Train Ride from Sentul to Batu Cave

After the KL tour via GoKL Bus Ride, we opted to go to Batu Cave. We took a cab "somewhere" near KLCC (we didn't know how to get to Batu Cave, so we tried to walk to the nearest train station but we couldn't figure out where) so the cab driver took us to Sentul Station (KTM Komuter) and paid just around 7 RM. 

We got on the train at Sentul Station and traveled for less than 30 minutes before we arrived at Batu Cave Station.

The Golden Buddha

When we got there, there were so many stalls selling local products and food. You can also see some temples and shrines, as well as mini zoo, yes.. mini zoo! Hahahaha. We were too excited to see what's inside the cave so we climbed up for around 45 minutes.

Being exhausted wasn't that of a problem.

Don't expect a good-smelling, cold cave because it's literally a bat cave and it smells like a bat but, if you're adventurous, you'll appreciate these things. 

Another temple inside

These temples thingy make me want to fast forward time so I can travel to India. It's a big cave and some few people were in it, and yes, more bats. I wonder why most Indians don't wear slippers in Batu Cave. You can stay there for as long as you want and enjoy the interesting miniature statues. 

The end-part of the cave

There's a small opening at the latter part of the cave. It's pretty interesting to see this wonderful creation of nature. It doesn't cost much to travel from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Batu Caves.. Probably just about 25 - 30 RM for the transportation (for 2)..

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The Free Ride: GoKL CityBus

GoKL CityBus is one of the reasons why I want to stay in Malaysia for a longer time. It's a free city bus service within KLCC, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. When I say free, it's free--you don't have to spend anything. You just have to wait at the designated bus stops and you can enjoy the free ride! This service is very convenient for budget travelers like us.

GoKL CityBus has 2 main routes: Purple & Green Line

The bus goes around the main tourist attractions which makes it easier for budget travelers to go sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur. At first, it was confusing to transfer from Purple Line to Green Line (and vice versa), but on our last day, we got used to it (like a local).

Inside GoKL CityBus

One good thing about GoKL CityBus is that they have free-wifi! Here are the places we visited using GoKL CityBus:

Starhill Gallery in Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang

Pavilion Mall

Petronas Towers & Suria KLCC

Central Market

Petaling Street

There's a lot more places that you can visit in Kuala Lumpur using GoKL CityBus. If we had longer time, we would have visited all tourist attractions. Haha! So, basically you don't have to spend a lot of money to travel. And if you're confused, you can always ask the bus driver for directions. Trust me, they're very friendly.

Click this link for more information about GoKL CityBus:

http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/tips/gokl-free-city-bus-service.htm

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A Taste of Indian Food in Kuala Lumpur

I have always been fascinated with India's culture so when I traveled in Malaysia, I was glad to know that there's a lot of Indians as well as Indian-owned establishments. It was an opportunity for me to finally try Indian dishes.

First-timer!

On our first day in Malaysia, we went to Bistro Tomyam, an Indian Restaurant located in Jalan Pudu Lama, Kuala Lumpur. It was only a couple of blocks away from Casa Villa Hotel.

A variety of dishes at Bistro Tomyam.

Because I was unfamiliar with Indian food, I asked the server for some recommendation. I ordered a dish called "Nasi Goreng" (I forgot) and it was too spicy for me. Hahaha! Jm ordered something like a curry rice with shrimp and veggies and it was also spicy! Haha!

Nasi Goreng?

 Curry rice w/h shrimp & veggies

We then ordered Lychee Juice-- perfect for the dishes we had. Even though I'm not a big fan of spicy food, I felt very satisfied that I was able to taste "authentic" Indian food because in Philippines we don't really have the chance to experience eating at an Indian Restaurant. 

Lychee Juice

After eating our breakfast, we ordered Roti Canai- a typical Indian-influenced flat-bread served with two curries. Well, supposedly we should eat this before the main dish.

Roti Canai, simply delicious!

The Indian staff who served us were very friendly and I was amazed that one of them can speak "Tagalog". Hahaha! I wish I had taken some photos with them! 

Budget? A decent meal for 2 will cost about RM 20 (260 Pesos).

I highly recommend Tomyam Bistro in Jalan Pudu Lama if you want to try budget-friendly Indian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur. 

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Eating On A Budget: Jalan Alor's Food Stalls in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

It was our first night in Kuala Lumpur and we were lucky to stay in an Indian-owned hotel in Jalan Pudu Lama, just a few minutes away from Bukit Bintang. 

