Kuala Lumpur welcomed me with neon lights, bustling streets, and a humid heat that embraced me the moment I stepped outside into the Malaysian air. I set foot in Bukit Bintang and walked to the famous Jalan Alor Food Street — a hive of aromas and conversations in a thousand languages. The city had a pulse of its own, and I was ready to follow it. Finding vegan options that night made me especially happy.
The next morning, the rhythm changed. I took the train towards Batu Caves, a sacred site guarded by a colossal golden statue and small, curious monkeys that are better left unfed — though these monkeys live right there in the temple.
The heat was stifling, and the humidity reached nearly unbearable levels. As in any temple around the world, bare shoulders and knees are not allowed; my trousers fell just above my knees, so I bought a sarong to wrap around my waist and cover them. I climbed the colorful steps leading to the entrance.
The caves weren’t as large as I had imagined, but the atmosphere was hypnotic.
On the way back, while waiting for the train, I met Sami, a YouTuber who took me to a local street food market where, for just a couple of euros, you could dine among locals. Through torrential rain, we made it to Laksa Sifu – Lai Foong. This city is like a cultural buffet served in urban form.
Later, I wandered into Chinatown, weaving through the bustle of Petaling Street until I stumbled upon REXKL, a huge bookstore transformed into a cultural center that felt like a sanctuary for nomadic readers like myself. The bookstore is located on the first floor, and as you climb the stairs you find a sign that says, “Warning: this shop is full of books,” and a mural that reads, “We all go a little mad and sometimes psycho, here.” I thought it was a wonderfully fitting introduction to my new favorite spot in the city.
Getting around the city is easy with its modern metro, although the token machines can test your patience: there are few, they’re slow, and the staff don’t seem particularly eager to help. At least I discovered that there are women-only carriages, and I decided to take one, enjoying a calmer ride in the middle of the urban chaos.
The River of Life splits, and in the middle stands the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque. The day was a little grey, and the river took on the color of the sky, reflecting the wild waters of the Gombak River.
Not far from there is Independence Square, where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time. Two imposing buildings surround this corner steeped in history and the modern I love KL sign.
I don’t like to compare places, but in this city it’s impossible not to think of Singapore. The difference lies in the details: cleanliness, order, impeccable façades… Kuala Lumpur is like Singapore’s rebellious — and slightly unkempt — cousin.
And what better time to see its gems than at sunset? Watching the Petronas Towers shine as if they had diamonds set in their rooftops under the evening light is a spectacle in itself. At 8:00 p.m., in front of them, a small water and light show begins, painting the night with color. It’s the perfect finale to a day that blends tradition, modernity, and surprises around every corner.
Literary Note
On a Thai island, a man and a dog changed the fate of thousands of animals.
Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World by Niall Harbison tells the story of how Tina’s arrival inspired the creation of a dog hospital in the middle of the jungle — and an unstoppable mission to spay, feed, and find homes for those in need.
Over 80,000 sterilizations, 1,000 dogs fed every day, and a shelter beating with hope.
If you love animals, this book will not only move you — it will remind you that a single life can ignite an enormous change.
Practical Information for Travelers
Getting to Batu Caves:
- KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral (30–40 min)
- Free entry, but shoulders and knees should be covered.
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur:
- Modern metro; pay with tokens or reloadable cards.
- Women-only carriages are available.
- Avoid rush hours to skip long queues at the machines.
Chinatown & REXKL:
- Petaling Street Market is open all day; best atmosphere in the evening.
- REXKL is free to enter and combines a bookstore, cafés, and cultural spaces.
Petronas Towers:
- Light and water show at 8:00 p.m. in the fountain in front of Suria KLCC Mall.
- Visit at sunset for photos with the lights on.
