The Top 5 Hotels in the Capital

The Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Every once in a while of our hardworking 365 days of our lives, there comes a day where you feel that you deserve to have a fine and luxurious vacation as a gift or a reward to all of your hard work. Why? That is because you deserve it so no questions ask!

It is definitely not wrong to pamper yourself and give yourself a break from all those hectic 21st century lifestyles. We are here not just to slave ourselves from the world's demanding cost of living but also to enjoy life itself! We're humans , not robots so to live life, you need to give yourself a time out and be free from that circles!

So, lets check out the five top 5 hotels in the Capital, shall we? These nominations is according to the Asia Hotel Website.

1) Mandarin Oriental Hotel

This is one of those lucky hotels to be picked by the Royalty of England especially if those names are like Prince William of England and The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton! They pick this hotel for their three-day visit to Malaysia last year. 

Apart from that, this hotel is also visited by another prince of England which is Prince Andrew.

Now, you must be wondering why does this hotel caught the eyes of the Royal families? What makes it so special? Let us go through it together.

 

• The Presidential Suite which according to UK's Daily Mail website as the 'Epitome of Luxury'. Guests have meals in their own dining room with their own personal butler to cater their appetite needs. Who wouldn't prefer that, right? It's like living in a mini royal room service complete with its marble bathroom, private grand piano and a private sauna. It's like a small treat from the Castle of England!

• This cost about £6,150 per night. It is very expensive I must say but then again, you might want to try if you want to feel like a king for a night. Not a crime at all.

• If the presidential suite is out of your luxury vacation budget then don't worry you can still enjoy your luxury stay for the price room that starts from $ 200 for Deluxe city view room! 

For more information on the price, check out the website: www.mandarinoriental.com

• Anyway, another of its main attraction is the location. Standing right beside one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, The Petronas Twin Towers, makes the hotel not only the best place to stay but also more convenient for guests as it is just a block away. Plus, you can also, go shopping at the Suria KLCC shopping mall which is allocated at the bottom of The Petronas Twin Towers building.

                                                         (click image for better view)

• The rooftop swimming pool is my favourite attraction because you can see the beautiful scenery of the metropolitan city while enjoying your swim especially at night where the lights simply just turns the city to become alive. 

• Also, there is a park right behind the Twin Towers building where you can see the colourful water show which is played every night between 9pm & 10pm. There is also jogging spot at the park if you enjoy a jog in the nature.

• Transportation : If you're tired from taking 'personal limo' or taxi and probably want some adventure, you can try use the train, or as we call it here as The LRT (Light Rail Transit) , which is very near to the Suria KLCC shopping centre. Plus, there is also city buses nearby as well.

2) Shangri-La Hotel

This hotel had won quite a number of awards such as ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2012-2014, TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice award 2012 and Kuala Lumpur Mayor's Tourism award for an outstanding achievement.

No doubt that this hotel take it seriously when it comes to fulfilling guests' satisfaction as well as its whole service and accommodations. From the luxurious soft beds to the finest Southeast Asia's chefs in the international buffets that serve various meals, to the landscape of nature surrounding it makes it a perfect place for a vacation.

Located at Jalan Sultan Ismail, it is surrounded by skyscrapers such as the Kuala Lumpur Towers and the Petronas Twin Towers makes it a strategic location whereas you can also find the monorail station nearby which takes you easily around the city.

The thing that attracts me the most is the Labyrinths of nature of its garden maze and the whole entire gardens itself which makes a good view from the lobby and cafe that makes it look, as if the hotel is surrounded by nature and away from the city when the fact is, the hotel is literally in the heart of the city!

Price of rooms starts from as low as $140++ per room. For more specific visit the webiste: www.shangri-la.com (Kuala Lumpur)

3) Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas

Golden Palm Tree is the only resort that build about a hundred villas on water in Malaysia which offers comfortable and stylish accomodations.

