Are you coming to Kuala Lumpur and looking for the best spots around the city are for instagram and photography? There’s so much to explore and photos opportunities are endless but I have put together a list that will make your friends jealous the moment they see it in their feed.
1. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
2. Merdeka Square
3. Jamek Mosque
4.KLCC PARK
5. Petronas Twin Towers
6. Thean Hou Temple
7. Batu Caves Villa
8. Guan Di Temple
9. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Maze Garden
10. Sri Mahanariamman Temple
11. Batu Caves
12. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Lobby Area
13. Arthur’s Bar and Grill ( Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur)
14. Lemon Garden ( Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Restaurant )
15. The Iconic Clock Tower of Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and the main gateway to the rest of the country. This “Garden City of Lights” is the home of the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers.
Boasting with gleaming skyscrapers, lush parks, bustling street markets, colonial architecture, and a myriad of natural attractions of old and new can be found in Kuala Lumpur. It might be a big city, but is not as busy as Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Despite the modernization, Kuala Lumpur has managed to retain its rich heritage of culture and traditions.
Here is the comprehensive guide / itinerary during my three days stay in Kuala Lumpur
DAY 1
PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
No trip in Kuala Lumpur without a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most recognised landmarks of Malaysia. The twin towers is the home to Petronas, an oil and gas company.
You need to book your ticket in advance or take a chance in a ridiculously long queue to get a ticket. In my case, I opted to settle for an outside view and enjoy the enormous towers.
One of the Petronas Towers Spires
EXPLORE SURIA KLCC
Suria KLCC is an upmarket retail center at the feet of the Petronas Towers. It features mostly foreign luxury goods and high-street labels. Boasting about 300 stores, Suria KLCC is touted as one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia.
EXPLORE KLCC PARK
Located below the building is the KLCC Park. It has a jogging and walking paths, a fountain with an incorporated light show, wading pools and a children’s playground. It is a 50 acre garden set close to Suria KLCC shopping center. It is designed to provide a touch of greenery for the Petronas Twin Towers and the surrounding area.
Public children’s swimming pool.
GO SHOPPING / EXPLORE CHINA TOWN
The lively, colorful, vibrant Chinatown or known as “Chee Cheong Kai” is situated right near the well-known Petaling street. It is filled with an array of markets stalls offering all kinds of goods, a bargain hunter’s paradise. This is a place where you can find all sorts of stuff from Chinese herbs to imitation goods.
VISIT NEARBY TEMPLES
GUAN DI TEMPLE
Guan Di Temple is one of the most impressive Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur or also known as Kuan Ti Temple. It is easily recognisable because of its vibrant orange facade. The temple is easy to locate as it is parallel to the busy Petaling street.
The origin of this temple comes from one of China’s greatest warriors known as General Kwan, Guan Di or Guan Yu. He was given the title of ” God of War” and many had chosen to worship him due to his excellent fighting war and skills.
Stepping inside the temple you will see a numerous hanging incense that will give you a feeling of serenity and calmness.
SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE
This is the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Malaysia and is one of the most popular temples among worshippers and visitors alike. It is also reputed to the richest in the country. The temple was originally located somewhere near the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. It was then moved to its present location along Jalan Tun H.H. Lee next to KL’s Chinatown and close to Guan Di Temple.
The Sri Mahamariamman temple boasts various intricate architecture of gods and goddess carved against the walls, roofs, and pillars in different size and shapes.
The temple is open daily and open to public. Entrance to the temple is free of charge. Please take note, visitors are not allowed in with their shoes on. Beside the temple is a safe place where you can store your shoes and a minimal ringgit is charged for storing your shoes. Otherwise you may just place it outside at your own risk.
This is a house of worship so please dress properly.
Outside the temple are several kiosks sell saffron-colored marigold flower garlands for worshippers, some Indian food and desserts.
DAY 2
BATU CAVES
Batu Caves is an iconic and popular attractions in Selangor about 12 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur. This limestone Hindu temples are built in the cave. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance and are reachable by 272 steps where poojan (a prayer ritual performed by Hindus of devotional worship to one or more deities) is performed. It is the focal point of Hindu festival Thaipusam. The Batu Caves is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Monkeys frolics as you ascend and descend the stairs so be better careful with your bags.
How to get to the Batu Caves.
