Kuala Lumpur, nuts and bolts.

150 years ago Kuala Lumpur was just a small village relying on the mining of tin.  Today KL (as it's known by locals and  expats alike) is the national capital of Malaysia and a sprawling metropolis of over 7 million people.  It doesn't have the squeaky clean image of Singapore, nor is it famous for its supposed debauchery like Bangkok, instead the city of muddy rivers is a giant melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Tamil cultures, mixed with a heavy helping of British colonialism.    

Flying in from Singapore (for only $40 one way it just didn't make sense taking a bus.)  I landed in KLs 20 year old KLI airport and took a Star Shuttle bus (10 Malaysian Ringet or RM for short) to the Puda Raya neighborhood in the Golden Triangle, where I had chosen to stay at KL dorms 2, a recently opened hostel that was getting great reviews on a number of booking sights.   My bed cost me 28 RM a night or about $7.  My daily budget in Malaysia was going to be $40 a day or about 160 RM.  So far so good.


                        Like any big city there are a lot of things to see and do  in KL,  and honestly the biggest disadvantage of the city is the fact that everything is so spread out, which means a lot of walking or waiting for public transportation, or splurging on taxis, a definite no-no on my budget.  Luckily I like to walk and in Kuala Lumpur that came in handy (as did having google maps on my phone). 

Here's just some of my favorite budget friendly things to do in Kuala Lumpur.  


KL Tower:  The seventh largest telecommunications tower in the world and the second largest building in Malaysia after the world famous Petronas twin towers, is widely regarded as having the best view of the city skyline, yes even better than the twins and at  a higher viewpoint.  With a 360 degree view it comes with a price tag of RM 52  witch is over RM30 cheaper than the twin towers. 

                              View of the KL Tower at night from the roof of KL Dorms 2. 

Islamic Arts Museum:   The largest museum of its kind in SE Asia, it sends you on a trip through the history of Islam especially as it pertains to SE Asia and Malaysia in particular. When visiting Kuala Lumpur it's an absolute must, and with tickets only costing RM 14 its a downright steal.  My favorite part was the  models of mosques from around the world.  You can take a virtual tour at the museum web sight here.  www.iamm.org.my

Jalan Alor:  In my view the best part about staying in the Golden triangle is pigging out on all the street food in this area from probally the worlds greatest Nasi lemak to roast duck head (yes try the duck head!)  When it comes to food, whatever you desire you'll find it here, and you'll find it cheap!   

Central Market:  Whether you want to "shop till you drop" or just enjoy strolling along and watching others do likewise this is the best place to  go.  Forget the sterile modern shopping malls that dot the city and head straight here for an authentic Malaysian shopping experience.