Broke in Kuala Lumpur: Enjoy the Malaysian capital for less than P15,000

Novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand once said: “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as a driver.” And going on that alone, it is possible to strut the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a tight budget, provided that you don't box the city in as one giant shopping district.
 
While KL is the Fourth Best Shopping City in the World according to CNN, don’t be deceived: there is more to it than its malls and bazaars.

Getting there

The trip to Malaysia from Manila took almost four hours and then about another hour's ride to reach KL. If you’re coming in a group and are an architecture junkie, best book an SUV from the airport and pass by Putrajaya, a planned city, which serves as the federal administrative center of Malaysia. Exquisitely-designed buildings include Putra Mosque, Perdana Putra (Prime Minister’s Office), Seri Perdana (Prime Minister’s Official Residence) and Wisma Putra (Malaysian Foreign Ministry’s Office), among others.
 
Another option is the KLIA Ekspres, which would cost RM 35 RM or about P490 per head. However, you'll still need to take another taxi ride from the station to your hotel/apartment.

Tickets: P6,923 + P1,620 (travel tax) + P550 (terminal fee)

SUV: P504 (RM 36)

Total: P9,597
 
Accomodations
 
With the advent of online hotel reservation agencies, the price of accommodation has become cheaper. In our case, we grabbed Booking.com’s offer, which slashed Sky Express’ room rates at 50 percent off. All we had to do was present the booking confirmation at the hotel’s concierge. We stayed three nights.

Three-night hotel stay: P1,400
 
Total: P10,997
 
Food Heaven
 
We were told by our kind taxi driver, Mr. Hon: “Don’t leave Kuala Lumpur without going to Jalan Alor and try Hutong Food Court along Jalan Sultan Ismail too.” We didn't regret following that piece of advice.
 
Hutong Food Court is a gourmet heritage village nestled in Lot 10, which boasts of restaurants no younger than 40 years of establishment. So whether it’s Ice Kacang from Oriental Desserts or Soong Kee Beef Noodle from Soong Kee restaurant, your taste buds will not be in want of flavor—after all, these places have survived at least two generations.
 
Malaysia’s famous Food Heaven, Jalan Alor, lives up to its name—it is indeed a paradise for both the foodie and foodie-at-heart. So when a local gives you the name of a restaurant, pay attention. They know what they’re talking about.
 
Average cost of food: RM 8 (P112) to RM 23 (P322)
 
Sit-down Restaurant Meal (11 meals): P2,560
 
Total: P13,557
 
Sight-seeing
 
When going around the city, take advantage of the country’s excellent transportation system. Best thing is, you might even get to use it for free.
 
Should you be interested in getting a tour of Malaysia’s federal capital, hop in the GO-KL Bus and wander around Pavillion, KLCC, KL Tower, and Kota Raya free-of-charge.
 
After the city tour, a hike to Batu Caves—Selangor’s famous Hindu Temple—might be in order. Don’t forget your comfy shoes though. The climb up is a little steep.
 
Also, visit Genting Highlands, ‘Malaysia’s Mini Las Vegas on Mountaintop’ and enjoy the hill resort located within the Titiwangsa Mountains in Panang. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t have to hold the slot machine.
 
From Pudu Sentral the trip via Go Genting would take about an hour and a half, inclusive of the ride on the Genting Skyway, a cable car service spanning 3.38 km.
 
Once the gondola lift arrives at the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, enjoy the breathtaking view from 1,800 meters high and explore a wide range of attractions from cultural spots to hotels and theme parks.
 
But let's not forget about the Petronas Twin Towers. After all, travel to KL might not be complete without the obligatory photo in front of 88-story twin structure. When you’re done with the photo session and ready to explore KL’s clubbing experience, then Zouk Club is a couple of meters away from Petronas. Best thing is, tourists gain free entry when they bring their original passport.
 
All that traveling: P1,420
 
Total: P14,977

Convenient transportation aside, there is no better way to experience the culture of a city than on foot, slowly taking in the sights of the here and now. And now, for less than P15,000, you might be able to do just that. Happy traveling. — VC, GMA News