Batu Caves….India Trace in North of Kuala Lumpur

A. KLIA2 to Batu Caves Route

Step 01. KLIA2-KL Sentral

Heading to 1st floor which is location of KLIA2 Transportation Hub, I rushed to Skybus sales counter. Rates of USD 2.6 was enough to move me from KLIA2 to KL Sentral which is located in center of Kuala Lumpur city. I spent 50 minutes traveling to see situation of Selangor state’s streets.

Step 02. KL Sentral-Batu Caves

Trip in year 2014

From KL Sentral, I headed to KTM Komuter Laluan Seremban ticket counter to reach Batu Caves. At that time, commuter tickets couldn’t be obtained at automatic fare machines like LRT tickets in Kuala Lumpur. So I had to go to ticket counter to manually buy it. Its price is quite cheap, only USD 0.5 for one way. Distance from KL Sentral to Batu Caves is 13 km with 45 minutes travel time.

Trip in year 2018

Check out my second and most recent trip to Batu Caves at this link: New Route to Batu Caves, Malaysia

B. About Batu Caves

Corridor between commuter station to Batu Caves.

Taking a light step through exit gate at Batu Caves Station and gathering curiosity which is increasingly rising when I moved in a roofed pedestrian corridor. The corridor which its end is right entrance of Batu Caves.

I looked small under it.

Entering from right side, the 15 meter high statue of Lord Hanuman welcomed. Its green body added sacredness of “Wanara” King. It was undeniable because indeed many long-tailed monkeys present around temple which is located next to statue.

A monkey which is eyeing my camera….
Temple was quite crowded with visitors.
Incense were burned in front of temple.

Ramayana Cave Suyambu Lingam on left side of green temple solemnity presents Ramayana epic through several character statues which imply a storyline. Set aside USD 1.3 to just enjoy its majesty.

Ramayana Cave gate.

The sun sting didn’t deter my enthusiasm and spirit for being present in front of Venkatachalapathi Temple which was built above 19 stairs. This temple praises Lord Vishnu incarnation who is carrying out his duties as a “destroyer of sin”. Do you know Lord Vishnu who rides Garuda (the king of all birds) and armed with chakra?

Take your shoes off before climbing stairs!

To ensure tourists don’t miss any part of Batu Caves, they prepares a sign with 17 different directions.

That is….

Understanding Hindu history through beauty of art is what Cave Villa wants to show. USD 3.9 is a pretty expensive value to explore this cave.

Buy ticket there.

Lord Shiva who be illustrated as Nataraja “the Lord of Tandavam” (the name of a religious dance in Hinduism) and Lord Murugan who were essentially born as 6 babies, were eventually transformed into a single powerful figure of Lord Murugan, are two stories which is explained in this cave.

Standing on Batu Caves main part i.e a large courtyard which is full of pigeons which always loves to beg for food from tourists.

That are pigeon…. benign but in fact are not.
The worship building on Batu Caves courtyard was being renovated.

Visiting statue of the highest Hindu God in the world, His mother is Parwati Lord and his father is Lord Shiva. Lord Murugan is his name …. Armed with a sacred scepter and his majesty is represented on his soaring as high as 43 meters.

Gold color makes it very prominent in anyone’s eyelids.

Prepare your calves to steps on 272 stairs to main temple which hides on a 400 million-year-old limestone hill.

Dress modestly…Try not to wear shorts.

Humid air and cold temperature like a fridge make this cave as a special place in the middle of stinging area around hill.

Combination of lighting and layout of God statues makes it sacred.

Before leaving this site, you can visit Gheeta’s Souvenir Shop on left front of courtyard.

Souvenir shop.
Parking lot.

If you don’t want to buy souvenirs, you can buy indian foods and snacks which are sold in front right of courtyard.

Indian snacks with Indian aroma.

Couldn’t buy souvenirs because I didn’t have plane luggage….Then I just enjoy lunch or drink coconut water in canteens around Batu Caves.

Twice visited….Twice also lunch here.
Nasi lemak in Indian taste….Hahaha.
Coconut water with ice was drank in middle of sun sting.….Beuh.

Of course, you know Batu Caves, because of its popularity … But try to explore about values which can be obtained from this site.

So….Batu Caves….Let’s go there!.

24 Tourist Attractions at Kuala Lumpur in 3 Days 2 Nights

A flight to Kuala Lumpur, which was barely caught due to race with time along Jakarta-Serang toll road, was added with pale faces due to the bitter interrogation of Malaysian immigration staff because of my inconclusive appearance, then making my heart and spirit go high together with my success first steps to leave the KLIA2 immigration counter.

Guys …. My journey in Kuala Lumpur for first time began. Very happy at that time. My fridge magnet will add to be three. Yes like that, number of fridge magnets in my house shows how many countries I have visited….Later when I have visited 100 countries, I will buy a refrigerator as high as my house ceiling. So I can put all fridge magnets on it….Hahaha.

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The trip that had been planned since 9 months before departure was finally realized. Still couldn’t believe when I really entered this neighbor country. The itinerary which I detailed in three sheets had taken me to the following 24 destinations:

1. KL Sentral

KL Sentral is the first stopover which is often used by travelers before exploring Kuala Lumpur. Yes, most public transportations from KLIA will end here.

KL Sentral was indeed built by Malaysian government as a transit-oriented transportation building. No wonder, this transportation center is never empty of visitors.

Beware, Donny…Your zippers.

For the first time, arriving here on the first day of my journey, at exactly 11:23 hours. I took time to explore Nu Sentral which is a shopping mall which is integrated with this modern building.

2. Batu Caves

The time that was too late to begin my trip to Genting Highlands made me choose this Hindu temple as my next stop. Located in Gombak area which is 15 km north of KL Sentral with a distance of 40 minutes travel time making the yellow statue of “Dewa Murugan” as the favorite icon in Kuala Lumpur after Petronas Twin Tower.