The Batu Caves are easily reachable from the center of Kuala Lumpur. For RM20 / RM25 you can take a taxi, when the driver is driving on the meter it will be even cheaper. From the bus station Puduraya in Chinatown two buses also have a route to the Batu Caves, 11/11d and U6. The bus will take you to the Batu Caves in about 45 minutes. The easiest way is by taking the KTM Commuter train that goes from KL Sentral to Batu Caves station in less than 20 minutes. A ticket to KL Sentral will only cost a few ringgits.
From the top you can see the stunning view of the city.
VISIT AND EXPLORE SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING
Sultan Abdul Samad Buildingis a home to the Ministry of information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia and sits beside the old Railway Station. Though it is no longer serves an official purpose, it remains one of the city’s most important tourist attractions and a historical landmark of the city.
The building features a strong gothic, western and Moorish style influences. Behind the Sultan Abdul Samad Building you’ll find the confluence of the Klang River and Gombak River, as well as Masjid Jamek ( Jamek Mosque).
VISIT MASJID JAMEK MOSQUE
One of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia besides being the oldest one in town is that it was built on the first Malay Burial Ground in Kuala Lumpur. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River. It is known as the Friday Mosque.
The architecture of the mosque is a combination of Moorish, Islam and Magul. The mosque is always packed with devotees and also tourists. This is one place to visit to appreciate the ancient architecture with a combination design of different cultures.
While Masjid Jamek Mosque is open to public daily ( apart from Fridays), visitors can only enter the mosque after prayer times.
There are robes and headscarves that can be borrowed at the mosque entrance. The mosque encourage visitors to dress conservatively ( sleeveless shirts, shorts or skimpy clothing are prohibited). and wear shoes you can easily removed before entering the prayer halls.
The mosque is easily reached by Star LRT (station Masjid Jamek). Using the KL-Monorail, go Hang Tuah station, transfer to the Star LRT.
VISIT MERDAKA SQUARE
Merdeka Square or formerly known as the Selangor Club Padang or simple the “Padang” ( meaning “field” in Malay) and was used as the cricket green of the Selangor Club ( now the Royal Selangor Club).
Merdeka Square is situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It has a wide-open space with a great view of the city’s most impressive old buildings.
VISIT KUALA LUMPUR NATIONAL GALLERY
National Gallery Kuala Lumpur is an art gallery situated along Jalan Tun Razak across Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
The gallery displays paintings, sculptures, batik and other works done by artists from Malaysia and all over the world.
If you like art, this is a good place to see for yourself.
Guided tours are available at specific time of the day and is free of charge. Tuesdays to Sundays except Fridays: 11:00 am and 2:30pm. Fridays: 10:30 am and 3:00pm.
All you need to do is assembled at the information counter before the tour time and you will be taken on an organized tour of the art gallery.
VISIT THEAN HOU TEMPLE
Thean Hou Temple known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven is one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia located along Jalan Klang Lama. The temple is set on a hill and offers a stunning view of the city.
Stepping inside the temple you can see a modern Buddhist pagoda and plenty of Buddha images enshrined in the octagonal hall. It also features a Chinese medicinal herbs garden and tortoise pond along with a well, beside the temple is a sacred Boddhi tree.
Thian Hou Temple is also popular for wedding venue among KL’s Chinese locals and even conducts fortune-telling readings as well as traditional Chinese exercise and martial arts activities.
The temple is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00pm.
DAY 3
Since we opted to stay in Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur I was able to explore and get lost in Shangri-La maze garden before heading back to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
There are so many things to do in Kuala Lumpur 3 days won’t be enough but hopefully this Kuala Lumpur itinerary will help.
After our trip to NOAH’S ARK in Johor Bahru Malaysia we headed back to Singapore from Malaysia. ( I was with a group of photographers. The purpose of our trip was to visit the animal sanctuary and to take photos of the animals).
When we reached the border of Malaysia going to Singapore we alighted from the van and entered the Singapore immigration station. Passing through Singapore to Malaysian border I didn’t have any problem but coming back from Malaysia to Singapore that was when my worst nightmare started. I thought all I need to do is line up, have my bag scanned, present my passport, get a stamp on my passport and that’s it. But I was wrong. The woman officer started to ask me series of questions and then the grilling questions started to escalate
Travel is fun and a life-changing experience and totally rewarding but travel is definitely NOT unicorns and rainbows all the time. When caught in a situation where control is not in your hands, your world would turn upside down.
