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Being the design curator of cool, there was no way I could miss touring the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. I found myself with a few hours to kill on my last day, so I popped over. I must admit that I wished I had left myself more time for the visit as there are 12 galleries to explore.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than seven thousand artefacts, as well has an exceptional library of Islamic-art books. The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, IAMM also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an exceptional category. Other parts of the collection are displayed according to type rather than geographical origins in the museum’s 12 galleries.

If you visit, tell me what I missed by not allocating myself more time.

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No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a trip to the Jalan Alor Hawker Centre. Open 24-7, the Jalan Alor Hawker Centre is a best of KL spot for street food. The decor is gritty with rows of tables and chairs set up along both sides of traffic-choked Jalan Alor.

Forget table manners, this is a place where you’re expected to be dripping sweat from all the spice as you crack into shellfish with your bare hands. The food is amazing and a great way to sample a selection of cheap local dishes.

Location is another bonus. It’s close to the many budget hostels and five-star hotels in Bukit Bintang, a short walk from Jalan Alor. Bukit Bintang is the name of the shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It encompasses Jalan Bukit Bintang and its immediate surrounding areas. The area has long been Kuala Lumpur’s most prominent retail belt that is home to many landmark shopping centres, al-fresco cafés, swanky bars, night markets, as well as hawker-type eateries. This area is popular among tourists and locals, especially among the youths.

Worth a vist if you find yourself in KL.

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I just returned from a birthday food and creative inspirational journey to Kuala Lompour, Malaysia and I must say that the creative juices were filled. These are a few shots from the Taman Orkid & Bunga Raya Ben van Wijnen.

For those looking to take a visit, The Orchid Garden is opposite the Bird Park. It’s a part of what is called the Lake Gardens. When you leave the Bird Park behind and you cross the road, then you’re at the entrance of the Taman Orkid (the Orchid Garden). It’s a 1 ha floral paradise, where you can admire the orchids and and pick tips on how to grow these magnificent flowers.

The admission to the Orchid Garden is free. Only on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays you have to pay admission (RM1,-). The Taman Orkid is situated on a scenic hilltop within The Lake Gardens. Around and on this hilltop all the orchids are growing. An adjoining section is devoted to the hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower. This section showcases more than 2,000 varieties of hibiscuses.

Hibiscus Garden

Jalan Cenderawasih,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60 3 2693 6661 (Kuala Lumpur Tourist Information Centre)

Orchid Garden

Jalan Perdana;
Kuala Lumpur
tel. 03/2693-5399;

Stay duration at Orchid and Hibiscus Garden:
approx. 1½ – 2 hours

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