Joanna James
Bukit Bintang is one of Kuala Lumpur's most sought-after tourist regions and that too for good reason. This is because the area is filled to the brim with many attractions.
Fancy some retail therapy? Then consider making your way towards the magnificently appointed Berjaya Times Square which is the world's 5th largest building and your gateway to many a leisure escape. Sort your way through the numerous retail outlets where you can literally, shop till you drop before casting your gaze on Asia's largest theme park and its hair-raising rides that are sure to keep you entertained. What's more? You can also take advantage of the 9-screen cinema for the very latest blockbusters or challenge your family or friends to a game of bowling inside the 48-lane bowling alley to all but complete one's time here.
Rising to a staggering 421 meters in the air and often at the heart of sightseeing tours in KL, the Menara KL Tower built in 1994 affords ease of access to its viewing deck from where the entirety of the city centre might be caught sight of. Feel on top of the world as the viewing deck elevates one's viewing pleasure while being 276 meters in the air.
Constructed by Tamil immigrants in 1873, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple found on Jalan Tun HS Lee and within close proximity of Chinatown is the leading Hindu temple in all of Kuala Lumpur. While Italian and Spanish tiles have been incorporated into the shrine's design, gold and a number of precious stones further add to the allure of this sacred edifice. Also, upon arrival travellers like you will be greeted by some 228 Hindu idols which beautify the five tiers of the shrine's polychromatic entry gate.
Also referred to as the Kasturi Walk, the Malaysia Heritage Walk comprises an open-air flea market littered with kiosks and stalls selling a myriad of t-shirts, watches, handbags, souvenirs, and tasty snacks to keep your spirits up for the entirety of one's time here. Currently in its 10th year, Kasturi Walk though not appearing as crowded as Petaling Street still retains a semblance of colour and festivity wherever your gaze moves towards.
Considered to be the last remaining tropical rainforest in the city, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve certainly comes across as a welcome break away from the bustle of city life. Established in 1906, the Reserve covers 11 hectares and allows for time to be spent exploring its walking trails that will have you strolling along in your own merry way past an assortment of flora including creepers, bamboo, and herbs. However, the highlight of being here would be to devote time towards walking across the 200-meter tall Canopy Walk which is a steel and wood aerial bridge that will have you admiring vistas of the forest reserve, Menara KL Tower, and Kuala Lumpur's stunning skyline.
Should you be in the mood to cook up a culinary masterclass, consider making a beeline towards Starhill Culinary Studio where under the watchful eyes of Chef Wai, you will soon begin to perfect the fine art of preparing some of the country's favourite fare. On top of being carefully guided through food preparation, the visitor will also be taken through the ins and outs of better managing one's cooking utensils and how local herbs can add flavour and texture to what you end up serving.
No trip to Bukit Bintang would ever be complete without strolling through the stretch termed Jalan Alor which is well known for serving up some of the best street food in all of KL. While most of the hawker stalls offer picture menus, a trip to Jalan Alor will see travellers like yourself tucking into an array of barbecued meats, noodles, desserts, and whatnot. If staying at a 4-star hotel in KL such as The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel, then heading over to Jalan Alor will be a thing of the past.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
