Episode 19: World Trip I (pt. 10) – Kuala Lumpur & Tioman

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo adventure to Kuala Lumpur after parting ways with Philipp. The journey begins with a hectic AirAsia flight from Manila, reminding me of the serene joys of train travel. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I reconnect with friends Misha and Verena, who I met on a train to Mongolia. We stay in a budget hostel, explore the vibrant Chow Kit wet market, and savor a memorable breakfast at The Red Bean Bag. The day unfolds with sightseeing, culminating in a daring taste test of the infamous durian fruit, which leaves us both intrigued and repelled.

The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand.

Links:

• The Red Beanbag — Official website of The Red Beanbag, a popular breakfast and brunch café in Kuala Lumpur known for its crab cakes and eggs benedict.
• Senai International Airport — An international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia, serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia.
• Cataferry — Cataferry offers comfortable and spacious catamaran ferry services to Tioman and Langkawi islands.
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) — Comprehensive guide to KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Chow Kit Wet Market — A guide to Chow Kit Market, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful wet markets, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
• KLCC — Official website for KLCC, featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, a convention center, a shopping mall, and a park.
• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Website of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premier shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Din Tai Fung — Website of Din Tai Fung Malaysia, renowned for its Taiwanese cuisine, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
• Jalan Alor — Guide to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur offering a wide variety of local Malaysian street food.
• Tioman Island — Tourism website for Tioman Island, providing information on travel, accommodations, and activities on the island, including diving and hiking.
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