KUALA LUMPUR

Last Thursday evening, I flew Malaysia Airlines flight MH081 to Kuala Lumpur. This flight was originated from Narita. It was a full flight but most of the passengers were joining from Kota Kinabalu.

B777-200 is a comfortable aircraft even in the economy class. I did enjoy the flight but I did not like the dinner. I opted for fish in sweet and sour sauces with steamed rice but it was unappetizing. The fish was very soggy as was the broccolli.

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On arrival at KLIA, I checked in the KLIA Pan Pacific hotel for a night. This 5 star airport hotel is just a few minutes walk or less than a minute buggy ride (provided by the hotel) from the main terminal. This hotel has 441 rooms and suites which are designed to exceptional standards.

Complementary mineral water and a chocolate pack

The room's 32" LCD TV

Coffee and tea making facilities Luxury bathroom with complete amenities.

KLIA Control tower view from my room.

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I was supposed to stay at the Kuala Lumpur Coronade hotel in Bukit Bitang where I was to meet my business partner on the second night. However, this hotel was fully booked. I was told by my travel consultant that all hotels in KL city were fully occupied because of the Middle East holiday traffic. She managed to secure a room at the Capitol hotel just a few minutes walk to the Coronade.

The room was small but comfortable with basic amenities. I didn't expect too much from a 3 star hotel anyway.

Bukit Bintang area with Sungai Wang Plaza on the right, a shoppers' paradise.

Lot 10, for upper class shoppers

In the evening, I found that a section of night market just at the corner of the hotel

The night view of KL Twin towers from my room.

Jalan Alor, the open air hawker center of Bukit Bintang, a popular dinning place for the tourists.

RM9.70 for this cup of milk tea and a bowl of "fish head" bee hon soup.

Durian and Mongostin are now in season.

On my return trip, this taxi driver refused to use the fare meter but wanted to charge me RM15 from Bukit Bintang to the KL Central station where I could catch the Express train to KLIA. I decided not to use him and took the Monorail service instead, costing only RM2.10.

At Bukit Bintang Monorail station

A comfortable ride since it was not the rush hour.

The KL Central bus stop. The fare to KLIA is RM10 per head and RM8 to the KLIA LCCT (Low Cost carrier Terminal). It usually take an hour plus (depending on traffic). I preferred taking the KLIA express train as it took only 28 minutes and cost RM35 one way.

"HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY to KLIA". I did not realized that KLIA is already in the 11th year of operation.

It was a B737-400 for my Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu flight. I believed Malaysia Airlines has closed their "Flight Kitchen" for good since the catering uplift was done by LSG Sky Chefs. The brunch served on-board the B737 was much better that the B777. I had satay and fried rice. I was surprised that the meal came with "Ferrero Rocher" chocolate.

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It was a tiring trip but worthwhile as I managed to close a good deal.