Malaysia is a memorable country for me because it was where I took my first international trip—and my foremost airplane flight. Yes, I was a late bloomer in terms of air travel, only able to afford it after entering the corporate world.

The scenic cable car ride to Genting Highlands

Kuala Lumpur holds a particular place in my memory. My very first air voyage was to this city more than a decade ago, just when low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific Air began to offer fares that regular Juans like me could afford. In retrospect, my trip to Malaysia's capital city sparked my wanderlust. Hundreds of travels later, I was delighted to return to KL to reacquaint with old haunts and explore new things about this bustling metropolis of cuisine and culture.

The rainbow-ish steps of Batu Caves

When citing gentrification success stories, the neighborhood of Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur should come to mind. Even though it has a history that walks a fine line between exhilarating and dark, the once-infamous red-light district has seen tremendous transformation in recent years.

Photo: Chow Kit Hotel

Entering a non-descript building atypical of the ones where popular restaurants are usually located, puzzled us a bit as to where we're heading. It was only when the elevator door opened that finally revealed our purpose when a wide entrance leading to a buffet table greeted us.

A pop of colors and an explosion of culinary aroma instantly welcomes guests