Was looking through old photos of my travels back in 2015 (which I unfortunately didn’t manage to recap fully on this blog). This sparked my interest to write about my travelling experiences again.

This time round, we headed to Kuala Lumpur in October and Sunway & Damansara Area in December 2019. Both were rainy periods.

My main considerations for the two trips to KL/Selangor were:

• Affordable but luxurious
• Wheelchair-Accessible
• Instagram-worthy

Getting to KL

Flying over to KL is the best option, especially if you have luggages, bags and a wheelchair to bring around. I compared between the budget flights – Jetstar, AirAsia, and Scoot. Overall, Jetstar provided the best price with a 7kg cabin baggage per person, and a 45 mins ride in the air, even when I had some discounts for Scoot. The booking interface was also easier to indicate for wheelchair assistance. Scoot’s interface was the most difficult to use amongst the three. Online check in was also very easy, and you don’t need to print tickets as they provide you with a QR code. Besides, going to Changi Airport never hurts, especially when T1 is right beside Jewel.

If you bring your own wheelchair, it will be tagged at the check-in counter, then you can continue using it all the way until you board the plane, which they will then keep it as cargo. When you reach KLIA2, the wheelchair will be taken out from the cargo, and you can use it as soon as you leave the plane. However, this is slightly different for SG, as there will be a dedicated wheelchair and staff to push you all the way past immigration to the baggage claim area, where you will find your own wheelchair there.

You can easily call a grab from KLIA2, at 65rm ++ for a 4 seater car to head where you want to go to. Alternatively, you can book a ride at a counter, right before exiting the immigration area to the public space of the terminal. They count by the number of pax, and whether you have luggages, and allocate the best car for you. It is competitively priced, similar to Grab fares, but already includes the toll gate fares, unlike Grab.

Do note that on the way back to SG, Malaysia’s immigration may take a while, so always check in as early as possible.

Getting Around

GRAB, GRAB, GRAB. Able to get a ride quite quickly anywhere. But, traffic is always heavy in KL city centre.

Be careful of kerb and pavements. Their pavements are very uneven, roads with holes, and ramps are steep. Not the most conducive for wheelchairs.

(Fun fact: Myvi and Axia, not possible to fit a wheelchair.)

Accommodation

Hotels would be a better choice then airbnbs, even for those cheap hotels (I have tried both). But I guess it depends on your comfort level, as my my family prefers clean surroundings, and better accessibility to the tourist areas.

Visit & Eat

Here is a rundown of places I think that were worth the visit. Have visited other areas, but only recommending the places that I had good vibes with.

1. LINC KL [Photos]

While they do call it a shopping mall, I would call it more of a small high-end boutique area. There is a supermarket – Ben’s Independent Grocer, and a notable restaurant by Chef Wan – De.Wan 1958. Nothing much to explore in terms of the shops (unless you like branded things) , but they have many small little areas that you can take nice photos of, including murals, natural-looking balcony, rainbow steps, and rainbow everything.

Address: The LINC KL, 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.

Operating hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM

2. Pavilion [Shopping + Food]

Pavilion is a haven for shopping enthusiasts! You can easily get local products from shops like Fashion Valet and even their Guardian/Watson for some halal makeup (Simply Siti is simply effective, I tell ya). Moreover, a lot of food that is not halal in SG is halal there, which is great! A head turner is definitely TGI Fridays and Tony Roma, which serves delicious steaks and burgers.

And check out Uncle Tetsu! Soft, jiggly cheesecake which tastes amazing.

Best part about the Pavilion is that you can cast your shopping net further, using the underpass to Fahrenheit88 and Starhill Gallery, or the bridge at Level 3 to KLCC! You can get good deals at the brands outlet as soon as you reach Farenheit88. I remembered I also bought my drum sticks at a music shop in that area. Roads are so relatively well paved.

Address: Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM

3. Changkat, Bukit Bintang [Photos]

So this alleyway was transformed to a vibrant spot under the Urban Renweal Project by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, making it such that the buzz throughout the day, and not just at night with the pubs and restaurants around!

There are many murals along this stretch, took us about 1.5 hours at that location. It was fun exploring, and you can see various designs, like rainbows, caricatures, clouds, jungles, and animals. Best to take photos in the morning, before there is a crowd. There are some slopes, but nothing a wheelchair can’t handle.

Address: Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4. Empire Damansara [Photos]

Similar to Bukit Bintang, it is a nightlife spot, surrounded by Airbnb apartments (which I stayed in) and offices. There is also a kedai dobi (laundry shop), a clinic, a few branded boutiques and barber. My brother was satisfied with the barber and got the haircut he wanted all this while but could not be produced in SG (take this with a pinch of salt). I could also easily settle my bubble tea craving whenever with Tealive.

