“Sometimes the best way to celebrate life is to pack a bag and follow your curiosity.”

I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 23–25, 2023, with four things in mind: to celebrate my birthday in a foreign land, travel solo, see the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and check it off my bucket list.

Spoiler: I did all of them. And what a beautiful ride it was!

Touchdown, KL.

The humid air greeted me as I exited the airport and boarded a bus to KL Sentral. From there, I hopped on the LRT Line 5 (Kelana Jaya Line) and alighted at Masjid Jamek Station, where my hotel was located. At first, the signage inside the station was confusing, and I found myself second-guessing directions. But relief swept in the moment I spotted my hotel across the street.

After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I grabbed a quick brunch—an omelet cheese muffin with an Americano (RM6) from the McDonald’s beside the hotel. That fueled me for my first adventure: Batu Caves.

My original plan was to take the LRT from Masjid Jamek to Bandaraya Station, then transfer to the KTM Seremban Line at Bank Negara Station. But due to train maintenance, I was advised to take the bus instead. It was a bit of a detour—bus to Bandaraya, a short walk to Bank Negara via a pedestrian bridge, and finally, the train to Batu Caves Station.

The Golden Guardian: Batu Caves on Day One

Despite the zigzag commute, it was worth it. Standing before the towering 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan and climbing the 272 rainbow-colored steps to the temple caves was surreal.

The place was sacred and alive, a blend of spirituality, history, and wonder. After soaking it all in, I made my way back to KL Sentral for lunch and the rest of my city adventure.

Genting Highlands: A Chilly Escape

On my second day in Malaysia, I woke up at 6 AM and skipped breakfast. I reloaded my Touch n Go card at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station (Line 5 Kelana Jaya), then took a short train ride to KL Sentral. From there, I followed signs to the bus terminal and paid RM10 for a ticket to Awana Genting Highlands. The ride took about an hour. I couldn’t sleep on the bus—I was too busy admiring the changing scenery.

As we approached Awana Station, the temperature dropped noticeably. The cool breeze and pine trees reminded me of Baguio City. I bought a round-trip cable car ticket for RM18. I’d read that the Genting Skyway is one of the longest cable car rides in Southeast Asia, and I was excited to experience it.

Chin Swee Caves Temple: Serenity in the Sky

My first stop was the Chin Swee Caves Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary completed in 1994. It features a grand prayer hall, a towering pagoda, and a giant Buddha statue. Most visitors took escalators down to the temple—it’s free to enter.

After walking around the peaceful grounds, I stopped at Starbucks nearby and got a caramel macchiato and croissant for RM30. A crew member handed me a Starbucks Rewards card, though it’s only usable in Malaysia.

SkyAvenue: Short and Sweet

My last stop before heading back was SkyAvenue, home to both indoor and outdoor theme parks. It’s a great place for families. I didn’t stay long there. After I reloaded my SIM card, I rode the cable car back to Awana Station. I bought another bus ticket (RM11) back to KL Sentral, grabbed a late lunch, and made my way to the next item on my list.

Petronas Twin Towers: Bucket List, Checked.

The Petronas Twin Towers have been on my bucket list for years. It felt surreal to finally be standing before them—especially on my birthday. From KL Sentral, I took the LRT to KLCC Station and walked toward the towers. It was raining lightly, so I stayed inside KL Suria Mall and had McDonald’s for lunch. Thankfully, the rain cleared quickly.

When I finally stepped outside, I found the perfect spot to photograph the twin giants. I didn’t bother going up—I just wanted to see them up close and feel that quiet sense of achievement.

Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Gallery, River of Life, and a Little Kindness

Even though I was tired, I pushed myself to revisit places I missed the day before. I walked to Merdeka Square, where I struggled to take photos in front of the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building—until two kind Malaysian students offered to help.

Afterward, I visited the Kuala Lumpur Gallery, which showcases miniatures and photos of the city’s history, back when it was a tin mining town. I ended the afternoon at Central Market, hoping to find souvenirs, though many shops were closed.

Birthday Reflections

This birthday trip meant the world to me. Sure, there were challenges leading up to it, but they only added color to the journey. I’m deeply grateful I pushed through. Traveling solo reminded me of how fortunate I am—to celebrate another year of life, to explore new places, and to create lasting memories on my own terms.

Last Day Wanderings: Petaling Street and Kwai Chai Hong

On my last free day, I woke up at 6 AM and walked to Jalan Petaling, also known as Petaling Street. I passed a small temple, Guan Di Temple, which was still closed.

The streets were mostly empty. I wandered around and found some street art before returning later to the now-open Guan Di Temple. Inside, it was calm and beautifully traditional.

A few steps away is Kwai Chai Hong—some say it means “Little Demon Alley.” It’s an Instagram-worthy spot near Pasar Seni LRT Station, decorated with murals depicting life in the old days. The vibrant colors and thoughtful details drew me in.

My favorite paintings included a middle-aged man with a string instrument, two kids playing, a woman by an open window, a calligrapher, and even a bold orange tiger. Climbing the stairs revealed another large mural that depicted 1960s life. It was like walking through a living canvas.

Final Souvenirs and Soft Goodbyes

Before heading to the airport, I went back to Central Market to buy souvenirs and send a postcard home. Although many stalls were still closed, I managed to find a few special keepsakes.

With my bags packed, I checked out of my hotel and received my RM50 deposit refund. I took the LRT to KL Sentral and chose the bus to the airport—cheaper than the train and still scenic. As I looked out the window, I reflected on how progressive and beautiful Malaysia truly is.

Before checking in, I made one last food stop at Hometown Hainan Coffee. I ordered crispy kaya buttered toast and milk tea for RM9.80. It was my final meal in Malaysia—simple, warm, and comforting.

It wasn’t selamat tinggal (goodbye), but jumpa lagi (see you soon!), Malaysia. Let’s see each other again soon. Penang or Kota Kinabalu, maybe?

*** This blog was first drafted on March 24, 2023, Friday, 10:32 PM, at the Big M Hotel, 38 Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50050. ***