Jalan Alor

Prior to our Malaysia trip, I was busy researching about the inexpensive accommodation and restaurants because we were literally on a "tight" budget.

In this case, it doesn't really matter if you're sleepy!

Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang is a street where you can eat incredibly cheap local Chinese cuisine. You can buy a meal for budget of RM 6 to RM 15 (78 - 195 Pesos).

The experience.

What I like about Jalan Alor is that it reminds me of Sta. Mesa, Manila where street foods and stalls are everywhere. The only difference is, I guess it's more crowded in Jalan Alor-- definitely a tourist's food paradise. Haha!

I was surprised that most street foods are actually boiled then grilled (to perfection)! Haha! I like the way they make sure the food that they serve is clean, pretty safe for tourists, ha.

Mouth-watering! (RM 12)

Set Meal for RM  9!

I find it very interesting to eat foods that I have never eaten before -- talk about getting out of your comfort zone. I was like a little kid drooling on every street food that catches my attention! 

This is somewhat like a pudding we ate for dessert. RM 5!

There's only one catch though, I find the alcohol a little expensive! That's too sad for a frequent drinker like me! Next time I visit Malaysia, I'll make sure I have enough funds for drinking! 

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2013 Travel Reflections & The People Who Inspired Me To Travel

The year is almost over.. and I can't believe that I have visited 10 Philippine Provinces this year! I have to say I am extremely thankful to the people who encouraged me to travel more.

Puerto Galera was the first place I visited this year. I didn't write something about it due to personal reasons. And yes, as everybody know, Puerto Galera is a party-beach-party kind of stuff-- the nightlife is just simply entertaining!

Baler was the second destination this year. It was our first time to surf & eat at a local buffet called Gerry Shan's. It was also the first time I met Lois Yasay of wearesolesisters.com! She shared a lot of inspiring stories that gave me the urge to travel more. She's my favorite blogger!

The next month, I went to La Union alone and had a short trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur (the bus ride from La Union to Vigan was longer compared to my stay in Vigan). It was my first time to stay in a hostel. I will never forget the locals that I've met. They were very helpful and accommodating.. and I kept on coming back because of them!

April was my birthday month. To celebrate, we went to Palawan and spent a day traveling from one island to another. It was tiresome, but on the other hand, it also made me appreciate the beauty of Philippines even more. 

May was a family month for me. I spent so much time beach bumming with Jm, my cousins and family in Subic. Jm and I also went to La Union because I badly missed surfing and hanging out with the locals. I would never forget the stories that Lois shared over coffee.

June was some sort of a religious retreat for me. We got the chance to visit Lucban, Quezon and do some rest and relaxation at a resort called, Batis Aramin. Then, we visited Kamay Ni Hesus to thank Him for the blessings and opportunities he had given us.

In August, we traveled around Ilocos and tried some local food. Kapuluan Vista Resort in Blue Lagoon is extraordinary. The dorm-type room seemed interesting, the staff are polite and friendly, and the place itself is very serene. Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is my favorite-- it has always been romantic and special.

September is a not-so-good time to go to Boracay because of the gloomy weather but we pushed ourselves to travel 6 hours from Iloilo to get to the famous tourist spot. It was my first time to drive a motor -- uphill and downhill! I considered it as one of the "toughest" challenge because I wasn't really a good driver. Anyway, despite of the gloomy weather, we still had fun beach bumming, partying and diving! 

November was the celebration of our 2nd Anniversary. We originally planned to go to Surigao (we had booked a one-way ticket) but because of my "joblessness" status, we cancelled our plan and decided to go back to Baler instead. It was a blessing, actually, because I met James Betia of journeyingjames.com! This kick-ass traveler just completed my year! 

2013 was a very wonderful time for me. I may not have visited SOME of the places I planned to visit, I won't really worry a lot, because there's still 2014! I am planning to visit Calaguas (via journeyingjamestour, hopefully) and Mt. Pulag next year. Right now, I'm trying to save for Malaysia (January) and Indonesia (October) next year.. and maybe, Thailand? 


The "Donate For Indonesia" Piggy Bank

I've been wanting and hoping to visit Indonesia the soonest time next year. However, I make it a point that I'm financially, mentally, and physically well-prepared. I'm not good in saving money in the bank, because I find it hard to control the "impulse-shopper" in me. So, as a result, I tried to save-- the traditional way-- through a piggy bank. I'll make this piggy-bank-thingy work!

FOR THE MEANTIME (while I take a rest & concentrate on my work), 
I WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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