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How to Make the Most of a Layover in Kuala Lumpur

The following is a guest post by RJ Fry. If you'd like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines.

Typical Malaysian meal

Typical Malaysian meal

To really understand Malaysia, you'll need to plan more than just a stopover in the nation's capital – Kuala Lumpur. If you happen to find yourself there for 24 hours due to unforeseen circumstances (or canceled flights), rest assured – there's plenty to see and do during a layover in Kuala Lumpur.

To get your bearings, first head to Bukit Bintang (Golden Triangle). Although this is undoubtedly the tourist precinct in KL, it's not all bad news. This is also the city's shopping and nightlife precinct, with open-air food stalls and a few makeshift bars open late each night. You'll find plenty to keep you entertained, from world class cuisine to relaxing massages, and everything in between.

The effects of fire-cupping

The effects of fire-cupping

For those sick and tired of regular massages, why not try the special ‘fire-cup' technique? Also known as ‘cupping,' you can try this traditional form of Chinese medicine for under $20. It dates back thousands of years and involves suction of the skin, in order to suck out all the bad properties while replenishing the good, much like the way leeches were used in the middle ages. The process is no doubt painful, with each fitted cup bringing with it a feeling akin to clothes peg on nipple. After 20 minutes of waiting and wondering, all amidst incessant laughter from a mob of masseuses, the suction cups are finally removed and the sense of relief is overwhelming.

You'd be well within your right to eat every meal in Bukit Bintang, as this part of the city showcases the depth of Malaysia's obsession and love affair with food. Every cuisine is represented, from Mexican and Iraqi restaurants, to Thai and Pakistani street stalls. If you do choose to leave the area, and want to try some fantastic Indian food, make sure you head south and check out Brickfields, or as it's known to locals – Little India.

 

Sangeetha vegetarian restaurant

Sangeetha vegetarian restaurant

I have eaten Indian food all over the world, including in India, but Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant (Palace Hotel, Brickfields) still stands out. On my last visit to the Malaysian capital, I stumbled into this restaurant by pure chance and foolishly forgot to get a business card. I thought about the place often, but without even a name to go by, my chances of finding nirvana through nourishment again, were lowered drastically. I only knew that it was in Brickfields, near a bazaar and at the base of a hotel.

After being dropped off by the marketplace, my wild goose chase is thankfully short, and I have found my happy place in under an hour. In every respect, my first visit here resulted in the best meal I'd ever had in my life, and probably ever will. I decided this time around, I'll order the same thing – Gobi Manchurian with Masala Dosa to start. Although I've ordered the exact same meal before, complete with naan and chutney, the taste still blows me away.

Kuala Lumpur is big and bustling, there's no doubt about it. Look past the honking and the horns, and you'll find it's also something else, and while it may seem slightly western – it is undeniably Asian.

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About the Author: RJ Fry started publishing Global Drifter after completing University in 2010, and bumming around India for a few months. He travels sporadically and takes stupid risks – follow his progress on http://global-drifter.blogspot.com

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Candice

Wednesday 24th of November 2010

Awesome post! I also enjoyed reading your blog further Mr. Drifter =P

I love any helpful hints about finding vegetarian food abroad. I have a conference in KL early next year, and now know at least one restaurant to eat at.

Michael

Tuesday 23rd of November 2010

Fire in a cup..... sounds painfull. We had a full day layover in KL this month on the way home from India and definitely suggest catching the new train that goes to the Batu Caves. Its just a couple of bucks and entry to the Hindu caves is free.

Dave

Tuesday 23rd of November 2010

Hey Michael, I had the fire-cupping in China, and more then the physical pain, it was a visual shock to see my back completely purple. It took a few months before ALL the signs of that event had faded.

sapawi

Monday 22nd of November 2010

Yes..Kuala Lumpur has many things to offer..and in this post the 'fire cup' technique is quite interesting. If i'm not mistaken, It seems similar with 'Bekam' which is a treatment method to suck the the dirty blood from human body thus making us feel rejuvenated after the the treatment as the toxins were expelled.

Jeremy Babcock

Monday 22nd of November 2010

Only in Malaysia or Singapore can a typical meal be either Indian, Malay or Chinese.

Such a unique little corner of the world =) The fire cupping looks painful!!!

Sofia

Monday 22nd of November 2010

Great post! The Indian food in Malaysia is incredible, they have their own touch to it which I really like!

Dave

Monday 22nd of November 2010

I spent a sum total of 3 hours in Malaysia as a day trip from Singapore, but after getting a taste of the Malay food in Singapore, I'd definitely want to spend a few weeks in Malaysia to experience it properly!

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