Kuala Lumpur layover

We’ve all been there. When trying to fly from point A to point B, we find ourselves jet lagged and suspended in a strange city with less than a day to explore, thanks to a pesky layover.

 

Well if that layover finds you in Malaysia, your worries are over. Whether you have five hours between planes or an entire day to kill, make the most of every minute with an action packed Kuala Lumpur adventure.

 

Kuala Lumpur found its place on the map in the late 1800s, when Chinese miners discovered tin where the Klang and Gombak Rivers meet, and the town became a mining settlement. Despite the later decline in tin trade, the town boomed into the bustling city we know today, becoming Malaysia's Capital, and home to 1.5 million people.

 

If you arrive in Kuala Lumpur in the morning, jump in a cab and head to the Petronas Towers. Kuala Lumpur airport provides a baggage check where travelers can stow carryon bags, and the information center can arrange a prepaid cab ticket to the Twin Skyscrapers.   Ignore people in the airport offering taxi services, and head instead to the taxi queue directly outside the airport.

 

The Petronas Towers, completed in 1996 stand 88 stories tall. Located on the 41 st floor, the Skybridge joins the two towers and opens at 10 a.m. Travelers can enjoy the view until 12:45 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission to the bridge is free for the first 1320 people and available everyday except Monday. On weekends, expect to wait at least a half hour. Guests can request timed tickets at the counter, which opens at 8:30 a.m.

 

Before riding the elevator to the bridge take a gander at the display room, which uses TV screens and light up displays to teach facts about the Twin Skyscrapers, including the unique system used to protect the two towers from lightening.

 

Before the assent, each tour group lounges in comfortable chairs as they watch a short film about the creation of the Towers. At 452 meters above sea level, the Petronas Towers remain the world's tallest Twin Towers, and the second tallest building in the world next to the Taiwan's Taipei 101, which stands 508 meters high. 

From the Skybridge, enjoy the view of KLCC Park, located behind the towers.  The park features a two-acre children’s playground, a children's wading pool, a jogging path, sculptures, and Lake Symphony.  Lake Symphony's fountain display can be seen from noon to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends and holidays.   Be sure to stop by the park after a trip to the Skybridge and relax on the grass under the shadow of the towers. 

 

When hunger strikes, walk into Suria KLCC shopping mall, which adjoins the Petronas Towers, and choose from a bevy of restaurants. After lunch wander the six levels of retail outlet bliss and shop at any of the 270 specialty stores. This mall could swallow any woman whole for the entire day. The mall even includes a post office, useful for sending Petronas Tower postcards, available in several shops. If shopping is not for you, find your way to the third level and explore the Galeri Petronas, a fine art gallery featuring works by local and foreign artists.

 

Prefer something a little less mainstream? Hop in a cab and find the admission free Batu Caves, located seven miles north of Kuala Lumpur. There is a parking charge for taxis and it is advised to have your taxi wait as finding another may prove a challenge. This sacred Hindu sight consists of three main limestone caves and many smaller ones. The caves measure 400 meters long and 100 meters high with 272 steps leading to the cave entrance. Watch your bag as the wild monkeys along the steps may try to confiscate it. You can buy peanuts and bananas for the monkeys in several shops before you mount the staircase. Rent a headset at the cave entrance to guide you through the caves.

 

For a more low key stroll with a taste of the local wildlife, check out the “World’s Largest Covered Bird Park,” located in Lake Gardens just 20 minutes from the city center. The park stretches 20.9 acres and contains 3000 birds from 200 different species, all flying freely in a natural environment. Admission is 28RM (about $7) for adults, and 20RM for children ages three to 12.  Children under three are free. The park is open year round from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Just across the street sits the beautiful Orchid Garden, displaying 3000 orchid species from around the world. Take advantage of the free admission, available everyday except weekends and national holidays when the park charges 1RM (26 cents). The park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Its gift shop sells orchids, cold drinks, and a variety of souvenirs including dried orchid bookmarks.

 

A short walk down the street leads to Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park. View butterflies as they flutter across a garden, complete with koi ponds and benches for tired travelers. Enjoy ice cream in the air-conditioned gift shop, or purchase butterfly products including wall hangings of pressed butterflies. Open everyday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the park charges foreigners a higher admission than native malaysians. On my recent visit, I paid 12 RM ($3), however a follow-up phone call listed the price at 15 RM ($4) for adults and 8RM ($2) for children.

 

For more shopping and a variety of food choices, head to Chinatown for cheap deals and a vast array of restaurants and buffet style food markets.

 

After a day packed with sightseeing reward yourself with a trip to Mandarin Oriental for a much-deserved massage. The hotel and spa can be seen from the tower bridge. Body wraps and massages starting at RM 215 (about $57). Make a reservation 48 hours in advance. The Vitality Club is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Call 60-3-2179-8700 for reservations and questions or email asharO@mohg.com. The more expensive Thalgo Marine Spa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations call 60-323801168 or email sancspa@po.jaring.my.