Ipoh, Malaysia – 19-21 July 2022

We depart KL Sentral at 11.33am on Tuesday 19 July. Thankfully we are going in the direction of my seat. Would have made for a very interesting 3 hour train journey if we weren’t!

Someone’s phone keeps making a noise every 30 seconds or so. This is going to get old and very quickly!

The 2 hour 45 minute journey passes by easily. Always something to look at.

 

It’s a short 10 minute walk to the hotel. Thank you google maps! When I arrive at the hotel it is all shut off. Ummmm. Can’t access any Wi-Fi’s nearby so I ask the shop next door. They kindly call for me.

All I need to do is confirm my name and hand over the money. Done! I ask for the Wi-Fi password and am told no Wi-Fi. Ooh dear!!!! The man very kindly carry’s my suitcase up two flights of stairs. It’s a cute room with a small balcony. I must buy some matches so I can sit out there later without being attacked by mozzies.

I head off in search of food. I had done a small amount of research but had hoped to do more tonight in my room…..not anymore.

First impressions of Ipoh are good. It’s a chilled-out town and I’m going to enjoy wandering around exploring.

I find Plan B (one of the 3 places I’d read about). First question is do you have Wi-Fi, yes. I’m in! Looking at the menu there are so many options. Next question, what time do you close. 10pm. Right I’ll have a snack and potentially come back for dinner.

The thunder started just before I left the restaurant. Please don’t let there be a repeat of this morning in KL!!

Thankfully I make it to the bus station and back without getting soaked. Unfortunately on arrival I’m informed it’s for local buses only. What a pain! Means I’ll need to purchase them online then work out where to go to get on the bus (to Cameron Highlands).

 

I wander around the streets. Given the rain there doesn’t seem to be many people out and about which is quite nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I walk back into the room it’s nice and cool. Just the result I was hoping for. Time to work out what I need the internet for so when I go for dinner I’m all organized.

I wander the streets towards the Information Center, fully expecting it to be closed and it was. I did go on some new (for me) streets though.

I feel like I may have seen the whole Old Town….unsure what I’ll do tomorrow!

I decide to head back to Plan B where I came for a drink earlier. I spend what seems like ages researching hotels in Cameron Highlands (for 1 night) then booking my bus there and back.

I go with a recommendation for dinner - Vietnamese Chicken Rice salad. It’s super flavourful.

The streets are basically deserted when I walk back to the hotel. Definitely not a place I’ll be out late that’s for sure!!

Out of the three places I researched to go for breakfast tomorrow one is closed (on Wednesday’s) and the other two don’t open to 10am. Guess I won’t be rushing out in the morning!

The Call to Prayer seems to be going for ages this evening. Really hoping It doesn’t wake me in the morning. At the same time it starts (around 8.50pm) I notice mozzies in my room. Time to get out my coils. Two for inside, two for outside. Hopefully this keeps them away!!!

I’m aware of the Call to Prayer on Wednesday 20 July, thankfully manage to go back to sleep. The sun is rising when I do wake. It’s going to be another hot day.

No need to be rushing this morning as the coffee places don’t open to 10am. Must see if I can find somewhere that does open earlier.

The sun has some heat and it’s not even 9am! I decide to head in the opposite direction I’ve been going. Within a couple of minutes I’m on the rivers edge. It’s actually lovely walking along here in the shade with a tiny breeze.

I continue wandering the streets, really just filling in time to the cafes open at 10am. I stop by the visitors information center. Not entirely sure why or what I hoped to get from it but it filled in time.

The area surrounding Plan B is open so I cheekily stand and use there Wi-Fi. It’s more annoying than anything not having Wi-Fi at the hotel.

I walk around the corner to Aud’s Cafe and notice they are open. Excellent! Flat White ordered. Time to review the menu.

I’m the only person in here and they make me pay immediately. I sort of get it.

After having a sip of my coffee I’m glad I didn’t order 2. I need it a little stronger.

When my breakfast is delivered to the table I immediately notice the eggs aren’t cooked enough. No thank you, I need the white parts to be cooked more.

When I leave there are 5 other tables - Ipoh clearly isn’t an early morning place!

