Kuala Lumpur - first timer tips and advice

[bigjobs]

Thanks again for all the tips. I am looking forward to exploring, eating and a few cold beers on my travels.

I have another question regarding currency. at the moment I don't have any malaysian currency. I've missed my opportunity to go to an exchange in the city here in BNE and I am loath to exchange at the airport due to the ripoff rates they offer due to a 'captive audience' there.

so I am wondering how ATMs work over there. I bank with Westpac here ... I guess I can change money there as per advice in this thread ... any tips appreciated regarding the issue of currency.

cheers
BJ

 

[oh_lol]

Exchange rates in Malaysia will be far better than what you can get anywhere in Australia, even at the 'ripoff' current exchanges in the airport.
Current exchanges are abundant in the city.
There are also no ATM withdrawal fees if you withdraw from CIMB with your Westpac card (global alliance).

 

[bigjobs]

If you like Indian Food, then Brickfields is a very good place to visit - and it is basically right outside Sentral. IT is KL's version of Little India.

Went to this Brickfields area last night when I got in. Killer food, all indian families and faces there. Place was busy. Chose the busiest stall and got stuck in. Will go back another night because it's just down the road from the hotel

I'd be interested in your feedback on Aloft. As I wrote above, doing almost exactly the same as you - attending an event being held there. I usually stay at the Doubletree in KL, but this will be first time at Aloft.

So far so good on the hotel. Check was like any other check in, room is big. Reliable and stable wi fi for free. About to go try the breakfast.

As it's a W Hotel effort, it's clearly marketed toward a younger crowd .... but that's ok for me as it has what I need for business. We are having an event here for three days, so far the event staff are very helpful and pleasant.

I'll post more experiences over the next few days for you.

Also, top advice in the express train from the airport. That was brilliant.

 

[ashleyn]

I was in KL in July and on arrival, took 90 minutes to clear immigration. Factor that into your plans. Coming out wasn't nearly as bad.

 

[bigjobs]

I was in KL in July and on arrival, took 90 minutes to clear immigration. Factor that into your plans. Coming out wasn't nearly as bad.

yeah got in last night from Australia and Singapore. it was pretty easy, minor queues. It was 830pm though.

 

[bigjobs]

If you are staying in Aloft Central, I would recommend you taking the KLIA Express from the airport to KL Sentral Station. Aloft is opposite the station and the train takes 28 mins from KLIA (RM100 for a return ticket). Check the site out.

If you are planning on taking taxi, you will need to get a taxi voucher from one of the booth after baggage (if I'm not mistaken). From there, just head out to the taxi rank and you'll be directed to one of the taxi. Takes approximately 40-60 mins depending on traffic (should be okay on Sat evening). Not 100% sure if credit card is accepted if you hail one in the city - best to ask them before getting in.

For your return, I would suggest you to leave no later than 3:30pm for a 7pm flight (depending on where is your office). Reason for this is that traffic during peak hours can be an absolute nightmare. Different story if with KLIA Express.

KL Sentral is not the main area of KL but you are not far away. There's a monorail in KL Sentral station that will take you to the city centre (Golden Triangle, KLCC etc). For breakfast/ brunch, I'll recommend ICC Pudu for local hawker fare - and the Hainanese Coffee at Ah Weng Koh Coffee Shop is a must. It is a must visit for me every time I'm back home.

Here you go mmchow ... got lost on the way, but found it eventually.

 

[Pele]

Gday

Malaysia is all about three things: food, shopping centres, and traffic jams. Set your expectations based on this and you will be right.

Pele.

 

[moa999]

KL traffic jams are minor compared to other Asian cities

 

[Pele]

KL traffic jams are minor compared to other Asian cities

Gday

True but compared to Australia they are bad.

Pele.

 

[bigjobs]

So far for me, KL has been about awesome food, cold beers and very helpful and friendly locals.

fortunately I am not required to drive on this trip. Public transport in KL has well and truly met my requirements. caught a taxi the other day and that was fine - apart from the taxi driver asking me and my mate what we were doing in this area of town because it wasn't a 'tourist' area. but we were on the hunt for good food and cold beers.

For SBF who is coming here soon - the hotel restaurant is called The Nook and it's a great buffet set up for breakfast - western and eastern options. I've been having Malaysian Roti and curry for breakfast lol. Coffee machines are automatic and bloody good (and I am a proper coffee snob with my own grinder and fully manual machine at home). I haven't bothered with it for dinner, instead heading out to various street food precincts.

the only challenge I have come across in the hotel is that there is a sound of running water in the bathroom walls every now and then ... I've heard similar sounds in plenty of other hotels. not a big deal but it happens a few times in the evening when I am in my room, but not in the middle of the night or anything.

 

[leadman]

I'm about to head to KL to run my two conferences next week, hosting over 1,000 pax worldwide. KL is far easier to arrange this event than other places, but they know how to charge. Most of the time the event staff are telling people to just explore and enjoy the city, but the place we direct them to is Pavilion and Changkit Bukit Bintang. it will be a very looooonnnnnngggggg week!

