Part 4: Back to Kuala Lumpur

After a relaxing stay at the Le Meridien Maldives, we head back to Kuala Lumpur for 5 nights to explore Malaysia’s capital. We will take Batek Air back to Kuala Lumpur. This leg of the trip had to be paid by cash but thanks to the Scotiabank Scene points, we were able to offset some of the cost. The food scene is one of the big reasons why we chose Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant metropolis where modernity meets tradition and culinary delights await at every corner. We will be staying at the chic Hotel Stripes Autograph Collection for 5 nights. The location is perfectly positioned for us to explore the city’s diverse food scene and cultural attractions.

Hotel Stay

Hotel Stripes, located in the historic Jalan Kamunting area, offers a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and local charm. The rooftop pool and bar provide stunning views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, ideal for romantic evenings. Apparently they have some to die for onion rings upon doing a little research and we cannot wait to try it! But it’s the culinary adventures beyond your hotel that will truly captivate our taste buds.

Things To Do

We plan to start our gastronomic journey at Jalan Alor, a famous food street just a short ride from our hotel. Here, we will find a dizzying array of hawker stalls serving Malaysian favorites. We definitely won’t miss the satay – skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce – or the char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish that’s a local staple.

For a more upscale dining experience, we booked a dinner buffet at the Lemon Garden situated in the Shangrila Hotel. This will be something we look forward to because we love seafood and apparently this is one of the best buffets in Kuala Lumpur so stay tuned for our review. We booked the premium buffet through Klook because it offers a discount and we can’t wait to experience the buffet.

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without exploring its diverse neighborhoods. Our trip will take us spending an afternoon in Brickfields, also known as Little India, where the aroma of spices fills the air. Try the banana leaf rice, a South Indian meal served on a banana leaf, at one of the many restaurants in the area.

For a cultural interlude, we will make a quick visit to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. Its stunning architecture and extensive collection offer insights into Islamic heritage. Afterward, taking a stroll through the nearby Perdana Botanical Gardens for a refreshing break from the city’s hustle.

We also booked a Batu Cave Tour with Ivy Holidays. We usually don’t book tours and like to explore the different sites ourselves but with some left over credit with Expedia, we thought it will be a nice change where we don’t have to really plan much and just go with the flow of the tour.

On an evening, we plan to make our way to the Heli Lounge Bar. This unique spot, set on a helipad, offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over Kuala Lumpur.

For a taste of local street food in a more sanitized setting, visit Lot 10 Hutong, a food court in the heart of Bukit Bintang. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most famous hawker stalls under one roof, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes.

Before we leave Kuala Lumpur, we for sure will visit the Central Market. This art deco building houses numerous craft stores and food outlets. It’s an excellent place to pick up souvenirs and try local snacks like kuih, traditional Malaysian bite-sized desserts.

Kuala Lumpur offers an intoxicating mix of flavors, sights, and experiences for food-loving couples. From street food to fine dining, from modern skyscrapers to colonial architecture, the city is a feast for all senses. Our stay at Hotel Stripes Autograph Collection puts us at the heart of this exciting urban adventure. So we will go ahead, explore, indulge, and create delicious memories together in this captivating Malaysian capital.