We spend a long Singapore National Day weekend in Kuala Lumpur. As I posted earlier, we booked tickets with Transtar Coach company from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. This 16 seat full-size coach looked pretty promising on the internet when I booked, but the actual trip and service wasn’t really what we expected. Instead of the promised “Daily France” croissant, we got a cold Nasi Lamak at the border and instead of 2 stops, we only got one and there was no toilet on board. The movie choice was very good and having wireless internet on board made the trip alright.

Unfortunately the bus-terminal where we were dropped off in Kuala Lumpur, was in the middle of nowhere, no ATM’s around and only taxi-drivers all geared up to rip of some tourists. So, we walked 5 minutes to the nearest bank, being constantly harassed by taxi drivers. But after we found an ATM, off course there was no taxi in sight. I don’t remember this from years ago, but I don’t think there’re many taxi with a meter left in KL. Being told that the trip from the terminal to the hotel will cost me 20 Ringit (4 Euro), knowing it’s actually only 7 to 10 Ringit really got on my nerves. As did the fact that taxis pulled over, knowing they didn’t have enough space in the boot for 3 suitcases. We finally made it to the Renaissance Hotel and checked in, had a room-service lunch and afternoon nap (6+ Hours on a bus definitely wears you out). We finished the day by meeting up with Troy & Barbara for some traditional Chicken Fajitas, burgers and salads at the Hard Rock Cafe and watching the Being Olympics opening ceremony on the big screen.

The next day we started with a proper breakfast and I showed my mum and Olivia a few spots in KL where I spent a lot of time in the years I lived there. Went to the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC and Times Square shopping malls, rode the indoor rollercoaster and had some lunch at The Chicken Shop. After a little rest back in the hotel, we went to Petaling Street in Chinatown and did some proper bargain hunting. We walked away with a few bags, DVD’s and some souvenirs and had a good dinner at Roland, a place I remembered from all those years ago. Somehow in Chinatown it helps if you show that you’re local or from Singapore, this truly opens different doors.

After Breakfast on Sunday, we visited Troy & Barbara’s new apartment in The Susana Lofts. They have this incredible apartment there, in a condominium which was build right next door to where they lived years ago. We did some more shopping in Midvalley Megamall, which almost doubled in size with The Gardens extention, since the last time I was there. We finally found a proper meter-taxi to take us back to the hotel for another early night.

On Monday we had our last breakfast in The Renaissance and made our way back to Singapore. Again, no “Daily France” meal and I refused the Nasi Lamak. This time also no internet, but we were better prepared and brought our own snacks. We were dropped at the far end of Singapore, but luckily all taxis here have a meter and are actually very comfortable. We came home late afternoon, after stopping at our local ColdStorage for some groceries and I am glad to be home.

Not sure if we will take the bus another time, but we will most definitely visit Troy & Barbara again in KL. That city has changed a lot for the worse, but still has it’s good sides. It has put our life and chores in Singapore in perspective and we know we’re very lucky to be here!