So, if you can’t use a tripod….Ask someone else to just take a your photo, Donny!….Huh.

90 minutes is more than enough time to dispel my curiosity about the cave which is located in a 400 million-year-old limestone hill.

3. Suria KLCC

After returning from Batu Caves and after hunting for hotels in Pasar Seni area which ended with staying at Agosto Inn, in a light drizzle I hurried to Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC). KLCC is center of Kuala Lumpur which offers a modern shopping mall i.e Suria KLCC, a row of five-star hotels, iconic view of Petronas Twin Tower and a large urban park (KLCC Park).

Even though I don’t like shopping, I’m just curious to see this mall which has 350 tenants. The Suria KLCC architecture is in crescent shape when viewed from above….Cool, huh. And you need to know that Suria KLCC construction is an integrated project with Petronas Twin Tower.

4. Petrosains

Before leaving Suria KLCC, I made time to visit Petrosains in 4th floor. Petrosains is Petronas’s petroleum education site, a Malaysian oil giant. Simply set aside Rp. 35,000 to study in Petrosains.

What are you doing….?

5. Petronas Twin Tower

Right to the left of Suria KLCC exit, I finally found the phenomenal twin building. Soft drizzle which accompanied me to enjoy Petronas Twin Tower was unable to drive me out of front yard of the tallest twin building in the world.

Security: “Get Downnnnnnn…..!”

Petronas Twin Tower is the last destination on the first day of journey. Rest faster at Agosto Inn to prepare myself for Genting Highland tomorrow.

6. Genting Skyway

On 6:30 hours, seeing my presence at dining table made hotel staff seem rushed to prepare breakfast which was only oatmeal, orange sunkist, toast and warm drinks which I could take as much as I could from tea and coffee pots.

A morning that was still very quiet I passed to KL Sentral to catch the first bus to Genting Highlands which will depart at 08:00. By paying for a round trip ticket from KL Sentral to Genting, USD 5.5 (price in 2014, in 2019 price have gone up to USD 6.3) I arrived at Genting Highlands 1 hour 15 minutes later.

First time riding a cable car….

That price includes Genting Skyway ride. While the one-way price for this transportation mode is USD 2. The gondola’s lower station is in Gohtong Jaya and its Upper Station is in Maxims Hotel, Genting Highlands.

7. Genting Highlands

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at Genting Highlands after hanging in the eight-persons seat gondola

The main purpose of second day journey, which had to give up my all time in second day was taken away. Deprivation which absurdly excites me . Hope, there was a repetition like this at another time.

Watch out, Donny! Don’t be in the middle of way!….Many people want to pass.

Two hours I explored the resort at top of Mount Titiwangsa in northeast of Kuala Lumpur. If you have much money, you can spend the night in Genting. But passing every mall without shopping, restaurants without taking lunch and casino without gambling, surely that’s me who has never had enough money to do all that.

8. Bukit Bintang

I just needed to reverse my departure way so I could go back to KL Sentral.

15: 30 hours….”Wow, I can still explore,” My thought cheering. Bus, done!….LRT, done!….Commuter, done!….MRT, not yet Donny!, they werw still seen dredging the ground next to Pasar Seni. So what will you ride next?

I decided to try the only monorail route in Kuala Lumpur. When else can I ride it if not now?. This is also my first time riding a monorail which three years later I rode the same mode for free at Sentosa Island, Singapore….Yup, that was Sentosa Express.

Don’t be too long, Donny!. Many people in your back, wait for took photos too.

The famous destination on KL Monorail Route is Bukit Bintang. Bearing a title as the most famous shopping and entertainment venue in Kuala Lumpur makes Bukit Bintang as the most popular retail center which is always hunted by shopping enthusiasts, from housewives, office workers to young women and even tourists.

Aren’t you a tourist, Donny? … No, sir. I’m just a fortunate wanderer who was given a chance to travel around 25 countries….Plakkkk Plakkkk Plakkkk…I hit you, Donny!

9. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Park)

Killing time in a city park at north of city center was my journey’s closing on second day. Founded in former of tin mining during British colonialism made it reasonable by existence of a large lake as former of mining activities.

Sorry viewers….I ran out of battery when in the park….That was better picture.

At four o’clock in afternoon, I was present in the park in a crowd of extraordinary citizens’ activities. Until maghrib pray call reminded me that I wasn’t in “Bluntas Park” (the park name which is closest my home in Jakarta….Hahaha). The mean was, time began to expel me to immediately leave Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Park) and better spend my evening near hotel where I stay overnight.

10. Hop On Hop Off Bus

Time is indeed unfriendly when confronted with curiosity. Suddenly I was pushed into last day of journey. Long exploration time is successful in compromising with my tired calf veins in affecting my brain. Then my brain whispered, “Just relax in spending last day in Kuala Lumpur, Donny!“.

USD 11.6, I was forced to give it to double decker bus tour guide…. It’s called HOHO bus….Or, Hop On Hop Off bus.

Hurry up!….Don’t trap in the evening.

HOHO Bus Stop No. 09, located in Central Market, made it easy for me to catch it….It took less than 5 minutes to reach it from Agosto Inn. Not accepting loss, I insisted on visiting several tourist destinations along HOHO bus line.

11. Istana Negara

Only 15 minutes. After that, every ladies and gentlemen can go back to bus or join to next bus“, her voice became clearer with presence of a mic under guide’s lips. Her face was beautiful within hijab (girl moslem wear ). She Made me melt.

Beware don’t cling to wall !….You could make the wall dirty, Donny….Huh

I rushed away as fast as I could to approaching palace gate. Took a picture with palace guard who stands like a statue and a very tame palace horse even though dozens of different faces took turn taking pictures with it.

12. Dataran Merdeka

A large square adorned with an iconic Mughal-Moor building becomes my next stop. Sultan Abdul Samad is name of the building. Sultan Abdul Samad himself was the leader of Selangor state which was famous for moving capital city of Selangor from Klang to Kuala Lumpur.

