Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia

After many goodbyes and farewells, my journey to KL began on a 2nd class sleeper overnight train ride from Woodlands Train Checkpoint, Singapore to KL Sentral, Malaysia. This involved an 8 hour train ride which was bumpy at times. It didn't help with people constantly snoring. Besides that, the train ride was quite pleasant and comfortable ride with the train arriving promptly in KL at 7.30am.

2nd class sleeper cabin

My "cosy" sleeping quarter in the 2nd class sleeper.

For those who plan to use the train, it is a surprising popular route between Singapore and KL, so be warned that the tickets sells fast. When I originally search for tickets, it yielded little results and the tickets I got was the only one available in a -/+ 2 weeks window from the date I booked the train ride. I booked my train tickets more than a month ago! So if you're planning take the train, plan in advance! Tickets can be found and booked via KTM website which were easy and straightforward process.

Day 1: KL and finding Fujifilm Service Centre
After getting off at KL Sentral, it was time to find my hostel The Travel Hub which is located in Chinatown just off Petaling St and right next to much talked about Old China Cafe (personally I found it food ordinary, expensive and overhyped!)

Travel Travel Hub: Located next to the the overhyped Old China Cafe

To get there from KL Sentral, take the LRT 1 stop to Pasar Seni Station it was a 5 minute walk to the Guesthouse. So far, the stay have been nice, clean and pleasant with a very helpful  and knowledgable reception desk.

The Travel Hub: Reception area and the friendly receptionist Iman(right) and the cleaner.

The Travel Hub: Dorm room at 25MYR a night.

After a nice rest, my initial plans were to go Batu Caves. However, this took an unexpected turn when I found out my Fuji 35mm wasn't working properly! Instead, my day involved finding Fujifilm service centre which is located at Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park. This involved taking a train from KL Sentral to Batu Tiga and then a 2.5km walk to the Fuji Service Centre. Worried not having my lens to use for the duration of my Laos trip as I was flying out in 3 days, the technician kindly offer me to borrow the centre. Kudos to the guys at the Fujifilm Malsyia Service Centre for the A1 service!

Day 2: Chow Kit Markets, Batu Caves and the Old Railway Station
Chow Kit Markets
Day 2 began with exploring KL Chow Kit Wet Markets, which can be reach using the monorail to Chow Kit station. From there is was a 5 minute walk. The market offer an interesting, colourful lively local experience, not crowded by your normal tourist as locals go about their daily life and offer some nice photographic opportunity and communicating with the local people.

Colourful and lively Chow Kit Market.

Chow Kit Market: Stalking the light.

Chow Kit Market: The chilli seller.

Chow Kit Markets: Beef seller.

Batu Caves
Located at the end of the the KTM line, a train ride takes about 30 minutes from KL Sentral and cheap and easy to get to. A return ticket cost me 4RM($1.30USD). Conquering the steps were relative easy to even for an ultra unfit person like myself. :)

Batu Caves: Kids feeding and chasing the pigeons in front of Batu Caves.

Batu Caves: The staircase up. 272 steps worth.

Batu Caves: Be careful of your belongings. Monkeys are abundant here!

Batu Caves: The view looking back.

Batu Caves: Inside the limstone cave.

Old Railway Station
On the way back from Batu Caves, I decided to stop at Kuala Lumpur Station and have look at the old railway station. The now non-operation station offers a nice look for those interested in architecture.

Old Railway Station during blue hour.