Extending out almost a kilometer into the waters of the Straits of Malacca, this resort shows the soul of its destination with warmth welcome, the mix of tradition and modernity in its interior designs and excellent of its service, along with its culinary arts in authentic local delicacies.

   

Apart from being away from the city, it is close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). 

It is said to be the Natural Luxury of  the "Experience the untouched natural environment and mangroves sanctuary"  kind of place, as they stated it.

Prices starts from $180 ++ depending on types of villas. Make a reservation through its website or booking.com for more promotions!

The best part that attract me is the activities in store for all the guests. It is very suitable for those who likes more adventurous and extreme outdoor sports like me!

These are the wide range of outdoor sports and entertainment activities that the Resort has to offer.

• Watersports : Sailing, Cart and speed sailing, windsurfing, canoe and stand up paddle and much more!

• Landsports : Canopy walk in the jungle, biking, beach soccer and volley ball, kite and stunt kite, golf and more.
• Extreme sports : ATV bikes (All terrain vehicle), Archery, Go-kart, Paintball 
• Fitness : Yoga, Body Combat, Body balance, Beach Footing and more

Visit the website for more info on the cool and fun activities!  : www.goldenpalmtree.com

4) The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Located at Jalan Raja Chulan, this hotel is at the centre of the Golden Triangle where it is surrounded by fantastic entertainment places and famous shopping mall such as as the Pavilion which is 5 minutes away by walk and also near to KL tower which is approximately 20 minutes by walk.

It is also near to Jalan Bukit Bintang where you can find the best local attractions and if you're looking for more entertainment to enjoy and a fan of the night life then this is the place to be where lots of clubs and pubs to be found!

In addition, you'll have no trouble finding restaurants or shopping malls because they're everywhere around and mostly walking distance from the Westin hotel. 

Prices starts from $130++. Please check out the website for more precise rexervation!

www.thewestinkualalumpur.com

5) Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur

Claimed to be as no ordinary hotel for its location which is in the heart of Jalan Bukit Bintang and for its work of art.

Easy access to famous shopping mall and places such as, The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery and Fahrenheit which are mere steps from this downtown Kuala Lumpur hotel. 

Price of rooms starts at $ 122++ depending on types of rooms. Visit website: www.millenniumhotels.com  - (kuala lumpur)

Hopefully with this information, you will find the suitable luxury get away that you always dream of whether its for your own self, with your family or maybe for a romantic holidays especially if you are the newlyweds, looking for a perfect honeymoon spot!

Remember guys, this is just the beginning about the capital city because Malaysia got lots more exotic places to visit , more islands and more beaches that might suits your taste of vacation so stay tune for the next 'episode' of travelling in The Land of Malaya! 
Also, for those who wants a budget holidays, you can check my previous post below or just stick around for I shall expose more on the best places where you can enjoy the beauty of this country for a deal of budget!

Don't forget to share this information with your friends and family and spread the word, and if you don't mind to give a like at the top right of this page and add me in your circles! (No gain, No pain :-P)

You can also leave a comment or give some ideas or question regarding places for your dream vacation or even for your budget travels. I'll be happy to share it with y'all!

Happy travelling peeps!

 

Accomodations

Where to stay and What to eat?

Those are the two of the main questions when you're travelling in a foreign country. Why not? It's the basic things in life, a shelter and foods!

Anyhow since this is about your journey so I will go straight to the point and break it down for you. For this part, I'm going to divide into two categories, which is one for the on budget 'Backpackers' and the 'on pleasure vacation tourists'! (If you know what I mean)

I'll make it short, simple and sweet with no hassle! So, without further or do, let's start with what to eat and accommodations for the On budget backpackers.

What to EAT

If you're not aware of how the Malaysian society are then you better at least read my blog from the first post and if you knew it already then you must know that we are multi-racial society which means, not only race is different and languages but same goes to the variety of our foods which is like a mix of foods from each culture. Let's just call this place a heaven of foods.

