Jenny Chung's 36 Hours in Kuala Lumpur

One fateful day, on 18 Sep 2009, we met Jenny Chung at the back of the Bus travelling to Cu Ci Tunnel & Cao Dai Temple, our one-day country-side tour from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Jenny, who is Korean, was travelling alone. Later we found out that she works for the Korean Agricultural Trade Information (KATI) Office in Hong Kong.

Since she has not been to Malaysia, we extended our offer for her to stay with us if she so decide to drop by Kuala Lumpur. We never expect that she'd take up the offer so soon.

Jenny has a packed itinerary to cover Kuala Lumpur from the moment she arrived on Sat, 24 Oct at 6pm till her departure at 6am on Mon, 26 Oct 2009, exactly 36 hours later.

Sat, 24 Oct 2009:

• We picked Jenny from KL Sentral at 6.00pm.
• 1st Stop: Central Market. Jenny visited at least eight Stalls there and picked up some costume jewellery and souvenirs. The only regret she expressed to us later was that she hesitated in getting the batik cloth painting in a frame. If only the salesperson gave her a small discount!!
• 2nd Stop: Petaling Street & Chinatown. Thirsty, we stopped by the ever popular Longan Drink Stall by the Corner of the intersection of Jalan Petaling & Jalan Hang Lekir. Next, we went to Restaurant Kim Lian Kee (there are at 3 Corners!) to try the famous stir-fried Hokkien Mee (black noodle) and we also ordered the Lor Mee, a kind of starchy noodle.  
• 3rd Stop: SS2. Jenny experienced the 1st taste of durians at Donald's Durians. One Travel Writer wrote "Durians - look like shit, smell like shit & taste like shit". But Jenny loves it!          

Sun, 25 Oct 2009:

• 4th Stop: Village Park Restaurant, Damansara Utama: We have an early breakfast at the popular Chinese Muslim Village Park Restaurant. Jenny wanted to try the popular Malaysian dish called Nasi Lemak. Of course, the Nasi Lemak would not be complete without the Ayam Goreng (Fried Chicken) and Kopi Peng (Ice Coffee)     
• 5th Stop: National Monument, Lake Gardens. We were proud to inform Jenny that the RM10 million National Monument is the largest Bronze Monument in the World. Jenny posed next to the Perak Emblem (Silver State) where I was borned. We also met two Russian Sailors and managed to convince them to take a group shot with the ladies. The Russian Sailors were also doing the touristy thing and Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur would be their last stop before heading home to Vladivostok.  
• 6th Stop: Carcosa Sri Negara. Jenny & Kuen were happy to be able to even view the Room which Queen Elizabeth once stayed but were sad to learn that this once British High Commissioner's Residence turned Luxury Boutique Hotel, were be closing it's doors on 31 Dec 2009 and the Government has taken it back. We hope it will re-open again, grander than before.
• 7th Stop: Yut Kee Coffee Shop in Jalan Dang Wangi. This very old Coffee Shop is now managed by a Father and Son Team of Ricahrd & Melvyn Lee. Jenny managed to try the Beef Noodles, Local Kopi-O and for another 1st - the Kaya with Roasted Bread. Jenny liked the Kaya so much that she bought a bottle home. We also bought the famous Yut Kee Swiss Rolls.    
• 8th Stop: Selangor Club & Clock Tower at Dataran Merdeka. Jenny was surprised that Kuala Lumpur has such unique Moorish architecture in the Clock Tower, the High Court and the Culture Ministry's Building. We told her that once a year, the Merdeka Parade to celebrate Malaysia's independence from the British in 1957, is held here. Jenny was enlightened by the fact that the Selangor Club used to be the place where the British have their High Tea while watching a game of Cricket at the large field.
• 9th Stop: KTM (Malayan Railways) HQ & Old Railway Station.  The unique architecture and the grand outlook of these two pre-war Buildings stood out. Jenny wanted some photos with these Buildings in the background.
• 10th Stop: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. This is also my 1st Trip to the Museum, so you can say that Jenny made it possible. We spent over one hour admirng the Exhibits especially the Replica of Mosques from all over the World. What a Gem!    
• 11th Stop: Noodles for Dinner at Soo Kee Coffee Shop, Jalan Imbi. This Coffee Shop has been around for over 30 years and served the best Noodles in Kuala Lumpur. Jenny & the American visitors were slurping up the tasty noodles and ice cold beer! Cheers!
• 12th Stop: Strategic Photo Spot near KLCC. After touring the City, I drove Jenny and friends to a photo spot where we have the amazing Petronas Twin Towers in the background             

