See, taste & love Malaysia!

MANILA, Philippines - Just by listening to Malaysian singer Yuna sing the 1Malaysia Truly Asia’s Visit Malaysia Year campaign theme song Malaysia Truly Asia-The Essence of Asia, one is easily transported to a place with vivid colors, captivating aroma of spices and a mix of cultures. That is Malaysia. In its capital Kuala Lumpur alone, one is embraced by the city’s diverse culture and history — and more!

Enjoyable shopping in KL

To many, Kuala Lumpur conjures images of shopping malls. The city offers an eclectic mix of mega malls, vintage retailers, unique mom-and-pop stores, open-air bazaars and markets. With these establishments, it’s not a surprise KL is voted fourth among 12 of the World’s Best Shopping Cities by CNN. Kuala Lumpur, according to a CNN report, bested the likes of Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and Milan in the stakes for the most rewarding and enjoyable shopping experiences. Kuala Lumpur offers some of the best bargain opportunities, quality upscale stores and variety of brands.

Recently, 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale 2014, organized by Tourism Malaysia through its promotional shopping arm Shopping Malaysia Secretariat, kick-started the series of events for the shopping season. The season also started with a roar, as 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale 2014 was launched ahead of the action-packed Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix held recently at the Sepang International Circuit.

Two major sales to expect this year in Malaysia are 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (June to September) and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (November to January 2015).

Shoppers and tourists can expect the best bargains, the best choices and the best shopping experiences during the season making Malaysia a one-stop travel destination.

Malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, Fahrenheit88 and Starhill Gallery are clustered together in the Bukit Bintang area of KL. These places are easily accessible through local transportation like buses and the more popular Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Other noted shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur that should not be missed are the Central Market where one can shop for the perfect souvenir — Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), Malaysian batik fabrics, Keris (traditional Malay weapon) and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets); and Craft Cultural Complex where beautiful handicraft products from all the states of Malaysia can be found.

Embracing culture

In Kuala Lumpur, the sights and sounds of the city’s eye-catching architecture and urban landscapes can never be missed. Like in Putrajaya, also called the “Intelligent Garden City,” a scenic centerpiece where Malaysia’s new Federal Government Administrative Centre can be found. In this progressive area, one-of-a-kind infrastructure can be seen like the Putrajaya International Convention Center, a uniquely designed events facility inspired by the Wau Bulan and the pending perak, Perak’s traditional silver belt; and Putra Mosque, a prominent landmark in Putrajaya with its pink domes and rose-tainted granite structure.

Not far from Putrajaya is Jalan Raja Laut where Moorish-inspired architecture is evident in structures like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a building that served as the British administrative building until 1957; KL City Gallery; and the Independence Square.

At night, Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape shines bright with the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, standing proud in the middle of the City Centre. During the day, the tour of the Towers will begin with interactive displays that showcase the journey from the idea to completion of the Petronas. Taking the 170-meter elevator ride is like stepping into the future. Once the elevator door opens, one will be transported to the Skybridge, the world’s largest two-story bridge that  connects the two towers. After enjoying the view from the Skybridge, visitors are then brought to a higher level of the towers through a fairly smaller elevator with cloud murals. On level 86, the story of Malaysia’s vision unfolds through an exhibit of dioramas being enjoyed by the visitors while they view the breathtaking scenery of KL from the observatory.

A mecca of mouthwatering dishes

Right by the Bukit Bintang area is a haven for foodies who are in search of authentic hawker-style street food. A unique food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor is one of the most popular Malaysian food haunts. A quiet street in the day, it transforms into a bustling outdoor food court when the sun goes down.

Rows and rows of hawker stalls take up both sides of the road open for one-way traffic. Food items that best represent Malaysia like satay, laksa, nasi lemak and delectable seafood are abundant in Jalan Alor.

At the Mid Valley Mega Mall, one can also find Little Penang. In Little Penang’s menu is the seventh most delicious food in 2011 by CNN Go, the Penang Assam Laksa. It is a mouthwatering rice noodle dish with spicy fish gravy, mint and fresh vegetable garnishing.

Malaysia is a celebration of diverse culture, colorful history and traditions. This celebration is evident in its historical structures, shopping complexes and exquisite cuisine. Beyond all these, the welcoming smiles of its people are indicative that your first, second or third visit will not be your last. So, you celebrate Malaysia again and again.

(Malaysia Airlines flies to KL from Manila four times daily. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or call its Reservations department at 887-3215.)