Merdeka Malaysia!

Here we are looking for our couple pose in one of the most photographed landmarks of the city.

Oct.15-19, 2014
[Malaysia-Singapore Trip]

My hubby-to-be being the good navigator that he is, found this place in no time. We just walked by the way. It was easier not to get lost when you walk. Tiring yes, but definitely worth the adventure.

The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery was centrally located and was housed in a very beautiful building.

Inside was a traveler's haven. There were maps, memorabilia and tours available for those who want to explore the great city. We opted to enjoy the short tour of Malaysia's history presented inside for free . It was very fascinating!

All that walking, touring and getting lost made us really hungry. I never intended to eat here but this is where our feet lead us-- an authentic Indian restaurant with all the spices in the world! The look on my face says it all. I'm a fan of spicy food but I was never prepared for this one. The food looks promising and really appetizing. I will give it another try next time.

Our next stop was Merdeka Square. In our short history tour earlier, we learned that "Merdeka" means Freedom. And it was what the people fought during the British colony.

And this historical Merdeka Square is a beauty. The buildings are carefully designed and very well preserved. We spent the rest of our afternoon here with our DIY prenup photo session. 

Afterwards, we grabbed some BR icecream to console our weary selves.

Aaaand maybe we did a little more consoling after that. (wink wink).

Also, as we promised to each other, we went back to the Petronas Towers during daytime just so we won't forget how wonderful it is.

More couple shots here and there. 

We also wanted to visit this famous Masjid Jamek Mosque but it was closed to tourists during our visit. So we just looked at its marvelous architecture from afar.

  That's us in China Town and in their Central Market. We also discovered what shop-houses are. First floor is for business (shops) while the second floor is where they sleep.

This was near a Metro station in Kuala Lumpur. Their wall art caught our attention just before we went back to our accommodation to fetch our things.... so we can leave for....... SINGAPORE!!!! Coming up next...

It's the Climb! 272 Steps To The Batu Caves

[Oct.15-19, 2014]

Malaysia-Singapore Trip

We woke up early for our 2nd day in Kuala Lumpur to explore the famed Batu Caves. We took the metro and enjoyed a very smooth ride to Selangor, Malaysia. 

When we arrived, we saw this huge 50 ft. statue of a Hanuman god (noble monkey devotee) near the entrance. The whole place was considered sacred with carefully designed temples. It was very quiet and it seemed like we were the only ones there. 

As we walked further on, we saw that there were already hundreds of tourists before us. We even noticed that a wedding was about to take place. And like it was on cue, the bridal car arrives..

Wedding attendees scampered around all excited for the ceremony.

 Since we were not invited, we carried on our way and headed to the base of the hill where the Batu Caves were located.

And yes, the doves were as many as, if not more than, the tourists that day.

Standing a jaw-dropping 42.7 meters (140 ft) high, the world's tallest status of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is located outside the caves.

So here we are, staring at the 272 steps before us..wondering whether or not we could make it. But then we saw people way older than us who make it seemed very easy. It would be such a shame if we wouldn't do it. After all, the caves are what we came for. Let's climb! Oh and before you can start your ascend, you need to be dressed properly. Shorts and miniskirts are not allowed. You have to wear sarongs or long skirts as a respect to this holy place.

 Aside from the doves, monkeys also roam about. Tourists are advised not to get too close to them so as not to agitate them. 

 After almost a hundred steps, we took a breather (heavy breathing with knees shaking and sweating). And then we had this view of the city. Not bad!

And we're almost there. Just a few more steps and...

We have made it to the amazing Batu caves! When the caves were discovered back then, they turned it into a place of worship and later dedicated a temple inside to Lord Murugan. The cave's dome reached as far as 440 feet and the lime stone-wall you can see behind me is believed to be around 400 million years old. Awesome! There are lots of interesting things you can see inside this huge cave but of course, you have to see them for yourselves. 

No need to worry about keepsakes, there are several souvenir shops at the foot of the cave and this store owner was kind enough to pose for a photo with us. Thank you kind sir!

You can also visit the art gallery, the beautiful gardens and temples while you're there.

Don't miss this place when in Malaysia :)

Touchdown Kuala Lumpur, Hello Petronas!

[Oct.15-19, 2014]

Malaysia-Singapore Trip

We were both so excited to take on our backpacking adventure! 

After we cleared with immigration, we had a huge sigh of relief and just waited for boarding.

The 3-hour plane ride was smooth and we  landed safely at KLIA 2 or Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. Note that this is their budget airport. Huwaw! And like most international airports elsewhere in the world, they also had a train station inside the airport. Very convenient indeed!

Well, we just had to take a photo of just about everything to document our trip. This was taken at the waiting  lounge for the train that will take us to our accommodation.

This is the card you'll need to use for the KLIA express.

Very comfy seats and super clean!

This is at the KL station of the train where we got off.

Our first international backpackers experience was at the PODS.

Honestly, I was very hesitant about the place when we first arrived. Yes I was the one who made reservations online but once we were there it was like very real---a backpacker's place was no hotel and I was afraid we were going to have a bad experience. My bf  on the otherhand was very thrilled and had no ounce of doubt in his mind.

So here we go! You need to be keen on notes posted here and there, like this one.
You need to help yourself with everything and you need to be sure to clean up after. When you enter the main door you need to be quiet especially when you get home at night because some people might be asleep already. In places like these, no one will pick-up after you nor is there anyone available to serve you so this is not for the luxurious and the 'lazy'. No offense. It's actually the best place where you can learn to be a true traveler. Now, contrary to my first impression, I actually LOVED my whole experience here! First, because it was very clean. Our sheets were well kept and they smelled great. The bathroom and toilet were very well maintained. It had hot and cold showers and adequate cubicles for everyone else to use. Second, because we get to experience the company of other backpackers from all  around the world. We get to sit with them at the only long table in the kitchen during breakfast. And lastly, because we learned that though you are sharing the entire floor with people you do not know, you can still have the privacy that you need all because everyone else understands how to respect each other. Oh and at a price that doesn't cut a hole in your pocket. 

May I just add another reason why I loved our accommodation, it was at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The KL metro station was just a few minutes away. I wasn't able to take a photo but it looked and felt to me like the Grand Central Station projected in the movies.The KL metro station was like the center of the transportation system in KL because aside from the line going to the airport, this is also where you can find trains/buses that you could take you to Singapore, Bangkok, etc. There were lots of people there, really! Each person going about his or her way to some destination. You can also find some restaurants, money changers, etc. inside the station. So after we settled in, we walked our way to the station and hopped on the metro line that will take us to the Petronas Towers.

Upon exit of the train station, you can already see the glorious towers. 

This beauty is hard to miss. Hello Petronas!!!

You have to compete with other visitors for a good spot to take a picture. Because the towers are so tall, you have to take an extra effort to find the perfect angle to include the tip of the towers in the frame.

After several attempts, re-focusing and all that, we finally got our shots. Seeing the Petronas towers on your first day in KL is a must! Until then!

50th Post: We're Engaged!

After sharing wonderful adventures together and surviving a long distance relationship, 

we are finally engaged!

[Oct.15-19, 2014]

Malaysia-Singapore Trip

My boyfriend for 6 years, now my fiance, took me to my first out of the country trip to celebrate our engagement. Imagine my utmost glee and kilig! I can't wait to travel and get lost in two different countries (yes two!) with my husband-to-be. It's gonna be awesome and I'll tell you more about it in my succeeding posts.

Disclaimer: The photo above is a collage of our DIY pre-nup photo session :P They're not perfect but we managed to get some shots with our cameras, remote control and our ever reliable selfie stick. Enjoy!