After that, it was time to say Goodbye and head back to my Apartment as Jenny has to catch the 9am flight the next day. Aladdin, my regular driver to KLIA & LCCT, turned up at 6.00am the next day to fetch Jenny to KLIA. Jenny was so happy to be able to make 11 Stops in 36 hours in Kuala Lumpur.

Jenny promised to make another trip to Kuala Lumpur as she wanted to spend more time in places which we did not have sufficient time ot civer such as Bird Park, Orchid Farm, KLCC Shopping, Selangor Pewter Showroom, Batu Caves & National Museum.

Top 6 Photos: Jenny & Kuen at Central Market, browsing & shopping

Bottom 2 Photos: At Petaling Street & Chinatown - buying roasted chestnuts from a Street Vendor

 

Top, L-R: Jenny having durian for supper at Donald's Durians in SS2; Jenny & Kuen having a taste of delicious Hokkien Mee & Lor Mee at Petaling Street's famous Kim Lian Kee Restaurant    

Top: Sun, 25 Oct 2009: Jenny rise early. It's going to be a long day. This is the 4th Stop - it's hearty breakfast at Village Park Restaurant at Damansara Utama. Jenny Chung tried the local Nasi Lemak (Fragrance Rice), Ayam Goreng (Fried Chicken) and local Kopi Peng (Ice Coffee)    

Next 4 Photos: Jenny & Kuen at the National Monument in Lake Gardens, took some photos with some Russian Sailors whose ship was docked at Port Klang. The Russians were making the last stop before docking at Vladivostok  

Top: At the grand entrance of the Carcosa Sri Negara

Bottom 2 Photos: Red-carpet steps leading to the Grand Rooms at Carcosa;
Jenny & Kuen sitting at where Queen Elizabeth once sat! 

Left: At Yut Kee Coffee Shop (Jalan Dang Wangi)  tried the Beef Noodles, Roti Bakar with Kaya and local Kopi-O (black coffee)

Next 2 Photos, L-R: Posing in front of the Selangor Club & Cricket Ground and the Clock Tower where the Merdeka Parade is held annually 

Bottom 2 Photos: KTM (Malaysian Railways) Headquarters at Jalan Bangsar; Behind is the Old Railway Station, right opposite KTM HQ, where Nice Buses plying KL-Singapore-KL, has a stop here 

                               
                                Bottom Photo: At the Islamic Art Museum


Bottom 2 Photos: With American friends we met at HCMC at Soo Kee Coffee Shop in Jalan Imbi. It was a Farewell Dinner for both Jenny & the American friends as they were on their last leg of their 6-week journey thru South-East-Asia; Four pretty ladies posed in front of our proud KL landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers at 10.00pm!                             

Across 2 Cities in One Week ~ Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Trip: 20 Sep to 23 Sep 2009 (WIP to be completed by 31 Jan 2010)

Bangkok ~ Mai Pen Rai means Never Mind!

Bangkok, my favorite city in SE Asia. Have been in Bangkok over a dozen times but this is my first Trip since the brand new Suvarnabhumi Airport opened 3 years ago!

Bangkok, still as vibrant, interesting, exciting, mysterious and friendly. You'll never be bored in Bangkok as there is always something to do from morning till nite...shopping, walking, eating, getting a massage, eating one more time, people watching, eating again and partying.

Bangkok Short Breaks: 27 Jan to 30 Jan 2009

Moving around Bangkok

Besides the many efficient Taxis (quite new Toyota Vios), Bangkok has an effective transport system in the form of MRT & BTS Skytrain which complements each other in destinations.
For shoppers, who needs to get to the popular Bangkok Shopping Malls listed below, there is the Skywalk at Central World which opens from 6am to 12 midnight. You can walk from Chidlom BTS Station all the way to Siam BTS Station (approx. 15 mins). Then, from Siam BTS Station, you can take another 15 mins walk to MBK Center or CentralWorld Shopping Complex on the other ends. This walk will let you visit the whole shopping belt of Central Chidlom, MBK Center, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld Shopping Plaza, Gaysorn & Amarin Plaza .
It is a nice walk because the bridge is wide and spacious and is sheltered.