For this section , I want to challenge all of you, to take the list down and try to find out the type of foods yourself when you come to our country because that's where the journey becomes more challenging and exciting to explore! (And, I'm not translating some name of the foods to English)

These are just the norms that we usually have apart from others more which you probably won't able to remember all of the list anyway!

What's for breakfast?

• Nasi Lemak, Mee goreng, Roti Canai (Paratha), tosai, Idli, Karipap  

 Whats for Lunch & Dinner?

•  Nasi Campur, Ikan Bakar, Satay, Asam Laksa, Rendang, Sambal Udang, Popiah, Kari Ayam, Chapathi, Mee Rebus, Tom Yam, Claypot, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Bah Kut Teh, Asam Pedas, Fish Head Curry, Won ton mee, Pasembur, Budu, Char Kuey teow, Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Hokkien mee, Tandoori chicken and naan

 

The Backpackers 

If you're on a budget then look no more because here are the 5 top list of hostels & Budget hotel recommended so far.

Cheap Accomodations (around Chinatown)

1) Matahari Lodge 1 and Matahari 2

• Both place belong to the same owner and each of them have its own creative interior design in a simple way and have very comfortable living room which full of cheerful people that you can meet, people to party with or find new friends to travel with!  

• Easy access to mini marts , foodstalls, ATMs, near to Chinatown and train stations and bus stations. 

  Free wi-fi, TV, CCTV, spacious living room, free breakfast and other facilities!

• The staff are very helpful in any way possible and you will feel like you're at home especially the staff  are some asian and european people so the mix culture is already there so you will feel not far from home.

• Address: 58 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Phone:+60 3-2070 5570

• Stay for as low as $8 for backpackers bunks and $15 -$20 for private rooms.

• They even have discount if you're staying for a week or more! 

2) Transit Point B&B

•  This is one of the places where you can meet a lot of nice people from around the globe  and still have good and clean bed with free breakfast! There is also free wi-fi connection.

•  Apart from the outlook old building, The inside look is not that bad at all. lets just say, 'Don't judge a book by its cover!'

• It is also near the Petaling street where the Chinatown is and also, lots of food stalls and restaurants around. You' have no problem finding food choices or markets. They're everywhere.

•  Located at No.49-1, Jalan Sultan, 5000 Kuala Lumpur

• Phone:+60 3-2078 6786

• Stay here for as low as $8 for bunks of 6 people, single room for $13 and double room for as low as $16 per room! 

3) Hotel Chinatown 2

• It is located at the heart of chinatown which means the cheerful lights of markets is just a front main door away.Easy access to markets and stalls because it is literally surrounded by it!

• Free wi-fi, standard amenities, equipped with all the security needs and facilities such as Air-conditioned rooms, attached bathroom with hot&cold showers, satellite TV/DVD movies and free high speed WiFi. Other facilities include Fax/IDD telephone,Internet access,free safe deposit box,laundry services, coffee/tea making facilites and a massage centre.The Hotel operates all round the clock and has a 24hours CCTV security system.

• Located at 70-72 Jalan Petaling 5000 Kuala Lumpur

• Phone: +603- 20729933  

• Rooms price and bookings,($20-$30 ) Check out the site: http://www.hotelchinatown2.com/

4) Raizzy's Guesthouse 

• Clean and friendly environment. Very near to Chinatown.

• Located at 165G, Jalan Tun H.S.Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

•  Phone:+60 3-2022 0873

• Start from $10 for backpackers bunk to $30 for private rooms

5) Suzie's Guesthouse and Hostel KL

• Clean and friendly environment as well as organised. Near to all the food stalls and markets, and easy access to Chinatown.

•  Address: 179 Jalan Tun H S Lee, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

• Phone:+60 3-2032 282

• Price starts from $8 for backpackers

  
So, thats about it for this time, on the next budget accomodations, I will point out around the Golden Triangle area where you see more of the party lights are! 

