Malaysia
Exploring Kuala Lumpur
We spent time in Kuala Lumpur both at the start and the end of our trip, but in this article I’m sharing the experiences from the very beginning of our holiday. From first impressions of the bustling city to our early adventures exploring its highlights, this is where our Malaysian journey truly began.
Visiting the Petronas Twin Towers
We booked our tickets to visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers well in advance, which was definitely the right choice. The experience was very well organized: visitors enter in small groups based on their reserved time slots, moving together from one level to the next by elevator. At each stop, we had around 10 to 15 minutes to explore, reading the informative displays, watching short videos, and even browsing a small souvenir shop. One of the highlights was walking across the Skybridge that connects the two towers, offering an incredible perspective of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The entire visit was smooth, informative, and absolutely worth it. Standing between the famous towers and taking in the city from above is an experience we won’t forget! After our visit, we took a relaxing stroll through KLCC Park, an urban oasis directly in front of the towers. The beautifully landscaped park features walking paths, water fountains, and a man-made lake called Lake Symphony. From various vantage points, you can admire the full silhouette of the towers reflected in the water, a perfect end to a memorable outing.
Jungle in the city: KL Forest Eco Park
Right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, just a short walk from the iconic Menara Tower, you'll find an unexpected patch of rainforest: the KL Forest Eco Park. Entry costs RM 40 (€8) per person, and it’s absolutely worth it for a refreshing escape from the city buzz. We wandered along the canopy walkways, suspended between the trees, with lush green all around and the city skyline peeking through in the distance, a truly unique blend of nature and urban life. To our delight, we even spotted a few playful monkeys swinging through the branches! One tip: bring insect repellent. We forgot, and I ended up covered in mosquito bites, a small price to pay for the experience, but worth remembering if you're planning to go! The KL Forest Eco Park offers a quick but memorable dose of jungle adventure, right in the middle of the city.
Thean Hou Temple: Serenity in the city
As the sun began to set over Kuala Lumpur, we hopped into a Grab taxi from the city centre and made our way to one of the city's most beautiful landmarks: Thean Hou Temple. It was just after 7 p.m., with closing time at 8, giving us the perfect golden-hour window to explore. The temple, perched on a hill overlooking the city, offered stunning panoramic views and that evening, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the skyline. As daylight faded, the lanterns and decorative lights around the temple slowly began to glow. The soft twilight made the reds, golds, and oranges of the architecture feel almost magical. Entry is completely free, and you're free to wander at your own pace. With fewer visitors at that hour, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, a gentle end to a busy day in KL. Whether you're into architecture, culture, or just chasing a beautiful moment, Thean Hou Temple at dusk is a must.
Batu Caves in full color
On a bright weekend morning, we hopped on a train from central Kuala Lumpur and headed straight to one of Malaysia’s most iconic landmarks: the Batu Caves. The journey was smooth and easy, the train drops you off just a short walk from the entrance. Being the weekend, the site was buzzing with both tourists and locals, adding to the lively atmosphere. Upon entering the complex, a man tried to steer us left toward a smaller cave attraction, but we had read ahead and knew this was a paid section that most visitors don’t find worth it. Thankfully, we skipped it and stuck to the right path and we’re so glad we did. There they were: the vibrant, rainbow-colored stairs leading up to the main temple cave, guarded by the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan. Climbing the steps was a bit of a workout, but with so much color and energy around us, plus a few cheeky monkeys on the way, it felt like part of the adventure. At the top, the cave opens into a vast and beautiful space, filled with shrines, offerings, and shafts of light pouring in from above. Despite the crowds, there was a peaceful energy inside, a place where natural beauty and spiritual tradition meet.
