Port Kelang, Gateway to Kuala Lumpur

Thursday, March 26, 2025

A three-master docked alongside


After a quiet night at sea, we awoke to our Queen edging up to the pier at Port Kelang, the gateway to Kuala Lumpur just 20 minutes distant.  We were recovering from a busy two days in Singapore and our tour today was to a museum, local drive around with photo stops and finally another observation tower.  Things seem to be getting a little repetitive!   

This area was built on its tin mining starting in the 1800s along with its rubber production.  These were the two natural resources that made it such a desirable place for the British to command.  Its history, like most of the place we have visited, consists of British rule, Japanese occupation during the war, then back to British control, then independence.   

Our first stop was the museum with two floors sectioned off into four areas to display: Early History, Malay Kingdoms, Colonial Era and Malaysia Today. 

An early rickshaw

I’m not much of a history buff but I did try to visit each of the areas in the time allotted.  Sue was busy trying to complete an Adventure Lab.  I’ll post a few pictures but for me it was mostly, Ho Hum.

Our excursion included a buffet, Malay style, that turned out to be the highlight of the day.  It was at one of the large hotels downtown and they were ready for us and several other bus loads.  They had several stations set up to visit and sample and all were local delicacies.  I especially enjoyed their version of asparagus soup along with their fried bread, roti canai.  It was a treat to sample everything and we both left stuffed and satisfied.  I promised myself that I would try to duplicate this fried bread when I get home.

Our last stop was at the KL Tower.  This tower used to be the tallest in Malaysia until the nearby Petronis Towers were built three years later. 
Tower view of Kuala Lumpur

It features a revolving restaurant, and it reminds me of our Seattle Space Needle. 

They have an international competition each year to see who can climb the 1608 steps, 292 meters (958 feet).  Last year saw 1,500 participants from 15 countries compete.  It’s called the KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge.  They have different categories of participants and award prizes for each.  Last year saw participants ranging in age from 11 to 73 years old.

Another prominent building here is the Petronas Twin Towers.  A pair of skyscraper office buildings that are among the tallest buildings in the world.   Each tower is 88 stories tall reaching a height of nearly 1500 feet.  A two-story skybridge connects the two towers between the 41st and 42nd floors.  An impressive sight to be sure.

Petronis Towers

It was a fun day, not too stressful and we returned to the ship and managed to score a virtual cache to give us credit for visiting Malaysia.

I apologize for not doing justice to this wonderful city.  I neglected to take pictures that would have been of interest.  I'll try to do better.

Next stop:  Penang, Malayasia








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