Source: Unsplash | Sadie Teper
From the Petronas Twin Towers to the Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur has some of the most sought after attractions which are on every visitor’s list. However, if you are looking for something off the beaten path then you won’t be disappointed either. So irrespective of whether you are a frequent traveler or visiting the city for the first time you can indulge in plenty of activities apart from the usual stuff. These seven alternative things to do will leave you fascinated.
So before your quest for something out of the ordinary in Kuala Lumpur begins a word of caution. The traffic on the city can be maddening at most times so it is important to use the transport services carefully, especially if you are coming from the airport. There are two train services, KLIA Express and KLIA Transit which connect both terminals to the KL Sentral station in the city. Make your airport coach bookings in advance to avoid any hiccups.
The Express takes about 28 minutes and is the best and fastest mode, as against road travel which can take a minimum of seventy minutes. The Transit train halts at six intermediate stations and takes around 40 minutes to cover the distance. Hence its advisable to book KLIA transit tickets in order to skip the traffic and peak rush hours while getting to Bangkok city.
Enjoy a meal in the air
If there is one dining experience which you can brag about back home then go for a meal, suspended 50 m above the ground at “Dining in the Sky”. Again if heights don’t bother you, try out having food in a restaurant built inside a real airplane at “Plane in the City”
Have a’ horrible’ experience at Hauntu
Certainly not for the fainthearted, Hauntu, is the only interactive horror experience of its kind to be had in Kuala Lumpur. The mix of live shows, mysteries and horror adventures will keep you on the edge at every moment.
See the city by night
Kuala Lumpur by day can be overwhelming, but by night it is a city transformed. Get on the KL tower observation deck and the Sky Box for some incredible views of the skyline after dark.
Interact with elephants at Kuala Gandah
This conservation area offers visitors a great opportunity to get up close to elephants and observe their behaviour in a natural environment. One can even feed and bathe these gentle giants, all under the supervision of the park rangers.
Grab a drink at Changkat Bukit Bintang
Probably the most hippest of all drinking places in the city, Changkat Bukit Bintang is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Prices are a bit high, but the quality and ambience are in a class of their own.
Watch a show at ATMOS
The Golden Screen Cinema boasts of ATMOSpheric seats which add an entirely new dimension to cinema viewing. Shaking seats, different smells, flight scenes will jolt you to a high level of excitement. Well worth a visit, even if watching films is not on your agenda.
By books for a steal
Yes indeed there are places around Kuala Lumpur where one can not only get books at a third of the price but even as much as 15% of the cost on certain occasions. While the BookExcess at Starling Mall remains open year round, the annual Big Bad Wolf sale is where buyers are known to bring suitcases to stuff in the extremely discounted titles.
Being the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is an exciting melting pot of cultures and culinary delights. While most tourists find it tempting to hop on the buses and take in the familiar sights, those wanting something different get amply rewarded as well.