t r i p
j o u r n a l
154
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DIALING CODE
+60 (3)
CURRENCY
MYR1 =PHP13.27/US$0.32
TOUCHDOWN
A bus will take you to
downtown Kuala Lumpur from the airport
for about MYR10 (PHP133). On the other
hand, the train will get you there in half
the time. Metered taxis are fast and
affordable.
SEE &DO
The Batu Caves is a place of
worship for Hindus. To get there, you
need to climb a 200-step staircase. Stroll
around Petaling Street, also known as
Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, to get all
sorts of bargains and cheap Chinese food.
Luna, a skybar at the Pacific Regency
Hotel Suites, provides one of the city’s
best night views.
SLEEP
Find clean and decent budget
hostels near Jalan Alor, just five minutes
away from Bukit Bintang's nightlife.
EAT
Order
teh tarik
(
pulled tea) and
nasi
lemak
(
coconut rice) at the
mamak
stall.
Try the food at Jalan Alor.
MUST-TRY
Watch fireflies in Kampung
Kuantan, just an hour’s drive from Kuala
Lumpur.
INSIDER TIP
Make sure to travel light as
the weather is hot and humid all the time.
CK Wai
freelance
photographer
MALAYSIA
KUALALUMPUR
DIALING CODE
+673 (2)
CURRENCY
BND1 =PHP33.11/US$0.80
TOUCHDOWN
The international airport
is approximately 10 minutes (about
10
km) away from the center of Bandar
Seri Begawan (BSB). There are taxis, car
rentals and regular public bus services
that can take you to and from the airport.
SEE &DO
Visit Kampung Ayer, a water
village with 30,000 residents living in
modern houses on stilts. Book a tour with
house visits and taste traditional
kueh
.
Make sure to visit the Masjid Sultan Omar
Ali Asiffudien Mosque. In Gerai Malam in
Gadong, you’ll find stalls selling cheap
meals. Try the
nasi katok
(
fried chicken),
but tell them if you can’t take spices.
SLEEP
Get comfortable at Radisson
International and Times Hotel. These are
good midrange options.
EAT
Try
ambuyat,
made from sago and
water, at Ambuyat at Aminah Aarif.
aminaharif.com.bn
SHOP
Buy gifts for friends back home
from Kain Jong Sarat at Arts and
Handicraft Center.
INSIDER TIP
Get around BSB onboard
the local purple bus.
DIALING CODE
+60 (88)
CURRENCY
MYR1 =PHP13.27/US$0.32
TOUCHDOWN
The Kota Kinabalu
International Airport is only 10 minutes
away by taxi, and it usually costs about
MYR20 (PHP265). Be sure to negotiate
and agree on the fare before you step into
the cab.
SEE &DO
Visit the islands at Tunku Abdul
Rahman Park, which is a 20-minute boat
ride from Jesselton Point. The Sunset
Bar at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort and
Spa is the best place to watch the sunset.
Head to Times Square for the city’s best
restaurants and wine bars. You’ll also be
spoiled for choice at the Waterfront, with
its range of international eateries.
SLEEP
The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Resort and Spa for luxury, and Hotel
Sixty3 for smaller budgets .
EAT
My favorite for breakfast is noodles
with seafood at Jin Jin Coffee Shop in
Hill Top.
SHOP
The local roast pork can be bought
at two corner shops in Segama Shopping
Complex.
INSIDER TIP
Stop by the small town
tamu
(
bazaar).
Kamarul
Dzaman
Ajimain
multimedia
coordinator
George
Hong
generalmanager/
touragent
MALAYSIA
KOTAKINABALU
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BANDARSERI BEGAWAN
The best time to visit Batu Caves is during the Thaipusam Festival in
January or February.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
BORNEO GIBBON, LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK
