How Are You Mr. Immigration Sir?

Have you experienced lining up for immigration, feeling guilty as hell for no particular reason?  Well I have.  

Immigration Blues

It was my first time to go to another country and to do that I knew I had to pass through immigration. I've heard tons of stories about it- most of which were bad.  I heard that they could be very superficial, so anyone who looks like a terrorist, whore, or drug dealer could get into serious trouble.  If these guys smell something fishy, you would be interrogated, or worse, you'll be asked to go to the immigration office for more torture.

My Friend's Immigration Nightmare

A week before leaving for Malaysia, my friend who just came home from Hongkong told me her story- well more like her nightmare.  She was questioned, fried and a bit humiliated for not having the needed documents, so she had to secure everything there.  Finally the immigration let her go and let her catch her plane which was just about ready to take off.  So she ran barefooted and that was it.  The thought of that happening to me, frightened me that my focus was just to be able to secure all possible documents that might be asked of me.  It was emotionally stressful -yes.  And even after securing all those, it didn't really eliminate my stress, only consolation was that my anxiety decreased a tad bit.

My Time Has Come

Lining up for immigration in Manila was really nerve-wracking. As I was doing so for the flight going to KL, I've witnessed a couple of girls trying to explain to the immigration officer their purpose of travel .  And after a few seconds, their passports were stamped!  That fast! I figured, it wasn't really that bad. I have a complete set of documents so everything should be alright, reassuring myself with this fact every minute.  Now my turn.  I greeted the officer with a faint smile and submitted my documents to him.  After 5 seconds, he said, "now I could produce these documents if I wish to".  I felt choked.  I said, "I have some other docs too, if you would want to check here it is".  After glancing at the papers for a few seconds, he then stamped my passport.  That was it.  I was off the hook! Challenge # 1 was over.  Now, one more barricade to go: the immigration in KL.

Facing Immigration Officer in KL

Upon stepping on the grounds of KL, it felt really surreal.  Was I really in another country?  But that trail of thought ceased when the thought of immigration shot passed my brain.  Here I go again.  I found myself lining up for immigration.  This time I was joined with people from different races: koreans, americans, french, indians and a lot more.  There were a group of korean ladies in front of me.  They were dressed as if they were actresses, one girl even had a bouquet of flowers with her.  My heart started to pound really hard when 2 of these girls were asked to go to the office.  Oh gosh!

So it was my turn, I gave the officer a very heavy-hearted smile, though I greeted him as cheerful as I possibly could.  He just stared at me seriously with keen eyes, ready to detect anything fishy.  My heartbeat was like a galloping horse by now.  He said, you going to KL alone huh? whilst checking my documents and staring at me suspiciously.  Told him my reasons, and then just like that, he stamped my passport.  Only until then was I  able to breath normally.

Hellooooooooooo Malaysia here I coommmee!

Check out our Malaysia Adventure Series:

How to spend 8 Days in Malaysia: Itinerary and Expenses

How are you Mr. Immigration, Sir?

Kuala Lumpur

Party with Street Roda at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Melaka

Melaka: UNESCO Heritage

Romantic Melaka River Cruise

Cyclamens Cottage: Home Away from Home - Where we Stayed

St. Paul Church: Stunning Sunset Spot

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

How to spend 8 Days in Malaysia: Itinerary and Expenses

To each his own.  This is just a suggested itinerary on how you could spend your 8 days in Malaysia.   This covers Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Perhentian.

Publisher: Shy - Monday, June 04, 2012

Partying with the Street Roda at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

While enjoying the scene of big buildings, people from different races, and city lights, we heard some crazy beats and people practically singing chants, something that's not quite fitting in this city atmosphere.  

 Oh but it was a pleasant misfit... 

Obrigado Street Roda!

Check out our Malaysia Adventure Series:

How to spend 8 Days in Malaysia: Itinerary and Expenses

How are you Mr. Immigration, Sir?

Kuala Lumpur

Party with Street Roda at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Melaka

Melaka: UNESCO Heritage

Romantic Melaka River Cruise

Cyclamens Cottage: Home Away from Home - Where we Stayed

St. Paul Church: Stunning Sunset Spot

Publisher: Shy - Monday, May 21, 2012

Metered Taxi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Taxi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *

Metered Taxi, Please!

One accessible means of transportation in Malaysia is via taxi.  Like in any major countries, taxi drivers could be a total rip off.  In around 10 times that we've rode a taxi, we only encountered 2 who would stick by the meter.  I've already known this modus operandi of some taxi drivers even before coming to Kuala Lumpur.  And I know through extensive research that you should let the taxi driver know that you want a metered taxi before hopping in.  If they won't agree to it, then you have to let them go and find another one who would.  Armed with that information, I always screamed "meter meter" way before the taxi would slow down to stop.  I didn't realize that I have been doing this until my friend told me, which he found silly.  Well of course it was indeed silly and stupid.  How could the taxi driver hear me when he's still meters away from me? 

