Christina's List of Things to do In and Around KL

Wet Market Tour with Christina

2011-01-30T23:43:00.000-08:00

Off the track experience of one of the largest wet markets in the country.
Wet markets are usually the pulse of the city, where the local go to get their weekly shopping done, as well as to catch up with what's going in the neighbourhood. This is so different from shopping in one of the ultra modern air-conditioned supermarkets or hypermarkets.
The experience of the sights and smells of each wet market is unique. Mingle with the local housewives and retailers going there for their regular shopping. Catch the bustle that typifies one of the oldest commercial institutions.
Visit an old Chinese Medicinal Hall to see the display of herbs - dried seahorses, sundried scorpions and geckoes, antlers and rare herbs from China. Drink the black potent herbal concoction specially brewed for you to rid you off heatiness. If you want something to spice up your sex life - a discreet word can be whispered to the old master.
Try a variety of local dishes and delicacies. One of the few spots relatively untouched by tourists. Not quite for the faint hearted.
The typical day starts at 2am for the vendors and they'll either sell their produce until they are sold out or 12 noon whichever is the earlier.

Time: 8.30 am - 12 noon
Group rates: Available upon request

Petrosains Interactive Science Discovery Centre

2011-01-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

The Petrosains Centre at KLCC Suria is an amazing place with all the scientific gadgets and electronic wizardry that will keep both children and adults mesmerized. It's a modern museum with interactive displays - a great learning experience for the family while on holidays.
The centre is operated by the Malaysian national oil company - Petronas to bring awareness also to the oil industry.
From time to time, especially during school holidays, Petrosains do organize educational camps for children. They are worth going to. The camps are supervised and your children would get an opportunity to interact with Malaysian children of the same age.

Venue: Level 4, KLCC Suria
Rates:   Adults - RM12
            Children (13-17) - RM7
            Children (05-12) - RM4
            Children (below 5) - Free
            Adults (above 55) - RM6

Opening times:
Mondays - Closed
Tuesdays - Thursdays - 9.30am - 5.30pm (last admission: 4pm)
Fridays   - 1.30pm - 5.30pm (last admission: 4pm)

Saturdays, Sundays & PH - 9.30am - 6.30pm (last admission 5pm)

Info / Booking: +603-2331-8181
General Line: +603-2331-8787

Batu Caves & Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

2009-09-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

This is another experience that is fun and memorable for the guests. The thrill of riding an elephant and getting rolled into the river, getting drenched, is rather unique. You are advised to bring along a change of dry clothes.
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary has been an attraction since the day they brought back a rogue elephant to be rehabilitated. This programme was started to help relocate elephants that has been ravaging crops and threatening the lives of plantation workers and farmers. Today the sanctuary is famous for the river dunking by elephants and is a hit among the many tourists who visit Kuala Lumpur.
Along the way you get to visit the world famous limestone outcrop called Batu Caves. On a clear day, after climbing the 272 steps to the top, you get rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding areas. You are also greeted by the dozens of monkeys coming to forage for food from the tourists.
Once a year during the festival of Thaipusam the compound comes alive with hundreds of thousands of devotees congregating to fulfil their vows by going into deep trances and parading with kavadis. It has become such a spectacle that millions of visitors would throng the Caves to be part of the celebrations.

Duration: 9.30am - 5pm
Price: Upon request as it depends on the number of persons
Along the journey you would also visit the Deer Land and Selangor Pewter Factory.

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

2009-09-02T01:29:00.001-07:00

This adventure has been considered as one of the highlights of our guests' stay in Kuala Lumpur. There aren't many places around the world with a sizeable community of fireflies like the one we have in Kuala Selangor. If you were not told that they are fireflies you'd probably think they are Christmas lights blinking incessantly on dozens of Chrsitmas trees along the banks of the river.
On the way to Kuala Selangor you will visit an orchid farm just outside of Rawang town. We are constantly amazed at the neverending myriad of colours and shapes from the cross breeding of orchid species. You may purchase test-tube seedlings of the specie of your choice to bring home.
Along the way you will come across quaint small towns with it's laid back lifestyle and oil palm plantations, giving you a glimpse of the rural countryside.
You will visit the old Dutch Fortress overlooking the Straits of Malacca at Bukit Malawati and play with it's most famous inhabitants - the Silver Leaf Monkeys.
A short journey from the Fort brings you to the riverine town of Pasir Penampang where you will have a sumptious seafood dinner while enjoying the sunset over the islands that dot the horizon. After the sunset it is time to go over to Kuala Selangor to take the electric powered boat out to the river to see the fireflies. Here you will witness a spectacle of busy little lights dancing about the trees to eat and mate, oblivious of the tourists sitting quietly in their boats crusing along the banks of the river.

