JOIN ME IN AN INTERVIEW WITH JACK LIM FROM KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA !

Jack is a travel blogger living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia who has the desire to travel around the world and do backpacking alone. What he loves about traveling is to seek new adventure, taking off-the-beaten paths, indulge with local food and meet new people. As a solo traveler, he always encourages others to travel more and get out of the comfort zone by going solo once in their lifetime. He likes to share and exchange travel stories whenever he is with friends or other fellow travellers.

 

 

Which is the best month to visit Kuala Lumpur and why?

Travellers can visit this amazing city all year round because there is only summer season. The city is located near the equator of the Earth and the weather here is hot and humid. The temperature can range from 27-34 Degree. The best time to visit is between February and August which has less rain, a perfect time to get out to wander and explore its historic sites and modern skyscrapers. The monsoon season falls in September and will last until early January.

 

 

Which is the most convenient and favoured transport of Kuala Lumpur ?

I love to get around the city by GoKL City Bus and is absolutely free for everyone. This shuttle buses serve four different routes- Green, Red, Blue and Purple line and passengers can interchange to another line at certain stops. The buses come every 15-20 minutes and cover most of the tourist attractions, shopping districts and hotels in the city area. Another way to get around is using LRT and MRT train. It is the cheapest and fastest mode of transportation and will avoid into traffic congestion during the peak hours.

 

What are the top 3 must visit places in Kuala Lumpur?

One of the most visited tourist spot is Merdeka Square, where our country’s Independence Day was held here back in 31 August 1957, declared its independence from British rule. The notable landmarks around the square are Royal Selangor Club, City Gallery and Sultan Abdul Samad building, a former courthouse. The road in front of the square will be closed on the first Sunday of each month, making the best time to walk around and take photos of the surrounding. This place is use to host annual local and international events including National Day Parade and Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon.

 

Visit the city’s oldest Islamic place of worship named Masjid Jamek Mosque. The mosque was built in 1907 and designed with the mixture of ancient Moorish, Islam and Mughal architectural style. Visitors can enter the mosque everyday expect Fridays and prayer times. Right behind the mosque is Gombak River where the water flows through the river of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (another state). The city got its name from Gombak river that originally called Sungai Lumpur.

 

The iconic Petronas Twin Tower located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur is worth a visit. This structure once hold the title for “The Tallest Building in the World” until 2004. Today, it still remain the tallest twin tower in the world where tourists can go up to the SkyBridge at Level 41 and take the 360 Degree city panoramic view at Level 86.

Which is the most celebrated holiday of the year in Kuala Lumpur?

Malaysia is a multi-racial country where different races including Malay, Chinese and Indian live together in harmony. Nevertheless, all Malaysians love to celebrate Christmas regardless of their ethnicity, religious and belief. Streets and shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur will be decorated with Christmas trees, wonderful lighting and display of reindeers and snowman. There will be plenty of performances and music choirs during this festive season as well.

 

 

Which is the most happening area in Kuala Lumpur and why?

Bukit Bintang is the major shopping district in the city with many shopping malls situated here. Youngsters and shopaholics do enjoy shopping for budget, medium and high-end local and international brand of clothes, watches, bags, shoes, arts, antiques and toys. There are plenty of bars, pubs and international cuisines too. Party-goers also can hanging out and socialize at some of the most trendiest nightclubs in town.

 

 

Where can one find amazing street food in Kuala Lumpur?

Go behind Bukit Bintang famous street named Jalan Alor and you will find every Malaysians’ favourite local food here. There are dozens of hawker stalls, coffee shops and an open-air food court that serve Malay, Chinese and Indian food. They are so irresistible and different food has its unique taste.  Don’t forget to save your stomach for some sweet local dessert as well, such as Ice Kacang and Cendol. They are open from evenings till late nights.

 

 

Where to head for affordable shopping in Kuala Lumpur?

I will highly recommend to visit Central Market located at Pasar Seni. This old two-storey building houses many stalls which sell local batiks, Malay kebayas, priceless antiques, local delights, gifts and souvenirs. Tourist can test their bargaining skills here and fetch for a reasonable price. Other areas are Chinatown, right across Central Market and Berjaya Time Square.

 

 

Which is the most loved local food in Kuala Lumpur, both sweet and savoury?

You must try our traditional Nasi Lemak at least once during your trip in Kuala Lumpur. It is our favourite national dish, commonly served with Malay fragrant rice, small fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, fresh cucumber slices, hard-boiled egg and hot spicy sauces. It is wrapped in banana leaves and can be found everywhere in town. You also can combine with other dishes such as curry chicken, beef, lamb or fish.

 

You could not want to miss out our sweet Ice Kacang dessert. It is prepared with shaved ice, palm seeds, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, roasted peanuts and cubes of agar agar. The final ingredients added on top the mountain of ice are evaporated milk and red rose syrup. Yummy!

Which side of the road does Kuala Lumpur drive on? Is it cycle friendly?

We drive at the left side which is opposite from the Americans. There are very limited cycling pathways in the city. We prefer to drive or use public transportation because the weather here is pretty humid and usually rain in the evenings.

 

Would you recommend any popular local apps to tourists for transport, food and hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur?

I will suggest to download an app named Malaysia Guide by Triposo. It is free and easy to use. By choosing the city name, it will provide tons of information on places for sightseeing, dining, accommodations, day tours and shopping. You only need to pay when joining certain events and tours organised by third-party person.

 

IF YOU ARE VISITING KUALA LUMPUR OR WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JACK’S ADVENTURES, BE SURE TO FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM/TWITTER/PINTEREST

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