Set off early for Kuala Lumpur Station, en route to the Islamic Museum. Took the time to enjoy the architecture of the old station, though it looks past its best days - dark and gloomy. Across the road, the HQ of KTM Kommuter is also very grand.
Already hot and humid as we walk past the National Mosque. Decide not to go in for a visit. We're early for the museum - opens at 10am.
The exhibition rooms are well set out, high and airy, with stucco domes in the ceilings.
The collection is vast and spans the top two levels of the building. There are
Noted that Allah created man from a drop of congealed blood and exhorted him to learn and to read, The ancient islamic world of course had a great tradition of learning, one which sadly is notably absent in the loudest voices today.
Also learned that the reason that miniature paintings were OK is that the images were stylized, and hence not a true image. At least intellectual sophistry is alive and well!
Not enough seats though, and the viewing platform was closed for no apparent reason. There would have been a good view of the National Mosque from the platform. We had to make do with peeling through the curtains.
After our visit we tried to get a taxi to Bukit Bintang, but the two drivers we asked would not use the meter (though to be fair, the RM10 quoted by the 2nd driver was not too bad). Instead took the train(RM1) to KL Sentral, then the monorail (RM2.60) to Bukit Bintang. Before setting off we had refreshments in the 'Heritage' Restaurant in the old KL Railway Station. This proved to be a cheap cafeteria, where food could be selected from bain maries. I had a very tasty jelly drink, mango flavoured, whilst Minuk contented herself with Diet Coke.
The train disgorged us at the busy intersection of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, where massive construction works made orientation and walking difficult. We were searching for street food options at the famed Jalan Alor, but were given dud directions by a tourist kiosk - which sent us pretty much in the opposite direction!
We did find the way eventually, but decided to eat at S.P Corner, on Tongkat Tong Shin, which had Martabak & Roti Chenai, and a pick your food bar as well. We supplemented these selections with a coconut drink. Total bill - RM16.20. Afterward we walked up Jalan Alor (lanterns strung above the street ready for the night market), where the food looked good, though many stalls were closed. Maybe busier at night.
A brief diversion to Lot 10 mall saw us investigate the 'Hutong' style food court (rather claustrophobic), and buy supplies at the surprisingly economical Isetan Food Store. Back by monorail to KS Sentral (got Campagne bread, big loaf for RM11.20), and returned home.
Had a swim in the infinity pool. Much more crowded than our last
Decided against a return to the night markets, instead headed out to MidValley Mall, to buy vegies for breakfast at Makan Place (RM3), and eat dinner at Dubu Dubu (Urban Korean Food), which we'd spied on our earlier trip. The set meal looked good on the picture menu, but sadly was a bit disappointing in the taste department (RM56.20). Bulgogi onions too raw, signature Soondubu Jigae bland. Side dishes and desert OK.
Back home and soon to bed.
Already hot and humid as we walk past the National Mosque. Decide not to go in for a visit. We're early for the museum - opens at 10am.
The exhibition rooms are well set out, high and airy, with stucco domes in the ceilings.
The collection is vast and spans the top two levels of the building. There are
- illuminated qurans
- miniature qurans
- a special exhibition of European writings on Islam
- the architecture of mosques
- miniature paintings of the mughal era
Noted that Allah created man from a drop of congealed blood and exhorted him to learn and to read, The ancient islamic world of course had a great tradition of learning, one which sadly is notably absent in the loudest voices today.
Also learned that the reason that miniature paintings were OK is that the images were stylized, and hence not a true image. At least intellectual sophistry is alive and well!
Not enough seats though, and the viewing platform was closed for no apparent reason. There would have been a good view of the National Mosque from the platform. We had to make do with peeling through the curtains.
After our visit we tried to get a taxi to Bukit Bintang, but the two drivers we asked would not use the meter (though to be fair, the RM10 quoted by the 2nd driver was not too bad). Instead took the train(RM1) to KL Sentral, then the monorail (RM2.60) to Bukit Bintang. Before setting off we had refreshments in the 'Heritage' Restaurant in the old KL Railway Station. This proved to be a cheap cafeteria, where food could be selected from bain maries. I had a very tasty jelly drink, mango flavoured, whilst Minuk contented herself with Diet Coke.
The train disgorged us at the busy intersection of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, where massive construction works made orientation and walking difficult. We were searching for street food options at the famed Jalan Alor, but were given dud directions by a tourist kiosk - which sent us pretty much in the opposite direction!
We did find the way eventually, but decided to eat at S.P Corner, on Tongkat Tong Shin, which had Martabak & Roti Chenai, and a pick your food bar as well. We supplemented these selections with a coconut drink. Total bill - RM16.20. Afterward we walked up Jalan Alor (lanterns strung above the street ready for the night market), where the food looked good, though many stalls were closed. Maybe busier at night.
A brief diversion to Lot 10 mall saw us investigate the 'Hutong' style food court (rather claustrophobic), and buy supplies at the surprisingly economical Isetan Food Store. Back by monorail to KS Sentral (got Campagne bread, big loaf for RM11.20), and returned home.
Had a swim in the infinity pool. Much more crowded than our last
Decided against a return to the night markets, instead headed out to MidValley Mall, to buy vegies for breakfast at Makan Place (RM3), and eat dinner at Dubu Dubu (Urban Korean Food), which we'd spied on our earlier trip. The set meal looked good on the picture menu, but sadly was a bit disappointing in the taste department (RM56.20). Bulgogi onions too raw, signature Soondubu Jigae bland. Side dishes and desert OK.
Back home and soon to bed.