of my job.

I have been in the Marketing Research industry for the past 6 years or more, been into two companies, traveled in the major provinces in the country, met new people and made quick friendship along the road. I might be open to new opportunities, but the right one hasn't come along. Still waiting for my target company to call, and by that time, I would be most willing to leave and probably, make a mark on the company before I leave.

TO KEEP ON WALKING AND WANDERING.

This year, with God's grace, I have been to 5 countries - Hong Kong, Macau. Singapore, Malaysia and Japan - with the best people in my life.

In celebration of my first year in the new job, my former officemates and I were able to visit Hong Kong and Macau, experience our first non-Baguio cold weather, got sick on the road and finally, visited my aunt in Hong Kong. Though we have different ways of travel, we managed to pull out this trip and finally understand each other.

Our annual Atei trip was a rough road as we came nearer to the trip. Many financial problems encountered, got late on the Trinoma bus to Clark (because I left my friend's credit card), walked around the foreign lands, got late on the last bus back to the City Terminal, got scared and chickened out on the Universal Studios roller coasters, splurged on TWG Singapore, late night hotel check-ins, late night uwi to the hotels after a long day of walking and met nocturnal carabaos on Night Safari. Despite all of these, we were able to have our annual fun, celebrated a birthday along the road and realized that these two women I always travel with will be my forever favorite people.

Japan was the unexpected travel I had this year, since I need a visa to get there. When I was approved, though I am on Singapore-Malaysia mode, my boyfriend is busy with the itinerary that we will have. It was the first solo trip to another land (well, in terms of plane travel) and for the first time, I wasn't planning on the whole trip.

It was the memorable one to date - we celebrated our 7th anniversary together, our 3rd time to do so. And while at it, I got engaged on a pirate ship with the ring on my precious treasure chest box. :)

TO KEEP ON VALUING FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS.

The best gift I had this year is my relationships to other people. My friendship with my Ateis is stronger than ever, I believe, We were able to know each other better after 7 years of friendship.

My officemates are the people I am with for most of the year - with 8 hours together, messages even after work for tsismis and lutang moments at the office.

My family is stronger than ever as well. Towards the end of the year, we were able to give our parents new stuff and by next year, be financially capable to buy them a new small house.

TO KEEP ON LOVING AND STAYING IN LOVE.

Since this 2014, I will be a Mrs already, I will definitely be with another family, meet extended ones and plan for my own. Despite this, my fiance will still be working abroad, while I stay in the Philippines. Its another year of us on long distance relationship.

Cheesy it may seem, but we believed that our wedding is simply a formality between the two families and our relatives and friends, since we have been together for the last 7 years and been on several trips on ourselves. :) We have known each other, lived with each other and aware of how picky each other or how loud his snore is.

As we all claim, 2014 is a year for another adventure. A non-negotiable annual trip with my Ateis, probably if my fiance's work calls, spend Holidays again on foreign land and another year to my current job.

For the people who have been a part of my 2013, thank you very much. I look forward to another part of our adventure together.

Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur

Part 1 of 10
September 13, 2013
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


This is our annual trip with my Ateis. We were able to grab another seat sale to Malaysia and Singapore through the Airasia and PAL respectively.

We arrived in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur in a good afternoon of September 13. LCCT is much like the Terminal 4 of our NAIA and is catering to most AirAsia flights to Malaysia.

After grabbing our bags and passing through Malaysian immigration, we bought our tickets from upon exiting the arrival area. The bus ride costs RM 9 (or approximately Php 130.00) and will be in KL Sentral MTR Station in an hour.

Since we didn't know how to get to our hotel from the KL Sentral station, we decided to grab a taxi to Hotel Al Jafs - which is our first interaction with the tuts taxi drivers. :( We were initially quoted RM 45 to the Hotel but we haggled it to RM 38. After 10 minutes, we were dropped in front of Hotel Al Jafs.

