In Kuala Lumpur: Encountering Rainbows and Faith

As 2024 draws to a close, I embarked on a solo journey from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a brief three-day, two-night trip. This was a trip without much planning or expectations. I simply wanted to set foot in a city I had never visited before, to see different skies, breathe different air, and quietly draw closer to the world. Day 1 | The City's Steps and Night Lights Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I checked into Eaton Residences KLCC, located in the city center. The highlight of this residence is its rooftop infinity pool, offering a stunning view of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower. As I entered my room, the expansive cityscape outside the window greeted me. Gazing down quietly, I felt as though I had already bridged the distance between myself and this city. After a brief rest, I headed to the famous Batu Caves on my own. To be honest, Batu Caves wasn’t as "sacred" as I had imagined. The colorful stairs look dreamy in photos, but in reality, the site was noisy, chaotic, littered, and overrun with monkeys that snatch food. Still, I followed the traveler’s routine and climbed the 272 rainbow steps one by one. Despite the sticky sweat, I felt a small sense of satisfaction—after all, I was here, and leaving no regrets is the most basic sincerity of travel. In the evening, I returned to the city center to capture night views of the Twin Towers and dined at ALVA Sky Dining on the 99th floor. Sitting alone by the window, gazing at the city lights, I cherished moments like these—tinged with loneliness but filled with freedom. Back at Eaton Residences, I went up to the rooftop pool. The night was quiet, with few people around. Soaking in the water, I watched the Twin Towers shimmer in the hazy night, as the city seemed to whisper, and I listened silently. Day 2 | A Dual Baptism of Faith and Appetite On the second day, I planned a mosque tour. The first stop was the Pink Mosque (Putra Mosque) in Putrajaya, which resembled a dreamy palace floating on a lake. Its pink dome and the morning blue sky reflected on the water, creating a softness that took my breath away. Not far away was the Moroccan Mosque, small yet exquisite. Its arches, tiles, and fountains were imbued with poetic exoticism. I lingered there for a long time, doing nothing but sitting quietly. In the afternoon, I visited the Blue Mosque (Sultan Salahuddin Mosque), my favorite of all. Majestic yet gentle, its massive blue-and-white dome brought a sense of peace. Wearing a robe, I entered the main hall, surrounded only by the sound of the wind and soft recitations, as if enveloped by sacredness. In the evening, I returned to the city center and indulged in the legendary durian platter in Bukit Bintang. Musang King, D24, XO—each bite was a challenge to my taste buds. For dinner, I chose Pin Xiang Bak Kut Teh, savoring a bowl of rich, dark herbal soup, accompanied by fried dough sticks and roti canai. Amid the bustling street sounds, I sat alone eating, yet felt far from lonely. Conclusion | Whispering Goodbye on the Flight Back to Taiwan Leaving Kuala Lumpur, I flew back to Taiwan for a brief stop before returning to the U.S. This journey felt like a microcosm of my 2024—filled with ups and downs, occasional chaos, but also brimming with surprises.