Yes….Not bad pose.

The plain is known as Dataran Merdeka, the place where Malaysia independence from British colonial government was declared.

13. KL Tower

HOHO bus which didn’t stop for long time at that communication tower, didn’t make me give up. I nimbly jumped out of bus and a second later HOHO bus left me in KL Tower yard.

Hurry up got in bus!…. Don’t be long time.

I would explore KL Tower before heading to Muzium Negara (State Museum).

If you have more guts, go to Sky Box!, if you want to lunch in an elegant way then try revolving restaurant! ,then go to observation deck to catch beautiful view of Kuala Lumpur city closer to your eyelids!.

Me?….I missed the first two parts. My wallet was only able to put me in the last part….It was better than nothing.

14. National Museum of Malaysia

Want to quickly know about culture of a nation?….Come to its national museum!.

For this reason I was present at Muzium Negara (National Museum of Malaysia). The journey of Malaysians from time to time is clearly displayed in this museum. Starting from prehistoric life….Kingdom life….Even the story of Majapahit Kingdom (Biggest Kingdom in Indonesia) is here.

Like I’ve never seen train before….Huh.

The nuances of Kuala Terengganu kingdom seem to strongly influence this museum architecture which looks so magnificent.

The Malaysian struggle session from British colonialism closed the history learning session at this building which is located on Jalan Damansara.

15. Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Botanical Garden)

Hop On Hop Off slowly entered into Kuala Lumpur green area….Amazing, this was the famous Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Botanical Garden).

Known as Lake Garden, this park was my best solution to stay away from hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur city which gradually made my ears noisy.

Hi, don’t stick!….Hahaha.

I saw how happy Kuala Lumpur people picnic as a family, swinging their feet along jogging track, rowing a boat on a beautiful lake and I was dissolved with my steps to enjoy green trees which cooling surrounding air.

16. Kuala Lumpur Orchid Park

The colors of flowers were like a magnet which pulled me closer. I was cheerful when a park signboard whispered information that I didn’t need to pay a cent to enter it.

Hi, don’t step on the grass!….Wew, ask for a fight.

A woman with wide hat greeted me with a happy smile. Her duty in arranging the park was finally visited by a thin-pocketed traveler. Without embarrassment, the traveler also posed in front of camera which held by the woman….Already entered, free of charge, also gave an order to catching a picture…. Beuh, plaaaaaakkkk #hitmyface.

17. Kuala Lumpur Deer Park

Ma’am….Is there something where doesn’t require an entrance ticket in Perdana Botanical Garden?“, I asked without shame

There, Sir….There is deers across. At the end of this road then turn right “, She said mixed with a smile.

Beuh, if it’s free, don’t ask….Donny is the best searcher and Donny will be the fastest to visiting. As fast as lightning, I was already inside Kuala Lumpur Deer Park.

Hahaha….Similar

All visitors who all quickly entered the park and also quickly left it. In contrast to me who really enjoy behavior of those deers whose its brothers like to steal cucumbers in Indonesia (Indonesia have famous story about a deer that love to steal farmer’s cucumber).

Beuh….Those deers dung beat my bad habit….Free attraction hunter.

18. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The biggest bird’s nest in the world. Home for three thousand birds. This time there was no mercy for my wallet. USD 10.2 flew just to see birds freely roam in the park.

Don’t touch the sign, Donny!….It can collapse….Huh

If you go there, you will find a mandarin duck which for the first time I saw it. Don’t forget to also take part in feeding program for KL Bird Park “residents“!.

19. National Mosque

Exiting Perdana Botanical Garden, HOHO bus drove me to perform Asr prayer at National Mosque.

Be polite!….

National Mosque, which is capable of accommodating 15,000 worshipers, was established to give thanks to God for country’s independence from colonial government without bloodshed.

Feel coolness of main room with soft carpet while worshiping in this mosque. Guaranteed peace and make sleepy.

20. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

I slowly moved away from Perdana Botanical Garden area to return to city center. Apparently, I had circled the city 360 degrees, because I had arrived again at Dataran Merdeka. This time I was visiting Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

Like a villager.….Hahaha

Do you want to know about Kuala Lumpur city development plan?

Want to know also how much Malaysia’s income from tourism?….Fantastic.

Want to know too, what building which they want to build to defeat Petronas Twin Tower which actually has also become the tallest one in entire world?

Just pay USD 1.2 and enter into it….It’s great, I guarantee.

21. National Textile Museum

Yup, there was still a little more time…..

Crossing road in Dataran Merdeka, I was shocked by existence of National Textile Museum. No need to spend money to visit it.

Be saw by security guard from inside…..

The museum, which is placed inside a building which is more than a decade old, offers historical and cultural journeys through a series of typical Malay fabrics which are displayed therein. Also some of relics of Kuala Terengganu’s artistic objects which must have been luxury items in its era

22. Petaling Street

Goodbye Hop On Hop Off bus, thank you for taking me to know Kuala Lumpur.

I immediately headed to hotel to pick up a backpack which I had left in receptionist since morning because my stay finished at 12:00 hours.

But yes, back to the habit….Not wanting to lose against time which kept rolling, I pushed toward Petaling Street which is close to hotel.

You want to shop….Do you have money, Don?

Petaling Street is center of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. Quite crowded when I enter it and explore each stalls which offer a variety of souvenirs and food.

You have to eat roasted chestnuts….It’s delicious, oath!

23. Pasar Seni (Central Market)

It was getting darker….No need to worry, my flight was still tomorrow. A thing which limited me was LRT’s last operating hour, which was 23:00 hours.

I only needed a few minutes to move from Petaling Street to Central Market. Sitting and enjoying culinary time in Petaling didn’t make me realize that the dark had begun to acquire the day. Maybe it was also because of my tiredness which had conspired with the dark to make me forget

Borrowing pictures from someone (year 2019).

