As the flight attendant set my tray table in preparation for dinner, I couldn’t help but wonder how long my white tablecloth would remain pristine. The plate piled high with satays and peanut sauce was the cause of my concern, a combo I’d never encountered on a plane before, but something I could certainly get used to.
Much like the satays, I lapped up every luxury offered on my Business Class flight to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines. As predicted, the tablecloth didn’t remain white for long – I’m blaming the turbulence.
My extravagant journey began even before I left Perth, where I had access to the Aspire Lounge with a viewing deck overlooking the runway, perfect for plane spotting. With daily flights between Perth and Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital can be savoured as a long weekend or extended if time permits. In less than six hours, you can be in Kuala Lumpur, which is an agreeable alternative to braving the traffic heading down south on public holidays. Unlike a lengthy road trip, this was one journey that I didn’t want to end.
The return flight home to Perth from KL also began in style with dedicated business class and immigration counters, sparing me the lengthy queues. After check-in, my personal chauffeur drove me to the Golden Lounge, where an epic buffet, dedicated bar, powder rooms, a napping lounge and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway awaited. The indulgences continued onboard the Airbus 350–900, where every extra-wide seat in Business Class had aisle access, private storage and 16-inch high-definition screens.
I was thrilled the satays made another appearance, followed by a three-course meal served on a white tablecloth that I managed to keep clean this time around.
The pampering continued even while I slept. My Business Class seat with pneumatic cushions not only reclined flat but also had a massage option, lulling me into a sleep so deep that I barely stirred until the flight attendant gently roused me awake as we glided into the Perth Airport. My luggage was one of the first off the conveyor belt, only briefly disturbing my nap until I arrived home to snuggle up in bed.
Kuala Lumpur’s Unique Attractions
There’s no arguing that Kuala Lumpur excels in the shopping and dining stakes, but here are a few activities you must try on your next visit.
KL Hop-on Hop-off bus
I can’t think of a better way to get your bearings than joining the KL Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. Garden and city routes run during the day or night, and you can get off at whichever attractions take your fancy and then resume the circuit on the next bus. Some highlights include jaw-dropping views from KL Tower and the sky bridge and observation deck at Petronas Towers, getting out into nature at the KL Forest Eco Park, escaping the heat with culture at The National Museum of Malaysia, admiring the iconic architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and of course, shopping at KL’s iconic malls.
Join a Vespa tour
Jumping on the back of a vintage Vespa as your chauffeur navigates the maddening traffic is one of the most invigorating ways to see the city. Vespalicious Tours has several options, and I joined the Cooler Lumpur by Night tour to explore KL’s food scene at night. I won’t reveal too much because my driver was full of fun facts and surprises, but I will share that by the time I sampled the national dish of nasi lemak in Kampung Baru, a traditional Malay village in the heart of the city, I’d wished I had worn stretchier pants.
Chinatown
Visiting Petaling Street in Chinatown any time of the day or night reveals a treasure trove of goodies from the market and hawker stalls. But did you know this historic area contains a precinct reminiscent of Penang’s Georgetown, complete with street art, cafes and speakeasy bars? The restoration of Kwai Chai Hong laneway is adorned with murals and plaques demonstrating the lives of Chinese settlers interspersed with Chinatown’s more salacious past. The bar scene is best explored at night, but give yourself plenty of time to explore this district during the day, too, for a browse at Central Market and to admire the intricacy of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and Sin Sze Si Ya Temple.
Little India, aka Brickfields
Often referred to as Brickfields, I’ve always found this alternate name for Little India intriguing. This lively neighbourhood was once home to KL’s thriving brick factory, which is still evident in the city’s distinct architecture. There is plenty of chai, curry, flower stands, and vibrant market stalls to be explored, particularly at night, not to mention a range of temples, including the Buddhist Thean Hou, triangular Tamil Methodist Church, and Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, presenting endless photo opportunities.
An indulgent stay
Not only is the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur known for its spacious rooms with cloud-like mattresses, an incredible breakfast buffet, attentive staff, and a central location, but it also houses one of the city’s most decadent day spas. Mandara Spa is a haven away from the chaos with steam rooms, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a relaxation lounge and decadent packages. I opted for a blissful Balinese massage, ideal for calming jetlag recovery, before floating back to my room.
With more time
If a long weekend isn’t enough (is it ever?), Malaysia Airlines has incredible deals of free side trips to several destinations on the Malaysian peninsular, including Langkawi and Penang. In addition to the airline’s popular routes to Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo, they’re launching new routes in August to Male (Maldives) and Da Nang (Vietnam), and in September, they will be flying direct to Chiang Mai (Thailand) from KL five times a week.
Carmen Jenner was a pampered guest of Malaysia Airlines and the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur.
