Tips For Travellers
I used to think of myself as a considerate cruise passenger, trying to be polite and help make the crews’ jobs simpler, easier, and more pleasant. But I’ve had to reappraise what I was doing after a crew member discreetly told me on this cruise that I am on that some were having the opposite effect, and could get them into trouble with their boss, affect their ability to get a promotion, and even whether their contract would get renewed. Surprised by this, I asked the cruise director, waiters, shore excursion staff, guest services, guest entertainers and speakers, and of course my...
info_outline I Put Cunard's Controversial Class-Based Cruising To The Test (Podcast #480)Tips For Travellers
Cunard has the reputation of being the most class-based cruise line sailing today, keeping alive the tradition of grand old ocean liners from the Titanic era had of giving First-Class passengers, or what Cunard now call “The Grills”, a more rounded and top-notch experience vastly superior to that of all other guests.But is that the reality. I reveal what it is really like and why Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline So Many Repositioning Cruisers Get These 5 Things Wrong (Podcast #480)Tips For Travellers
Cruise lines charge less per day for repositioning cruises than ANY of their other cruises, making them some of the most inexpensive and appealing to many cruisers. But I’ve met so many people on them discovering too late that being inexpensive alone is not a good reason for doing them, as they’d been caught out or fallen into some traps. The same ones I see repeatedly. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline I Test Norwegian's Latest Ships To See Why Cruisers So Unhappy (Podcast #478)Tips For Travellers
I met so many regular Norwegian cruisers on my Norwegian Viva cruise that disliked this new Prima class of Norwegian Cruise Line ships that I started wondering if Norwegian had actually gone out of their way to create a new type of ship they knew current cruisers wouldn’t like! Perhaps to attract different cruisers, perhaps cruisers like me. I’m not a regular Norwegian cruiser, largely because I’ve not been a fan of the Norwegian ships I’ve been on, but this ship did some things so differently it made me rethink my position, as you will hear. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and...
info_outline I Put The Newest First Class "Ship-Within-A-Ship" To The Test (Podcast #477)Tips For Travellers
Just before my much anticipated and costly $1,800 a night cruise in Norwegian Viva’s all-suite Haven, “Cruise with Ben and David”, one of the leading YouTube cruise channels, released a critical review raising many issues and complaints about it. So many that friends of mine suggested I cancel, as they knew that it was THE most expensive Mediterranean cruise I had ever booked. As it was so costly, I was really torn but in the end I decided to risk it hoping that as they'd been on the maiden voyage, things might have improved. This is what I discovered. Become a Tips For Travellers...
info_outline 4 Things You Should NEVER Buy From Your Cruise Line! (Podcast #476)Tips For Travellers
While Cruise lines make it easy and convenient to book and buy most things for a cruise directly with them, have you stopped to ask if it’s in your best interest? I have! Cruise lines are banking on us not shopping around and discovering that some non-cruise line alternatives not only cost less, but are better, safer, and more comprehensive. Including as you will hear, one that I think will totally surprise you. Join me, Gary Bembridge, as I help you get cruising right by knowing the 4 things you should stop buying through the cruise lines and why. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and...
info_outline Offbeat Cruise Tips ALL Seasoned Cruisers Swear By! (Podcast #475)Tips For Travellers
I reveal 5 tips, tricks and hacks that experienced and smart cruise passengers that I have met on recent cruises agree are ones that savvy cruisers all use and know about – but not everyone does to knows about! Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline Smart Cruisers NEVER Go It Alone In These Ports. Here's Why (Podcast #474)Tips For Travellers
I look at the four times I recommend cruise passengers take a cruise line excursion rather than any other alternative for exploring a cruise port like self-touring or independent tour guide or company Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline 5 Cruise Excursion Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Cruise (Podcast #472)Tips For Travellers
I look at 5 biggest mistakes that cruise passengers make with cruise excursions, often ruining not only their time in port but putting a huge dampener on their total cruise. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline Changes EVERYONE Cruising in 2024 Needs To Know About (Podcast #473)Tips For Travellers
After listening to what cruise lines are telling investors they're doing this year, I'm convinced that in 2024 we are going to be facing five new and unwelcome challenges. But I also have some suggestions on how to work around these and get ahead of them, including one solution that you may not even realise is possible. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outlineGary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
General Observations
- Capital and largest city of Malaysia - called just KL by locals.