Ma’am, what can i get with this amount of money?….Just packing as avail as possible, ma’am. Just a souvenir, Ma’am….Don’t pack foods. I want to go back to Jakarta” words which indicate that I was tired and couldn’t think anymore to choose souvenirs.

24. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

Only a few minutes before 21:00 hours, I closed curtain of my journey in Kuala lumpur. It was time to head to airport which will be my bed on the last night. Combination of traveling using LRT Kelana Jaya and Skybus made me arrive at KLIA2 at a little over 22:00 hours.

He who had a Central Market picture above….He came from future….Wow!

Hi, man….Airport is not a tourist destination….Yakss, for you maybe not….For me is yes, because I often invest time in exploring airport which for the first time I visited.

For me, KLIA2 is an exotic place like a seven star hotel which has contributed to taking me around the world.

Already finish….Need three days to write this article. The longest article which I’ve ever written. This article have 2,679 words, Wow.

Try to count by yourself….!

Bus from KLIA2 to KL Sentral

KLIA2 is the most popular airport terminal for travelers to visit to Malaysia. So, if you are one of them, your chances to landing on KLIA2 (Terminal 2) will be higher than landing on KLIA (Terminal 1). This is because LCC (Low Cost Carrier) aircraft such as Air Asia and Scoot Air will land on KLIA2.

Of course, you will go to Kuala Lumpur downtown after landing. There are three choices of transportation modes which can be used, namely taxi, KLIA Express train and airport bus. Now, back to the opportunity, then the most chance which will be used by travelers is using airport bus because this transportation mode is the cheapest one. Here’s the comparison:

KLIA2 to KL Sentral.

1. Using taxi = USD 22.8

2. Using KLIA Express train = USD 14.2

3. Using airport bus = USD 3.1 (the most cheapest)

Therefore, I need to write my journey story when using airport bus from KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur downtown, which passengers will be dropped off at KL Sentral.

Long time before, I had also written about my trip using Airport Coach from KLIA to KL Sentral. You can see it in the following link:

Bus from KLIA to KL Sentral, Malaysia

Now, I will write my trip from KLIA2 to KL Sentral. Here’s the story:

On exactly 9:15 hours, I passed KLIA2 immigration counter. Early morning flight didn’t provide me an opportunity even if only just eating an omlet like my usual day at home. This made my stomach was very hungry after arriving at KLIA2.

A moment later, I sat at HomeTown Hainan Coffee on 2nd floor of Gateway @ KLIA2 mall. Eating 2 half-cooked eggs for USD 1.5 made my stomach which continued to rebel slightly calm .

Its cool name is Omega Half Boiled Eggs….Hahaha.

Three restaurant waitresses were closely watching me when I pulled out many sheets of 1 Malaysian Ringgit. Yes, I asked for 50 sheets to DolarAsia money changer at Melawai Street, South Jakarta when exchanging money. Hahaha….Swear, I was really embarrassing five years ago.

Heading to 1st floor which is location of KLIA2 Transportation Hub. Then I hurried to Aerobus ticket sales counter.

Use that elevator!
Those are taxi and bus ticket sales counter at KLIA2.

At that time, Aerobus ticket fare (on 2014) was USD 1.2. But last time when I went to KLIA2 again in April 2019, this bus fare was already at USD 2.6.

Ticket fare have double increased after 5 years.

I waited for Aerobus Express at platform no A05 on 15 minutes before departure time. Positively thing of this bus is its time accuracy. Besides Aerobus Express, another bus company which operating on this route is Aerosky Ventures or better known as Skybus.

Aerobus which came on platform no A05.

Only needed to show ticket which I had bought then bus staff would tore driver copy part of ticket. Every time I take a bus in Malaysia, for some reason I really like to taking a back seat. Sitting in the back might be more free for me to observe around.

Entering aerobus….sat at back.

Aerobus would run to KL Sentral via MEX (Maju Expressway) Toll Road. 50 minutes trip that I spent for watching situation of Selangor state streets.

Approaching the end of trip, bus slowly entered to Stesen Sentral road to stop at KL Sentral.

Do you know KL Sentral, right? It stands for Kuala Lumpur Sentral which is main train station in Kuala Lumpur and the largest train station in Southeast Asia. Located in Brickfields area and integrated with shopping centres, hotels, offices and condos.

Bus shelter with KL Sentral to KLIA/KLIA2 route is located in KL Sentral Basement. Here is the shelter:

Aerobus/Skybus Shelter at KL Sentral.
Aerobus and Skybus which were taking passengers at KL Sentral.

From Basement, I only needed to go up by escalator to 1st floor to reached gate which headed to commuter and LRT platform.

I was already at gate and getting ready for Batu Caves.

For some transportation modes from KLIA2 to KL Sentral, you can get the ticket at 12Go Asia or at following link: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

24 Wisata Kuala Lumpur Dalam 3 Hari 2 Malam.

Penerbangan ke Kuala Lumpur yang hampir tak tertangkap karena beradu cepat dengan waktu di sepanjang tol Jakarta-Serang, dibumbui dengan pucat pasinya wajah akibat interogasi staff imigrasi yang judes karena penampilanku yang tak meyakinkan, membuat hati dan asaku malambung tinggi bersamaan dengan langkah pertamu meninggalkan konter imigrasi KLIA2.

Gaes….Perjalananku di Kuala Lumpur untuk pertama kalinya dimulai. Seneeenggg banget waktu itu. Magnet kulkas ku akan bertambah menjadi tiga. Begitulah adanya, jumlah magnet kulkas di rumahku menunjukkan berapa banyak negara yang sudah kukunjungi…..Nanti kalau sudah mengunjungi 100 negara, aku akan beli kulkas setinggi langit-langit rumah. Biar muat nempelin magnet-magnet itu….Hahaha.

