Its time to put on your walking shoes and prance around town like a lost little child. “Jalan-jalan” is the Malay term to basically suggest walking around. Unfortunately, Kuala Lumpur doesn’t provide a conducive walking environment. Pedestrian walkways are few and far between and the weather doesn’t help either. With the sun scorching most of the day, one would be apprehensive to walk around town.
Nonetheless, walking is one of the best ways to explore the city. The Golden Triangle isn’t very large and there are many things to see and do. Taking a cab isn’t very cost effective and the monorail and LRT lines doesn’t exactly stop at the most convenient and interesting of places. Before starting your journey, make sure you dress for the occasion.
A walk around the city requires a lot of preparation. Comfortable footwear is a must and less is best as the weather can prove to be a pain. Rain or shine, the temperature is usually at a steady 27˚C. The smog might prove to be a nuisance but it is to be expected in a city where traffic jams plague every major street. An umbrella might be a wise item to tote but it isn’t exactly the most fashionable accessory these days.
Do get a map from your hotel or where ever it is you are staying just in case. If you’re the more adventurous type, just walk blindly and you’re bound to stumble upon something interesting. The areas to explore would be the Petronas Twin Towers area, Petaling Street as well as Bukit Bintang. All three areas provide different sights and different experiences.
The Petronas Twin Towers is a must for every tourist who visits Kuala Lumpur city. What were once the tallest twin towers in the world still stands tall and proud. It is a sight to behold as the two towers seemingly shoot up to the sky like rockets. The KLCC park is not just an ordinary park either. It has a fountain with an incorporated light show, jogging and walking paths and a fully equipped children’s playground. Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang which are hotspots for local nightlife is just a stone’s throw away.
Petaling Street would be a good area to walk around if you’re into cheap food and shopping. It is here that you will experience Kuala Lumpur’s very own Chinatown. Good food can be found at every corner and imitation goods line up the streets as far as the eye can see. People say that the Chinese are the hardest people to bargain with and this is the place to test your haggling skills.
Bukit Bintang is reserved for the more upmarket tourist. Coffee joints and cafes line the streets al fresco style. Honestly, it isn’t a very conducive area to have a cuppa or a meal al fresco because it is right next to a main road. If the fumes from the cars don’t get to you first, the noise will. In any case, the whole al fresco atmosphere has brought a lot of visitors to Bukit Bintang. Shopping is also one of the main highlights in this area. To experience a true Malaysian shopping mall that is filled with organized chaos, check out Sungei Wang Plaza. Lot 10 would suit those who are looking for a more casual shopping experience while Star Hill Gallery is for the rich and famous.
Be adventurous and explore beyond these places and you might stumble into more than you bargained for. There’s always something at every street corner that’s worth taking a look. But do be careful of preying snatch thieves and con men looking out to make a quick buck from tourists. It is always good to find out more about pricing and etiquette in Kuala Lumpur. Read SD’s traveller tips to find out more and ask the concierge at your hotel for more tips to make sure you’re fully armed with all the information you need.
