KUALA LUMPUR

To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia.

Let's just say that some travelers are more fortunate because with my limited 28 lay-over hours, I only got as far as a scratch of the surface of the Malaysian experience. A pity, because travel reviews exalted Malaysia as:

"... a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Its multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals."

One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs.

I've missed the flipside of the contrasts. (sigh!)

PETRONAS TOWERS

Nevertheless, I still counted myself lucky to have experienced the cultural hub of Malaysia. Traveling by KLIA Ekspres from the KL International Airport in half an hour, I arrived right at the foot of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which, at 88 stories high, are the tallest twin buildings in the world and a vision of modern architecture.

It rained in the afternoon, which quite dampened my sightseeing plans, but my luck hasn't ran out as I was given a room upgrade by The Regency Hotel, a Lifestyle Suite facing the famous towers!

The next morning dawned clearly. I took the sunny opportunity to enjoy a stroll around the Golden Triangle, and found myself taking in the sights and sounds of a quiet KL morning in a vast scenic park that nestles the then still sleepy KLCC.

SURIA, KLCC
As expected, the relaxing stillness was short-lived as Suria started to rise into its character, being Malaysia's premier and most sophisticated shopping destination. Set in the heart of the KLCC , it offers an array of goods and services, from fashion, entertainment, arts and culture to fast food outlets and restaurants, all spread out over six levels of retail space where Isetan, Parkson, and Tanjong Golden Village are a few major tenants.

My Kuala Lumpur experience was brief to say the least, but far from disheartening, to say the most. The few people I have met were considerate and accommodating .  The culture I have glimpsed so far is quite soothingly familiar, reminding me of home.... or I'm getting close to home.

As I finally bid farewell to this hospitable country, eagerly anticipating spending Christmas with my family in the Philippines, I was still pondering about what made

"Malaysia, truly Asia".

I'm sure, given more time to explore her countryside, I'd have known the answer.

Travel Dates

20-21 December 2013