Shopping

Siam Paragon (www.siamparangon.co.th)
Located next to Siam Discovery Center and Siam Center, with the BTS Skytrain & SkyWalk next to it, D this shopping mall was opened in late 2005. It is a very large mall with a impressive number of shops (selling; electronics, sports equipment, clothes, household equipment, books, toys etc.) and a huge supermarket, called Gourmet Market, at the ground level. You will also find a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, a concert hall and Siam Ocean World, one of the largest aquariums in Asia. It is probably one of the largest Mall in Bangkok with flagship, Paragon Shopping Center and over 250 famed international & local brands.

MBK Center (www.mbk-center.com/en/)
Approx 15 mins from Siam Square (via the SkyWalk) is the popular MBK Center (Mah Boon Krong) reputed to be the most visited Mall in Bangkok, with 7 Floors of 2,000 shops! This is where the local Thais shop and you can get almost anything esp. luggage, ladies & mens wear, shoes, Thai snacks, cell phones, electronic gazettes, arts etc.
The Tokyu Department Store, occupyng 4 Floors, should not be missed.

Central Department Store (www.central.co.th)
Also about 15 mins from Siam Square (via SkyWalk) at the other end is Central Department Store (Chidlom). Nice place to shop and you can get good quality "Made in Thailand under License" product at good prices. It has 7 Floors of shopping space.

CentralWorld Shopping Complex (www.central.co.th)
The largest shopping center in Thailand and South-East Asia with an amazing floor area measuring more than 500,000 square meters. It was renovated and reopened in 2006. Originally the name was "World Trade Center", but because of 9-11 the name had to be changed. The shopping mall attracts the middle and upper class in Bangkok and is a department store, but you will also find hundreds of retail shops in Central World. This Complex house the Isetan Department Store & ZEN.

A short walk and you'll get to the famous Erawan Shrine where you'll local & tourists come to pray for luck & wealth. They even sell the Thai Lottery outside the gate!

Opposite CentralWorld, you'll find the Gaysorn Plaza (www.gaysorn.com) with designer labels such as LV, Gucci, Hugo Boss & Prada.
You'll come across Amarin Plaza (www.amarinplaza.com).
The stylish Amarin Plaza is linked to Erawan Bangkok via a skybridge. The five-storey shopping plaza has an almost festive aura to it, drawing in a mixed crowd - from affluent Thais to expats and business travellers - with highly desirable brand names such as Guy Laroche, Valentino and Crocodile, to name but a few.

The Emporium (www.emporiumthailand.com)
A department store and a very exclusive shopping complex in one. If you are into luxury brands, fashion and quality goods, there is no problem to find your Chanel dress, Louis Vuitton handbag, Montblanc pen or Rolex watch here in the small boutiques. The Emporium is located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 24, next to Benjasiri Park.

Around Siam Square area & the Novotel, there are many small shops & small restaurants (over a hundred) fruit drink bars, coffee shops. But Siam Square is best known for its apparel and fashion (mostly local Thai produce) outlets, that are very popular with Thai youngsters. Hard Rock Cafe is located on Siam Square Soi 11.

Suam Lum Nite Bazaar (www.suanlum-nitebazaar.com)
Of course, if you feel like doing some Nite Shopping (most Department Stores closed by 10pm), you can take a cab or MRT Subway to Lumpini Station and a short walk to the Suan Lum Nite Bazaar where local entrepreneurs display their wares & items from creative gifts, trendy home items, clothing/jewellery boutique shops by local designers, packaged dried fruits, quite a few stalls selling the usual market CD's/clothing. The Bazaar opens at 6pm & close at midnite everyday. There is also a huge open air Beer Garden, Food Court and Concert Stage where they serve International & local Thai fare with nitely entertainment by local bands. Nice way to relax with some Thai noodles, dessert and a Singha beer after a long, stop-look-ask-bargain-buy outing in the VIP Suam Lum Nite Bazaar. Of course, there are also a few Massage Centers that offer Thai Massage to soothe your tired legs or body.

