My husband enjoined me to go to Malaysia after his third IT seminar in Kuala Lumpur. I can’t sustain my excitement for two reasons: it was my first time visiting the country and the first time that I will get out of the Philippines alone. I booked my flight at Cebu Pacific through an online facility (8:55 pm flight) going there. My return flight was booked on Malaysian Airlines with my husband.
It was 12:30 am when I arrived at Kuala Lumpur domestic airport. I told my hubby not to fetch me at the airport so we can save money. He instructed me to ride in an airport taxi for it was the safest way in getting to Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel (situated in Putrajaya) to where he stayed for the week. The regular rate of going to the hotel was 64 ringgit. But since it was past midnight, 50% of the regular rate was added so I paid 96.30 ringgit in all.
I was a bit scared when I boarded the taxi. It was in the wee hours and I was alone. To fight this fear, I livened up the ride with a lively conversation with the taxi driver. But according to my instinct, he was a man to thrust so eventually, I felt comfortable as we headed on.
I was in awe as we entered the main entrance of what has been considered Malaysia’s first premier icon hotel. The Malay ethnic architectural design was brilliantly lighted. Thank God, I arrived safe and unharmed. The driver thanked me as I hopped out of the car. I smiled and thanked him too.
I went to the reception area and was warmly welcomed by the reception officer who was already informed by my husband of my arrival. He graciously accompanied me to our room and left me when my husband opened the door. He was awakened by the sound of the doorbell. He smiled knowing that I arrived safely.
I was so impressed to see the elegant room which was big enough for two. And I was so thrilled to see an open veranda. But I was so sleepy and weary from a whole day’s work and my plane journey so after a few minutes of conversation with my husband, I retired into sleep. Good morning now Malaysia! Haha!
It was seven in the morning when we woke up. I leaped out of bed and open the glass door to smell and feel the morning breeze of Malaysia. I was expecting that it was as cold as Baguio for the hotel was beside the lake, but it’s not. From the veranda, I saw a nice view of a huge lot that looked like a park. With our cam, we rushed ourselves for a morning walk on the lakeside.
We passed by a towering big clock and saw stunning units in Malay, Chinese, and Indian architectural designs. There were jet skis and other water sports equipment for an exciting activity.
Most of the staff on the lakeside were Indians. I was expecting that they will greet us, like the Pinoy style of entertaining guests. Some just smiled and others just looked at us.
We kept on walking until we reached the bar area where no one is hanging around. We sat on benches and were mesmerized by the calm atmosphere. We had the place all by ourselves. There we saw the amphitheater and the Putrajaya Convention Center.
At 9:00 am, we headed to B’s, a chic All Day Dining outlet for our free delectable breakfast. It serves authentic Asian and Western food in a buffet and ‘a la carte” style. We met Bens, a fellow Pinay who was on a one-month stay in the hotel. We only had a short conversation as she was sitting far from our table. Our stomachs were really heavy when we left B’s.
We checked out of the hotel at 11:30 am. We were thankful to Bens for reserving us two seats in the hotel’s shuttle van going to Putrajaya Sentral. It was a train terminal going to Kuala Lumpur. Bens was on a visit to KL that day. From Putrajaya Sentral station we paid 9.50 ringgit for our train fare going to KL Central. Bens parted when we reached this station.
Since we will only stay for one night in Kuala Lumpur we searched for the cheap and nearest hotel. Fortunately, we found Budget Hotel which was so near the monorail and Java Line. The rate was affordable for one night stay. We rested for two hours as we prepared our itchy feet to visit our main destination, the Petronas Twin Towers.
My husband had been to Malaysia for IT seminars but he can’t catch the perfect timing to visit this famous tourist attraction. This time, he was so insistent to catch a glimpse of the reigning tallest twin towers in the world. And he wanted to go there with me.
Next stop —-> Petronas Twin Towers
I paid P1,600 for the travel tax which was not included in an online booking and P750 for the boarding pass.