CHECKING IN THE HOTEL

Hotel Al Jafs is near Bukit Bintang, and may be the best hotel we had so far. The hotel owner was kind enough to change our large RMs to smaller ones. Our supposed room had some maintenance works during our arrival, but he was kind enough to make us stay to 2 rooms, without charging us extra. He was also kind enough to buy us some adapters since Malaysia has different outlets than we have in the Philippines.

More of Hotel Al Jafs, on my hotel review entry.


WALKING AROUND KUALA LUMPUR

When I was looking for our Kuala Lumpur accommodations, I am particular in the area. We wanted to be on the area near to basic food area - Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. Good thing, our hotel is just 5 minutes away from Jalan Alor.

Off to Jalan Alor

So after a quick freshening up, we walked around and found ourselves in Jalan Alor - aka the KL Food Central. We were quite early in the area, some of the vendors are just setting up. We grabbed a quick late lunch at Fat Brothers Barbeque and finished with the Turkish ice cream.

The famous food street in Bukit Bintang

Shrimps ready for grilling

Their street version of hot pot. The tube below is connected to an LPG tank and the vendor will turn it on for you. Once the water is boiling, you can blanch everything. :)

Their Street version of Hot pot. 

After the quick lunch, we decided to walk around KL through the main avenue. Petronas Tower or the twin towers of Kuala Lumpur is just 20 minutes walk from Hotel Al Jafs. We passed by KL Tower as well, and a small park along the main avenue.

Standard Chartered building

KL Tower

The twin towers

We never missed visiting any bookstore when we are on the road. Kinokuniya was the biggest bookstore chain in Kuala Lumpur and probably the best one we visited so far.

TIPS:

1. The taxi was definitely a rip off. The Hotel owner mentioned it was only RM 15 from KL Sentral to Hotel Al Jafs. But since we were tired on a long day, the taxi was a good pahingahan. Just like the same countries we have been to, make sure you haggle.

2. Do not miss Jalan Alor. It was a food heaven, you can find various cuisines - from Chinese to Malay to Indian. We loved the kitchens along the street. Just be adventurous!

3. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes. And bring an umbrella. Malaysia is a tropical country, you never know when it will rain or not. Umbrella will also protect you from the sun.

I'm back with few announcements!

I missed my blog. I have 3 months worth of backlogs, 3 country travel notes and a lot more pictures to stamp.

I'm so sorry (as if andaming nagbabasa ng blog ko) for being MIA for the past 3 months. Its been a crazy, rollercoaster ride last quarter for me.

I have yet to write my entries on my Singapore and Malaysia trip last September but I would like to skip that on this entry, since my Japan trip was the highlight of my year.

MY NEW STATUS

Yes, I am getting married next year. My boyfriend of 7 years proposed at our Hakone trip on our 7th anniversary last November. It was an unexpected event, but we have been jokingly talking about marriage since we entered our 5th year. We are not serious then though, but simply parinig and sharing pictures via Pinterest.

I won't go so much on the proposal details, kasi hindi naman talaga that sweet, down-on-his-knees proposal. We are on a ship with many, many people and we don't want to have that spotlight on us. In any way, we are not that typical couple of sweet nothings.

MOVING ON

Since I have been busy gathering stuff about weddings and reading wedding blogs, I missed out that I have a travel blog to maintain. I am back to the writing dashboard, rest assured that I will be finishing all the trip entries within the year.

And also, due to my (our na pala) priorities next year, travel has to take a backseat and maybe, all the travels that I will have are only work related. Buti na lang, my job gives me the opportunity to travel once in a while. But will still squeeze in some leisurely side trips after work.

AND MY NEW PROJECT 2014

I know, I am having troubles on maintaining this one, but I would like to help others on their wedding needs, so I decided to create a blog that would cater on them. Though I am still thinking if I would just write the entries on this blog and just create tabs for weddings.

I have few more days to finish things up and decide on the new project, and I better start now! :)