I head to 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery where I enjoy wandering around the two-story converted stop house reading about the history of Ipoh. The shop houses, built in 1900, use to be an office, hotel and home to many families. In 2014 the two shop houses started to be restored and were completed in 2017.

 

It really can be quite tiring when you aren’t doing a huge amount. Another coffee is needed.

There are lots of cars around - driving and parking - but I’m not sure where all the people are. Makes for some fun when trying to cross the roads.

As soon as I order lunch (salad) I ask if they have Wi-Fi. No. Ooh my.

I take the slow way back to the hotel, walking past Plan B so I can use the internet.

 

After a couple of hours relaxing in the room sorting through my photos and travel blogs (feeling very pleased with myself that I’m on top of them) I head out for a walk. This time walking along the river. I pass quite a few people fishing and even see one man cast his line and within minutes catch 3 fish. We wave to each other and give the thumbs up.

 

 

It’s well time for a cold drink! Finding a place that is either open or is serving drinks other than coffee proves challenging. Finally!

It’s lovely sitting here with the fan going full blast and a cold coke! It’s hard to imagine that this time tomorrow I might actually be cold. Let’s see.

I decide to branch out and go somewhere new for me for dinner. First question I ask is if they have Wi-Fi. Yes. Great, table for 1 please and thank you.

Wi-Fi password provided. Beer ordered. And of course the Wi-Fi isn’t working. Major buggar! Usually I wouldn’t care but given I don’t have it working at the hotel I really need to be able to get online so i can research how to get to my hotel tomorrow.

As I’m walking back to the hotel the thunder starts. Let’s hope the rain doesn’t follow quickly behind!!

I manage to get to the room and have a cold shower before the rain joins the thunder. Better to be inside than outside thanks very much.

I wake just after 7am on Thursday 21 July (two more weeks to my flight back to NZ). It had been an interesting night - first the bikers turned up on the street for a couple of hours. Before departing they needed to warm their bikes up…. There was a brief period of quietness before someone started signing to super loud music. It was like I was in a completely different place to the previous evening! Then a number of hours later I was woken by the Call to Prayer. This time I heard the whole thing.

I head out for a walk around the streets before breakfast. It’s nice that there isn’t that many people out and about.

I arrive at Plan B 10 minutes before they open. The time is well used catching up on messages. I’m really hoping my hotel tonight has Wi-Fi.

At 10am on the dot I stand outside the front entrance…..coffee is needed!

Breakfast doesn’t disappoint - scrambled eggs on Turkish ciabatta. Basic but good.

I have a few minutes in the room - more to cool down than anything before I head back to Plan B to use their internet.

Surprisingly my grab arrives within minutes of booking. Didn’t expect that to be the case. He’s very helpful and gives me a couple of hotel names by the bus station. Seems silly to come back to the Old Town for less than 15 hours.

Of course I arrive at the bus station far too early! The ladies at the ticket counter are very friendly and helpful. For whatever reason they can only give me my ticket for today not my return ticket on Sunday. Hey ho. I purchase my ticket to Penang for Monday. And now I wait for my 12.30pm.

The bus arrives early, a good sign, and we are called to board. Thank goodness for a/c!

12.28pm the driver closes the doors (luggage and main), then someone turns up. And we have two people who are trying to pass “security” but obviously haven’t printed their tickets. So now we wait……

We depart 3 minutes late, the poor driver. He doesn’t seem pleased.

I’ve enjoyed my time in Ipoh - it’s a chilled place to visit. Cameron Highlands here I come.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 16-19 July 2022

We land (thump!!!) into KL at 7.40pm on Saturday 16 July. Day is turning into night.

I definitely make up for sitting around Kota Batru airport with the looooong walk from the plane to baggage claim.

The trip into KL Sentral is fairly painless. I end up taking the train one stop, getting off then buying a ticket to KL Sentral. More than half price than from the airport….one needs to save where one can given no income coming in 😃 I meet two men on the platform, they give me some tips for my travels.

The free travel within KL seems to have stopped. It costs me MYR 1.30 for my ticket (to go one stop).

