Members of OGA, in front of Masjid Negara
Marie is in the front row in white shirtDo you know KL city well? I thought I did! But a well organized day trip there opened my eyes to what KL offers.On 6.5.23, 42 Convent OGA (Old Girls Association) went on a historical and culinary adventure in KL (Kuala Lumpur).
We started off from Klang at 7.30 am, with Marie Geradine Teo (Class of 1974) as our licensed tour guide. In the bus, Marie gave engrossing historical facts about KL, spiced with secrets, scandals and stories of ghosts. What a wonderful way to learn history!
1. Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Our first stop was Masjid Negara. This Mosque is unique. It has no dome but an open umbrella roof and a slim minaret. The group photo above shows the minaret in the background.
From Masjid Negara Marie pointed out Malaysia’s newest and tallest building, the Merdeka 118 tower. Its needle-like feature symbolizes Tungku’s raised arm, as he proclaimed Merdeka 7 times. It will be the world’s second tallest building, after Burj Khalifa when it opens. At a height of 678.9m, it has the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia. Wow!
Merdeka 118
2. Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)
Next, we went to Dataran Merdeka – a historic area. Here, Marie pointed out the spot where Tungku declared independence. I found it surreal to be standing right there, a place I had never been before. I had only watched the annual Independence Day Parade there, on television.
Merdeka Square Marie called our attention to some historic buildings around the Square: the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the grand old colonial Railway Building, the old Chartered Bank, with its very unusual wooden dome, the white and black Tudor Royal Selangor Club, the old St Mary’s Cathedral, the 95-metre flagpole and the Clock Tower. Marie gave detailed historical facts about every building but here I will just show the photos.
 |
| Part of the Railway Building |
 |
| Sultan Abdul Samad Building |
 |
| Old Chartered Bank |
 |
| The Clock Tower in the background |
 |
| The 95-metre flagpole, one of the tallest in the world |
3. Heritage Walk – Chinatown
Our next stop was 4 Point Sheraton Hotel, Petaling Street. After a briefing, we left for the Heritage Walk. This covered (i) the Chinese migrant miners who helped establish KL and (ii) the Diversity of the area in the Colonial Era.
4 Point Sheraton Hotel Marie reminded us to listen attentively as she would be giving us a quiz at the end of the tour, with attractive prizes.
One of the prizes
First we passed the Flea Market (Pasar Karat). Then we headed to Lorong Petaling, and finally passed an illegal brothel (which was closed down by a recent raid).
Flea Market
 |
| Lorong Petaling |
Along the way, we had a breakfast of the signature chee cheong fun and porridge.
Enjoying chee cheong fun, porridge and apam balik
 |
| chee cheong fun |
 |
| porridge |
After breakfast, we passed the area of migrant occupations - now what were left over were the pastry and flower shops. Marie pointed out the colonial architecture of Lee Rubber Building. We continued walking; stopping to view a Chinese Temple, followed by an Indian Temple.
Lee Rubber Building
Chinese Quan Di Temple - clan buildings to offer support to migrants
The highlight of the Heritage Walk was the Kwai Chai Hong (Little Ghost Lane). We spent some time taking pictures with the murals on the walls there.
Kwai Chai Hong
Lover's Bridge - Mural on the wall
Mural above a flight of stairs Then we passed through Madras Lane, with its famous curry laksa and yong taufoo. Along the way, some members bought lo po pang and lo kong pang (wife and husband biscuits), durian puff and egg tarts.
Wife (W) and Husband (H) biscuits
 |
| Durian puff |
Yong Taufoo
Curry laksa
We ended up at the car park which used to be the Madras Theatre. There Marie told us some hair-raising ghost stories.
We took a short cut through Beryl Chocolate Factory, then back to Sheraton Hotel. Beside the hotel Marie stopped to talk about the earliest Sikh Temple (or Gurdwara Sahib).
Beryl Chocolate Outlet (Malaysia's own brand)
 |
| Gurdwara Sahib |
In front of 4 Point Sheraton Hotel - jubilation after the long walk
4. Hi-tea at Kontiti Restaurant, Federal Hotel
After the walkabout, we were glad to be in Kontiti Restaurant for high-tea. Everone was all smiles in the cool and pleasant environment. We were spoiled for choice: satay, lamb, chicken, beef, prawns, seabass, briyani, kurma, gado-gado, yummy desserts and many more.
 |
| A wide selection |
A group photo in front of the dining area
With the trishaw and mural outside the dining area:
 |
| In front of Totem poles |
 |
| At the dining table |
Interestingly, there was another alumni group having hi-tea there - about 20 OBA members from Malacca High School - having their annual meet-up after Covid. They gave us a copy of their alumni book and invited us to visit them in Malacca.
Some members with President of OBA Malacca High School 5. City tour - Tugu Negara (National Monument)
We continued our city tour after a satisfying high-tea. We passed through Twin Towers and other landmarks.
We stopped at Tugu Negara, following Marie as fast as we could and trying hard to absorb what she said.
Tugu Negara is a bronze sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom.
 |
| Emblem at the entrance |
 |
| The First Memorial: WW1, WW2 and the Emergency |
 |
| Tugu Negara |
6. ASEAN Sculpture Garden
Our next stop at the ASEAN Sculpture Garden was eye-catching. It is a landscaped garden with a collection of prize-winning sculptures in wood, marble, iron and bamboo. Marie pointed out each country’s special plot and their characteristic sculptures:
Malaysia - steps show progress
Philippines - multicoloured roof and wood platform
Brunei
Thailand-stainless steel
Singapore - stone sculptures
7. Bamboo Hills
Our next stop was Bamboo Hills, with no hills in sight! It is a site that houses multiple restaurants with landscaped gardens! It is a favourite place for wedding couples.
A thundering waterfall greeted us. We were lucky to see 2 Malay wedding couples having their photo shoot. The environment was truly marvelous for photos.
 |
| The entrance |
 |
| The thundering waterfall |
Bamboo trees galore
A lovely setting
Our group charmed by the geometric pattern
The 3 stars 8. Bukit Jalil Pavilion
Our last stop was at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. We had 2 hours to browse, shop or dine. While many went shopping and dinner, 3 of us visited Tokio Street and the huge and elegant Tsutaya Book Shop.
 |
| Unique Tsutaya Bookshop |
The overall decoration in Pavilion was Japanese themed - it was like being transported to Japan! Members enjoyed taking pictures at Tokio Street:
Hold that pose!
Beautiful lanterns
 |
| Pretty in kimono |
 |
| My favourite kimono |
Home Sweet Home
I arrived home at 10 pm, exhausted and bone-tired. I checked my pedometre watch – I had walked 12,150 steps. What a day! It was a long and tiring trip but it gave me a better insight of KL.
Everyone had a good time, whether it was the history, the food, shopping or getting together and taking photos.
We are very appreciative of Marie Teo, who made the tour memorable with historical details and anecdotes of scandals and ghost stories.
Marie, with her impeccable knowledge of KL, enthralled us at every site. She rattled off facts and figures easily - she is a tour guide par excellence. Anyone who wants to learn more about KL and Chinatown, can check out:
www.freewalkkualalumpurunscripted.com
A big “Thank you” to Marie and all OGA organizers.
Marie: our outstanding tour guide
Our Convent OGA committee members
................................................................................................
Some of the photos here are contributed by great photographers on the trip. Thank you OGA members for sharing your photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment