Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Hornbill Restaurant and Cafe

My father loves Hornbill. He kept on telling me that I should try it out the next time I visit my ate. I have other restaurants in mind to visit for our first day in our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur. But my ate have other plans and eating in Hornbill is one of them. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Titiwangsa Lake Gardens (Night Shoot)

My sister and brother in law took us to Titiwangsa Lake Gardens to show where Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz's film I Miss You Like Crazy was filmed at (ha-ha). After our night shoot, we watched the movie in the comfort of my KL home (nuks!) but I fell asleep and wasn't able to catch the Titiwangsa scene. (ha-ha)

KL, Malaysia: Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken

One of my friend who's staying in Singapore told me not to leave Malaysia without eating in Nando's. It's one of the most popular peri-peri chicken restos not only in Malaysia but in the world (i guess). I googled "peri-peri chicken" and Nando's showed up practically every pages. Cool.

KL, Malaysia: Menara KL Tower

After our visit from the super jam-packed IKEA (yes! there's IKEA in KL!), my sister's family took us to Menara KL Tower for a quick trip. I initially wanted to eat there because there's a revolving restaurant called Atmosphere 360 situated in this famous tower. But due to time constraints, plan was put to junk.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: BBQ Gangnam Style Korea

Wanna take a break from chicken rice and nasi lemak? Well, BBQ Gangnam Style Korean Barbeque is a great way to ease your "umay" factor.

KL, Malaysia: Sri Mahamariamman Temple

It was interesting to see the colorful Hindu statues in Sri Mahamariamn Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sri Mahamariamman Temple is said to be the oldest and richest temple in KL. 

The said temple is open to the public. No entrance fee. As the place is considered sacred by our Hindu brothers and sisters, visiting tourists and faithful worshipers are required to take off their sandals before entering. For women, shorts, mini skirts and pants are not allowed. It’s best to bring a long skirt or wrap.

A Walk to Batu Caves

Our first activity in Malaysia is a half-day trip to Batu Caves. This sacred destination is located in Selangor, approximately 20-minute ride from Kuala Lumpur. 

Armed with my day trip essentials, we went to Batu Caves via taxi from KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Convention Center). Along the highway of Selangor, I could see the biggest Hindu deity statue I've ever seen in my entire life. It was striking in gold, and yes it's awesome!

A Light of a Father's Smile

A loving smile of a father after her child went into Mundan rite in Malaysia. A Mundan or Chadakarana ceremony is an important rite of passage of Hindu communities for babies or children. Mundan is believed to give a child a good and long life. The Mundan ceremony is the child's first hair cut. It's meant to cleans their body and soul, relieves pain from teething, protects child from the evil, etc.

A sort of cream or paste on the child's shaved head is a mixture turmeric and sandalwood. It is believed to cool the head and helps nicks and cuts heal. 

Gastronomic Adventure

Traveling to another country doesn't only mean visiting its famous destinations. It also means making yourself available to try out local food or cuisine regardless its tastes, look or smell (talk about exotic food!). For me, tasting local dishes is the most exciting adventure a budget traveler like me could jump into ;)

Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie

 

French Cafe? In Malaysia? I was looking forward to trying out Malaysian dishes for the whole span of our trip. Since my ate said it's worth it, so we gave it a try. After a tiring photowalk in Batu Caves and drooling over chocolates at Berly's Chocolate Factory, we headed to Levain for lunch which is just a street away (and yes walking distance) from Berlys.

I Love Kuala Lumpur!

Petronas Towers

We travelled to Kuala Lumpur via Air Phil Express during Holy Week of this year. It was actually my first time spending Semana Santa outside the country. It felt weird because all my life either I spend it at home watching Biblical film or joining some sort of a retreat activity in a mission house.