On arrival at my stop I feel like there are a million lines all connecting to this station! I find the nearly ticket booth and get pointed in a direction. Just before the barrier to exit there is another ticket booth. I ask the lady if she knows what direction I need to go. Google maps told me the hotel is 450 m from the station so totally walkable! She very kindly comes out of her booth and takes the escalator up with me and points to the hotel. I’m told walking a little further will be safer as it’s more lit up. Fine with me!!

Wow this part of town (Chinatown) is super buzzy! So many people out and about and so many cool cafes / bars / restaurants. I can’t wait to explore tomorrow!

It’s a fairly painless check-in then the fun begins with the lifts. I clearly didn’t press the right one as I can’t get to my floor. I call out to the guy at reception who very helpfully comes and explains which lifts I can use and gives me a wee gift in a box. He tells me what they are but I’m so tired (been traveling now for just over 10 hours) so don’t catch what he says. I’ll find out soon. So kind of him!

Wow the view from my room is amazing. I enjoy staring outside while eating one of the chocolates from the box I was given.

Sunday 17 July I wake just after 7.30am, first thing I do is open the curtains to look at the view.

Last night I had left a mask on the door as I knew I would forget I was now in a place that you needed to wear them all the time when inside. It was so nice not wearing it on the island.

The first thing I notice on the breakfast buffet is the cheese selection. Thank you, I’ll be getting mine right now!

My mission today is laundry - yes I know it’s exciting but needs must.

First stop though is coffee. I had already done some research on where to go around me.

When I arrive at the laundromat there is a man helping someone - excellent! He kindly helps me. It’s his first time here he tells me.

I sit back and relax, 36 minutes for the wash.

Once some of my clothes are in the dryer I decide to take the clothes that aren’t going in the dryer back to my room. I walk back through the Petaling Street Market. Lots of look at.

There is definitely a lot more people around now than a couple of hours ago. The heat and humidity has also increased! When I get back to the laundry the dryer has 10 minutes to go.

Laundry all done! I wander back to the hotel via the bus / train station. Unfortunately I need to go to KL Sentral to purchase my train ticket.

Feeling much cooler I decide to head to KL Sentral. There are SO many people around!

  

 

After getting directions I head to the ticket counter. I’m asked to show my MySejahtera app to  to the security person. Queue ticket received, now I wait. There are 4 staff but only one counter open….go figure!

Wowzers the train is pricey (😊), MYR 38. Basically 170% more expensive than taking the bus. Better be good! Anyway I have my ticket.

I head to the mall which is attached to KL Sentral and locate a money exchange place. Rate not the best so I decide against it.

I stumble across the same sushi place that I found last time I was in KL. Time for a late lunch / small bite.

When I arrive at my train station I follow the signs to the Central Market. Central Market was founded in 1888 and originally used as a wet market. Over the years there has been development to both what’s in the building and the building itself.

I wander through - it’s nice and cool in here! Lots of art galleries, shops and cafes.

When I exit I see a sign for money exchange. It’s the same rate as what I got when I was last in KL so move ahead with the exchange. At least now it’s done!

I wander back to the hotel through the Petaling Street Market (there are more people and stalls around now) then along an alleyway.

 

As I leave the hotel at 5.55pm it’s still just as hot as it was a few hours ago! I wander the streets / alleys in front of the hotel before deciding on stop one for tonight - DaBao.

 

 

 

 

The bar area (upstairs) is very nice but super dark and no outside light! Next place I must be able to see outside, especially as it’s still day light.

Beer and bao (spicy chicken) ordered.

I sat down at the restaurant across from the hotel but wasn’t feeling it, so made my apologizes and left. Decided to head to my room to watch the sunset instead.

As I’m walking out of the hotel a guy comes running up to me “do you remember me?”. I’m like ummm what on earth is happening!! Once he takes his mask off I do. It’s the family from the resort that was on the boat out with me. Totally didn’t expect to run into anyone I know here. We stood chatting for awhile. I got a few tips for tomorrow.

I’m craving veges / salad so decide to head to the vegetarian / vegan restaurant. With no booking I’m sat at the bar.

Very pleased with my selection - a delicious salad. And I even have leftovers which I’m taking back to the hotel with me for tomorrow.

 

I wake just after 7.30am on Monday 18 July, a great change from the awful hotel at Kuala Besut.

I’m not paying enough attention and get off on the wrong floor. Clearly coffee is needed! I had pushed the wrong floor too. Hey ho.

I make it to breakfast a couple of minutes later.

I had researched somewhere to go for coffee. On the way stopped at Chan She Shu Yuen.

Chan She Shu Yuen opened back in 1908, is a Cantonese style temple which primarily serves/ed immigrants with the surname Chan.

 

It was nice to be out of the sun for a few minutes!

I continue my journey, up stairs, down stairs (to cross the motorway). Not as many people out and about today which is nice. Google maps let me to the destination but no coffee shop. Hey ho. I decide to head back to where I went yesterday for coffee.

It’s crazy hot already and it’s not even 11am. I try to walk in the shade as much as possible. Aah the cafe is closed today. Right back to the hotel to google somewhere else. Unfortunately it’s not as cool in here as I would have liked. Think I’ll be swimming this afternoon. Coffee shop located….it says it’s open. Fingers crossed!

Third time lucky! Vintage 1988 Cafe is open.

 

Feeling like my body temperature is back to normal I decide it’s time to leave and head outside into the head and humidity.

I take the long way back to the hotel. Wandering along new (for me) streets.

I was thinking it was a little strange I hadn’t heard from Eric but also know what the first day back from leave can be like. Lin sent me an email saying he was trying to get hold of me - I called him immediately. He had dropped off my cans this morning (I’ve heard nothing from reception….). What a shame we couldn’t meet up!

I’m so engrossed with downloading my photos that I’m shocked when I turn around and notice it’s absolutely pouring outside.

Finally at 4pm it’s stopped raining. Time to head out again. Even though the Malaysian’s eat all day it’s too early for dinner for me. Instead I wander the streets in search for a cafe for a cup of tea.

The thunder begins as soon as I leave the cafe. Let’s hope the rain stays away!

After doing a spot of packing I decide to head out for dinner. Nothing in the vicinity really catches my eye so I decide on a two tier evening again. Japanese to start with then I’ll head back to the hotel restaurant.

The pork dumplings and chicken bao are delicious!

 

I’m quite surprised that there is next to no one on the streets when I leave the restaurant. I’m glad it’s still light, if not I’d be taking the shortest direct route back to the hotel.

When I return to the hotel I drop my bag then head to the bar where I get a window seat. It seems you need to be more than one person to get service. Very poor.

The service doesn’t get better, in fact worse. Really unimpressed. The view from the balcony though is amazing!!

Monday 19 July I wake before 7.30am. Two weeks since I arrived in Malaysia! For whatever reason I didn’t pack up last night so decide to do it before breakfast.

Not such a long chilled affair at breakfast as I have a train to catch…..and to fit in a stop for coffee before getting to KL Sentral.

Check-out is nice and easy.

My coffee has just been delivered and the thunder starts. Eeks alive! Thankfully it’s only a 2 minute walk from here to the LTR / MYR station entrance but I could get super wet!

Ooh my goodness me, it’s absolutely pouring and in all directions. This isn’t going to be fun. Thankfully I have a little bit of time on my hands so I’m really hoping the rain stops or at least eases off.

Standing staring at the rain isn’t going to help. And the thunder just keeps on coming. I think I just need to go…..

As I go to leave one of the staff says that he’ll come with me - brilliant! I’m given an umbrella and off we go. Such a big difference!!!

The train arrives on the platform as I’m about to get off the escalator, talk about timing.

I of course arrive far too early at KL Sentral. There are people lining up to get into the gate I need to go. No thanks, I’ll sit down for now and just wait. At least there is a fan.

We move from one waiting area (outside the gate) to another waiting area (inside the gate area). I find a spot to stand by a fan. Within seconds they call us to go through the gates. On entering the train I notice that some seats are sitting forward and some backwards. I’m praying that the train is going in the direction of my seat…..but it makes no sense given I’m in carriage A. I get talking to the lady in front of me, she thinks the same. All going well we’ll be able to move seats if we are going backwards.

Goodbye KL, I’ll be back in a couple of weeks!