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, April 05, 2012

Beginner's Guide to Traveling Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Truly Asia: My Experience

My first ever country that I have visited is Malaysia.

Why? 

Because it's truly Asia? hahaha.  Well, since I have no point of comparison I couldn't comment much about that.  What I could say is that I really saw how much of a melting pot Malaysia is.  Every time I walk down the street, I always see people from different cultures, and it's always a fascinating sight.

It makes you want to stop from walking and just do people watching instead.  It's really amazing to see how people from different countries live peacefully together.  And yes, it is possible.  

Preparations, 

My travel to Malaysia first started with me being emotionally and legally ready for the trip.  I guess that time, I was more concerned on the latter.  My friend who traveled to Hongkong experienced a lot of stress, probably due to her lack of papers and proofs that the immigration was asking of her.  Luckily I tried to secure all important documents.  But when you're lining up for immigration's interview, I think a lot of you would agree that it's still nerve-racking, despite knowing that you don't have any bad intentions and you're nothing but legal.

Documents and Other Requirements

Documents that they will be asking of you are your passport, a copy of your hotel reservations, air ticket to and fro, sometimes they'll ask you for a photocopy of the credit card used to purchase the tickets and even your id's.  Do bring 1K ringgit with you, that's the maximum allowable amount of ringgits you could bring to Malaysia and you could take home, the rest you could deposit in your ATM (through EON) or have traveler's checks instead.

To Plan or Not to Plan

It's wise to plan ahead, but seriously when you're there already at times you couldn't follow your plan.  When you check on google map landmarks in Malaysia appear to be very far but don't be fooled.  It's not as far as you think, especially the Petronas towers, the Suria KLCC, KLCC park and the Aquaria.  All these are somewhat connected.  

Transportation

The best way to travel around the city is through monorail.  Hotels and inns usually have helpful maps and receptionists are also there to suggest good places or directions.  If in case you have trouble finding your way, you could ask some locals.  Not everyone there though could speak English, so choose whom to ask.  If you have to take taxi, try to take the ones away from landmarks.  There are only few honest taxi drivers.  A lot of them will bribe you telling you that the place is far and it's traffic.  So as much as possible don't take taxis. Monorails there are intertwined, so you could get to almost everywhere, you just have to walk to the station.

Food

The food is very diverse.  They have food from almost all around the world.  Not to mention it's cheap.  Simple restaurants would range from 3-8 ringgits, while more expensive ones would go up to 12-30 ringgits.  Hotels are usually cheap and really convenient.

Around Town

We had book ours in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, really close to China Town, called Petaling Market.  It's where you could buy counterfeit bags and souvenirs. Street food is also amazing and cheap.   There are a lot of backpackers around this area because everything is relatively cheap.  If you want something more high-end, try to go to Pavilion.  You could spot real branded items there.  Just nearby is Aquaria that showcases different species of fishes, even forest animals, and insects could be seen there.  Suria KLCC is just around the corner.  It is where you could find the Petronas Towers.

Petaling Market *

Pavilion *

Aquaria KLCC *

                                                                   Petronas Towers *

If you wish to go all-out shopping with convenience I suggest you go south  to Berjaya Times Square, one of the biggest malls in KL.  They have Cosmo World Theme Park, and they have the longest roller coaster called Super Sonic Odyssey, that's 800m long.  It costs around 35-45 ringgit for a ride. 

Berjaya Times Square *

SkyBar *

The Best View of the Towers

They said that the best view of the Petronas towers is in the bar of Trader's Hotel 33rd floor called SkyBar.  You have to reserve in advance for  the cabanas on the side of the pool.  It is where you could have the best view of the city, not to mention the towers.   Drinks and food are expensive here so try to bring extra cash.  We bought our drinks for 20plus ringgits for each.

Malaysian Food

Please don't leave Malaysia without tasting Nasi lemak and chicken satay.  These 2 are traditional malaysian food.

Chicken Satay *

                                                                       Nasi Lemak *

The best place to eat street food is Jalan Alor and Imbi Market.  The food is very diverse and cheap.  Very good for backpackers like us.

Capoeira in the Middle of the City

Don't dare to miss street performance of street Roda, usually every night at Bukit Bintang.  This is a group of people practicing capoeira.  Aside from doing their own stunt they also do lovely percussion and chants that will get you going.

Street Roda *

Travel Tips

As a tip for first time travelers, you should have at least a general itinerary for the day so you could get to experience more.  Also make sure to have a map of the city with you so you won't get to ask people always.  As I've said earlier maps are usually available in hotels or inns that you're staying.  Also try to wake up early.  I know night life in KL is fun but then you'll be missing out on a lot of stuff during the day. 

Since Malaysia is an Islamic country, try to dress up decently.  Usually when you want to visit temples, you're asked to cover yourself.  And always bring your passport with you at all times.

It's ok if you haven't covered everything, what is more important is that you have get to experience the culture that is truly Malaysia. 

* Images not mine

Publisher: Shy - Monday, November 21, 2011