It's the last day of our digital trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but today is an exciting one though because we'll go sight-seeing in Dataran Merdeka and feasting on local grub at Jalan Alor!
Masjid Jamek is the district where you will find Dataran Merdeka-Masjid Jamek is actually a mosque and it's a landmark in this area. In this district, you'll find most of the oldest buildings in fantastic Islamic architectures in KL.
TIP: From KLCC, ride the Kelana Jaya LRT station and alight at Masjid Jamek. Fare is around 1.40 RM or P14.00, if I am not mistaken.
Dataran Merdeka is quite a walk from the Masjid Jamek station, but it is very favorable because you'll pass by the beautiful Moghul- inspired buildings in the area.
Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) is a historical ground as it is where Malaysia has proclaimed its independence in the 50's. Right now, this big patch of greenery serves as a football field.
More sight- seeing after the break!
The 100-meter flag pole at Merdeka Square.
You would need to allot one whole day to Merdeka Square because most of the city's museums and historical houses are clustered in this area. This is the National Textile Museum and it's right across Merdeka Square.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in the 1800's and is arguably the grandest display of Moghul architecture in KL. It now houses the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Communication of KL. It's also known for its 41-meter high 'Big Ben' clock tower!
The Victoria Fountain was a gift from England to the kingdom of Kuala Lumpur in the 1800's. Good thing they were able to preserve it!
A closer look at the Victoria Fountain.
As the name implies, the city Gallery gives you a glimpse of Kuala Lumpur's history, but it is known more for its astounding handmade scale models.
On the second floor of the city gallery is where you will find the biggest scale model of Kuala Lumpur. My camera is not big enough to capture the entire scale model but I hope this gives you an idea of how massive this model is. I wonder how many men and hours it took to build this thing! The scale model also stages a mini lights show every 10 minutes-be sure to catch it when you visit this place!
The talented artisans behind all the scale models and handmade souvenirs at the city gallery. Most of them have been working for the city gallery for more than 20 years!
Arch Gallery Souvenir Store at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. They have great finds here, plus their souvenir shirt designs are nicer and cheaper than the ones at Suria KLCC. One shirt is at 46 RM (around P540.00) and 2 at 59 RM (around P750.00+), if I remember it correctly.
Pardon the super dry palms! My skin was reacting badly to the weather of KL! Anyhoo, these necklace and bracelet charms adorned with Swarovski crystals studs are lovingly handcrafted by the city gallery's talented artisans. One charm costs 6 RM (around P78.00+) and you also have to buy the chain separately. Other cool finds here are wooden bookmarks, fridge magnets, and mini scale models for house display.
Right beside the city gallery is the stunning Kuala Lumpur City Library.
And on the other side of Merdeka Square is St. Mary's Church, the oldest Catholic church in KL. It was close when I visited though!
I got hungry and very tired after my sight- seeing tour in Dataran Merdeka so I went back to the hotel and slept for an hour. By night time, I readied myself for some serious food tripping at Jalan Alor.
Jalan Alor is a long stretch of hawker- style food stalls and restaurants. It is within Bukit Bintang and is accessible by walking from Pavilion Mall.
At Jalan Alor, you're in for a serious gastronomic adventure with authentic local Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian dishes. Must- try foods here are Bak Kut Teh (Pork Bone Tea Soup), Pork Marmite Ribs, Fishball Noodle Soup, and Grilled Stingray.
TIP: If you've got a 'weak' stomach, better stick to the bigger and known restaurants at Jalan Alor just to be safe!
Because life is better with Bacon! If you love cured meats, drop by Restoran Dragon View for grilled, sweetened cured ham and bacon!
One of the famous restaurants here is Restoran W.A.W. which specializes in authentic Chinese food-it's located at the end of Jalan Alor. They have varying portions for their meals and price starts at 8RM (approximately P90.00+) per dish. I got the smallest portion of Yang Chow Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage-it's supposed to be good for two people, but I have to admit that I finished it myself. It's soooo good!
Restoran W.A.W. is famous for their grilled Chicken Wings. It's grilled upon ordering and it's got this sweet, savory taste: the skin is so crispy and sweet yet the meat is tender and a lil' salty. No wonder this is a best- seller! One must be prepared to wait though because as I said, it's a best- seller and most of their customers would order a ton of this!
Fish Ball Noodle Soup at Restoran Dragon View at 9RM or P100.00+. This hearty, healthy noodle soup is a little bland, but those springy fish balls made from real fish and fish cake slices are the bomb! It's so light that you can take it even after a heavy meal if in case you still want to try more local dishes at Jalan Alor.
So that's it for my last day in this beautiful city. Hope you all enjoyed! :D
3 Comments
Lovely, thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteGeraldine: You're welcome :)
ReplyDeleteI want to visit malaysia one of these days too! Great photos btw :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think of this post! :)