Sometimes no matter how ready you are, misadventures happen and no matter how you present yourself and prove yourself in another country, you will always be subject to the laws of their land – it’s their country, their RULES, their LAWS.
However with my background in the Immigration Consultancy Firm and recruitment agencies I knew that I can handle the situation. I was scared to death, wanted to freak out, but I needed to compose myself and have a positive presence of mind. Panicking would not help me rather it would just worsen the situation. I just have to be HONEST and BE TRUTHFUL with my answers.
What the Immigration Border Does?
A border between countries will normally checks people crossing the border and decide if they allowed you to enter the country or being denied entry. This will involve checking your travel documents are valid, verify the reason for entering the country and the length of your stay. The officer will inspect your passport and supporting documents, for verification that you have obtained permission to enter their country, as well as any information that might prohibit you from doing so. Have all your visa or documents ready.
And the interrogation process begins…Be prepared for Questions..
What is the purpose of my trip to Malaysia, how many days will I stay in Malaysia, where am I staying in Singapore, how many days am I staying in Singapore, they even checked if I have my camera with me. Was even asked why partner was not with me when I went to Johor Bahru Malaysia. How could we able to travel when both of us were no longer working ( Do you really need to have a work to travel the world and enjoy the life that you been dreaming of?) This was in my mind that I really wanted to say to the face of the immigration officer but I know it’s wrong and I would rather be humbled and stay calmed. They even checked some of my photos taken at the animal shelter, reviewed my return ticket, asked how much money do I have in my wallet and so on. It was just like an unending interrogations and repeatedly questions trying to squeeze all details that they could get from you. I answered all their questions in a very straight forward way and I knew I have answered it in all honesty and that even matched my supporting documents.
PROBABLY….
I was thinking, they might just wanted to make sure that I am consistent with my answers. An Immigration Officer is free to ask just about any question and the chances of being treated with respect is by remaining calm, polite, and respectful.
Scared…OH HELL YAH!!!
A woman officer asked me to enter their office. This was when I really almost started to freak out. I was there sitting while listening to the three officers talking to each other in a language I did not understand while reviewing my passport and my return ticket back to the Philippines. I couldn’t understand them as they were talking in their own local dialect ( Singaporean language). Lots of questions started to pop up in my mind. Why they are trying to hold me, how long would it take, are they going to detain me, what did I do wrong, is my group still waiting for me and the service van. Would I able to go home with my partner. Was I scared? Yes I was scared but pretended not to be…all I wanted is to have my passport stamped and leave the immigration office.
I understand they are just doing their jobs and following certain protocols and all I had to do was answer their questions that match my legal requirements as a tourist in their country and show that I don’t have plan to violate any laws. Remember Singapore is known as a FINE CITY. Any violations against their laws might be sentenced to deportation and in severe cases, if proven guilty sentenced to DEATH. In Singapore, possessions of drugs is tantamount to a death penalty. “Death to drug traffickers” is a ubiquitous poster scattered all over Singapore thereby affirming that ignorance would never be an excuse to the law.
Known to other countries like Malaysia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong Filipinos were sentenced to death due to cases of drug trafficking. Filipinos caught as drug mules and because of this incidents neighbouring and other countries have been very wary and suspicious of Filipinos and generalised that all Filipinos are the same, even if you are just a tourist. Some would exit Malaysia came back to Singapore to extend their stay hoping they could find a work. One commits a crime, and the rest of the fellowmen take the blame for it. And this is was the predicament that I went through even my purpose of travel is just to visit the animal sanctuary.
Grilling Questions and No Ending Interrogation…
After reviewing all my legal documents, the woman officer approached me and asked me if it would be okay for if they allowed my group to leave without me and that they will be the one to bring me to the bus station as they still don’t know when the interrogations will end. This was when I answered, “NO”. I insisted that I am with my group I need to be with my group going back home. They escorted me outside to talk to my group and asked them if they could wait for me. I asked a Filipina friend if she could wait for me. During this time the two officers were talking with our Singaporean driver and two Singaporean couples (photographers). The couples explained to the officers the purpose of our trip to Malaysia. I heard them talking to the officers that we came to Malaysia for a one day event to photograph animals in the shelter.
