Gone for a short trip to Malaysia over the past few days before starting my new challenge.
My general impression of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur -- affectionately known as KL -- is good even the weather is so hot that I feel dizzy and despite the unexpected heavy rains. People are hospitable, which is reflected by their willingness to help me with directions. A street vendor, having seen me walking pass his booth for a few times looking perplexed, asked if I would buy any drinks. And after I said "No," he asked what was I looking for and told me the museum I wanted to visit was moved.
And again, Thanks Teoh for treating me my first Malaysian dinner in Lot 10 Hutong. I cannot try the most traditional Malay food, such as Laksa and Nasi Lemak, due to poor stomach, but still my first Malay meal is enjoyable as expected.
The depreciation of US and HK dollars is really a big problem. One Malaysian Ringgit equals to HK$2.5, compared with just HK$2 when I went to Sarawak a few years ago. And one Singapore dollar equals to HK$6.2 now, compared with just HK$5 three years ago. Everything outside HK is expensive, and no wonder tourists from mainland and other overseas countries come to HK for shopping.
Highlights of KL:
1) Sultan Abdul Samad Building, 2) Masjid Negara, 3) Islamic Art Museum, 4) Old KL train station
1) Sultan Abdul Samad Building
I guess the temperature was more than 31C when I went there and I was wondering if I should go to some places with indoor air-conditioning even though the building is spectacular. The building, including a 40-meter high clock tower, is KL's major landmark and serves as the backdrop for important events. It was designed by AC Norman and constructed to house government departments during the British administration. It now houses the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia. Visiting inside the building is not allowed, but tourists could get information leaflet and post cards for free at the reception.
2) Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
I am very interested in mosques and I do want to know more about Muslims even though I am a Christian. Non-muslim is not allowed to enter the mosque during prayer time, and even if they can go inside, the praying hall is still strictly for Muslims only. But it is wrong to think that Muslims do not like to interact and share what they believe with others. Staff at the mosque -- one of them from Beijing -- will stand by in front of the praying hall to answer all sorts of questions relating to Islam, like the importance of going to Mecca, why they need to pray five times a day and the meaning of religious rituals. This mosque, which houses 15,000 people, is still not the largest in Malaysia. There is minaret, but no dome. It is worth spending some time there.
Masjid Negara
Prayer time. This is the real Arabic numbers!
Masjid Negara
Praying hall in Masjid Negara, strictly for Muslims only. I almost trespassed, and a lady shouted, "NO!"
And the other mosque, Masjid Jamek, is also impressive.
3) Islamic Art Museum
Only been there for like an hour because I do not have enough time. This museum is very good. It has models of different mosques in different architectural style around the world.
4) Old KL train station
This station opened in 1911 to receive trains from Butterworth and Singapore. It looks impressive, even though it is now only used for commuter trains and dilapidated. Worth sitting on the bench imaging its glorious past.
