3.27.14
Day 4
Spent time traveling over from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. Initial impression: chaos. Definitely saw some motorcycle accidents on the way in.
Headed down to Bukit Bintang and found Baan 26. We were aiming for Malay food but were drawn to Thai that day. Had the basil chili tilapia and it was soooooo good. We quickly realized much of our trip in Malaysia would revolve around food. There is pure spice in the food but it was also pure taste, not spicy for the sake of being spicy. I’ve tried to find something remotely similar after coming home but nothing has come close. Also Changkat Bukit Bintang is pretty hip, very cool.
3.28.14
Day 5
Early morning to try to find the Hop On Hop Off bus. No luck. Instead found the most insightful cabbie, had some deep life discussions as we headed to the KL Bird Park, the largest free flight aviary in the world. There’s really nothing separating you and a whole mess of birds, so if you’re easily scared …
Also, I was able to get fish balls! All street food here is amazing. Anything on a stick 😉 is a go.
We reluctantly decided to move on from eating and headed to the Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site so you have to cover up in the heat. We walked up the 272 stairs in 90+ degree heat. Malaysia gets hot!! Of course it was worth it. Also there are refreshing coconuts everywhere. Any other food while going up these stairs will probably get stolen by monkeys.
Finished off the night by getting some shots of the Petronas Towers & did some shopping more reminiscent of Singapore.
3.29.14
Day 6
Started with an unwanted 4am wake up call. Wanted to catch breakfast but had to head to the airport.
Got to our hotel after landing in Penang and our room has 2 floors?! Exploring the neighborhood in 90 degree weather. Relief comes in the form of Chendol. Head to Joi Hooi for the best Chendol ever!!! It’s the perfect icy treat for the heat. Just get on line because it moves quickly. Actually, good rule of thumb for Penang: if there’s a long line and food at the end of it, get on the line. Also at the side door of this cafe is a little old man with a giant pot of deliciousness. Just give in and get a bowl. It’s amazing.
Dinner at Udang Galah for giant river prawns. Gotta be honest, with all the hawker stands, street food and environment, it was just weird to be eating indoors or even at a table.
3.30.14
Day 7
Dim Sum time at Tho Yuen. Can’t go wrong with Dim Sum, especially in Malaysia. Walked around Georgetown and had some fun looking at all the street art. Heat struck again but luckily, there’s 70s Ice, LITERALLY a giant ball of ice. It’s just what we needed. Lunch was Nasi Kandar at Line Clear… for 2 bucks!!! Then back for more Chendol. Dinner at Red Garden and the rest of the night was spent checking off items from the food trail list with fresh watermelon shakes. I could drink 10 of these a day. After awhile, I was asked to stop talking about them. Ha. Super refreshing.
3.31.14
Day 8
Roti Canai!!! Finally got some across the street after looking all over for some. One last stop for Chendol, then off to the airport to catch our flight to Phuket.
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