The rest of the group decided to head back home while my Filipina friend whom I met during our trip in NOAH’s ARK in Johor Bahru Malaysia decided to wait for me.
The officers escorted me back into their office. Exhausted from all the tedious and exhausting process, finally the woman officer told me to follow her to their clearance officer and that was when I breathed a sigh of relief because I knew that I am cleared to their suspicions and allowed to go home and back with my partner.
At the Clearance Room…
The officer called me to have my thumbprint and stamped my passports and told me that I need to go back to Philippines on the 15th of April as stated in my returned ticket. i smiled and I said ” Yes, I understand”.
Finally, I was out from the moment and just wanted to walk in a hurry out in the Immigration Border. There I saw my Filipina friend “Dinx” who patiently waited for me outside. I would be forever grateful and thankful for her. She was there in a situation where I needed it most even when we knew each other the day when we went to NOAH’S ARK in Johor Bahru Malaysia.
DO NOT GENERALIZE
I am truly aware that some of my fellowmen committed a crime in your countries but please do not generalise us because there are still good circle of Filipinos. The Filipinos who are caught doing crimes are just a small percentage of the Filipino population. I understand that what happened to me may be part of the security measures that your country observes. But please do not be very condescending towards us. We are good people if you only realise to give us a chance.
LESSONS I LEARNED
No matter what accusations you are charged of, always be humble, stay calm, be honest and respectful. Remember you are in a foreign land, and you are subject to their laws and rules.
While crossing borders, make sure you have all the necessary documents ( plane tickets, accommodation bookings, etc.) with you. Have a journal with you where you can write down the address of people where you will be staying, their contact numbers and the like. This will help a lot.
Do not misadventures discourage your from travelling. Instead take it as a challenge and learned from it.
Do not leave your bags unattended.
Dress appropriately, look good and feel confident. Do not dress down and look like a poor girl on meager substance, but do not overdress nor wear skimpy clothes ( you might be accused of being a prostitute).
Read all the rules and laws of countries you would be visiting before arriving in the country. Some laws are common sense, but it’s good to keep in mind that what are seen as small offences in some countries might be considered serious offenses.
Keep your head up high and be proud to be a FILIPINO despite the degrading discrimination they impose upon you.
Respect the local cultures, laws and rules and I guarantee you’ll be fine. Be aware of everything you do and show how Filipinos really are.
Pray and Keep on praying. Prayer is a very powerful weapon
Disclaimer: I do not in any way, intend to complain nor rant nor bash about the Singaporean immigration nor its people. This is just an expression of my experience how I felt when I crossed the Malaysia to Singapore border last April 8, 2017. I love Singapore and Singapore is my second home already.
NOAH’S ARK is a privately funded animal shelter located in Pekan Nanas, Johor Malaysia founded by Mr.Raymund Weewhose dedication, love, kindness and commitment in rescuing abandoned and abused animals is beyond measure. Mr. Wee is a man with a lot of love for the animals. His compassion to animals is truly an inspiration.
Back in 1995, the shelter was first then opened in Singapore into one of the foremost private animal shelters where Mr. Wee is hands on in seeing the operation of the sanctuary and taking care of the animals when they need medical attention. However, when the land leased in Singapore expired they had to move to Pekan Nanas Johor Malaysia.
MR. RAYMUND WEEthe founder of NOAH'S ARK giving us a brief history of the place, how it was run and operated by people and volunteers. Mr.Raymund Wee believe that animals should be treated with Kindness,love and compassion.
Driving from Singapore to the sanctuary will take about two hours (Private car/van) to reach the place. The place is home to stray, abandoned and abused animals including 700 dogs, 300 kittens, 9 horses, 4 primates and many other small animals living at the sanctuary some with disabilities because of vehicular accidents. HEALING takes place in this sanctuary.
The moment our service parked we were greeted by dozens of barking dogs, jumping and sniffing on us half-delighted, half-hungry for human attention and affection. Some were contented watching us while some liked to be patted.
This is not an ordinary sanctuary where animals are put into cages. The place is a piece of HEAVEN ON EARTH where dogs can run freely with horses, roam and explore the woods and play all day long.
Free with no worries. A place where the dogs can run freely with horses. What a wonderful world to live in!