But the best part of Empire Damansara is definitely the photo spots. No crowds to compete with for photos either. Thankfully, there is a cargo lift, and another lift nearer to the performing arts theatre for wheelchairs.

Address: 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

5. TGI Fridays [Food]

Serves big portions of steaks, ribs, burgers, pasta. Their sauces are definitely unique and rich in flavour.

Address: Pavilion, Lot 6.01.07 & 6.01.08, Level 6, 168, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

6. Masjid India [Shop + Food]

My family loves street markets. We visited Masjid India area and the stalls were lined up along such a long road that it was actually tiring to walk the full stretch. A lot of street food to try, and all tasted pretty good.

They also sold all sorts of things, and all around are small little shops, and even a ‘Mustafa’, a 24hr centre of everything called Haniffa.

 

A must to check out is definitely RSMY Best Cheese Naan!! Their cheese Naan taste really good!! It’s about a 10min walk from Masjid India, and we bought a whole bunch back to SG, wrapped in aluminium foil, to put it in the freezer. When we want to eat it, we just took some out and heat it up in the oven.

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

7. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park/ Sunway Pyramid Mall [Photos + Fun]

Sunway Lagoon was on my bucket list, and the water rides didn’t disappoint! I went on a Thursday, and it wasn’t too crowded. I entered from the Surf Beach entrance instead of the main entrance, as it was nearer to Sunway Pyramid Hotel that I was staying at. The hotel was right beside a mall which had like almost everything, including an ice skating rink, arcade, cinema, archery etc. One thing I would reccomend is to try their Sister Crispy Popiah!

We literally spent the whole day there. You have to pay for the lockers (25rm for whole day storage) , as most of the rides did not allow us to put bags at the side. Can easily cover the dry rides and animals area by noon. Everyone was simply carrying a waterproof bag to carry their phones and some cash around, which can be carried on on most rides. They only have one rollercoaster, and it’s not scary at all. The water rides are super fun, especially the vuvuzela, monsoon 360, and the primeval ride. Even the waterplexx 5d was pretty wild and wet. The quack express pass allowed us to take each ride multiple times and skip the queue. Worth it only if you are the kind that likes to ride rides over and over nonstop. If not, don’t think it is necessary.

Was also excited for the slime at the Nickelodeon Lagoon (at 4pm). Alas, it was just green coloured water and not the actual slime like on TV. But the kids LOVED it.

Do wait till the surf pool starts at around 5pm. It comes with the club music, lifeguards and all!

It is cheaper if you buy the tickets from Klook, with the discount codes and all to get some savings.

Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Daily, 10am – 6pm

8. Wondermilk [Food]

The place had a nice ambience. Their wondermilk milk is not bad at all, but I feel I had better cupcakes (Fluff is the best I’ve tasted). Their mains are nice, if you like cafe food. It is also a nice photo spot.

I do wish I had more time to explore the other cafes in the area, as there are many new cafes that have been popping up.

Address: 37, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 10am-9pm

9. Pepper Lunch + Chun [Food]

Totally missed out on the pepper lunch craze in SG, but finally had a taste of it, and I’m impressed. It tastes really good, and you get to ‘cook’ it yourself. I heard there is one at Pavilion. Alternatively, there is one at KLIA2 arrival, with little customers which is even better.

Also do try out Chun, which is the latest corndog craze. The right amount of crispy, cheesy and chewy corn dogs.

Address: Kuala Lumpur Int’l Airport, Lot No L2-33 & 33A, Level 2, Terminal Klia2, Jalan Klia 2/1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia

10. Tapak Urban Street Dining [Food + Shopping Nearby]

The place is an open area carpark with many food trucks to choose from. You can walk from LINC KL, but the footpaths are just horrible. Uneven roads, broken pavements, big humps, puddles can all be seen on that journey.

Once you get there, enjoy the nice ambience, with live music, and various food options. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite food from there, but I like the available options. My mum thinks the mutton chop there tastes fresh, with no smell.

Observed OLs eating dinner here before they head off home/office? for the night. You can then head to a few shopping malls right across the street! Also accessible by public transport.

Address: There are actually 2 tapak areas. The one I went to was Persiaran Hampshire, off, Jalan Ampang, Hampshire Park, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Daily, 6pm till late

So, those were my top 10 choices. If I get the chance, the next trip should have a different set of criteria like exploring nature or something. I would definitely explore Batu Caves, and hike up some mountains and view the waterfalls, which I saw in Airbnb experience.

Hope this serves as a useful guide to those who like to explore the area!