Kuala Lumpur….More than just shopping.

In case you’re wondering, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do than just shop and eat.

While searching for the delightful Peter Hoe store in Chinatown (Which, ok, is technically shopping.  But this store is totally worth it and is a must see if you are in KL), we ran across a Taoist Temple.  It was the first I’d seen and it was so bright and colorful.  Worshipers place prayers in these and then burn the prayers with incense.

Taoist Temple in Chinatown

Dragons!

Next up, just a few blocks away from Chinatown, Little India, and Independence Square, is one of many local mosques.  This is one of the biggest in KL, the Masjid Jamek.

Masjid Jamek

The Batu Caves are just a short drive away from KL’s city center.  For a little over 100 years the caves have housed several Hindu worship sites.  To see them, you have to climb about 270 stairs.  (Be sure to check out In the Desh’s photos from the Batu Caves.)

At the foot of the Batu Caves

And finally, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is has some impressive exhibits and a beautiful architectural design.  It’s not a huge museum so you don’t have to spend hours wondering around, but it’s definitely a nice hour or two respite from the heat.

Outside the Museum

Inside the Museum

KL was a great vacation spot, especially if you’re craving a little bit of modernity in your life.  I predict more trips to Malaysia in my future.

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Malaysia Truly Asia

The “Malaysia Truly Asia” ad campaign is effective.  Very effective.  After hearing this jingle on CNN International all the time I decided it was finally time to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s modern capital.  It was great to be in a country with organized traffic rules and clean city streets.  I was greeted by modernity immediately after stepping off the plane.

Starbucks! Iced Tea Lemon Cooler. Refreshing.

And then this was the view from the 31st floor of the Trader’s Hotel.  The service at Trader’s is impeccable and it is definitely worth upgrading to fall asleep with a view of the Petronas Towers, plus buffet breakfasts, tea times and happy hours.

Petronas Towers

It’s not hard to shop with a handful of six story malls all within a few blocks of each other.

The Pavillion

Garrett, from In the Desh, was a great travel buddy.  And we were also able to meet up with Katie, from Rock Star in Dhaka fame, and James on their way back from Sri Lanka (which they said was fab).  The Sky Bar is swanky and hip.  We kept wondering how many people a night fall into the pool?  Apparently none on purpose.  Although I’m not sure I believe that.

The Sky Bar

More later on other cool stuff in KL.

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