My Mid-Twenties Gap Year : Kuala Lumpur

Weds 3rd - Fri 5th Sept '14

Here's an update on my first few days in Malaysia...

My first night in KL ends with me meeting Martin from Argentina. We inquire at the hostel about cheap local food and go for chicken and rice and beer at a cost of 25RM = £5. The food itself is 9RM (£2) .. beer here is pricey in comparison.

On my return to the dorm I am introduced by my dorm mates to Kavita, who is also from London, we arrange to go to the Batu Caves in the morning together.

Wednesday 3rd Sept '14

I wake up at 9.30am.. but it feels a lot earlier.. still adjusting to my new time zone. After a simple breakfast of toast and tea me and Kavita head to the old KL station which is a short walk from the hostel and joined via a bridge to the local station Pasar Seni. At a cost of 4RM return we take the train to the Batu Caves, approx a half hour journey. Kavita has recently graduated from LSE and starts her job in mid September, she has been travelling previously with a friend across South East Asia and then for the final few weeks in Malaysia alone. We get along well and soon arrive at our destination.

Golden Buddha at Batu Caves

At the caves there are many wild monkeys, harassing the passing tourists, so it is important to keep your possessions close at hand/in your bag! The main caves are at the top of 200 steps, and was originally located as a place of worship due to entrance having the shape of a sphere.

'Cheeky Monkeys'

The view of KL from the top of the stairs.

Inside the caves.

The Petronas Towers and KL Tower in the disant

The entrance to the caves

Me and Kavita

After descending the stairs, taken in our surroundings, and taken plenty of pictures we decided to pay an extra 2RM to enter an adjacent cave close to the entrace, where we find numerous religious statues and monuments inside.. as well as more monkeys!

On our return to Old KL/Pasar Seni we look around the Central Market, where Kavita buys a small wooden box for her friend.. after checking out, what feels like, all the stores!

It's sad to spend such quality time with Kavita knowing she will be leaving early in the morning but it's been a great first companion of many I hope during the year ahead.. goodbyes no doubt will prove to be a regular occurrence.

As we wander back to the hostel the city is engulfed in a storm, thick heavy rain drops fall upon us, the market is close by so we are soon under shelter! At the hostel I research the KL Tower and Petronas Towers.. I have been informed by other people that the KL has the better view of KL and you do not need to book in advance (the Petronas Towers however are sold out for the day/evening). I head to the KL Tower around 6.30pm, taking the free shuttle bus to a nearby stop.

It is close to sunset as I reach the bottom of the initial walk to the free bus service that takes me to entrance of KL Tower. When I reach the open observation platform at the top of the tower the sun has set and the city is lit up by the many skyscraper buildings.. with the Petronas Tower standing out across the landscape.

KL Tower from the ground

The Pertonas Towers, illuminating the skyline

Petronas Towers from below

Up close selfie!

Later on I go for drinks with Kavita and eat street food in Chinatown. Only a short walk from our well located hostel.

A latin lit china town street.

The next day I wake up.. look at my clock and the time is 1.30pm! I quickly get up, shower, pack and make my way to bus station in time to catch the last bus from KL to Cameron Highlands! I just make the bus with an empty stomach and a 4/5 hour journey ahead of me. Soon after leaving I start chatting with two German girls who offer me some food, I explain to them my last minute journey and they give me some more food..saviours! There is a German couple sat in front of me (Anna & Ollie) and Bianca next to me. Bianca and the couple have just met. They both speak English well, and Anna is infact an English teacher in Germany so is fluent. During the mid journey stop I stock up on snacks and share them with the others. After an initial part of the journey stuck in traffic leaving KL we arrive at Tanah Rata at 7pm. Bianca, like me, has also not booked accommodation for the night. The four of us decide to go for food together and we eat at a curry house.

Bus buddies.. Ollie, Bianca, Anna and Me!

After seeking accommodation in a recommended hostel and failing we find space at a more upper market hotel but the cost of the room split is only 20RM. The hard bed and flat pillow makes for a difficult night sleep.

Accommodation for the night.. rock solid bed

We wake at 8am and book up a half day Country Tour and a ticketfor the journey from the Cameron Highlands to Penang. The tour sets off at 8.45am.

Cameron Highlands - Country Tour

1st Stop: Butterfly Farm, which also includes a variety of insects & snakes that you would find in the forest/jungle.

2nd Stop: Bee Farm .. very tasty.. I buy a small pott for 5RM!

3rd Stop: 'BOH' Tea Plantation here we see the vast land covered in tea plants, and go on a brief factory tour.