Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is not the top destination for Tokyoites. The beaches of Phuket or the party happening cities like Hong Kong or Taipei are the more popular destinations for weekend travelers. Still, if you have the chance to visit Malaysia you may find there is just as much fun to be had within KL itself.
As some of you may know I have been dating travel host and Malaysian heartthrob Henry Golding. While Tokyo and KL is a long distance to have a relationship my frequent trips have led me to discover some of the most intimate secrets about KL. This photo of Henry and I was taken by friend and photographer Anna Rina during out trip to Paris last year. Check Anna’s fun photographs on her site here
Let me introduce my saviour. Low cost airline AirAsia . Although this flight is stripped of comfort like televisions and blankets, influctuation, fuel surcharges, and last minute bookings do not apply to AirAsia airlines. At the moment they fly once per day on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday; however, a little bird told me that from March 2012 they will be flying to Haneda and from KL everyday!
Upon arriving in KL check yourself into Villa Samadhi. A retreat in the city that offers complete relaxation and pampering. Even if it is just for one night their quiet facility will put you at ease and their delicious food gives you reason not to leave for a drink or a bite.
While KL may not be the smartest place to shop, the local food and activities are one of a kind. Ever tried banana leaf rice? Traditionally a South Indian dish where curried sauces, fried fish, or chicken is served on a banana leaf along with sides of assorted vegetables, pickles, and papadum. Because this is an Indian dish remember to eat with your right hand and not your left. After the meal, fold the banana leaf towards you when you are finished to indicate that the meal was satisfying.
I prefer to eat my meal with a local pancake, roti canai.
Another local delicacy is durian. Famous for its’ pungent smell durian is a love it or hate it kind of fruit. I have never found fans for durian quite like Malaysians. Honestly, have you ever seen an all-you-can-eat fruit buffet, much less a durian buffet? Durian is a guilty pleasure kind of dessert many people eat as a family or group due to the unmistakable odor that lurks on your breath and hands. As I learned, there are many grades to durian which vary in creaminess and sweetness. The top of these is Musan King which I am now a BIG fan of. Next time you smell durian lurking around try it, you just might like it!
Another suggested funtivity that is not too far from Kuala Lumpur
Pusat Elephant Conservation. This is an elephant centre that locates and then translocates problem elephants from areas where their habitats are being encroached on by plantations. The elephants have been saved from dangers in the wild and taken care of in this sanctuary by kind trainers. It is a special, one of a kind experience to be able to view elephants up close at Pusat. If you are going to visit it is better to call before and reserve a spot with the trainers so that you can have up close and personal time with the baby elephants. On the days where the water is calm enough visitors are able to take a trip down to the river to wash the elephants. Even though they were babies, I was a little frightened to be so close to elephants. The babies are harmless and love to be pet behind the ears and fed sugarcane.
If you are in the mood for some Indian culture the
Batu Caves are only a short distance outside of KL city. The distinctive Hindu Murugan statue stands in the main square. Behind the statue is a series of 272 steps leading up to the limestone caves. Inside the furthest cave is the main temple. A focal point for the yearly Thaipusam festival pilgrimage. While visiting be sure to you do not bring food lest you become prey to one of the million macaques.
I hope this blog inspires you to take a trip to a new destination. If there is time to extend your trip try hopping to one of the near by islands. Beautiful Lang Kawi is only a 30 minute AirAsia airplane ride away!
Love Always,
Liv Lo
Versace has brought the 80′s back with a loud, vibrant, and undeniably bad ass rock n’ roll collaboration collection with H&M. On 11/9th I went with MaiSassyGirl to view the much anticipated collection and I was definitely not let down. Donatella revivies iconic Gianni Versace signature looks with Medusa logos on bags and bombers, bedazzled panther chokers, and tropical floral patterns on tight leggings and tunic tops. For men there were a hot-pink suit, studded tuxedo-style shorts and crocodile patterns on sweaters to wear if they dare. 
I tried the orange dress, but I felt like a sequined tropical panther that did not need to be let out of it’s cage. The eclectic pieces felt bare on it’s own. I wanted to deck myself out from head to toe in print leggings and chunky jewelry to completely embrace the Donatella Versace glamour. 
Although I could not pull off the sequined tropical panther look I did dig this cap with a more minimal statement
Blogger Misha Janette and Mai Sassy Girl at work.
Click the hyperlink for Misha’s H&M fashion blog.
Click the hyperlink for Mai’s H&M collection report .
Henry Golding checking out the menswear.
The graphic oversized mens sweater make Mai’s baby bump look 3D!
Viewing the collection up close made me rethink my party wardrobe and the limits I could go to. While Japanese love eclectic, they are not fond of showing too much skin. After trying on some pieces I fell in love with the this yellow studded mini, the and the silver chain mail dress that shimmered like a disco ball.
While H&M will definitely start a shopping freinzy on November 19 when the collection is released in Tokyo there are many other pieces to the H&M Spring collection worth checking out. The colors are for this spring are flirty pastels or solid bold colors. 
Mark the launch date in your calendars boys and girls. On November 19th the Tokyo H&M stores in Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, as well as the newest H&M location in Osaka will not only have lines, but strict regulations. While this may not be the case in Tokyo British shoppers will need to queue in advance to receive wristbands that allow them a 15 minute shopping period. This strategy is of course to avoid confusion and to try to make it fair for all shoppers to enjoy this wonderful collection. Try doing your research by looking at the blogs, magazines, and the ads that have been all over before hitting the stores on Saturday!
I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did!
XOXO,
Liv Lo
While KL may not be the smartest place to shop, the local food and activities are one of a kind. Ever tried banana leaf rice? Traditionally a South Indian dish where curried sauces, fried fish, or chicken is served on a banana leaf along with sides of assorted vegetables, pickles, and papadum. Because this is an Indian dish remember to eat with your right hand and not your left. After the meal, fold the banana leaf towards you when you are finished to indicate that the meal was satisfying.
