Weekend Trip To Kuala Lumpur

I took the earliest flight to Kuala Lumpur and landed at KLIA 2. Despite my fatigue from waking up early in the morning, the city’s vibrant energy was immediately apparent, with its glittering skyline visible even from the airport.

I hopped into a Grab car (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) for the 45-minute drive to my hotel in the city centre, Bukit Bintang. I shall not name the hotel for it wasn’t the most pleasant stay I had. The driver’s friendly chatter and glimpses of markets and bustling streets along the way gave me a taste of the lively culture I was about to experience.

After an arduous check-in at the hotel, I was tempted to crash. However, I had a better plan to combat my fatigue and start my trip on the right foot - a visit to Sakura Spa, located 10 mins away from my hotel.
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Sakura Spa isn’t your typical day spa - it’s a full-fledged relaxation haven where you can easily spend an entire day (or night) pampering yourself.

While the core of their offerings is, of course, their rejuvenating massages, the facility boasts a jacuzzi and sauna, karaoke rooms, pool and darts games, Nintendo and PlayStation consoles and movie rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all presented in an appealing buffet style. Each meal time brings a fresh array of dishes, catering to diverse palates and dietary needs. One standout feature of the buffet is the Malaysian street food favourite: Lok Lok. One can select and cook to your liking in a communal hot pot. The fun of choosing your own skewers and cooking them adds an element of fun to the buffet meals.

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Tip: If you plan to spend a full day at Sakura Spa, consider timing your visit to include at least one meal time. This way, you can experience the full range of amenities and services without having to leave for food.

Day 2: From Michelin dining to local gems

I started my second day in KL on a leisurely note, heading out for lunch at Nobu, a Michelin-starred restaurant. In KL, Nobu offers a surprisingly affordable experience for their set lunch at MYR160++. However, despite it’s reputation, the meal was somewhat disappointing. Even the highly-acclaimed black cod miso failed to impress. It’s possible my unrefined palate couldn’t fully appreciate the nuances, but the overall experience fell short of expectations.

​​After lunch, I made my way to RexKL, a unique destination in the heart of the city. RexKL is a repurposed cinema that has been transformed into a vibrant community space. This small but distinctive mall houses a collection of indie stores, creative spaces and local businesses.

While at RexKL, I spent a few captivating hours at BookXcess. This is not your average bookstore - BookXcess is a book lover’s paradise known for offering a wide range of books at discounted prices. It’s part of a Malaysian chain that specialised in remaindered books, allowing them to sell titles at 50-80% off the recommended retail price. The store’s vast collection spans various genres, making it easy to lose track of time while browsing their well-stocked shelves.

​I then headed to Central Market, a personal favourite. This air-conditioned haven is a treasure trove of local culture and crafts. Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is housed in a 1930s art deco building that was once a wet market. Today, it’s a cultural landmark offering a curated shopping experience. The market is divided into different zones representing Malaysia’s ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Here, you can find a wide array of local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and artwork. From batik fabrics to hand-carved wooden items, the market showcases the rich diversity of Malaysian craftsmanship.

​​A short walk from Central Market is Petaling Street, KL’s bustling Chinatown. Here, I found myself surrounded by a lively market atmosphere and surprisingly, enjoyed street food that surpassed my earlier experience at Nobu. The area was alive with vendors, shoppers, and the enticing aromas of local cuisine.

As night fell, I made my way to the vibrant Jalan Alor night market, a food lover’s paradise that comes alive after dark. Once a red light district, Jalan Alor has transformed into one of the most famous food street in KL. As you walk down this bustling street, you’re greeted by a sensory overload - the sizzle of woks, aroma of grilled meats and chatter of diners seated at plastic tables that spill out onto the street. I couldn’t resist trying more Lok Lok, with the wide variety of ingredients and dipping sauces made each bite a new adventure. For dessert, I sampled Putu Piring, a traditional Malay sweet treat. These steamed rice flour cakes filled with gula Melaka (palm sugar) and served with grated coconut are a delightful balance of textures and flavours.

The Jalan Alor night market isn’t just about the food; it’s an experience in itself. Along the sidewalks, vendors from massage shops (clean!) and bars called out to passerbys, the mix of locals and tourists, and the late night energy of Bukit Bintang all contribute to its charm.

Last Day: Local crafts, furry friends and a flavourful farewell

One my final day in KL, I packed in a few more experiences before catching my flight home.

My first stop was Kedai KL, a hidden gem in the city. Kedai, which means “shop” in Malay, is a unique concept store that showcases the best of Malaysian design and craftsmanship. Located in a renovated shophouse, Kedai KL is a curated space that brings together products from local artisans, designers and small businesses. It’s also an excellent place to pick up souvenirs that go beyond the usual tourist trinkets, supporting local makers in the process.

​Next, I ventured a bit out of the city center to Tropicana Gardens Mall, specifically to visit the pet zoo. Just Farm is an unconventional attraction within a shopping complex. This indoor pet zoo offers visitor a chance to interact with a variety of farm animals such as capybaras, rabbits, llamas, goats etc. For a small fee, visitors can purchase treats to feed the animals for a hands-on experience and a perfect photo op!

​As my time in KL drew to a close, I headed to the airport for one last taste of local flavours at Oriental Kopi. This popular chain is a fixture at KLIA 2, with at least 2 outlets in the terminal. I had the fragrant nasi lemak, washing it off with a cup of strong, aromatic white coffee.

This final meal at Oriental Kopi was a fitting end to my weekend KL trip, reminding me of the city’s rich culinary traditions. As I boarded my flight, the lingering taste of Malaysia’s white coffee and nasi lemak served as a flavourful farewell to this vibrant city.