Animals here are given shelter, food, medical care, are loved by people and volunteers who never get tired of taking care of them, showing human kindness and to look for their FUR-EVER family to take home with them.
Human please pat me.
HAPPINESS! yes exactly this is how you felt being surrounded by these bundles of joy once you step inside the sanctuary.
Volunteers never get tired of caring for abused and unwanted pets. Their empathy, dedication and love for animals are admirable.
Group of volunteers and photographers during our visit at Noah’s Ark who post with these beautiful doggies.Human hug me please. I want your attention. Dogs are very affectionate animals. Touch means a lot to them.
Not long ago you were thrilled to have a puppy of your very own. But time changed and you dumped me because you no longer needed me. I am not as cute as I was before. But don’t worry here in this place, I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch…knowing that no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
Here in this place, no matter what I look like I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value. I will never be cast out because I am too old to ill, to unruly nor cute enough.
I am a dog. I want to give and receive love. I want to live. I am not a thing or a commodity or a piece of property. Please do not discard me; rather treat me with KINDNESS, LOVE and RESPECT. I promise to pay you unconditional love and loyalty.
Look in my eyes and deny it. No human could love you as much as I do.Treat me with kindness and compassion and I will give you unconditional love and loyalty.
THE STABLE
The place shelters 9 horses most of them surrendered by their owners because they can no longer care for them, some are not fit to race or work. In short they are no longer viable and never make it to racetrack once their racing career has ended.
What happens to ex-racehorses? Nearly all the horses that leave the industry will be killed for meat. Some are lucky enough being saved by caring individuals and horse rescue organisations. However, usually the numbers of horses being saved are extremely low because of the expensive cost and the time needed in retraining and maintaining a horse.
At NOAH’S ARK they are rehabilitated and provided a safer place for them to live out their lives knowing that they will be loved and cared for. The people behind NOAH’S ARK believe that all animals deserve to live out their lives with dignity.
THE CATTERY
The sanctuary has two catteries. One is made of a large wooden double-storey house over looking a small pond and fenced compounds side by side while the other is a concrete room surrounded with wire mesh where cats are kept safe and happy.
The shelter believes in humanely dealing with the cat overpopulation problem by spay, neuter, release. Cats when given a second chance become a wonderful member of the family and both give and respond to the kind of love that families bring.
Seeing all the kittens, I feel like hugging them all as much as I can. As I tried to pat one at a time some would try to rub their bodies against my legs, some tried to jump on your back. Some are three legged kittens, some are one-eyed kittens. Seeing what they have been through, I just want to take their pain and suffering away. I felt a pinch in my heart as I remember my kittens back in the Philippines and how I truly miss them all.
Time passed and we needed to say goodbye to the animals and this is the hardest part of leaving. Seeing animals looking at you with their eyes telling you how eager they want to be with you.
It can be heartbreaking to think about animals in the shelters and it is our obligation and responsibility to do something for them. If you can not adopt there are many ways you can lend a hand and make life easier for those animals.
How can you help shelter animals?
Help The Animals Find a Home. If you’re able to adopt and give a shelter animal loving home, it’s the single greatest thing you can do. But if adopting is impossible you can still help by sharing adoption profiles on your social media, spreading the word about the animals in need.
Foster an Animal. Fostering is beneficial for the shelter because it opens up some space, allowing the shelter to accept newcomers.
Donate. Donating to local shelter is great.
Volunteer. The best thing you can give is your time and talent.
Let us work hand in hand to bring awareness to stop people letting unwanted pets loose on the streets…this needs to stop. Animal cruelty needs to stop from domesticated world to the wild. I urge you to give your pet extra love. Not just today, not just tomorrow, not just this week, next month, next year but for their entirety of their stay with you.
As what Mr Wee said when you do something do it whole heartedly and not in a half-hearted manner.
It was a short visit but I learned a lot from a man like Mr. Wee who dedicates his life, time and effort in rescuing and finding a better place for animals to live in with KINDNESS, LOVE and COMPASSION.
Human please pat me.
HAPPINESS! yes exactly this is how you felt being surrounded by these bundles of joy once you step inside the sanctuary.
Volunteers never get tired of caring for abused and unwanted pets. Their empathy, dedication and love for animals are admirable.
TRAVELISTA JOURNAL 
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