Traveling by Bus from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
We traveled from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur by bus, which was a convenient and affordable mode of transport. Initially, we planned to book our tickets through busonlineticket.com, the same website we used for our Singapore to Malacca tickets. However, for some reason, we couldnโt purchase the tickets there. Instead, we used the site to gather information about bus companies and schedules, then booked directly from the chosen bus company’s website.
We selected Delima, a bus company with a suitable schedule and good reviews. The fare was 15 RM (approximately โฌ3) per person. The bus departed from Melaka Sentral, the same bus station where we had arrived from Singapore. The journey to Kuala Lumpur took 3 hours without stops. We arrived at Bersepadu Selatan bus station in Kuala Lumpur and took a Grab to our hotel.
Kuala Lumpur Hotel – Stunning Views from the Infinity Pool
In Kuala Lumpur, our primary criterion for selecting a hotel was having an infinity pool with spectacular views. Based on this, we chose KLCC Suites Platinum 2, located near the Petronas Towers. The choice turned out to be perfect as the entire accommodation was very clean. Although it wasnโt a traditional hotel but an apartment, it had numerous hosts within the building.
The staff from our host company were very friendly and always available via message. For instance, we requested kitchen utensils in the evening, and they were promptly delivered.
The Accommodation – The lobby area was luxurious, with shiny stone floors and walls and stylish decor. There was also a large lounge area with sofas and a restaurant offering breakfast, though we made use of our room’s kitchen.
Our room was very spacious, with a separate large kitchen and plenty of space in the living area. This was real luxury compared to the smaller hotel rooms in Singapore and Malacca. Moreover, the room was incredibly clean. It was located on the 31st floor, providing great views towards Menara Tower.
The rooftop infinity pool on the 51st floor offered fantastic views over the city in multiple directions. The L-shaped pool had plenty of space, and despite the size of the building, the pool area was not overcrowded. In the evenings, there were more people, but it was still easy to enjoy the views of Petronas Towers and Menara Tower from the pool.
Exploring the City – Kuala Lumpur Attractions
Petronas Towers
Our hotel was within walking distance of the Petronas Towers, about 1 km away. The closer we got to the towers, the more impressive they looked, as they are Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark. You can visit the towers on guided tours, which include access to the observation deck between the towers. At the base of the towers is the Suria KLCC shopping mall, offering a variety of luxury shops. You can walk through the mall to reach KLCC Park. Many local photographers were around the towers, ready to capture tourists with the towers for a small fee.
KLCC Park
KLCC Park is a large green space adjacent to the Petronas Towers, offering stunning views of the towers. Right outside the mall, there is a fountain where a water light show takes place every evening at 7:30 PM. The show was decent but not a must-see. The park was beautifully decorated for the Chinese New Year, with numerous red lanterns hanging in the air, creating a lovely atmosphere. The park also features a large playground and wading pool for children.
Pavilion Mall
The Chinese New Year celebrations were evident at Pavilion Mall, with dragons, lanterns, and other decorations, along with various stalls in the central atrium. The mall has a wide range of brand stores, mostly focusing on luxury and premium brands. The front area of the Pavilion felt like a big city with bustling crowds and large billboards, reminiscent of Times Square, though we haven’t been to NYC ๐๏ธ.
While marveling at the crowds, something unexpected happened. A man, with his young daughter and what seemed to be a familiar couple, suddenly pushed his daughter in front of us and took several photos without asking. We were too stunned to say anything, and our expressions in the photo must have reflected the surprise. It was the first time we experienced something like this.
Jalan Alor Food Street
If you get hungry while shopping, head to Jalan Alor Food Street. Here, you can find all kinds of food, from durians to jelly strawberries, and plenty of proper meals too. The street is lined with food stalls and open-air restaurants and is especially busy in the evenings. We ate at Dinoโs Thai Food, enjoying our meal while watching the bustling street.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves was one of the few planned stops on our trip. Located in the northern part of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is famous for its large golden Hindu statue and the long rainbow steps beside it. Read more โ about visiting Batu Caves and how to get there here.
Petaling Street Market
Kuala Lumpur has numerous shopping malls of various levels, perfect for satisfying your shopping cravings. Besides malls, there are also market streets, with Petaling Street Market being one of the most famous. The long intersecting streets are packed with vendors selling a wide range of goods. Thereโs plenty of โbrandedโ merchandise on offer, but you can also find other items, from socks to souvenirs, and even affordable luggage if you need more space for your shopping.
Nearby Attractions in Petaling Street Market Area:
River of Life – A bridge offering a beautiful view of the branching river, with a mosque in the middle and stunning lighting along the riverbank in the evening. A water light show takes place every night at 9 PM.
Merdeka Square – A large square with a nearly 100-meter flagpole and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, an old administrative building from the late 1800s with beautiful copper domes.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – The oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, featuring a beautifully ornate entrance typical of Hindu temples.
Central Market – Located in a beautiful Art Deco building, this market offers many local products and handicrafts.
For nightlife, the Changkat Bukit Bintang area has plenty of pubs, restaurants, and bars to explore.
