Day four in Malaysia presented a mix of spiritual exploration and urban adventures, culminating in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown. After a late night on Day 3, a slower start to the day was much appreciated, allowing for a focused exploration of new facets of the city.
My primary target for the day was a return visit to the majestic Batu Caves. I made my way to KL Sentral, which serves as a central hub for various train lines. After a quick breakfast at McDonald's and some casual shopping at an H&M, I boarded the KTM train – the direct route to Batu Caves. The journey itself revealed the significant distance, but the anticipation of the destination made it worthwhile.
Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the towering gold-plated statue of Hanuman. The temple area, with its numerous buses bringing visitors, was a hub of activity. The gold-plated statue of the Lord of War (whose specific name I've forgotten) was immense and awe-inspiring, leading to the famous 250 stairs. The climb was a workout, made interesting by the presence of monkeys, who, while not directly bothersome, were keen on plastic water bottles (a good tip: keep them hidden!).
Inside the cave, water dripped from the ceiling, and various souvenir shops lined the path. Hindu temples within the cave were filled with worshippers offering prayers. The natural opening at the top provided ambient light, creating a beautifully illuminated interior without artificial lights. After taking many pictures and helping other tourists with theirs, I began my descent, making sure to capture more memories of this unique spiritual site.
After returning from Batu Caves and enjoying a delicious "yellow rice" (khichdi) meal with chicken and beef at a local eatery, I planned my final Malaysian adventure: Chinatown, specifically Jalan Petaling. Although I had previously explored some of Kuala Lumpur's vibrant areas, I hadn't yet experienced Chinatown.
I took the metro to Jalan Petaling and was immediately immersed in a bustling market. The street was adorned with Chinese shops, offering a wide array of souvenirs. I found many Bangladeshi vendors selling counterfeit goods, a common sight in such markets. My mission was to find a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, and after a bit of searching and communicating in Bengali, I successfully found and purchased three for my brothers.
My last evening in Malaysia was spent enjoying a Chinese tea and beef soup before heading back to the hostel. My flight was early the next morning, so I planned my airport transfer carefully. I initially booked a Grab in advance but later found a cheaper and equally efficient direct bus shuttle from KL Sentral to Terminal 2, which would save me a significant amount of money. This highlights the importance of checking all transport options.
The next morning, I arrived at Terminal 2 for my AirAsia flight. The airline used kiosks for check-in, which proved to be a smooth process despite some initial app issues (my Bangladeshi number wasn't receiving OTPs for account creation). After obtaining my boarding pass, I had a brief period to explore the duty-free shops before boarding my flight to Singapore.
When visiting Batu Caves, carry a small bag or keep water bottles concealed to avoid attracting monkeys. Embrace local transport like the KTM train for an authentic experience.
In bustling markets like Chinatown, don't be afraid to ask for prices and even attempt to bargain for souvenirs, especially from local vendors.
Always double-check airport transfer options (Grab vs. bus/train) in advance to find the most cost-effective and convenient method, especially for early morning flights.
My Malaysian adventure concluded with rich cultural experiences, memorable culinary discoveries, and valuable lessons in navigating new cities. Next stop: Singapore!