Don't forget to share this information to your friends if ever they have a thought to stop by here and you can also give a like at the top right side or add me in your circles.

More posts to come on budget accommodations and luxury places to stay!


 

Kuala Lumpur : More insights!

Places to visit

Apart from the skyscrapers that I have noted in the previous post, there are other interesting places that you should not missed while you're in the capital.

 Sights
 Flyovers and Six-lane high ways may spice up the city but the best way to get a feel of the capital city while you're in the center is to walk.

 Merdeka Square(Independence Square)

Located at Jalan Raja Laut

This square is the place where Malaysia's independence was proclaimed in 1957.
It is where the one time cricket field and also a choice spot to see some fetching colonial architecture.

Chinatown

 Located at Petaling Street.

Website:  http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/chinatown.htm

Its a bustling street selling souvenirs and all sorts of merchandise and clothes for a very cheaper price. It opens from morning as early as 9am until midnight.

Chinatown is so close to Putra LRT , Pasar Seni station which is also near to KL central and the Lake Garden.

Bank Negara Malaysia
Museum and Art Gallery  

Located at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia Jalan Dato' Onn

What you can see: 

Bank Negara Malaysia Gallery, Economics Gallery, Islamic Finance Gallery, Numismatics Gallery, Children's Gallery and the Central Bank's art collection at the Art Gallery. 

Operation hour: 10am to 6pm daily incl saturday and sunday. (Admission is free)

There's also, FREE guided tours for groups of visitors from schools, universities and non-profit organisations but MUST be booked in advance.

Please contact BNMTELELINK via email at bnmtelelink@bnm.gov.my or call 1-300-88-5465 (for request from overseas, please call: +603-2174-1717) for details or further query related to visiting the Bank.

Lake Gardens 

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

(click image for better view)

Website : http://www.klbirdpark.com/index.cfm

A fabulous aviary with over 200 species of (mostly) Asian birds flying around beneath an enormous canopy.

Located at Jalan Cenderawasih and about 20 minutes walk from Pasar Seni station.(Refer to the public transportation on the previous post&google maps)

Admission : RM45 (9am - 6pm)

Lake Gardens Park

(click image for better view)

 

Website :  http://kuala-lumpur.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Lake-Gardens-Kuala-Lumpur.php

Located at Jalan Tembusu

An open vast park planted with native plants, trees and shrubs.

Rent boat in the lake for RM6 per hour and also a very suitable place to jog.

Admission : Free 

 National Museum

Website: http://www.muziumnegara.gov.my/

Located at Jalan Damansara

At the edge of the Lake Gardens, the recently renovated National Museum boasts colourful displays on Malaysia's history, economy, arts, crafts and culture.

There's also a free guided tours in English held every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and for French tours is on Thursday noon at 9am.

Admission : RM2

National Art Gallery

 

Located at Taman Tasik Perdana , Jalan Tembusu.
 Further north near the Lake Titiwangsa.(refer google maps)

Website:  http://www.artgallery.gov.my/

One of the best collections of contemporary Malaysian and international artists.

The Capital City (Places to Visit & Public Transportation Info!)

Visiting the Capital City

 

Kuala Lumpur

 A small cyber city with a population of  1.6 million people which not only became a vision of modernity with its best skyscrapers, restaurants and nightlife in the country, but also possesses rich cultural heritage through the unity of its multicultural society.  After one hundred and fifty years since tin hacked a base out of the jungle, the city evolved tremendously into an affluent 21st century metropolis with its vast economy and development despite the remarkable cultural diversity.

The ethnic of Malays, Chinese prospectors, Indian immigrants and British colonials all helped to shape up the city   as well as leaving a mark of amazing assortment of cultural traditions.

Intermission

From the previous post, I have shared briefly about the history of Kuala Lumpur so, this time I will share about the interesting places that you can visit along with the complete information on accommodations, the convenient transportation and plus with additional information on how to save your budget but I will also include the luxurious places as well just in case if you're visiting the country for a special anniversary, honeymoon or any other special or romantic vacations.

