Kuala Lumpur

March 19/20th.

Yes, we met as planned, by the baggage carousel at KL International Airport. Paul left England for two days/I left Cambodia for an hour’s flight (an absolutely deserted Malaysian Airways plane, more staff than passengers, impeccable service, clearly very difficult time for the company and crew)-we found each other at the allocated time/place!  A long hug-watched with many smiles-and a culture shock for both of us in KL.

For me, a return to western skylines/shops/efficient transport –full marks to KL Airport Express train- a ‘modern’ hotel room with no ants/no sand/a flushing loo/hot water/comfy bed…and RAIN.

In the late evening sunset the storm set in-a quick stroll left us soaked to the skin! I was splashing about laughing enjoying the unusual sensation, much to the local’s bemusement.

This morning a splendid buffet breakfast overlooking the city and off we set on the rapid transit monorail to explore. First stop, Petronas Twin Towers. Neither of us fancied paying the extortionate price to go up and we're not keen on the fast lift experience, so pottered about the outside parks and inside shopping complex admiring the skyline in the sunshine until-it rained!

We retreated inside, following the staff away from the expensive food courts to their local ‘shop’ downstairs for a cheap but delicious coffee/ice cream/lunch. Off to Chinatown/Central Market area to see the other downmarket side of the city. As the rain eased off we wandered around the typical Chinese alleys, dodged the enormous puddles, found ourselves in Little India in a Hindu temple and had a restorative massive mango shake –tis Asia despite the city high street/upmarket brands.

Hindu Temple

In the cool pleasant aftermath of the storm we decided to walk to the KL tower, not realising the path that climbed through the forest park below it was a) steep, wet, and mosquito ridden and b) deserted. Deserted because after half an hour of clambering up uneven steps through denser foliage that we realised we found the gate to the tower locked!!

As it was beginning to get dark desperation took over; I seized the locked gates and yelled at the top of my voice! Staff appeared from somewhere –we could only see a brick wall and the glimmer of the tower high above us-and after much debate a security guard was summoned with a key. Full marks to the kind/helpful KL populace, bless them! Apparently the gates were locked due to the heightened security re the missing plane, and not many people ever walk up that way usually-only mad people like us!

As before we declined the expensive lift experience and contented ourselves with walking around the tower spotting city landmarks from its hilltop vantage point. A walk back along the safer highway to the station, on to the train watching the setting sun over the towers and the city skyline-KL has given us the perfect space to become a couple again. Off to Borneo tomorrow, it’s been good to have today to ourselves in this ‘easy’ but still fascinating cityscape.

Petronas Towers in the sunset

KL Tower in the setting sun