Kuala Lumpur – 48 Hours on a Budget

I had noticed on Google maps that there is a vast park area to the West side of Kuala Lumpur. Inside this green area, there is a butterfly park, botanical gardens, bird park and planetarium. Enough to keep anyone busy for a day.

Saving our pennies, we walked for about an hour in the heat to get to the bird park. With regards to the birds, I had pictured large open spaces and though it was a large area, some of the birds were (I suppose for the safety of other birds) stuck inside smaller aviaries. I can’t deny that I was happy ambling around and looking at species I had never seen in real life before. We saw Hornbills, albino peacocks, flamingos, eagles, parrots… However, there was a questionable enclosure for Ostriches. The females seemed to have hardly any feathers left. I have no idea whether this was due to fighting or their feathers being plucked for financial gain.

The majority of the birds did have huge spaces in which they could roam (and fly) freely. We sat down for a much-needed cold drink and there were peacocks climbing on the tables. There was not much restriction. In fact, the park has labelled itself “the largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world”.

Once we had finished the bird park in its entirety. We walked some more to the Planetarium. A gorgeous building. With more f*cking stairs than anyone in their right mind would want to encounter in 30 degrees heat. Come Gimli! Being shouted at me from a distant Toby, as he raced towards the sweet, sweet aircon.

Now. The planetarium had the potential to be really cool. I mean it was really cool in the sense that it was a fabulous respite from the heat. But I meal cool like, woah, awesome man. It was free to enter the day we visited. I think we spent about an hour in here messing around with stuff. But sadly, all the cool shit was not open. Maybe it’s not worth it to keep everything running during weekdays. They had a simulator (not turned on). A theatre (not open). An observation tower (under construction). So yeah. Basically, anything you would want to experience was a solid no. We did, however, get to go in the anti-gravity room. Take the concept of the ‘crooked house’ and add a slide coming out of it. Amazing. 

We were completely tuckered out from the miles and miles we walked that day. We were also happy to detox post-Bali, so we didn’t experience anything in terms of nightlife. Though I believe the nightlife resides in Bukit Bintang. Be prepared to pay out your butt for alcohol though.

If you enjoy a curry. Malaysia is the place for you. Thanks to the many migrants from India, there are some superb places to feast for super cheap. We really rated TG’s and went back to eat there more than once. Butter chicken and garlic naan for about £2. I’m drooling just thinking about how good it was. It has been the first time in a long time we’ve devoured nothing but local cuisine. Especially when we would have had easy access to our Western faves.

Little India has many ‘Nasi Kampur’ restaurants largely offering the same thing. Curries and various Indian breads at a budget that makes everyone’s tummies and pockets happy.

Having never really been to Malaysia, I turned to trusty Travel Fish to look at accommodation. Ahyu Hotel caught my eye and we happily stayed here. Initially, we were worried about the location being in Little India. But, it was by no means chaotic or crowded and turned out to be a sweet little spot. Although this wasn’t by any means the cheapest accommodation. It was £20 a night for the room and suited our budget between the two of us. We had a nice clean, air-conditioned room with a nice en-suite. The windowless room actually turned out to be a favourite of ours. Keeping out the sounds and light from outside and ensuring we had a good night’s sleep. We made use of the convenient laundry service and found the staff to be friendly and helpful.

Kuala Lumpur turned out to be an unexpected favourite city of ours. There was enough cheap stuff to keep us occupied for two days. Super delicious food and generally a nice vibe. I’m not sure I would go out of my way to visit again because I don’t think we left without seeing what we wanted to see. That being said, were I to find myself there again for a few days, I wouldn’t be disappointed at all.

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