Joanna James
Malaysia's pulsing cosmopolitan capital is a cutting-edge constellation of heightened experiences that thrill the senses, but it is also filled with nature-kissed escapes for mindful unwinding. Here are some enriching treks for full-body rejuvenation.
Whether it's adventurous tropical multi-parks like Sunway Lagoon, with its exhilarating rides, water slides, wildlife parks, and 'extreme' sports, imperial palaces echoing the elegance of bygone royal courts, or jewel-toned market stalls full of artisan treasures, KL has a diverse array of enriching allurements to occupy your itinerary. However, this heartthrob of a city cannot truly charm you unless you have experienced its wildlife-rich sanctuaries, and Bukit Bogra is the best place to start. This 3.4km trail is best explored at sunrise, watching the light gradually illuminate beautiful scenes as you wade uphill through silken lalang grass. After leisurely drinking in the unobstructed panoramas, you will have worked up an appetite for the classic breakfast of creamy kaya toast paired with eggs and piping hot coffee or even a hearty flavour-packed serving of nasi lemak.
Malaysia's subtly dazzling capital balances perfectly between rustic nostalgia and avant-garde rhapsody; its retro indoor parks, painted alleys, quaint kampungs, and atmospheric eat streets contrast enticingly with its futuristic skyline, robot waitresses, mega mall rollercoasters, and luxury Plane in the City dining. If you want to experience an adrenaline-fuelled yet deeply serene immersion in nature, this delicious divergence is yours to enjoy at the capital's Forest Eco Park, where you can take the Canopy Walk suspended 200 metres above the treetops, scale the 7th tallest tower in the world, and embrace the kid inside you at a wonderful upside-down house all in the same vicinity!
After a few hours in KL, you will learn to embrace the unique and luxuriant as a part of life, whether it's the pungent addiction of silky durian topping most desserts, the authentic enchantments of flower-pressed jewels, tropical fruit chocolates, and centuries-old ornaments found in its lavish markets, or the quirky walking tours that are a whirlwind of heritage, food, and handicrafts. For an off-the-beaten-path trek that yields a stellar reward, you can't do better than the well-trodden Saga Hill, which is a delightful playground in the woods, with its gushing waterfalls, open spaces, and picturesque huts graced with hammocks. And if you can't get enough of crystalline forest cascades, the picnic-worthy hike to Chiling Falls is another incredibly Instagrammable workout!
If you're craving a breather from the sparkling city's bustle and celebrate mindful moments in nature, this world-class heritage forestry research institute is generously dipped in nature-kissed lushness with forest trails chasing waterfalls, flatlands, streams, and plantations. The FRIM Forest Skywalk, its latest highlight, gently swings 30-metres above ground level and yields spectacular aerials of the diverse surrounding landscapes and even glimpses of the cityscape. If you're looking for sophisticated KL serviced apartments proffering prime access to the foremost metropolitan attractions, venture no further than Ascott Star KLCC.
If you want to fall in love with a living canvas of cloud valleys, canopies of unimaginable greens, and jewel-blue rivers winding past misted sapphire mountains spread before you as you swing your legs over an exhilarating precipice, Bukit Kutu will star among your top hiking adventures.
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.