- Petronas Towers is the icon and focal point making it memorable.
- Not a lot of attractions and must see - ones that are are spread over wide area.
- Big events like Formula 1 has been key to driving tourism.
- Modern and fast changing.
- Often Hazy due to pollution locally but also from effects of forest fires in Indonesia known as Sumatra haze lasting 1 to 2 weeks a time.
- 3 main ethic groups : Malays , Chinese and Indians - religiously diverse but most of population is Islamic (official religion ) but not strict Islamic country.
History
Founded in 1857 when Chinese prospectors sent to find tin in the area - only 17 of the 87 survived past a month due to malaria and other tropical diseases - but lure of tin attracted people. British took control and placed strong minded and visionary Chinese governor (Kaptain Yap Ah Loy) who ensured development. Occupied by Japanese in WWII with many Chinese tortured / executed and Indians sent to work on Burma railway building (death railroad). Post the war British ruled until independence in 1957.
Best time to go
Pretty much anytime as always constant between 20 and 30C - no rainy season as such but gets lots of rain and flooding.
Getting there
Good come connections by air and cruise ships dock in Port Kelang at Star Cruise terminal about 1,5 hour drive to KL
Getting around
- Traffic is terrible and very congested - not very predestination friendly either.
- Taxis (called "teksi") - make sure they use the meters.
- Rapid transit system (LRT - light rapid transit) is modern, cheap and pretty easy to work out - information in English.
- Hop-on Hop-off bus tour - takes about 3 hours to get around - more than 22 stops - mixed views on it - go to all main areas.
General tips
- Mandatory death sentence for drug dealing or possession.
- Conservative dress.
- Good English as is required in schools.
- Only drink bottled water with seal - not tap water.
- Haggling in markets and in places like Chinatown is the norm.
Must do things to do and and see
Petronas Twin Tours
When opened was tallest building in world until Taipei 101 took the title away - limited tickets each day to go up (only about 1000) so book online before you go or get there very early - 41st floor sky bridge then up to 86th floor
Suria KLCC Mall below has over 600 designer stores
KLCC park behind it is park is impressive
KL Tower
Next best alternative if cannot get up Petronas though maybe better as not only see the views but also the towers - viewing from about the same height - within the Bukit Nanos forest within the city
Central Market
Been going since 1888
Can get the rapid transit there from Petronas as just a few stops on red line and about 1,80 ringgits each - very easy
Chinatown
Next to Central market - old fashioned houses, markets etc
Nearby is Sir Mahamariamman Temple - built 1873 - very ornate Hindu temple
Per Dans Botanical Garden area
Bird park, butterfly park and botanical gardens for nature lovers
Gardens has over 3000 species orchids, 5000 species of hibiscus flowers created in 1880s
Butterfly park 6000 butterflies and 1000 species with exotic plants to create right environments
Merdeka Square (aka Independence Square)
Used it be cricket ground in British colonial times - where Independence declared now
surrounded by some key buildings -
100 metre flagpole said to be tallest in world
Sultan Abdul Samad building - houses supreme and high courts
St Mary's cathedral
Royal Selanger Club
Nearby is Masjid Jamek - National Mosque built in 1965 and largest in SE Asia - impressive looking building
Little India - restaurants and shops but not as in Singapore
Shopping
Bukt Bitang area - popular shopping area - highest concentration of malls in the city - especially for computers and electronics.
Golden triangle in KLCC around towers.
Further afield
Batu caves - 9 miles north - limestone caves of varying sizes - Hindu shrine inside largest cave - over 270 steps to get to it - smaller cave has museum about Hindu mythology