Duration: 3pm - 11pm
Price: Upon request and depends on the number of people

Massage, Foot Reflexology & Fish Spa

2009-09-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

Take a stroll along Jalan Bukit Bintang and you find a host of massage and foot reflexology centres. It is quite the thing to do after a hard day of walking and sightseeing. You will be accosted along the Bukit Bintang stretch by dozens of ladies marketing their massage services but you will do well to just stroll the length of the street before deciding on the centre of your choice. Check out the prices as well!
We recommend the Fish Spa at either the Pavilion at the end of Bukit Bintang or the one at the 1st level of the Piccolo Hotel. Just remember not to visit the Fish Spa if you have any cuts or wounds on your legs.
Although Bukit Bintang is nearer to the guest houses we reckon that the massage by the blind in Brickfields is better value for your money. Ask Christina for directions to the massage centre by monorail.
There's a centre in Chinatown which has a great value package for a 2 hour massage. You might want to check it out when in town.
For those who would like to have a massage at the guest house we have a Malay lady masseuse (for ladies only) who does house calls.

Prices ranges according to duration of massage and the setting of the centre.

White Water Rafting Adventure

2009-09-02T00:42:00.000-07:00

This is a great outdoor activity for those who like the sun and water. White waters of between Stage 1 - 3 will give you an adrenalin rush, with an experience you will remember for a long time. The journey to the river is an interesting ride across part of Malaysia's mountainous range and you will see the rural side of the country.
The rafting is operated by experienced guides with International Certification.
You may combine the white water rafting with a trip to Cameron Highlands which is about an hour's drive away. For those who would like to stay overnight, there are chalets at the venue.

Duration: About 2hr 30min drive from Kuala Lumpur
Meals provided
Video clip of your rafting experience available
Price: Upon request as it depends on the number of persons

Learn Traditional Batek Painting

2009-09-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

Batek painting is one of the traditional crafts of Malaysia and Indonesia. It is an intricate art where the painter uses wax to created patterns on materials such as cotton of silk. There are quite a few templates to choose from for the beginner and you have the satisfaction of taking home the fruit of your labour.
Recommended for those who would like some quiet time in a bustling city and away from the stress of shopping.

Duration: 3 hours hands-on course with the master
All materials provided
Take home your masterpiece
Price: RM60 per person including transfers
About 10 min from the guest houses.

Hop On Hop Off Bus City Tour

2009-09-02T00:28:00.001-07:00

Great way to visit the major city attractions - Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, KL Bird Park, Central Market, Chinatown, Palace, etc
Air-cond double decker bus give excellent views of the city.
Guest who have taken this tour have only good things to say about the tour which you can take from Jalan Tengkat Tung Shin (Stop No. 7) - 5min walk from the guest houses. As the name suggests you are at liberty to hop off the bus at any point, sight see and hop on the next bus and continue your journey. You can also opt to remain on the bus throughout the journey, check out all the stops before deciding which are the ones you would like to go back to.
Duration: 8.30am - 8.30pm daily
Price: RM38 per person
Ticket can be purchased upon boarding and is good for 12 hours. Unused portion of the time can be claimed the following day.

Thursday Night Bazaar

2009-09-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

The "Pasar Malam" or Night Bazaar is one of KL's best kept secrets. There exists a traveling market that comprises of hundreds of enterprising vendors moving from one suburb to another everyday of the week taking their interesting wares and specialty food to the local residents.
This is where the locals shop and eat. If you are looking for something with a distinct local flavour this is a must visit.
You must try the salt baked chicken, "carrot cake", Pandan flavoured chinese pancakes, "Otak Otak", durian and of course the "Smelly Tofu", among a host fo other delicacies.
You would be so delighted to find that bargaining is seldom necessary since the prices are set mainly for the locals. Great buys await the visitor. RM10 shoes, skirts, blouses, leather wallets, etc.
The more interesting markets and closest to Sarang Vacation homes are the ones on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.Set out from the city after 7pm to avoid the after-office rush. It takes about 20-30mins by taxi without congestion.
Approx. RM15 and above cab fare one-way.
Usually if Michael &Christina are free they would give you a ride there and take you around the maze of stalls.

Jalan Alor Eateries

2009-08-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Jalan Alor at dusk when the food operators are setting up their stalls and getting ready for business for the night

This is a street which is not only close to where we lived for many many years but close to my heart for we have spent many an outing to this food paradise. Foodies have traveled from far and wide to savour the fascinating dishes that gives the street the global reputation.

Recently the KL city council actually had the gall to rename the street with the name of a someone obscure with absolutely nothing to do with the history of the city or Bukit Bintang. Without the slightest hint of their misled intentions they took out the old street signs and replaced them with new ones bearing the new name. All hell broke loose as business owners and street vendors who has been the backbone of this street cried foul and before long the whole country voiced their discontent over the dastardly act. It didn't take long before the authorities behind the fiasco restored the pride and place of the name Jalan Alor.

Chinese food dominates the fare with a sprinking of Malay, Indian & Thai. One can spend a few nights visiting the different outlets and yet not try everything that is on offer. Most tourists frequent the place in the evenings to enjoy outdoor dining under the stars, sitting at tables that encroach onto the already narrow street, turning the area into one big party.

Note: Jalan Alor is a short 5 min walk from Sarang Vacation Homes. Christina often accompanies her guests to introduce them to the various dishes, ordering for them dishes which they would normally not order if they were to dine by themselves.

