The vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur, a perfect welcome to Malaysia.
My 2024 travel odyssey kicked off with an exciting multi-country tour, starting with Malaysia. The journey from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur, via a significant layover in Singapore, set the stage for a trip full of diverse experiences. From late-night airport procedures to the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang, Day 1 was a whirlwind of new sights, sounds, and flavors.
The Marathon Journey Begins: Dhaka to Singapore Transit
I departed from Dhaka around 10:00 PM for my 2:00 AM flight to Singapore (SQ 116). After a quick check-in and relatively smooth immigration—a relief compared to past trips to Vietnam and Nepal where I faced extensive questioning—I headed to the UCB Platinum lounge. A quick meal of basmati rice, beef curry, and dessert was almost interrupted by the final boarding call, a reminder of how quickly time can fly at the airport!
Singapore Airlines Experience & Changi Airport Layover
The flight to Singapore was comfortable, offering a window seat, in-flight entertainment, and even Wi-Fi accessible via a KrisFlyer account. I enjoyed capturing the sunrise from above before landing. My six-hour transit at Changi Airport began in the SAT premium lounge, where I sampled shumai, chicken sausages, and Cocco Krunch. After an hour’s rest, I decided to explore Changi Airport itself. What an incredibly beautiful, neat, and safe airport! Even without visiting Jewel (which I skipped), I was amazed by the sheer scale and variety of shops and resting areas. The Changi app proved invaluable, acting as a personal guide to navigate the vast terminals and locate my next boarding gate.
Arrival in Malaysia: Immigration and Local Connections
The short flight to Malaysia from Singapore passed quickly. Upon arrival, the vastness of the Malaysian airport was immediately apparent, requiring a bus transfer between terminals for immigration. Here, the immigration officer was particularly keen on understanding my travel itinerary, which I had thankfully prepared in an Excel sheet. This foresight proved useful, saving me potential hassle.
Meeting my cousin at the airport was a welcome sight. He generously provided me with essential local SIM cards (Malaysian and Singaporean) and an MRT pass, setting me up perfectly for local navigation.
First Impressions of Kuala Lumpur: Bukit Bintang & Times Square
My first local transport experience was a Grab ride to my hostel in Bukit Bintang. A quick tip from a friendly Bangladeshi expatriate saved me from waiting at the wrong Grab pick-up point – always check the designated Grab floors! After an hour’s drive (and a much-needed nap), I arrived at my hostel, located right at the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang. This area, a true tourist hub, was alive with activity well into the night.
After a brief rest, I linked up with my friends, Arian and Razin, who had already been exploring. Together, we dived into the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, a sensory overload of shops and entertainment.
Culinary Exploration: Jalan Alor Street Food Market
The evening culminated at Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur’s legendary street food haven. The sheer variety was incredible! We feasted on chicken and mutton satay, various fried rice dishes, and a massive grilled fish, all washed down with a refreshing Milo shake. The energy of the place, with its lights, music, and street performers, was truly festive.
Later, we made a quick stop at the Petronas Twin Towers. The towers were beautifully lit in green, a special display for Malaysia’s Independence Day (August 31st), making for a perfect photo opportunity.
Back at my hostel in Bukit Bintang, a nearby Arabian food street enticed me for a late-night snack. I tried a mixed beef and chicken shawarma with fresh orange juice. While not the most amazing culinary experience of the trip, it was a satisfying end to a long, eventful first day.
Traveler’s Tip:
Always have a brief itinerary or an idea of your plans ready for immigration, especially when visiting multiple countries. It can save a lot of time and potential questioning!
For navigating vast airports like Changi, utilize their official apps for real-time gate information, maps, and services. It’s a lifesaver for long layovers!
Day 1 in Malaysia was a fantastic introduction to a vibrant country, filled with efficient travel, cultural immersion, and incredible food. Stay tuned for more adventures!