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Perjalanan yang sudah direncanakan sejak 9 bulan sebelum keberangkatan ini akhirnya terwujud. Masih tak percaya ketika diriku benar-benar memasuki negeri jiran itu. Rencana perjalanan yang kutuangkan secara detail di tiga lembar itinerary telah mengantarku menuju 24 destinasi berikut:

1. KL Sentral

KL Sentral adalah persinggahan pertama yang sering digunakan para petualang sebelum menjelajah Kuala Lumpur. Ya iyalah, kebanyakan transportasi umum dari KLIA akan berujung di sini.

KL Sentral memang dibangun pemerintah Malaysia sebagai bangunan transportasi berorientasi transit. Tak khayal, pusat transportasi ini tak pernah sepi pengunjung.

Awas mas….Resleting.

Untuk pertama kalinya, tiba disini di hari pertama kelayapanku, tepat pukul 11:23. Aku menyempatkan diri untuk sejenak mengeksplorasi Nu Sentral yang merupakan shopping mall yang terintegrasi dengan bangunan modern ini.

2. Batu Caves

Waktu yang terlalu siang untuk memulai perjalanan ke Genting Highlands membuatku memilih kuil umat Hindu ini sebagai persinggahanku berikutnya. Berlokasi di daerah Gombak yang berjarak 15 km di utara KL Sentral dengan jarak tempuh 40 menit menjadikan patung kuning “Dewa Murugan” menjadi ikon terfavorit di Kuala Lumpur setelah Petronas Twin Tower.

Makanya, kalau ga bisa main tripod….Minta orang lain fotoin aja….Huh.

90 menit menjadi waktu yang lebih dari cukup untuk menghilangkan rasa penasaranku akan gua yang terletak di sebuah perbukitan kapur  berusia 400 juta tahun itu.

3. Suria KLCC

Sekembali dari Batu Caves dan seusai berburu hotel di daerah Pasar Seni yang berakhir dengan hinggapnya langkah di Agosto Inn, dalam gerimis ringan aku bergegas menuju Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). KLCC adalah pusat kota Kuala Lumpur yang menawarkan shopping mall modern yaitu Suria KLCC, deretan hotel bintang lima, pemandangan ikonik Petronas Twin Tower dan taman kota yang luas (KLCC Park).

Walau tak gemar berbelanja, aku hanya penasaran ingin melihat langsung mall yang memiliki 350 tenant ini. Arsitektur Suria KLCC konon berbentuk bintang sabit jika dilihat dari atas….Keren ya. Dan perlu kamu tahu bahwa pembangunan Suria KLCC adalah proyek terintegrasi dengan Petronas Twin Tower.

4. Petrosains

Sebelum keluar dari Suria KLCC, aku sempatkan untuk mengunjungi Petrosains di lantai 4. Petrosains adalah tempat edukasi perminyakan milik Petronas, raksasa minyak milik Malaysia. Cukup menyisihkan Rp. 35.000 untuk belajar di dalam Petrosains.

Ngapain siiih….

5. Petronas Twin Tower

Tepat di sebelah kiri pintu keluar Suria KLCC, aku akhirnya menemukan bangunan kembar fenomenal itu. Gerimis lembut yang menemaniku menikmati Petronas Twin Tower tak mampu mengusirku segera dari halaman depan gedung kembar tertinggi di dunia itu.

Security: “Turuuuuuuunnnn…..”

Petronas  Twin Tower adalah destinasi terakhir di hari pertama kelayapan. Lebih cepat beristirahat di Agosto Inn untuk mempersiapkan diri menuju Genting Highland di keesokan harinya.

6. Genting Skyway

Jam 6:30, Melihat kehadiranku di meja makan membuat staff hotel itu terkesan tergesa-gesa menyiapkan sarapan pagi yang hanya berupa oatmeal, jeruk sunkist dan toast serta minuman hangat yang bisa kuambil sepuasnya dari tea and coffee pots.

Pagi yang masih sangat sepi kulalui menuju KL Sentral untuk menangkap bus pertama menuju Genting Highlands yang akan berangkat pukul 08:00. Dengan membayar tiket pulang pergi dari KL Sentral ke Genting sebesar Rp. 73.000 (harga pada tahun 2014, tahun 2019 harga sudah naik menjadi Rp. 85.000) aku tiba di Genting Highlands 1 jam 15 menit kemudian.

Pertama kalinya naik cable car….Clingak-clinguk, ndeso!

Harga segitu sudah termasuk naik Genting Skyway. Sementara harga sekali jalan untuk moda transportasi ini adalah Rp. 28.000 (Tahun 2019). Lower station gondola ini berada di Gohtong Jaya dan Upper Stationnya berada di Maxims Hotel, Genting Highlands.

7. Genting Highlands

Dua puluh menit kemudian, aku tiba di Genting Highlands setelah bergelantungan di dalam gondola berpenumpang delapan orang itu

Tujuan utama hari kedua yang harus merelakan waktu sehariku dirampas begitu saja. Perampasan yang membuatku girang bukan kepalang. Berharap ada repetisi seperti ini di lain waktu.

Awas, bang jangan di tengah jalan !….Kasian orang lain mau lewat.

Dua jam aku menapaki resort di pucuk gunung Titiwangsa sebelah timur laut Kuala Lumpur. Kalau kamu punya uang berlebih bisalah bermalam di Genting. Tapi melewati setiap mall tanpa berbelanja, restoran tanpa menyempatkan makan siang dan casino tanpa berjudi, pastinya itu adalah aku yang tak pernah memiliki uang cukup untuk berhura suka macam itu.

8. Bukit Bintang

Tinggal membalik cara berangkat maka aku bisa pulang kembali ke KL Sentral.

15:30….”Wuih, masih bisa ngelayap”, batinku bersorak. Bus, sudah….LRT, sudah….Komuter, sudah….MRT, belum jadi bang, mereka masih terlihat mengeruk tanah di sebelah Pasar Seni. Naik apa lagi dong?…..

