What’s there to do in Kuala Lumpur apart from eating, shopping and freezing in hotels with non-adjustable air conditioning? Nothing much really. Petronas Towers, the landmark of KL, although impressive in the night time, is essentially just another skyscraper. Batu caves, a Hindu cave temple, in the outskirts of the city, which I immensely enjoyed from my previous trip to KL six years ago, has now been swollen by the city. Back then it was surrounded by crop fields and low profile shacks and you had to take a train and a bus to reach it. Nowadays condos and shops have emerged next to the caves. There is a highway nearby and a direct train line connecting it with the city center. Nonetheless the Batu caves are still the nicest thing about KL.
The infrastructure of the city made an impression, especially after a month spent in Indonesia. Skyscrapers and highways are everywhere and not a single traffic jam was spotted during the two days stay. I remembered KL as a city designed for cars, but while true, it is infinitely easier to walk in KL than in any Indonesian city. Public transport truly works, again in contrast to the dysfunctional public transit of Bali. It is all very civilised and almost European like. None of that wild touch of Asia. Similar to Kuta, it was alright for a couple of days before turning tiresome. Fortunately we had our exit plan ready well before entering KL. The next stop on the route was the great unknown of Myanmar. Good-bye well maintained roads and easily accessible excellent food.

A view over KLCC during the nighttime

Petronas Towers

Chinese lanterns and skyscrapers

A man violently haggling over a watch at Petaling Street.

Petaling Street, cheap street food, knock-off goods and fake brand clothes

The entrance to Batu Caves guarded by Vishu

And the steep steps leading to the cave entrance

An Indian woman pondering the existence in Batu caves

A new thing to me during this trip to Kuala Lumpur was the butterfly garden. A pleasant way to spend an hour or so, even if you are not a butterfly enthusiast. Pictures as a proof