Taking the Monorail: the easy way to see Kuala Lumpur

Ewe Paik Leong takes a look at a simple and cheap way to see what Kuala Lumpur has to offer – just by following the KL Monorail service from KL Sentral to Titiwangsa. 

In traffic-choked Kuala Lumpur, an easier alternative to driving or travelling by taxi to explore the city is to take the monorail. A trip from Stesen Sentral, better known as KL Sentral, to Titiwangsa passes through several stations where you can hop off to go sightseeing, shop, eat and even have a picnic. So, slap on your sun cream, sit back and off we go…

1. KL Sentral

Starting at the KL Sentral (MR1) monorail station located across the road from the KL Sentral main building, head south-west, down Jalan Tun Sambanthan to get to Little India. Stroll along the arch-lined pavement to see stores selling saris, spices, Bollywood CDs, Indian sweets and garlands. Savour a meal of banana leaf rice, delectable fish head curry or sweets such as laddu, jelebi and burfi if you so fancy.

2. Maharajalela

Continue your journey to Maharajalela station (MR3) where a spurting fountain greets you as you traipse towards Chinatown. To your left stands Chan She Shu Yun Temple, built in 1901.

Its façade features pottery figurines from Chinese mythology, and the roof’s green glazed tiles are set in a wave-like pattern. In 2006, the Government declared the temple a heritage building. Proceed ahead to Chinatown, bursting with colours and clamour of trading, if your wanderlust beckons you.

3. Hang Tuah

The next station is Hang Tuah (MR4).

From the train, you can see a construction site on your right, where Pudu Prison once stood.

At Imbi Station (MR5), the train deposits you outside Berjaya Times Square, which boasts of the largest indoor theme park in the country and 500 stores.

 4. Bukit Bintang

Further ahead, at Bukit Bintang station (MR6), overhead bridges lead to you Lot 10 and Sungei Wang Plaza. Turn right at the intersection of Jalan Bukit Bintang/Jalan Sultan Ismail to go to Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery and Fahrenheit 88, three trendy malls.

5. Bukit Nanas

Onward to the Bukit Nanas station (MR8) after passing Raja Chulan (MR7). From the station, walk westward down Jalan Raja Chulan to get to Bukit Nenas Forest Reserve, KL Tower and eventually, Telekom Museum which chronicles the history of telecommunications in the country. Built in 1924, the building itself is an attraction in itself as it sports fluted pillars that end in volutes, representative of the Ionic Order architectural style.

In the forest reserve, your senses are soothed by lush greenery, spice plants, tropical trees as birds twitter above you along hiking trails. Continue walking and on your right you’ll  see St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and as you continue walking straight, there is Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia to your left.

Keep on walking until you reach a traffic light junction, then turn left and continue for a few metres until you see Jalan Punchak off Jalan P.Ramlee. Walk up the hill until you see a Guard House with Menara Kuala Lumpur free shuttle service waiting to take up to the tower!

6. Chow Kit

Next stop, Chow Kit station (MR10), after passing Medan Tuanku (MR9). A cast-iron stomach is needed to enter Chow Kit Wet Market where fish wriggle on concrete slabs and where spicy aromas tickle your nostrils. But lighter moments can be found at the colourful fruit stalls and souvenir stores.

7. Titiwangsa

Finally, the monorail ends its journey at Titiwangsa (MR11). From here, it’s an 800-metre walk eastward to Tititwangsa Lake Garden. Soak in the fresh air, row a kayak, ride a pedal-boat or simply stroll amidst verdant greenery. On weekends, there are pony and horse-carriage rides for children.

A travel itinerary such as this can take up a full day, depending on how long you spend at each spot. So, enjoy your outing using the monorail – and enjoy KL!