Kuputuskan mencoba satu-satunya jalur monorail di Kuala Lumpur. Kapan lagi aku bisa menaikinya. Ini juga menjadi yang pertama kali aku menaiki monorail yang tiga tahun kemudian aku menaiki moda yang sama secara gratisan di Sentosa Island, Singapura….Yup, itu Sentosa Express.

Jangan lama-lama, belakang nungguin mau foto juga tuh.

Tujuan terkenal di Laluan Monorel KL adalah Kawasan Bukit Bintang. Menyandang predikat sebagai tempat perbelanjaan dan hiburan paling terkenal di Kuala Lumpur menjadikan Bukit Bintang sebagai pusat retail terpopuler yang selalu diburu para penggemar belanja, dari ibu rumah tangga, pegawai kantoran hingga pemudi pemuda bahkan para wisatawan.

Bukannya kamu wisatawan, Donny?….Bukan, bang. Aku cuma tukang kelayapan yang beruntung diberi kesempatan keliling dunia hingga 20 negara…..Geplaaakk-Geplaaakk-Geplaaakk.

9. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Killing time di sebuah taman kota di utara pusat kota adalah penutup petualangku di hari kedua. Didirikan di bekas pertambangan timah semasa kolonialisme Inggris menjadikannya maklum dengan keberadaan danau besar bekas galian pertambangan itu.

Maap pemirsa….Aku kehabisan batre pas ditaman….Itu aja ya.

Pukul empat sore, aku sudah hadir di taman itu dalam keramaian aktivitas warga yang luar biasa. Sampai-sampai adzan maghrib mengingatkanku bahwa aku sedang tidak berada di “Taman Bluntas”(nama taman terlayak yang dekat dengan tempat tinggalku). Artinya, waktu mulai mengusirku untuk segera meninggalkan Taman Tasik Titiwangsa dan lebih baik menyambut rasa aman di hotel tempatku menginap saja.

10. Hop On Hop Off Bus

Waktu memang tak bersahabat ketika dihadapkan dengan rasa penasaran. Mendadak aku di dorongnya memasuki hari terakhir petualangan. Waktu yang tak sedikit berhasil berkompromi dengan urat betis dalam mempengaruhi otak. Lalu otak berbisik, “Santai saja menghabiskan hari terakhir di Kuala Lumpur, Don”.

Rp. 157.500 terpaksa kuserahkan kepada pemandu wisata bus tingkat macam Routemaster milik negeri ratu Elizabeth itu. Bukan Routemaster ….Itu namanya HOHO….Atau kerennya Hop On Hop Off.

Buruan naik….Keburu soreeee.

HOHO Bus Stop No. 09 yang terletak di Central Market memudahkanku untuk menangkapnya….Tak sampai 5 menit untuk mencapainya dari Agosto Inn. Tak terima merugi, aku bersikeras mengunjungi beberapa destinasi wisata sepanjang jalur bus HOHO.

11. Istana Negara

Cukup 15 menit saje, setelahnya tuan-tuan dan puan-puan bise kembali ke bus atau ikut bus berikutnye”, suara itu semakin jelas dengan keberadaan mic di bawah bibir sang pemandu. Duh cantiknya wajah melayu berhijab itu. Membuatku luluh.

Awas jangan nempel-nempel….Bikin kotor tembok.

Aku bergegas melarikan diri secepat mungkin mendekat gerbang istana. Berfoto dengan penjaga istana yang berdiri bak patung dan kuda istana yang sangat jinak walau berpuluh-puluh wajah berbeda silih berganti berfoto dengannya.

12. Dataran Merdeka

Lapangan luas dihiasi gedung ikonik bergaya Mughal-Moor menjadi persinggahan berikutnya. Sultan Abdul Samad adalah nama bangunan itu. Sultan Abdul Samad sendiri adalah pemimpin negara Selangor yang terkenal karena memindahkan ibu kota Selangor dari Klang ke Kuala Lumpur.

Ya….Mayan lah posenya.

Dataran itu dikenal sebagai Dataran Merdeka, tempat dimana kemerdekaan Malaysia dari pemerintah kolonial Britania Raya di deklarasikan.

13. KL Tower

HOHO yang tak begitu lama berhenti di menara komunikasi itu, lantas tak membuatku menyerah. Aku melompat dengan gesit keluar dari bus dan sedetik kemudian HOHO meninggalkanku di pelataran KL Tower.

Sonoh naeekkk….Jangan lama-lama.

Aku akan mengeksplorasi KL Tower sebelum menuju Muzium Negara.

Kalau kamu punya nyali, masuklah ke Sky Box, kalau mau makan siang dengan cara elegan maka cobalah revolving restaurant lalu pergilah ke observation deck untuk menangkap pemandangan kota Kuala Lumpur lebih dekat di pelupuk mata.

Aku?….Dua bagian pertama kulewatkan. Dompet hanya sanggup memasukkanku ke bagian terakhir….Lumayan lah daripada tidak sama sekali.

14. Muzium Negara

Mau mengenal budaya suatu bangsa dengan cepat?….Datanglah ke museum nasionalnya.

Untuk itulah aku hadir di Muzium Negara Malaysia. Perjalanan bangsa Malaysia dari waktu ke waktu terpampang jelas di museum ini. Mulai dari kehidupan prasejarah….Kehidupan berkerajaan….Bahkan cerita tentang Majapahit pun ada disini.

Kayak ga pernah liat kreta aja….Huh.

Nuansa kerajaan Kuala Terengganu nampak kuat terasa mempengaruhi arsitektur museum ini yang tampak begitu megah.

Sesi perjuangan bangsa Malaysia dari kolonialisme Britania Raya pun menutup sesi belajar sejarah di bangunan yang terletak di Jalan Damansara itu.

15. Taman Tasik Perdana

Perlahan Hop On Hop Off memasuki kawasan hijau Kuala Lumpur….Warbiasah, ini Taman Tasik Perdana yang tersohor itu.

