After making a narrow escape from Penang, I had eight days left in Malaysia. I had planned to spend some time in Kuala Lumpur and then go down to Melaka for the weekend. But when I arrived in KL after a teary bus ride I felt something I wasn’t used to: I wanted to stay put.
While I had heard raves about Melaka, when I was honest with myself I realized that I was only planning on visiting because I felt I had to, not because I really wanted to. Which is ridiculous! So I decided to take a break.
Plus, I was really excited to be in a big city again! And KL is just so cool.
I spent a blissful week wandering the city (I really do love big cities), stuffing my face with even more Indian (and Malay and Chinese) food, and maybe peeking in a few malls in search of new bikini for the Philippines. Important stuff!
Have you ever decided to cut down on travel plans? Was it a good decision?
jennifer says
It took a while, but I finally weaned myself off of doing what you SHOULD be doing and instead, doing what I want to be doing. I did things like the Eiffel Tower or Rome because you just have to. But you know what? I didn’t have to. And I no longer will.
Silvia says
That’s so great! I’ve never been one to see main sites when going somewhere – I usually just wander around and find my own adventures. But blogging sometimes makes me feel guilty about that (which I realize is silly and not the point of blogging!).
Miquel says
Gotta take care of you! I love big cities too. There’s just something exciting about a big city.
Silvia says
Right? Aside from a summer in Berlin, I’ve never lived in a big city, but I think I would love it. At least for a while!
melissa says
I went to Melaka right after I was in Penang. I went because I felt I had to. On the bus ride there, I made the decision that it was a dumb idea so I stayed one night instead of the two I booked. I didn’t like it very much and could have used the extra day in KL to relax.
Silvia says
Oh wow, that makes me feel a lot better, Melissa! I was so happy in KL that in the end it definitely felt like the right choice to just stay there, phew.
Rachel says
How adorable is the little boy in the fountain? I love all the photos of you around town too. I wouldn’t worry about not going to Melaka, especially if you needed a rest!
Silvia says
That kid was having so much fun, I was definitely a bit jealous. And thanks, it was good to rest up for… my week lying around at the beach, haha. Lazy much?
Justine says
During my long-term travels I made the decision to cut down on travels plans so many times. Part of me always feels a little guilty that I didn’t fit EVERYTHING in (that’s just my nature). But it always ends up being a good decision. Plus I know I’m getting a better experience staying longer in places instead of just blitzing through them. KL is a great city and it looks like you had a fabulous time! And don’t get me started on the food!
Silvia says
That’s a good point – it usually is better to see fewer places and really get to know them than to blast through a bunch just to say you’ve been. And yeah, my entire time in Malaysia was a big food fest. Not the best prep for a week at the beach… haha.
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
That sounds like a good decision and I get why you wanted to stay put. KL is such a lovely city! I changed my travel plans this summer too and ended up staying in Bali for 2 more weeks instead of going back to Thailand. It ended up costing me an extra plane ticket, but I’d rather pay that cost than compromise on my happiness and intuition.
Silvia says
I so agree – sometimes it’s worth the extra cost to follow your intuition. It seems like the decision worked out well in the end for you too!
becky hutner says
i’ve become a huge fan of staying put. it’s rewarding to take a deeper dive into a place — develop favorite beaches or coffee shops, make a friend or two, experience it in different weathers & moods. plus moving around gets exhausting — there are few things i hate more than packing and unpacking!!
Silvia says
Such a good point about experiencing a place in different weathers and moods! I was in Macedonia for five days this summer and it was really rainy the entire time. The friend I was with said she hated it, but her only reason was that it was so gray and dreary, which is pretty unfair to the country! It’s definitely nicer to get to know a place a little better than that.
Mehdi says
After two years living in Malaysia I agree with you.KL is a great city that can find different cultures,many shopping malls,different food… I miss KL.
Silvia says
I miss KL too!
Naimah says
Hye, im malaysian. In malaysia theres not only kl, penang n malaccam you should try to see the best place in pulau langkawi, pulau perhentian, pulau redang also. But then thanks coming to malaysia. We also have variety of delicious food here. 😊