 

[OZDUCK]

I've been having Malaysian Roti and curry for breakfast lol.

Mmmm - yumm

 

[bigjobs]

For SBF ... regarding the hotel. I have discovered that the offerings at the hotel bars are pretty limited in terms of food and beer. Wine is almost not an option here I think (too warm for red) and I have seen the wine just being kept out in a bench and not in a wine fridge (for example).

there is a roof top bar that has a nice view, but it's not the highest building around so you can only see over to the next set of high rises. The pool is nice though. they have a decent gym too, if you are into that and need a decent gym for a work out.

definitely the KLIA Express is the way to go .. I am flying back to Singapore with MH tonight and I can check my bag in at the MH counter here in the KLIA Express station at KL Sentral. I hope they can tag it all the way through to BNE for me from there ... which I am guessing won't be a challenge.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Went to this Brickfields area last night when I got in. Killer food, all indian families and faces there. Place was busy. Chose the busiest stall and got stuck in. Will go back another night because it's just down the road from the hotel



So far so good on the hotel. Check was like any other check in, room is big. Reliable and stable wi fi for free. About to go try the breakfast.

As it's a W Hotel effort, it's clearly marketed toward a younger crowd .... but that's ok for me as it has what I need for business. We are having an event here for three days, so far the event staff are very helpful and pleasant.

I'll post more experiences over the next few days for you.

Also, top advice in the express train from the airport. That was brilliant.

So far for me, KL has been about awesome food, cold beers and very helpful and friendly locals.

fortunately I am not required to drive on this trip. Public transport in KL has well and truly met my requirements. caught a taxi the other day and that was fine - apart from the taxi driver asking me and my mate what we were doing in this area of town because it wasn't a 'tourist' area. but we were on the hunt for good food and cold beers.

For SBF who is coming here soon - the hotel restaurant is called The Nook and it's a great buffet set up for breakfast - western and eastern options. I've been having Malaysian Roti and curry for breakfast lol. Coffee machines are automatic and bloody good (and I am a proper coffee snob with my own grinder and fully manual machine at home). I haven't bothered with it for dinner, instead heading out to various street food precincts.

the only challenge I have come across in the hotel is that there is a sound of running water in the bathroom walls every now and then ... I've heard similar sounds in plenty of other hotels. not a big deal but it happens a few times in the evening when I am in my room, but not in the middle of the night or anything.

For SBF ... regarding the hotel. I have discovered that the offerings at the hotel bars are pretty limited in terms of food and beer. Wine is almost not an option here I think (too warm for red) and I have seen the wine just being kept out in a bench and not in a wine fridge (for example).

there is a roof top bar that has a nice view, but it's not the highest building around so you can only see over to the next set of high rises. The pool is nice though. they have a decent gym too, if you are into that and need a decent gym for a work out.

definitely the KLIA Express is the way to go .. I am flying back to Singapore with MH tonight and I can check my bag in at the MH counter here in the KLIA Express station at KL Sentral. I hope they can tag it all the way through to BNE for me from there ... which I am guessing won't be a challenge.

@bigjobs your review is invaluable

I'm looking forward to staying there, and Roti Channai for breakfast sounds ..mouth watering, I only have two brekkies, but will be sure to sample that and some Murtabak also. Glad to hear about the coffee, my most recent trips have been to the USA where you're stuck with Starbucks in room, at the event etc..

I've always tended to use the LRT/MRT and the KLIA Espress to get to and from the airport, its just, just, Easier. I'm going back on DeathStar so will be interesting to see how things pan out returning to KLIA, but I'm taking carry only so should be ok.

 

[moa999]

In fact I found my March 2013 photos of the then brand new Aloft KL.

Room

Pool

 

[moa999]

Bar, Hallways and Public areas

 

[SeatBackForward]

Have just arrived. This is my first time in KL in over 3.5yrs and things seem to have changed a lot. Landing into KLIA2 on Deatstar threw me off a bit, the signage to the train was non-existent.At least immigration was quick.

ALoft looks intersting, am sitting at the rooftop bar by the pool enjoying a beer, just after 11pm here and I may be the only non-smoker here. But I fear it'll be trip laden with work and no play..

Room is fine, typical hotel, the sliding door in the bathroom means either the toilet or the shower is closed. Thankfully I'm by myself so that problem won't present itself.

Will post more soon.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Roti Channai for breakfast - SENSATIONAL!

 

[moa999]

Are you staying around for the F1 on the weekend SBF?

 

[SeatBackForward]

Are you staying around for the F1 on the weekend SBF?

I was completely clueless about the F1, saw all the signage at the airport and thought it was leftover from the Singapore race! This wouldn't be the first time I've just missed an F1 race, and being an F1 fan (well not so much in this era) I could've timed it better! d'oh