KL Chinatown Pictorial

2009-08-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

Morning scenes of Petaling Street before the hustle and bustle that typifies the culture of KL Chinatown.

KL Chinatown in the morning and the Chinatown at night is like ebony and ivory, well like day and night itself. Michael & I find the mornings much more fascinating than the bright lights, beer gardens and cheap watches that fill up the glitzy nights all dolled up for the tourists.

Many who turn up at Petaling Street at night to do their obligatory tour and bargain hunting would miss the wet market which is one of the oldest markets in Malaysia still in existence. Miss the morning flea market in one the side streets where 'stolen' goods are displayed quite openly as second-hand goods. Miss the pushcart vendor selling duck's feet wrapped in intestine. Miss the Petaling Street without the make-up exposing the tired looking facade of old heritage buildings poorly maintained, yet so full of old world character.

Turn up in the mornings and you will experience what the locals have been enjoying. You will chance upon many elderly Chinese men and women who have lived all their lives on Petaling Street. Like the family who sells 'Yong Tau Foo' in one of the side streets or the barber under the make shift canvas canopy - a dying breed trimming the thinning hair of his elderly customers who really don't need a cut but would enjoy the casual banter that goes along with the session.

This is the KL Chinatown which Christina takes pride in showing our guests.

Note: Chinatown is a 15 min walk from Sarang Vacation Homes. You can also take a monorail ride from Hang Tuah Station to Maharajaleela Station and walk 5 mins to the chinese Assembly Hall end of Petaling Street. Or take 2 min bus ride from the main road to Kotaraya and walk across the road to Chinatown. A short taxi ride would also bring you there for a few Ringgit.

Old Fashion KL Chinatown - a brief history

2009-08-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

This introduction is taken from an article written by June Chua - a Malaysian born Chinese currently living in Canada. I chanced upon her writings and following her accomplishments I have come to admire her work, most of which is nothing short of being remarkable. Although I would not know whether she would still consider herself a Malaysian, I nevertheless feel a pinch of pride in knowing that she is a fellow countryman (person) amidst the social and political humiliation Malaysians have been subjected to in recent years.

A few years ago, when I was in Berlin, I noted the lack of specific neighbourhoods i.e. no Chinatown! save for the area that is predominantly Turkish. My German friend replied: "Here people are spread out not like in North America where you have ghettos." Well, she did have a point, I suppose.
Thing is, I find Chinatowns comforting. Everywhere I have travelled, I have managed to find a kind of Chinatown – London, Montreal, Paris, Naples, Sao Paulo etc…
Most of these "ghettos" had their start in the early 1800s, when the Chinese government opened up borders and allowed the movement of migrants all over the world (of course, there has been Chinese trade and migration prior to that). Specifically, the Cantonese, the Hokkien, the Teochew and Hakka peoples were the most active – settling in places such as North and South America, Australia and even Cuba.
Most of these communities were bachelor societies as many states forbid these migrant workers to import their wives or children. Of course, this has changed. Eventually, Chinese migrants headed to Africa, India (Calcutta and Bombay), Korea, the Caribbean, England and then, Europe.
Some of the earliest Chinatowns are located in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Manila and Nagasaki in Japan.Read more: http://chinese-food.suite101.com/article.cfm/chinatowns_around_the_world#ixzz0NOkmhZLv

This takes us to Kuala Lumpur Chinatown with its small beginnings in the early years of the 19th Century. Below is a condensed version of the history of KL's Chinatown from an article taken from The Star newspaper, 2007 August 9
Why early Chinese settlers chose the site
The original Chinese town in Kuala Lumpur was centred on Market Square.
However, as the population grew, High Street, now known as Jalan Tun HS Lee, became increasingly popular as it was higher than the rest of the town and therefore less prone to floods.
The population at the time were mostly Cantonese and Hakkas who came to the city because of the tin trade. They worked as coolies in the mines and were governed by a Chinese Kapitan or headman.

A civil war in 1870 caused the Chinese community to split into the Cantonese Ghee Hin and the Hakka Hai San secret societies.
Even though the British were called in to help end the conflict, the fighting between the two clans caused many buildings in the settlement to be burnt down and severely damaged.
The mines were abandoned during the Selangor Civil War. After the war, the miners could not return to work because the mines were flooded.
Yap Ah Loy, a famous Kapitan of that time, convinced the miners and coolies to remain in KL.
Yap opened a tapioca mill in Petaling Street where the tubers from his farms were brought here to be ground into flour.
Some people still call Petaling Street ‘Chee Cheong Kai’ which means starch factory street in Cantonese.
In 2003, the road underwent a major RM11.3mil facelift with two large Chinese arches placed at both ends of the street to welcome visitors. It still pulls in many tourists, who go there to shop and will be regarded as a heritage site.

Note: Chinatown is a short 2 min bus ride from Sarang Vacation Homes down to Kotaraya and a stroll across the road. Those who would like to walk it'll be a 15 min journey taking you past Puduraya bus terminal.