Budget Expenses

First and foremost, I would like to  share about expenses for those who take control on their credit flow. So, like any travellers out there, we normally always set our budget at the top list before anything else unless if you're a multimillionaire who doesn't really care about the limitation of  expenses or someone who is 'The big spender!'. If you  know what I meant.

Before we start any further, I will just share some travel tips with you guys which you probably already done it!

1) Flight ticket reservation 

• Make sure you book your tickets at least 3 months in advance and if you can make it much earlier, the better!

• Economy class of course. 

• Always be alert of the discounts and promotion rate by signing on the membership of your preferable chosen airlines  and get the information of their promotions from time to time through e-mails or any ways possible.   

  •     Example websites:

    • I always think that Etihad Airlines always have great deals and promotion flight rate. - www.etihad.com

    •  Other websites that can help you find better deals:

      • Expedia.com , Lowfares.com, Tripbase.com, bestfares.com and many more which you can look it up.

        
        

2) What to see?

THE SKYSCRAPERS

1) Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

 

i) Quick Fact : 

• Opened in 1st October 1996

• 1379' (320m) in Height

• Designed by Kumpulan Senireka SDN BHD

• The Seventh tallest communication building in the world.

•  The bulbous pinnacle of the tower is inspired by a spinning Malaysian top and the 276metre high viewing deck is over 100m higher than the Skybridge of the Petronas Twin Towers.

ii) Location :

 

• 2, Jalan Puncak Kuala Lumpur

• The building is situated on top of the forested hill and when it comes to the view, it certainly trumps the Petronas Twin Towers. (Opens 9am - 10pm) 

 iii) Transportation :

• Free Public bus service :- Take RAPID KL bus (Purple line) in Pasar Seni station. 

   

  

• The bus destination is to BUKIT BINTANG. (Make sure you take the right bus because there's quite a few of purple line buses!)

• It will take you from Pasar Seni station, city center (look at the arrow at the map above) through Jalan Raja Chulan where you have to take off at the bus stop nearby the KL tower. (ask the bus driver to help you with this)

• Free shuttle service at the entrance at the bottom of the hill every 15 to 20 minutes that take you to the top of the hill where the tower is. (9am - 9.30pm)

iv)Tickets:

•  Available at the entrance which cost about RM38 ($15 or less approx). Make sure to update the foreign exchange info from time to time.

v) Additional Info :

• You can purchase the tickets from the backpackers accommodations that sell the tickets for tourist and get it for more cheaper deals!

• This free shuttle bus also will take you to Bukit Bintang where you will find a massive shopping mall, The Pavillion where most of the high street fashion brands are placed there as well as A-list brands such as Prada, Gucci, Pandora and lots more.

 

2) The Petronas Twin Towers 

 

i) Quick Fact : 

• Design by an Argentine American architect, Cesar Pelli.
• Tallest building in the world from 1998 to 2004

• An elegant headquarters of the National Petroleum company, Petronas. 
  

• (Opens 9am - 7pm: Tuesday to Sunday,  1pm to 2.30pm on Fridays and closed on Mondays)
  
  
  

ii) Location : Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur

iii) Transportation

The RAPID LRT train, Kelana Jaya line.

• You can take this train from Pasar Seni or KL central but it depends on your location. (refer to train map for more precise details)

• If you take from either of these destinations, the cost will be RM1.60 or Rm2.00 ($0.40/$0.50 only!)

 

• This train will go under tunnel where it will direct you into the Suria KLCC shopping Mall (free entrance) which is connected with the Petronas Twin Towers.

FREE shuttle bus service:

• Take the same RAPID KL purple line bus that goes by the KL tower and take off at a bus stop nearby The Pavillion.

• Once you get off, you will see a skybridge that connects the Pavillion and the Petronas KLCC shopping mall. More interesting fact is that the bridge is equipped with cooling air-condition that makes your walking journey more convinient and soothing as the weather in this country might goes up to 30 degree Celsius sometimes depends on the season.

