sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur

I haven’t read a blog post in ages, I am very sorry to neglect you all. Thank you for visiting me all the same. I am sharing some photos from Kuala Lumpur today. It seems like a long time ago and a lot has happened since but that’s for another time. 

 

I clocked up lots of steps in KL, despite the heat. I do enjoy the heat, very much so. It was just hot, not particularly humid. Before venturing out, I made sure to fill my belly at the extraordinary breakfast buffet that catered for all tastes. I mostly stuck to the continental European section because I am not an adventurous eater and I do enjoy plain yogurt with fruit and a croissant or two. And eggs, always eggs.

On my first day I wanted to explore the KL Eco Park, with is right in the middle of the city, just beside the KL Tower,  which I read is 421 metres tall. I didn’t go up to the viewing deck though because I am not keen on heights. The forest canopy walk was high enough for my liking. The slight bounce was not too bothersome for this cautious traveller. I really enjoyed stopping and admiring the forest, first on the canopy walk from above then on the ground, looking up. The scent and sounds were really enjoyable and I spotted a family of monkeys in the canopy. There was not much wildlife at all but it was the middle of the morning, so not the best time of day for animal activity. I completely missed the fruit bats roosting under the roofs of the tree top canopy towers at the nodes of the walk. One of my students told me about them later. 

After this peaceful forest walk I ventured into China Town, exploring the maze of streets and Central Market. This was essentially a warren of souvenir shops although there was also an interesting food court with a bewildering range of offerings, some I didn’t recognise. I wasn’t hungry (courtesy of the breakfast buffet) and decided not to eat there. I discovered another market, which was a fake goods paradise. Every garment and accessory brand you can imagine, it was all there. Then I slowly wandered back to the hotel via the fabric district. I decided to relax for an hour or two, then ventured back out to the nearby Suria Mall for some dinner. I had hoped for an exciting dinner at a small local place but there weren’t any. Still, the food court had plenty to offer. 

On my second day, I went to the Botanical Gardens. I do love visiting botanical gardens wherever I go. It was a bit further out and I booked a cab to take me there. I was peaceful, considering it was in the middle of a bustling huge city. I found the orchid garden, which I loved. I have many orchids at home and it was exciting to see some of the same species outside, much bigger and absolutely glorious. I then ventured into the butterfly sanctuary, which was small but delightful. It is not easy to capture butterflies on camera! There was an indoor section with lots of information but I was too lazy to learn. At the inevitable shop by the exit, I was tempted to buy a framed box with pinned preserved butterflies but thought this might not be an item to carry through customs back home. I’ll just have to go to the Hunterian Museum here in Glasgow to see their butterfly exhibits. I love those creatures, although weirdly I also find them a wee bit creepy. 

After a short rest at the hotel, I went back out to visit the National Textile Museum. I didn’t take any photos but it was fab, I learned so much about different weaving and dying techniques, I somewhat regretted being a scientist and not a textile expert. This didn't take very long and the day was still young but I walked back to the hotel to cool my hot feet down. Once refreshed, I took a walk to the KL city centre park, which is big and delightful. There is even a running track with a soft surface. I can't imagine running in the heat but there were some intrepid athletes with water bottles strapped to fancy looking belts doing loops. I spent some time sitting by the fountains, listening to an audio book and feeling rather chill. 

Finally went in search of somewhere to eat. I did find a hidden but huge covered but open place where the local community seemed to eat. I decided to try it but of course I didn’t know any of the dishes and eventually just pointed at something that looked like a lentil dish. It was spicy! Fun though to watch everybody else order with the confidence of knowing what they are going to eat. 

Two days of work followed and I am ashamed to admit that on the first day, I slept through the alarm and had to miss breakfast to rush to the University of Malaya for some much exciting microscopy. The cab driver dropped me off at the wrong place, the A&E hospital but by the time I realised that, he had left. I was not only two hours late but also needed someone to fetch me because I got completely lost. My hosts were very generous about this. 

The evenings for for me to enjoy but I was quite tired so visited two different shopping malls for food and air conditioning. 

My final day to explore started slow, I spent some time sampling the breakfast buffet then took a cab to meet an old friend at a mall near her house. We went to a vegetarian restaurant and of course I regretted eating a full breakfast... but I did find a space in my tummy to tuck in heartily all the same (I skipped dinner later). 

I'll leave you with a final photo of me at the speaker's podium at the conference I attended on my final day. I was surprised to be asked to give a welcome address, in addition to the two talks I had prepared. I had not realised that I was a guest of honour! I'd like to attribute this lack of realisation to my modesty and tendency to undersell my professional strengths.... but boy, did it feel good! I was presented with a ginormous basket of gifts, which I needed to stuff into my suitcase during a break. That must have been entertaining for the other attendees. 

After the conference ended, I booked a cab to the airport to return home. Exhausted but satisfied and happy by a successful and enjoyable trip. 

Thanks for visiting 😊