HO-HO around Kuala Lumpur city

Hop On - Hop Off Bus

No, Ho-Ho in this context isn't related to laughter at all. 

But, there's a reason for you to smile when you're on a Hop On-Hop Off bus for it saves you a lot of trouble getting to places in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia.  

Bus Fares

By paying RM19 (adult with MyKad) or RM38 (adult w/o MyKad), you can get down at exactly 22 stops, with over 42 sights and attractions, in one whole day! 

If you think one day isn't sufficient for you to travel around Kuala Lumpur (KL), you can always purchase a 48-hour pass. Frankly, one day's not enough.

I took a ride on the KL Hop On-Hop Off (Ho-Ho) bus during the year-end school holiday last year and I was caught with a sweet surprise when I had to pay only RM10, instead of RM19. 

"It's a school holiday promotion," the bus conductor explained. Well, well, well...I saved RM20 that day. I was with my bros, aged 14 and 10.

Our First Stop

Due to convenience sake, we boarded the bus at KLCC stop (Stop 22). We asked the concierge at KLCC for direction and arrived at a bus stop outside Suria KLCC (exit KLCC near Couch boutique).

We waited and the longer we were there, we sensed that something was amiss. My bro then remembered, "There should be a colourful and visible signage."

On that note, we walked further up and ta-da! - the pink sign with the no. 22 - the last stop. There was a Ho-Ho guy stationing there too.

Directions

You can get a brochure (which includes a map) from the Ho-Ho guy or when you're on the bus.

For non-Malaysians, get the tickets at the stops before boarding the bus. Malaysians, meanwhile, have to purchase the passes on the bus.

About the Bus

On the Hop on-Hop off bus: I have no complains about the bus, seats are pretty comfortable and are odourless. 

Some buses, though, have broken on-board commentary devices as a result of vandalism or roughness (too masculine or muscular), I assume. 

The open deck is a very good element (to get a panoramic view) of the bus, if you don't mind having your hair all blown to all direction. 

If you're bald, it's recommended to get the open deck seat. Remember, the seats are limited! 

The interval time is usually around 20-30 mins. There were times when we had to wait for 30 mins, if lucky, 15. 



FOOD 

Our first stop of the day: Petaling Street or Chinatown, Stop no. 8 
Nam Heong - Hainanese Chicken Rice since 1938 

We fuelled up our empty stomach at a famous chicken rice shop called Nam Heong, which happens to be right opposite of the stop. Well, I would say it's pretty good. 

The 3 of us enjoyed our brunch (11sth am) there. Meal was good, but not good enough. The chicken wasn't that tender. However, I've got no complaints.

Nam Heong closes at night.

Restoran Seng Kee - famous Claypot Lou Shu Fan (recommended!)

Two doors away is a popular eatery among locals called Restoran Seng Kee. 

This restaurant is very famous for its Claypot 'lou shu fan' and I've tried it - it's absolutely 'mou dak deng' (delicious)! 

Just order anything, you'll definitely love the food there. Their la-la belacan (clams with Malaysian shrimp paste) is simply enticing! 

The restaurant opens during daytime, but I'll have to find out what they serve, most probably the same dishes they serve at night. 

When we returned to the same restaurant (Seng Kee) the next night, it was so crowded that there wasn't any seats left for us.  

Just when we were about to leave, a staff directed us to Nam Heong, a place they're renting to accommodate its customers that come flooding in. 

My parents speak highly of this restaurant.


Attractions 

2nd Stop: KL Bird Park, Stop no. 14


Admission Fees:

Adult - RM42, RM15 (with MyKad)
Children - RM32, RM6 (with MyKid) 

Opening Hours: 

Daily, from 9am - 6pm (including weekends & public hols)


It's 'the' place to mingle with birds!

Malaysia's KL Bird Park is one of the recreational places I have been more than once (excluding shopping malls) and is one of my favourites whenever I feel like being close with nature. 

Birds walk amongst visitors. At times, I feel like I'm the one being watched, instead of me watching them. Sometimes, they like to take a quick walk. 

At times, they just stand and stare. It's just so cool to watch these cute creatures. 


KL Bird Park is called the free-flight walk-in aviary, which houses more than 60 species of local and foreign birds.

 We were so lucky to have walked into this bird park during the peacocks' mating season. I must say they're very proud creatures, showing off their wonderfully designed feathers, which look like a big fan. 

And, they were making a lot of noises, at very high pitch. 

Hunger strikes, where to get food?

After a long, tiring walk, hunger will certainly strike, right?

Well, food is hard to get around this area, but at Bird Park, there's a restaurant which offers local and western cuisine. 

Don't get too excited, tho'.

At Hornbilll Restaurant & Kafe, the food is a bit pricey and ermm...the word 'tasty' isn't even close to how I would describe the taste of the food there. But, the view is cool. 

Here, the birds will come to you...oh yes, exciting huh? Just wait till they hop...and hop...and hop to your table! It can be intimidating when they're trying to approach you....r food!


3rd Stop: Orchid Garden

Admission Fee: 

FREE for weekdays
RM1 during the weekend


Opening Hours: 
Daily, from 9am - 6pm


Just walk across the street and you'll find this beautifully manicured garden full of different species of orchids. 

Personally, I love this place. It's a place where I can roam freely, without disturbances, and do some experimenting with my DSLR. It's not crowded.

 

One word of advice: Never take a cab at KLCC or KL Bird Park, if you're not in a rush! If you do need to take a cab, insist on meters. Don't be victimised.


(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)