Tickets:

• There are three types of packages for going up the Petronas twin towers which can be purchased at the counter ticket at the basement.

• The cheapest deal access is the 41st floor skybridge, 170m above ground.

• For the 88th floor observation deck in tower 2 is for RM40

• Gain your access to the member only Malaysian Petroleum Club for a meal! A premium package including lunch/dinner for RM200/RM350 ($60/$105 approx)

Additional information :

• There's a beautiful mini recreational park at the back of the KLCC Suria shoppingmall and a magnificent musical water show that took place at 8pm for about 5- 7 minutes or so and at 9.50pm before the mall is closed.

• Plus, there's track for people to jog and an open pool and big playground for kids.     

[More information on places to go below]

 

3) Travel within the country

Internal Transportation  

I strongly encourage, that you use the public transportation that are available/provided effectively because it will certainly help you to organize your financial more wisely!

Kuala Lumpur Public Transportation

 

Rail Transport 

1)KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu- Heavy rail) - Intercity/Urban public transport

• A - Sentul - >Port Klang line.

• B - Rawang -> Seremban line.

2) RAPID LRT (Light Rail Transit) - Urban public train. (Refer to the above map)

• C - Ampang -> Sentul line.

• D - Sri Petaling - >Sentul Timur line.

• E - Kelana Jaya Terminal Putra

3) KL Monorail - Mono train, which is smaller than the rest and goes only within Kuala Lumpur in shorter distance compare others.

Rail Line : 

• Titiwangsa -> Chow kit ->Medan ->Tuanku -> Bukit Nanas -> Raja Chulan -> Bukit Bintang -> Imbi -> Hang Tuah -> Maharajalela -> Tun Sambathan -> Kuala Lumpur sentral. ( F : Refer to the above map)

4) KLIA Ekspress - High speed train service linking KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Kuala Lumpur city centre.

• KLIA Transit to Kuala Lumpur (35 minutes : RM35 stops at 4 different stops)

• KLIA Ekspress to Kuala Lumpur ( 28 minutes Non-stop train)

  • Additional info :

    The tickets will cost about approximately $10 but it is so worth it as you will experience the comfort of the modern high speed train that will save more time but just in case if you're wondering to get more cheaper transportation, then I suggest you take the bus instead. Read more below for KLIA bus transit.

     

Public Bus Transportation

RAPID KL buses

 

i) Airport shuttle bus services

There is a bus terminal nearby the airport going to Kuala Lumpur City center which cost about RM10 or RM8 (only for $3/$4!) depends on the bus company.

•  Air Asia,  Airport Coach, Aerobus etc.. (you'll see the available buses when you reach the terminal)

  ii) RAPID KL Buses ( In the city center)

•  You can take buses to these touristic places & shopping malls. Just Suggestions and you don't have to do it all! ;-) 

  • KLCC ( Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre+ Petronas Towers)

  • KL TOWER

  • Lake Garden & Bird Park

  • Museums

  • China Town

  • Merdeka Square (Independence Square)

  • Central Market

  • National History Museum

  • Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

  • Islamic Arts Museum

  • Sze Ya Temple

  • Little India

  • Malaysian Tourism Complex ( For more info!)

  Massive Shopping Malls

  • KL Suria (KLCC)

  • Mid Valley

  • Times Square

  • Pavillion

  • Sunway Pyramid  

  • IOI Mall

  • Mines Resort City

  • ONE Utama

   

  There are so many more to see and activities to do in Kuala Lumpur and more in other cities of Malaysia which I will continue to write in the next post!

  I hope with this general information, you will able to get the picture of how the country really is and how to travel within this country in a more easier, cheaper and better ways. In my next post, I will continue sharing more information on Kuala Lumpur on  the budget and luxurious accommodations along with more elaboration more of the activities that you can here.

  Stay in tune every week for more!