How to spend RM100 and less in Kuala Lumpur

The first time I landed in Kuala Lumpur is probably about 12 years ago.  My first impression is how small I felt with all the skyscrapers. As a photography student, that feeling made me wanting to venture more. So I started to explore and take pictures of the city.

                Now that I’m married, and still living in Kuala Lumpur, I haven’t yet felt bored of talking about it. Newer buildings are built and more facilities are provided. Whenever I feel like going somewhere, I can always find somewhere to go in Kuala Lumpur.

                This city is a costly city. However, if anyone wishes to spend RM100 and less, one may follow my suggestions as a local. If this is their first time visiting Malaysia, they might need to read a bit about the country, especially when it comes to the culture, food, and the climate. Basically, Malaysia is a multiracial country, with three main races namely the Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Roughly, they can guess how multicultural Malaysians are.

                First thing to do in the morning is visiting one of the oldest buildings in Kuala Lumpur; Central Market. From here, visitors can start browsing for various of items related to Malaysian culture, such as clothes, decorations, art, books, and food. This is also a perfect place for them to find something to bring back home.

                Malaysia is a land of exotic treasures. For example, visitors can find Malay traditional daggers known as ‘keris’ being sold in Central Market. The prices are vary, and can also be expensive. But a replica still makes a nice collection. In the past, every Malay man owned one ‘keris’ at home as family weapon, or when it was needed to protect the land from foreign invasions. In fact, my grandfather is still keeping his.

                Chinese is another population here that affects the culture a lot. Many Chinese artworks can be found as well. As visitors browse through Central Market, they can see a selection of Chinese paintings to choose from. The paintings are usually drawn with very wet and thin brush, using either ink or watercolours. A small one might cost about RM10 each.

                There is also a popular local restaurant inside Central Market, which is known as Old Town White Coffee. It serves our traditional food, from main course to desserts and the drinks.

                After spending some hours there, visitors can choose to walk outside of Central Market. The streets are usually busy and by walking there, visitors must also watch their bags and wallets. The most popular street there is called Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown; a heaven for hawkers.

Visitors can spend the evening at Petronas Twin Towers; our popular landmark. It is suggested to reach there around five or six so they can have a stroll around the park there. After that, they can have their dinner inside Suria KLCC as many restaurants can be found. Visitors must also remember to get outside again at the park by 8PM because this is where Musical Fountain show takes place. It runs at 8PM, 9PM, and 10PM. It’s a remarkable fountain that ‘dances’ with the music playing in the background.

Visitors can also pay a visit to National Museum. Other than being a museum, it is also a great place to gather ideas on the development of Malaysia. Many are inspired after seeing the artefacts on display. Some merchandise can be purchased here too.

Afterward, visitors may climb the KL Tower. It may not be necessary, but from up there they can experience the bird-eye view of Kuala Lumpur. It is breath-taking, and really worth it if they enjoy being up high and unafraid of heights.

After spending some time there, they can go for sightseeing around some historical buildings such as Masjid Jamek, the Railway Station and Railway Administration Building which is just across it, and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. They’re all located very close to one another, which makes it easy for anyone to walk.

                These buildings are also nice to be seen at night because they are decorated with colourful lights. Alongside the streets, visitors might also find some shops selling local fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, a night market will take place around the area, which is convenient for people to get some street snacks and trinkets.

               In Malaysia, a night market is pretty common. Basically, it’s an area full of stalls and booths selling foodstuff, clothes, and even merchandise. Usually, it stays up for hours, between 4PM to 11PM, and sometimes earlier depending whether it rains or not. Many Malaysians still prefer browsing through a night market than the shopping malls because of the varieties that people can find there.

                There is the best shopping mall ever existed in Malaysia. It’s known as Sunway Pyramid and located a little bit outside of the city centre. However, it can be reached easily by train (LRT), bus, and cab.

                It is the most convenient shopping mall anyone has ever been so far. Other than having a lot of parking space, its exterior and interior designs are spectacular. It also provides a lot of facilities such as cinema, bowling, and ice-skating rink.

                Sunway Pyramid is a great weekend getaway. It is also located right next to the water theme park, Sunway Lagoon. This water theme park is a perfect place for such hot and humid climate as in Malaysia. However, one might need to spend more than RM100 here.

                These are the places and things I would suggest tourists to do in Kuala Lumpur if they are on a budget trip. Of course, there are plenty of other places to visit as well, but they can do that when they’re staying much longer and willing to spend even more. Kuala Lumpur is an urban city for energetic people in hectic life, but it still preserves the historical and cultural values of Malaysia.

-Written draft for Tralleo.