Terkenal dengan sebutan Lake Garden, taman ini adalah solusi terbaikku untuk menjauhi hiruk pikuk kota Kuala Lumpur yang lama-kelamaan membuat bising telinga.

Nempel….Denda.

Kulihat betapa bahagia warga Kuala Lumpur berpiknik sekeluarga, mengayun kaki di sepanjang jogging track, mendayung perahu di danau nan cantik dan aku pun larut bersama langkahku menikmati hijaunya pepohonan yang mendinginkan udara sekitar.

16. Taman Orkid Kuala Lumpur

Warna-warni bunga itu bagai magnet yang menarikku mendekat. Riang tak berkira ketika papan nama itu membisikkan informasi bahwa aku tak perlu membayar satu sen pun untuk memasukinya.

Dilarang menginjak rumput!….Wah, ngajak berantem.

Seorang ibu dengan caping lebar menyapaku dengan senyum karena bahagia. Karyanya menata taman itu akhirnya dikunjungi seorang pengelana berkantong tipis….Tanpa malu pula si pengelana berpose di depan kamera yang dipegang Sang Ibu….Udah masuk gratisan, nyuruh-nyuruh pulak….Beuh, plaaaaaakkkk.

17. Taman Rusa dan Kancil

Bu….Ada sesuatu yang tak memerlukan tiket masuk untuk berwisata di Taman Tasik Perdana?”, pertanyaanku yang tak berkemaluan.

Ada, Dik….Ada kancil di seberang. Di hujung jalan tu belok kanan”, ucapnya bercampur senyum.

Beuh, kalau gratisan jangan ditanya….Donny jagonya cari dan paling cepat hadir. Secepat kilat, aku sudah berada di dalam Taman Rusa dan Kancil.

Mirip….

Para pengunjung yang semuanya begitu cepat memasuki taman itu lalu dengan cepat pula meninggalkannya. Berbeda denganku yang begitu menikmati tingkah para kancil yang saudara-saudaranya suka mencuri timun di Indonesia.

Beuh….Bau kotoran kancil itu mengalahkan kebiasaan burukku….Pemburu wisata gratisan.

18. Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur

Sarang burung terbesar di dunia katanya. Rumah bagi tiga ribu ekor burung. Kali ini tak ada ampun buat dompetku. Rp. 138.000 melayang hanya untuk sekedar melihat para burung bebas terbang berkeliaran di dalam taman ini.

Jangan pegang-pegang plang….Awas rubuh….Huh

Kalau kamu kesana coba kau cari  bebek mandarin yang baru pertama kali juga aku melihatnya. Jangan lupa ikuti juga acara pemberian makan bagi para penghuni KL Bird Park.

19. National Mosque

Keluar Taman Tasik Perdana, HOHO mengantarkanku untuk menjalankan ibadah shalat Ashar di National Mosque.

Sok sopan…..

Masjid Negara yang mampu menampung 15.000 jama’ah ini, didirikan untuk mensyukuri kemerdekaan negara dari pemerintah kolonial tanpa pertumpahan darah.

Rasakan kesejukan ruangan utama dengan karpet lembut saat beribadah di masjid ini. Dijamin damai dan bikin ngantuk.

20. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Perlahan aku menjauh dari kawasan Taman Tasik Perdana untuk kembali ke pusat kota. Rupanya aku sudah mengitari kota 360 derajat, karena aku sudah mendarat kembali di Dataran Merdeka. Kali ini aku menyasar Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

Kek orang kampung….

Pengen tahu rencana pengembangan kota Kuala Lumpur?

Pengen tahu juga berapa pendapatan Malaysia dari pariwisata?….Fantastis.

Pengen tahu juga, mereka mau bikin gedung apa lagi untuk mengalahkan Petronas Twin Tower yang sebetulnya juga sudah menjadi satu yang terhebat di seantero jagad?

Bayar aja deh Rp. 17.500 dan masuk ke dalamnya….Kagak rugi, kujamin.

21. Muzium Tekstil Negara

Yup, masih ada waktu sedikit lageeeee…..

Menyeberangi jalan di Dataran Merdeka, aku tertelisik dengan keberadaan Muzium Tekstil Negara. Tak perlu merogoh kocek untuk mengunjunginya.

Diliatin Satpam dari dalem…..

Muzium yang ditaruh di dalam bangunan berusia  lebih dari se-dekade ini menawarkan perjalanan sejarah dan budaya melaui sederetan kain khas Melayu yang dipajang didalamnya. Juga beberapa peninggalan beberapa benda kerajaan Kuala Terengganu yang artistik dan pasti menjadi barang mewah di zamannya

22. Petaling Street

Selamat tinggal Hop On Hop Off, terimakasih sudah mengantarkanku mengenal Kuala Lumpur.

Aku segera menuju ke hotel untuk mengambil backpack yang sudah kutitipkan sejak pagi karena memang masa inapku sudah selesai jam 12 siang.

Tapi ya kembali ke sifat dasar….Tak mau merugi melawan waktu yang terus bergulir, aku merangsek menuju Petaling Street yang dekat dengan hotel.

Sok mau belanja….Emang punya duit, Don?

Petaling Street adalah pusat pecinan di Kuala Lumpur. Cukup ramai ketika aku memasuki dan menelusuri setiap selasar yang menawarkan berbagai souvenir dan makanan.

Kamu harus cobain kenari atau chestnut bean yang di sangrai dalam pasir panas….Beuh itu enak, sumpah!

23. Pasar Seni (Central Market)

Semakin gelap….Tak perlu khawatir, penerbanganku masih esok hari. Yang membatasiku hanyalah jam operasional terakhir LRT, yaitu pukul 23:00.

Aku hanya perlu waktu beberapa menit untuk berpindah dari Petaling Street menuju Pasar Seni. Duduk menikmati kuliner di Petaling tak menyadarkanku bahwa gelap mulai mengakuisisi hari. Mungkin juga karena kelelahanku yang sudah bersekongkol  dengan gelap untuk membuatku khilaf.

