Skyscraper (The Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur Expedition)

First impressions of Malaysia’s high-tech, fast growing capital, Kuala Lumpur, are likely to be of a vibrant and colourful modern metropolis with gleaming skyscrapers. The country is full of charm and beauty, and the rich cultural heritage is apparent both in its traditional village areas and in the commitment to religious plurality. The dominant cultural force is undoubtedly Islam, but the country’s diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Borneo’s indigenous tribes has created a fabulous juxtaposition of mosques, temples, and churches, a panoply of festivals, and a wonderful mixtures of cuisines. Reference: The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget 

Soaring to a height of 451.9 metres, the 88-storey twin structure is Kuala Lumpur’s crown jewel. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the PETRONAS Twin Towers is inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s vision for Malaysia to be a global player. Together with master architect Cesar Pelli, the international icon powerfully captures the nation’s ambitions and aspirations. Check this site for more insights: http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/

Petronas Towers at Day

Petronas Towers at Night

* Images posted were subjected to different light exposures and clarity. Same subject matter but expressed in different interpretations =)

How to go there?!
Flights from Cebu Pacific land at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

Upon arrival, we looked for the KLIA Transit Booth that’ll bring us to the city proper via bus and train, as this is the cheapest mode based on our research. It will cost you RM12.5 (around PhP160) one way, inclusive of the fare for the shuttle bus and train tickets. Upon purchase of ticket, you have to search for the shuttle bus bound to Salik Tinggi located in front of the Coffee Bean outside the terminal. From Salik Tinggi, there are only 3 stations away to KL Sentral. Enlarge the image for the bus and train schedules:

From KL Sentral, take the the Kelana Jaya Train (pink line) and it’ll cost you around RM1.6 bound to KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, which is 5 stations away or approximately 20 minutes. As much as possible, be apprised of the destinations that are accessible via train as you can minimize your transportation expenses as opposed to riding cabs.

Terimah Kasih! =)

Muddy Estuary

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is part of the ARCH group’s vision in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. A new tourist magnet which is situated right in the historical enclave of Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) and houses many attractions in the form of prints, photos and miniatures. Located in a 114 year-old building, this landmark is a must visit for anyone who wants to know all about Kuala Lumpur! – well luckily, we did. =)

Reference: http://www.klcitygallery.com/

Did you know that Kuala Lumpur literally means ‘muddy estuary’? It was founded at the confluence of the Gombak River and Klang River =) But before I forget, the entrance is free! and they are open from 0830AM to 0630PM daily.

Look closely on how they make all of the artifacts displayed in the gallery.  With full concentration and that attention to details, I wonder if these guys are somewhat obsessive compulsive… haha. After the tour, there is a shop inside the gallery that offers souvenir items at very reasonable prices!!! (well, as compared with the mainstream).

How to go there?!
From KL Sentral, take the Kelana Jaya Train (pink line) and it’ll cost you around RM1.3 bound to Masjid Jamek, which is 2 stations away. It is a 7-minute walk to the gallery from the LRT Station,  just ask someone for the direction to the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery or to the Sultan Abdul Samad.  This is the exact address in case you get lost: No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Brick by Boring Brick (Legoland – Johor Bahru Expedition)

“… it’s all about the exposure, the lens, I told her
The angles are all wrong now
She’s ripping wings off of butterflies …” – Paramore

From Kuala Lumpur, we took a plane bound to Johor Bahru via AirAsia with approximately 45-minutes ride (http://www.airasia.com/ph/en/home.page). They do offer seat sales same as that of Cebu Pacific. Costly but it is recommended as compared to a 4-5 hours bus ride or get lost in the interlinked train stations of KL Sental and JB Sentral lol. But if you’re already at KL, it is not advisable to go to Legoland, unless you’ll be heading to Singapore afterwards.

Juvenile Pleasures Part II – – – Young at heart we are to decide that we really have to go here despite the distance from Kuala Lumpur. The park being tailored for kids as the rides are not that life-threatening; well you just have to conquer the dragon and complete the Project X =) Opened on the 15th of September 2012, Legoland Malaysia is claimed to be the first in Asia and to be the first international park in Malaysia. But how did it all begin?!!! The LEGO Group is a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark.  The first Legoland was built next door to the Lego factory that was founded by Ole Kirk Kristiansen in 1949 but it was only in 1968 that Godtfred, Old Kirk’s son, decided to open a 14-acre Legoland Park to promote the toy business. It became an instant success and over the years, 5 other Legolands were built all over the world… and that’s the way how the cookie crumbles. haha

I would say that the place is perfect for photo op and for photo enthusiasts. Just imagine a world made of Lego! Ano kayang itsura ng Spaghetti at Pizza?! hmmm…

Ticket prices?!
Better check this site for full details: http://www.legoland.com.my/. What we did was we booked our tickets 3 months before the actual visit.  20% discount or RM28 savings once you book online with a minimum of 7 days in advance. This is recommended as it’ll be less hassle that you don’t have to queue up once you arrive there; you just have go directly to the turnstiles and scan the barcode found in your e-ticket. The discounted price if converted to peso will cost you around PhP1,500 – thrice the price for Enchanted Kingdom. lol But regardless, wondering the time spent building brick by boring brick is already remarkable.