I’ve been planning for a quick getaway with the family at the end of this year and so far its a toss between Singapore and Malaysia. My recent trip to Singapore gave me the impression that things have gotten way too expensive in Singapore. I mean, a hotel room for close to 500 bucks a night is simply ridiculous in my book! The pricing for electronics is not that much different from what my buddy Nicky is offering them for locally!
I haven’t been to KL for quite some time, so I’m not sure what prices are like now. But in doing some research of places to visit in Malaysia, I came across an unlikely place with tourist attractions, the administrative capital, Putrajaya. I’ve been there a few times and never thought of it as a tourist attraction but after reading about it, I feel its worth a look.
Seri Perdana. Image borrowed from here.
Among the attractions are Seri Perdana, the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister. It is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The building shares similar architecture with Perdana Putra. The first resident of this house was Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysian fourth Prime Minister. The current occupant of this house is the present Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
For shopping purposes, there’s the Alamanda Putrajaya, the first shopping centre built in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The shopping centre has a variety of shops, restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theatres and a food court illuminated by natural lighting. The centre also features Malaysia’s first travelator within a shopping complex that connects the retail outlets and provide access directly to car parks. It is designed with two levels to allow even distribution and smooth flow of shoppers within the premises. Alamanda Putrajaya is managed by Suria KLCC, with retail spaces of 700,000 sq ft.
Pic borrowed from here.
So anyone got any other good place to visit in Peninsular Malaysia? 
Quick advise saja. At one point, I was visiting KL too often and along the way I brought my family at times, my kids refused to go KL again.
Naturally it was Singapore as alternative. You probably said the magic word ‘mahal’. Not too mention small.
When I brought my kids to KL again, they missed KL for some reason. not too mention the new shopping at Pavillion, Wan Utama and MidValley/ Gardens.
Atu alum lagi ke Genting, ke Malacca etc. Again the magic word ‘murah’. Best of luck in yr decision.
Hey AB,
It depends whether you want to shop or just sight seeing.
If for sights and spend time with the kids, I love island hopping in peninsula Msia.
Apparently, the waters are much cleaner on the South China sea side like Tioman, Perhentian, etc etc, in comparison to Langkawi and Penang. This was advised by colleagues from Ipoh / Penang residents.
If shopping…HK!!!
I still love the exchange rate 
Hey Reeds
If you do consider Singapore next time, try flying with SQ (I can’t recall the difference in price though between SQ & RBA) but I flew SQ a few times and you can ask the travel agent for stopover rates at Meritus Mandarin. Last I was there – in March 2008 and the rate was SGD230 nett which is VERY decent.
My first solo trip to KL, I was a bit surprised that the stuff there is quite cheap. Taxis were a bit crazy but that’s the taxis there for ya. Planning to extend my SG trip, but I get what you mean about the hotel prices there. Murder.
go to The Curve, Damansara. Damansara is in the outskirts of KL, in Selangor i think. it’s really great there! i love the shopping atmosphere there, the hotel’s also good.
http://dk98.blogspot.com/2008/06/p-ramlee-musical.html
One activity if are planning to do in KL is to head to Karyaneka Center at Jalan Conlay. The Kids can pick up batik painting skills from resident artists for just a measly $5 and they get to bring home their art work. It’s a few hours affair but definitely worth it. My kids loved the experience!
Bro, you may wait for this month travel fair at The Mall, Gadong. Participating travel agents would be able to assist you in making decision. Tourism Malaysia will be there too to assist you if you intend to go to Malaysia.
Hey.. Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi, Sunway Lagoon, Mines, A Famosa… It’s endless.. & it’s the MEGA SALE from now till 1 September too..
AF: mmm Tioman sounds great! I’ve never been there before!
CL: Wow! 230 per night is unheard of for spore these days! Meritus Mandarin some more! Must seriously check it out leh!
Souljah: The mount of money spent on accomodation is spore for 5 nights could buy a pretty sweet lens couldn’t it?
Pablo: Karyaneka Center sounds great! Something to keep the kids esp artistic Nia occupied
Halim: oh definitely will be going to the travel fair then!
Honey: Genting seems like a good idea.. nice and cool heheh! MEGA Sale?? I have to fire-proof my pocket cos otherwise its gonna burn a big hole in it! hahah!
AB,
If you’re looking into something a lil bit adventerous. try Langkawi. You can rent a car for RM60 a day and drive urself around using a map that are easily available there. My husband and i tried it during our honeymoon. It was great.
You can also take a ferry boat to Pulau Pinang. There are a lot of malls there. Asal sanggup berjalan. The Mall arah Gurney Drive udah ku ngalih and i heard there is another mall new and bigger than that.
I hope this helps
Well i did some research before going to Malaysia… MEGA SALE IS ON NOW! check it out http://www.offerstation.com
Hi,
Nak shopping, go to Langkawi.. its duty free!
Nak holiday, go to Perhentian / Kapas / Redang @ Terengganu, Tioman, Cameron, Genting, Bukit Tinggi..
Terengganu pun cantik.. boleh tgk Masjid Kristal, shopping @ pasar Payang..
Why not try Taman Negara Pahang.. Royal Belum..
atau gua tempurung / lata kinjang / bukit merah / menara condong teluk intan / pasir salak @ perak..
kelantan also good.. makan sedap, barang murah! boleh jadi gila kalau ke pasar siti khadijah & bazar buluh kubu..!
datang ramai2 ke sini.. boleh buat Advanturace! haha!