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Journalism of Courage
For the Dilliwali in me, Kuala Lumpur instantly brought back memories of the broad roads I admired before settling down in Pune. But the similarity ends there. The city runs on discipline—cars line up neatly at traffic signals, horns are rare, there are no stray animals on the streets, and walkways actually welcome pedestrians. For someone who enjoys silence in the middle of urban chaos, KL feels like a dream.
When the city sleeps, Bukit Bintang comes alive. The neighborhood is Kuala Lumpur’s beating heart, buzzing with pubs, bars, live music, and street food stalls that stay busy till dawn. The nightlife is colourful and infectious, though I’d recommend exploring it with friends—it’s also an unofficial red-light district, with massage parlours and brothels tucked into its lanes.
A short walk – or rather, a 2-km stride – from there stands the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Once the tallest skyscrapers in the world, they still light up the night sky and draw mesmerised crowds. I sure did the touristy bit—snapped photos, joined the crowd marveling at their glow—but it was the next morning that truly struck me. From Kampung Baru (where I stayed), I walked to KLCC Park, where I watched families bask in the morning sun, fitness enthusiasts jog, and groups celebrate with music and dance in the lush gardens.
By then, I had already logged 3 km and rewarded myself with a glass of Teh Tarik—Malaysia’s famous “pulled tea.” Frothy, strong, and slightly sweet, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves experimenting with teas. It is available in hot and cold brews.
Later, I headed to Petaling Street Market in Chinatown for some souvenir shopping. Crowds were already swarming the narrow lanes, but I couldn’t help noticing that most of the trinkets were things I could easily find back home in India—sometimes even for less.
Walking became my way of discovering Kuala Lumpur. On most days, I clocked 15,000 steps, with one day even reaching 20,000. These long strolls gave me not just sights, but also time to reflect — on why travel feels so liberating and why cities reveal their true selves only on foot. One of the most surreal stops was KL Forest Eco Park (Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve)—a patch of tropical rainforest right in the heart of the city. Where else in the world do you stumble upon a forest between skyscrapers?
Kuala Lumpur is a city of high-rises. Malls, restaurants, and even Airbnbs are stacked into gleaming towers. At times, it felt like I was living in a vertical city. For a first-time solo traveler like me, carrying forex, calculating every Ringgit in rupees, and navigating the unknown was nerve-wracking at first. But it left me craving more.
Of course, no trip is complete without a visit to Batu Caves—a short cab ride away. The grand statue of Lord Murugan welcomes you, but the site also houses temples dedicated to Sri Hanuman, Sri Rama, Sri Valli, and Sri Balaji. If you prefer schedules, hop-on hop-off buses can take you there, too.
Yes, I missed Langkawi and a few other Malaysian hotspots, but in the time I had, I discovered enough to feel connected with the city. If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, even for just a day, take the time to walk, wander, and watch. It’s one of those experiences, especially when you go solo, that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