Minjam gambar orang yak (gambar tahun 2019).

Bu, uang segini dapat apa saja ya?….Bungkusin aja sedapatnya, Bu. Souvenir aja ya, Bu….Jangan bungkus makanan. Saya mau pulang ke Jakarta”, perkataan yang menandakan aku lelah dan tak bisa berfikir lagi untuk memilih oleh-oleh.

24. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

Hanya beberapa menit sebelum jam 21:00, aku menutup tirai petualangaku di Kuala lumpur. Sudah saatnya menuju ke bandara yang akan menjadi tempat tidurku di malam terakhir. Kombinasi perjalanan menggunakan LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya dan Skybus membuatku tiba di KLIA2 jam sepuluh lebih sedikit.

Tuh yang punya gambar Central Market….Itu kan guwe dari masa depan….Wah!

Hi, man….bandara bukanlah destinasi wisata….Yakss, buatmu mungkin bukan….Buatku iya, karena aku sering menginvestasikan waktu untuk menjelajah bandara-bandara yang baru pertama kali kukunjungi.

Buatku KLIA2 adalah tempat eksotik bak hotel bintang tujuh yang berjasa mengantarkanku berkeliling dunia.

Udah yeee….Tiga hari guwe bikin tulisan ini. Tulisan terpanjang yang pernah kutulis. Ma’ap, kuketik. 2.333 kata, mamen. Njirrrr.

Coba lo itung sendiri dah….

Exploring Penang Sentral

The increasing of direct flights from Jakarta to Penang, making traveler prefer landed at Penang International Airport rather than do travel overland for about 6-8 hours from Malaysia’s capital.

And if you are patient to do overland trip, your memory will be filled with interesting experiences and accompanied by breathtaking views throughout Selangor State and Perak State.

Then ….For you who travel overland using bus then majority of buses will stop at Penang Sentral which is tourist gateway of Penang Island.

Therefore….So you will not confuse and can get detail preview of Penang Central, so I present this article to you.

Yessss … that’s Penang Sentral appearance.

PENANG SENTRAL …. Built in 2018 as main transportation hub owned by Penang State. Penang Sentral strategically replaces Butterworth Bus Terminal role with an exceptional integration system. As you can imagine, this large building integrates bus terminal, train station and ferry port in a location. Third integrated building which I admire in Malaysia after KL Sentral and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS).

Butterworth Bus Terminal before Penang Sentral is completed.
Source: Travel-Senang-Malaysia.com
Penang Island is seen from Penang Central.

—–****—–

This is my story of exploring Penang Central.…

At 13:54 hours, I arrived at Penang Sentral … yes, of course, I was dropped off at Drop Bay in 1st floor.

And for presenting this article, I delayed towards ferry terminal which can anchor me in George Town, capital of Penang State.

For 1 hour and 20 minutes, I would explore Penang Sentral.

FLOOR 1

Starting from this hall:

You will be dropped off at Drop Bay Area when you arrive at Penang Sentral.

Generally, 1st floor is used to drop and take passengers.

This is intercity/express bus platform area when I left Penang Sentral.

FLOOR 2

Come on, we’re going up to second floor. What are there?

After you go up escalator, you will see 2nd floor view.

So….What are you looking for?

  1. Bus Ticketing Counter.

Bus ticket sales counter is in front of me after I go up with escalator. I immediately buy a bus ticket to leave Penang with schedule about two days after my arrival in Penang. Existence of KiosK Self Ticketing which stuck to building pillar made me stop before reach sales counter. I am better to finding cheapest bus ticket via that machine, because many buses with varying fares provide routes to Ipoh.

Finally, I held Perak Transit bus ticket sheet after putting USD 5,2 in KiosK Self Ticketing machine….Bus ticket was in hand, my heart was calm.

That’s Penang Sentral Departure Board….Self Ticketing Kiosk is on that pillar. Do you see?

2. Information Centre

The first standard when arriving at a foreign place is visiting information centre to get as much information as possible before exploring it more deeply. So did I, asking about Penang tourism, asking for brochures, finding ways to leave the city in the best way and many other things which I asked to information centre officer.

Very easy to find it….It is in front of bus ticketing counter.

3. Ferry Terminal.

Walking on back side of Bus Ticketing Counter, in several meters you will find a linkway to Ferry Terminal. Located to left side of your steps, you will see clearly a direction sign whinch leading you to Ferry Terminal.

Linkway to Ferry Terminal.

Walk straight for about dozens of steps you will find a Customer Service Center which sells ferry tickets to George Town. The name of ferry terminal is Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim.

It’s cheap….ticket price is only USD 0,3 for a round trip ticket

4. Shopping Counter.

Actually more Shopping Counter are on 3rd floor. I didn’t have time to visit it because it was already late and if I didn’t leave Penang Sentral soon, my exploration in Penang Island would be disrupted.

Shopping counter which I showed was only on 2nd floor.

5. Eatery

Food stalls are located near linkway to Ferry Terminal. These are certainly guaranteed halal and relatively cheap in price.

Iqbal’s Restaurant is my place to eat when I enter and leave Penang
Try the squid….Delicious

6. Butterworth Station.

Another integrated transportation mode in Penang Sentral is train. Train station is called Butterworth Station. The station building is located separately from Penang Sentral main building.

To find this station. Walking straight pass Bus Ticketing Counter on 2nd floor, then you will find an lift at end of floor. Then go down to 1st floor via lift.

Lift is at end of 2nd
floor.

Not too far after exiting lift, on 1st floor then you will find a corridor with KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) sign as a guide to Butterworth Station.

Front corridor appearance.

After a few tens of meters down the hall you will find a white building which is none other than Butterworth Station.

I rushed to hunt for an ETS (Electric Train Service) ticket but it was sold out.

OK…That is my story. I have explained all results of my exploration in Penang Sentral.

So, finally, you want to go to Penang by land or by air?