What’s Fun in Kuala Lumpur?

Text by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI, NUAR MD DIAH & CHONG WOON SONG FROM KUALA LUMPUR CITY COUNCIL (DBKL) & VISIT KL

Seems that Kuala Lumpur always has something new up its sleeve. Therefore, to truly understand more about the city, we personally think playing tourist is always a good idea.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Gaya Travel Magazine organised a three-day-two-night familiarisation trip in February 2020 by bringing a group of bloggers and social media influencers to discover several fun-filled family-friendly attractions in Kuala Lumpur for an enriching city experience.

WHERE WE VISITED

KL Tower: Skybox & Atmosphere 360 (http://www.menarakl.com.my)

Standing 421 metres tall, KL Tower is actually a communication tower that now functions as one of Kuala Lumpur’s proud icons. Located within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, KL Tower promises visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the city from its SkyDeck. To make travellers’ visit even more memorable, there are two glassbottomed ledges called Skybox, where travellers can take selfies with Kuala Lumpur’s breath-taking skyline as the backdrop.

After admiring the view, travellers are recommended to savour local and international cuisines 282 metres above ground at Atmosphere 360. Since this is a revolving restaurant, diners can simply take in the 360-degree view of the city without having to leave their table!

Also worth visiting at KL Tower: - Blue Coral Aquarium, featuring sea creatures including blacktip reef shark, grouper, sergeant major fish, percula clownfish, moray eel, red garra, freshwater stingray, and more. - Upside-Down House, which is literally a house with its interior and exterior, including a classic Morris 1974 at the entrance, turned upside down for visitors’ photography pleasure!

Saloma Link

The glorious view of Saloma Link during night.

This pedestrian bridge has been opened to the public since early February 2020 connecting Kampung Baru to Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The bridge spans 370 metres in total length but the main highlight is the 69-metre stretch across the AKLEH Highway and Klang River, covered by 4,100 LED lighting system that showcases kaleidoscopic illumination as the day turns dark. Interestingly, the design of the bridge was inspired by sirih junjung (betel leaf set used as part of dowry in Malay weddings).

The Rift (https://therift.com.my/)

Hurricane VR, one of the installations that can be experienced at The Rift.

Located within Mid Valley Megamall, The Rift is Malaysia’s largest virtualreality (VR)/augmented-reality (AR) theme park where travellers can enjoy exciting physical games while being immersed in up-to-theminute technology. Among the games available here are Hurricane VR, Run The River, Hado Monster Battle, Holowall, Terminator X, and more. Our personal favourite is the freeroaming Zero Latency, a VR game powered by wireless technology and housed within a full-sized area where gamers can move freely while hunting or being hunted!

SuperPark Malaysia (https://www.superpark.com.my/)

SuperPark Malaysia also has a 2,500 square feet indoor skating rink.

Serving as a one-stop-centre for indoor activities, this Finland-originated park is located at a 40,000 square foot site inside Avenue K Shopping Mall. It has three main areas namely Adventure, Game, and Freestyle, all suitable for family members of all ages and fitness levels. Among the highlights are pedal car, flying fox, superball, super pinball, skate and scoot world, ice-skating, and trampoline.

National Craft Day (https://hkk.kraftangan.gov.my/)

One of the booths showcasing creative artworks at National Craft Day 2020

Taking place at Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, the National Craft Day, which was in its 18th edition in 2020, celebrated the contributions made by Malaysian artisan towards preserving local arts and culture. The National Craft Day ran for 13 consecutive days, from 26 February until 9 March 2020. During the period, travellers were able to buy artisanal products ranging from textiles, wood crafts, metal crafts, and various other handicraft products from local entrepreneurs. Other activities that visitors did include admiring local crafts on display, following food and craft demonstrations, and appreciating cultural performances.

WHERE WE ATE & DRANK

Santan Restaurant and T&CO Café (http://www.santan.com.my/)

Nasi Lemak Pak Nasser, one of the best-selling menus at Santan Restaurant.

Santan and T&CO are synonymous with AirAsia since they are the airline’s official inflight-menu brands. Santan provides a selection of ASEAN favourite dishes and some of them have become household names in Malaysia such as Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak and Uncle Chin Chicken Rice. With the opening of this restaurant in December 2019, travellers can finally relish Santan’s offerings on the ground. Oh, have we mentioned that Santan incorporates digital technology in its ordering system? Customers can avoid the queue at Santan Restaurant by ordering their choices directly from the website and T&CO mobile app prior to arrival. By the time they arrive at the restaurant, they can straight away pick up the order and enjoy the food without much hassle!

Congkak KL (http://www.instagram.com/congkakkl/)

Nasi ambeng that can be savoured at Congkak KL.

Finding the much-loved nasi ambeng in the heart of Kuala Lumpur was a struggle, until we finally stumbled upon this lovely eatery on Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang. Nasi ambeng is popular among the Malay community and throughout the years, this dish – presented in a round tray filled with various delicacies at the same time for instance ikan goreng berlada (spicy fried fish), sambal jawa (spicy condiment made from fermented soy beans), serunding kelapa (coconut floss), bergedil (fried potato patty), and kerabu (spicy salad) to name a few – had undergone many versions. But one thing for sure, nasi ambeng is more than just a delicious meal; it promulgates the idea that sharing your food with others from the same tray, sometimes it could be up to eight people, fosters camaraderie and strengthens bond! If that is too many a people, fret not, because Congkak KL also serves nasi ambeng in smaller trays, each fits for two diners.

Other recommended dishes are tauhu telur with sos rojak, and ikan wayang with homemade condiments.

Crust KL (http://www.instagram.com/crustkl/)

Some of the menus that are available at Crust KL.

Started as a restaurant specialising in pizzas and burgers, Crust KL that is based at 163 Retail Park in Mont Kiara has been operating since January 2019. But to cater to an even wider customer base, the bright and cosy restaurant suitable for couples, friends, and families (it even has a mini playground for young patrons) has now incorporated many other international fares in its menu. Our recommendation must be the Eggs Benedict, Middle Eastern Platter, Reuben, Carbonara, and of course a selection of their signature pizzas and burgers like Frutti di Mare Pizza and Swiss Mushroom Burger.

Previous page from Top to Bottom : Nasi Lemak Pak Nasser, one of the best-selling menus at Santan Restaurant; some of the menus that are available at Crust KL and Nasi ambeng that can be savoured at Congkak KL.

Don’t Yell At Me (http://www.instagram.com/dont.yell.at.me/)

The three-tiered Rose Milk Tea, one of the signatures at Don’t Yell At Me.

This brand hails from Taiwan and has two outlets in Malaysia: one in Kepong and another one at 163 Retail Park, Mont Kiara. It might appear like any other mini tea shops from the outside, but when customers step in, they will find an Instagram-worthy ‘mystic forest’ for them to relax while sipping their beverages. Though this outlet dispenses up the ever-popular brown sugar pearl milk tea, travellers should also try other signature beverages like winter melon honey chrysanthemum tea with sweet potato and taro bubble; peach mint sparkling drink with kanten (China grass) jelly; and the three-tiered rose milk tea.

WHERE WE STAYED

E&O Residences (https://www.eoresidences.com/)

Swimming pool at E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur.

For travellers seeking an accommodation that feels like home in Kuala Lumpur, E&O Residences might fit the bill. It has 200 well-appointed suites, each with generous living space for ultra-comfort. The residence comes with faultless services, including a fully-equipped gymnasium, swimming pool, children’s playground, and 24-hour reception and concierge services. Considering this property is strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district (CBD), travellers are bound to rate it as accessible and convenient, be it for business or casual trip.