Quickie Trip Reports: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I’ve traveled and been so many places in the last year. I have a lot to share, so I’m making a commitment to catch up on my travel posts, even if they are quickie trip reports like this post.

I took a whirlwind solo trip last year to Malaysia, Thailand and Narita. It was wonderful, but way too short, especially taking into account the jetlag. This is one of the negatives of trying to balance traditional full time employment with a love for travel. One day, I’ll be able to take long, luxurious trips again, but that day is not today!

It all began with a crazy airfare – a $276 open jaw airfare deal on ANA! – that I couldn’t say no to.

The itinerary:

• Fly on ANA JFK-Henada (Japan) and connect to a flight to Kuala Lumpur (see, Flight Review: ANA JFK – HND and HND – KUL and a Party in the Sky!)
• 2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (see, Video: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Grand Suite.
• Fly on Thai Airways from KUL-BKK ($87 – 5,700 Chase UR points).
• 3 nights at the Grand Hyatt Bangkok
• Redeye flight on ANA BKK-Narita (Japan).
• With a seven hour layover, I visited Narita town and temple.
• Fly home on ANA – NRT-JFK.

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 6 a.m.  I took the train from the airport to the city, which was surprisingly easy. (When traveling alone, I actually prefer public transportation. Besides saving money, I enjoy the satisfaction of navigating my own way around. Plus, I get a little uncomfortable getting into a car with a stranger – and that’s what Uber or Lyft or Grab are when it comes down to it. I learned this lesson on my return trip to KUL airport. The driver drove really fast and it made me very nervous)

I found my way to the hotel, the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and checked in.

The hotel is incredible. It is one of my favorite Hyatt hotels I’ve stayed in. Take a look at the suite and you’ll understand why!

my suite at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (stay tuned for full hotel review)

Sleepy, but not able to sleep (hello, jetlag . . . ), and in a city I didn’t really know, I did something I don’t do too often: I bought a ticket for a Hop On Hop Off bus. This was a great move!! The KL Hop On Hop Off bus, made stops at all the major places in Kuala Lumpur, the map was easy to use, and the information was helpful. Plus, the price was right, under $15 for a 24-hour pass.

Here’s a tidbit of information: The hop-on hop-off pass is not a day pass, but a true 24-hour pass. Since my pass began at 1pm on day one, I was able to use it again the morning of the next day. So, the following day, I conveniently took the bus to the Central Market stop, an area which I hadn’t had a chance to fully explore on the first day, and spent some time there and in neighboring areas. When I was done, I took a taxi back. Here are some photos of the sights I saw during my brief stay in Kuala Lumpur.