Adventures in KL

KL Bird Park

Looking for a good place for a family outing or just a relaxing afternoon? This place has birds from all over the world, but probably the coolest thing about the park is the set up. It's like a real life Jurassic Park! While some birds have their own quarters, a good amount of the birds roam freely around the park. Peacocks and pelicans! Not to mention the sweet waterfall set up inside. But definitely keep an eye out for the monkeys. They litter the top of the bird domes keeping watch on things below, but some are on the inside, so be careful. They are nice enough, but they tend to be sneaky little bastards. Monkeys are not pets! Do not feed and do not pet them.

  The cost is 42 RM for adults, but if you have an ISIC (Internation Student Identification Card) the price gets knocked down to 36 RM. There is also the option to buy a group ticket that goes not only to the KL Bird Park but also the Butterfly Park and the Deer Park.

As far as getting there, I was given a ride by a friend, so I'm not entirely sure about public transport to the Bird Park.

 www.klbirdpark.com

Chinese Temple

I actually had a pretty fun time at the temple. Wasn't quite sure what to expect at first, but it was kinda fun to explore the place. First stop, I suggest heading up the stairs to the roof. I mean look at that view of the city. Definitely worth the trip. The courtyard has an amazing display of red lanterns overhead that I was kind of in love with. If you're checking out the courtyard it's going to be somewhat impossible not to notice the incense pedestal. According to my friend Mo, that I visited with, this is how it goes down. By making a small donation you are allowed four sticks of incense. One goes in the courtyard pedestal. These are meant for making wishes and prayers, so close your eyes and think happy thoughts. The other three go in the stand just inside the pavilion. Even if this is not your religion, please respect those who are there as patrons and not tourists. Do not make fun or treat the incense like sparklers.

Once inside the pavilion, there's a sort of fortune telling activity. There are several round pedestals with little numbered drawers and a pile of sticks in the center. Stand at the podium, close your eyes and ask a question about your future in the coming year. Grab the pile of sticks with both hands, lift up and then let the sticks drop back in the pedestal. One stick should stand up above the rest in the stack. When you pull it out you'll notice the sticks have numbers engraved on the ends. The number on your stick matches one of the little drawers on the pedestal, each of which are filled with little fortune papers. I hope they tell you something good!

Again, I'm not sure about transport, but I took a taxi here because the metro didn't look like it would drop us off anywhere close.

Capital City

Kuala Lumpur - Capital of Malaysia

Currency = Ringgit (RM) $1 USD = 3 RM

Language = English speaking city with English/Malaysian duplicate signs

Famous for the Petronas Twin Towers

I didn't know this until I hopped on public transport, but there are two circles of Kuala Lumpur, aka KL. The International Airport is in the outer circle and the actual city of KL is in the inner circle. To go from the airport to the center it could cost you up to 80 Ringgit by taxi, which is more than any backpacker wants to spend. On a cheap budget, you'd better take the bus. Get a ticket at the Taxi Ticket Counter inside the airport terminal. And when I say bus I don't mean the crappy, no air-con, smelly city buses you might be used to, but a nice, clean, upholstered Greyhound style bus, and then you switch to the oh-so-stylish Monorail. Should cost you about 8 or 9 Ringgit. Either option can take you about 45 minutes to an hour.

If you haven't booked your accommodation ahead (like me), stop at the great information desk before you leave the airport. They have great recommendations for all budget ranges and they'll tell you the best route to get there, circle it on the map they give you and give you a list of other backup options, just in case.

Most of the backpackers like to stay in Chinatown or a couple streets in Bukit Bintang. Tiara Hostel has one of the nicest staff members for helping lost blonde backpackers ;). I didn't get a chance to stay there, but I would have in a heartbeat considering the guy behind the counter bent over backwards to find me an available bed in the area. It's only right that I send some business his way.

Honestly, I loved staying in Chinatown. I loved weaving through the shops and stalls and food carts to get to my hostel. It made me feel like....well, I don't know, like a backpacker I guess. Petaling Street is where all the hustle and bustle is. While it is actually a street, its more of a walking street for most hours, blocked off by stands and has a beautiful green awning covering the tops of the buildings called the "Green Dragon". This is the place for fake purses, great dumplings, and souvenirs of all shapes and sizes. And if you're in a bind for a bed on short notice, you should probably start here. All the little hotels and hostels are relatively inexpensive to stay in, there's good food and Petaling Street is right next to a major metro stop.

The Monorail is going to be your cheapest and fastest route around the city, and its a major form of transport for normal citygoers, so don't be afraid to use it. If there's a city you're definitely not supposed to use the metro, don't worry, I will let you know before hand.