3 PLACES YOU MUST VISIT
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and one of the biggest and most popular destinations in Asia. Of course, there are many fabulous places to visit in the city, and you should definitely spend several days here exploring. But, if you want to get away from the chaos of the big smoke, here are 3 perfect day trips from Kuala Lumpur that I recommend. These are beautiful locations with so many different attractions and not too far from KL.
1. Putrajaya
Located 25 km south from KL, the relatively new super-city of Putrajaya is now the pride of the nation. It is the administrative capital first and foremost, with the federal government building commanding the centre of attention here in opulent fashion.
Putrajaya has become a huge tourist attraction, and growing, but the city’s population is still relatively small.
Numerous grand structures grace the skyline and it is evident that no expense has been spared to put this city on the proverbial world map.
Two stylish new Mosques have also been built here, which really dominate the landscape.
Notably, the architecture of the buildings in Putrajaya is a combination of muslim and modern.
Visit Perdana Putra (Government Building)
The Prime Minister and government offices are housed in the stunning Perdana Putra building, which cuts an imposing figure on the landscape, with the unmissable green dome atop this majestic edifice. You cannot enter the building, but it is certainly worth visiting from the outside.
Alternatively, the PM’s residence is open for tours, if you are interested in having a look at how the head of state lives. The Seri Perdana Complex opens 2 of the blocks to the public. Check website for details.
Visit The Putra Mosque (Pink Mosque)
Putra Mosque is the biggest attraction here, particularly for lovers of architecture like myself. You can appreciate the blend of modern and Islamic styles that work so well. Also called the Pink Mosque, because of the pink marble featured throughout. It’s just stunning. Built in 1997 near the federal offices on the lake. A definite highlight in this city.
You can visit the Mosque during opening hours daily. Closed Friday mornings.
Dress respectfully when entering, covering arms and legs. Alternatively, robes are available to wear, in a lovely shade of pink!
Visit The Masjid Sultan Mizan (Iron Mosque)
Also known as the Iron Mosque, the Masjid Sultan Mizan is built predominantly of steel, hence the nickname. You will notice it is not a typical looking Mosque, as it has a different roof with a glass panel. Also it has no minarets, which is very unusual. It doesn’t really look like a Mosque, in my opinion.
Open everyday to the public, except Friday mornings. Again, dress conservatively if you plan to go inside.
More about Putrajaya
A beautiful man-made lake provides a cooling feature in the middle of the city, with Wetlands and huge Botanical gardens to explore. Over a third of the city is parks and gardens.
You can take a cruise around the city on a old Malaysian style gondola or a motor boat. The stunning sail-like bridge called Seri Wawasan Bridge spans over the water.
Also a must is checking out the Putrajaya Marina, which offers an abundance of activities and entertainment, such as watersports, fountains and lightshows. And a white sandy beach! Yes, a beach on the lake.
Of course, you will also find plenty of fooderies along the Marina as well for your eating pleasure.
So, go and spend a day, or more, at Putrajaya. Lovely new hotels are just waiting for you to come and stay for a longer trip.
Tours of Putrajaya I recommend
2. Genting Highlands
Another day trip I suggest is to take a drive or bus ride to the hill station turned mega-resort, called Genting Highlands. Approximately 1.5 hours drive, or 50km from Kuala Lumpur, it is situated amidst a 120 million-year-old mountain rainforest, of the Titiwangsa mountain range.
Here you will immediately appreciate the dramatic cool change in temperature of the higher altitude (aah!), a perfect reason to come up here for some welcome relief from the humid heat of KL.
Genting Highlands Resorts World is located up here, a mega entertainment complex for everyone, adults and children alike.
You will find an Indoor Snow Park, an Indoor Theme Park, 2 Casinos (Genting Casino and Sky Casino), a Shopping Mall, Restaurants, Golf Course, Cinemas, nightlife, shows, and more, to keep you well and truly entertained for hours. An Outdoor theme park is due to open in 2021.
Spending a day here is adequate to enjoy many of the fun activities on offer, but you probably won’t want to leave so soon. So, if you prefer a longer stay, you can easily find accommodation in one of the hotels here. There are 7 hotels to choose from at Genting Highlands, ranging from 5 star like Maxims Hotel, to 3 star like First World Hotel.
Also, as you would expect, there is a huge range of eateries to suit all taste buds and budgets.
It really is a whole world of its own up here, popular with locals and tourists.
Chin Swee Caves Temple
An amazing location for a temple, Chin Swee Caves Temple is situated in the hills of the Genting Highlands amongst the tropical rainforest. It is a Chinese Taoist temple and definitely worth a visit to the beautiful tranquil setting. You can reach it via it on Genting Highlands, or by driving.
There is a stunning 9 storey pagoda standing proud on the side of the hill-face and a huge 15 metre high statue of Buddha.
Cable Car Ride
Take a ride up the mountain with the Awana SkyWay, which is the main cable car service here. Or Genting Skyway is the other cable car sometimes in use.
The Awana is the longest and fastest cable car in Asia. You have the choice of a standard gondola or a glass-floor gondola for a little extra. While enjoying the ride you will be able to take in the panoramic views of the glorious mountain rainforest.
Tours I recommend of Genting Highlands
3. Kuantan, Pahang
Sungai Karang
This day trip is a little longer, but certainly doable with your own car. So hire a car, have google maps at the ready and off you go. It’s 2.5 hour drive to the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia from the city of Kuala Lumpur. I suggest you leave early morning for a full day’s excursion.
Alternatively, stay overnight at one of the lovely seaside resorts. My family wanted to stay at the Adena Beach Resort. Here you have a gorgeous pristine sandy beach overlooking the South China Sea, and an outdoor pool. Of course, there’s a beach bar to help quench one’s thirst in the tropical heat, because what’s a beach without a bar, right?
Kuantan is well known for beaches. There are many miles of lovely beaches to enjoy. Another beautiful spot nearby is Teluk Cempedak beach, also called Palm Beach, which is popular with tourists. It has a partly rocky foreshore.
Kuantan Waterfall (or Sungai Pandan)
Who doesn’t love waterfalls?! So while in Kuantan, you can head to these natural spring waterfalls, located about 25 km from Kuantan Town. Or if you’re coming from Sungai Karang, it’s a 40 minute drive inland.
There are others, but these are the most popular waterfalls in Kuantan.
Hope you enjoy these day trips from Kuala Lumpur.
Any comments or questions? Leave me a message below.
Bye for now.
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