Chatuchak Weekend Market (www.jjmarketplace.com)
Note: info extracted from www.bangkok.com
Covering 70 rai (35 acres) of land with over 15,000 stalls and more than 200,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the mother of all markets - and possibly the biggest weekend markets in the world. If bargain-hunting gives you an adrenalin rush, get ready for a head-spinning, earth-moving experience. Conquering this massive market is no easy feat though. The reward for taking a lot of patience along - together with a bottle of water - is that you can find pretty much anything here.

How to get there: Take the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station and exit down the right-hand stairs, follow the crowd for a five-minute walk, and you're there. Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station, and follow thesignage directives. For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station

What they sell: Clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics, pets, vintage magazines/stamps/coins, collector's items, knick-knacks and just about anything and everything else one could want from a Thai market, or any market. And then some!
Open: 08:00 - 18:00 on weekends.

Brands Recommendations:
For Ladies - handbags, purse, lingerie, nitegowns and shoes by Guy Laroche
(made in Thailand under license). Of course, I have seen lots of ladies crowded around Wacoal underwear (heard it is much cheaper). There are many other local products which I think the ladies can make better judgement.

For Men - underwear, socks, wallets, belts, shorts, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, pajamas by Guy Laroche & Arrow. Guy Laroche's underwear, socks and belts are3 my favorites as they are of high quality & last a long time. Sometimes, I opted for Jockey underwear and Arrow socks.
I bought a couple of Arrow shirts at about THB700 each (discounted 70%) at Paragon Shopping Center which is made of Cotton & Thai silk (Cottasilk) - very comfortable but need dry cleaning. For Office Attire, I would go for Excellency (a higher brand of Arrow) which looks smart, very comfortable & durable.
In fact, Arrow has a range of Black Tie shirts, blazers & suits.

For Children, I understand there is a good local brand called Puppet plus others.


Bangkok Malls: MBK Center - good value for money


Bangkok Malls: Siam Paragon - the newest & the greatest


Bangkok Malls: CentralWorld & Amarin Plaza


VIP Shopping: Suan Lum Nite Bazaar - Opens Everyday from 6pm to mid-nite.



Chatuchak Weekend Market: It's so huge that you can get lost. Don't even attempt to cover every nook and corner..it's organized chaos but it's fun.
Food

To really enjoy the local Thai delicacies, we'd recommend the Food Courts that are found either on the basement or the top floor of most Department Stores. Of course, to enjoy good ambience, you can opt for some of the local Thai Restaurants.

Food Courts:

The best Food Center is located on the 6th Fooor of MBK Center. There are over 50 stalls which serves Thai delicacies & desserts from all over the Country. You are spoilt for choice & to really taste most of the food, you'd have to come back a few times. On the 5th Floor, there is a slightly upmarket International Food Court which serves food in a restaurant environment.

We discovered another highly recommended Food Court in Amarin Plaza (2nd Floor) near Grand Hyatt Erawan and Erawan Shrine. Though less than half the size of the MBK's, the Amarin Plaza Food Court is very clean & quiet.

The Food Plaza at the Emporium is also very popular among the Elite Class and Expats of Bangkok, though it is very designer & quite pricey.


Ymmy Food: At MBK's popular Food Center on 6thy Floor with over 50 stalls; my all time favorite Thai Egg Noodle- Pad Thai


Food: Clean & Comfortable in Amarin Plaza; Delicious Beef Noodles

Ban Khun Mae Thai Restaurant, opposite Novotel on Siam Square, serves great authentic Thai dishes (http://www.bankhunmae.com/)

Great Eats: Authentic Thai Restaurant, Ban Khun Mae at the background
Good Food, Great Company: Dining at Ban Khun Mae with Ian Grant & wife Nusara







Great Thai Food: Top to Bottom, L to R:
Appetizer - Tapioca Ball and Steamed Pancake Stuffed with Sweet Pork and Peanut, Suam Tum (Spicy Papaya Salad), Baked Prawan with Glass Noodle, Wok, Tom Yum Kung, Marinated Chicken in Pandan Leaf, Deep fried Mushroom with Crispy Garlic, Chicken Green Curry, Fish Cake and Mango with Sticky Rice