Weekend exploration of historic Kampong Bharu (New Village) in Kuala Lumpur

Kampung Baru (literally means New Village) in Malay Language, actually represents an old part of the city (https://goo.gl/maps/Pp9H871zVzhriSz28 ), where traditional Malay culture is centered and thrives. Today Kampung Baru is a center for reminiscing old architecture, see olden way of life, as well as a center for amazing Malaysian Malay food. This weekend, I took time to walk around and explored the sights, sounds and wonderful aroma around the area.

[Image above] - One of the best routes to visit Kampung Baru is to start at the Medan Tunku Monorail station just in front of Quill City Mall (https://goo.gl/maps/jmDvmNCc6aVz9Bis5 ). And walk all the way to the Kampung Baru LRT metro station (https://goo.gl/maps/BjQmXzkZ3BeNEtPXA ). It’s a leisurely walk which one will see many attractions and best food around the area.

[Image above] - As I was walking, there were so many traditional store fronts to see and take photo of. Many of the shops have been there for a long time, possibly manned by different generations of family members. Traffic is always high there, mainly because roads there were narrow, and there isn’t any way to widen the roads.

[Image above] - As we walk along, we will come to the icon of Kampung Baru, the archway entrance. The Pintu Gerbang Kampung Baru (https://goo.gl/maps/NtPhVqZCzT4sn1zh9 ). A great spot for photographs, but mind the incoming traffic.

[Image above] - As we enter the main area of Kampung Baru, we can see traditional Malay houses, which are built on stilts, a very common design, good for ventilation, keep pests out and also be safe if there was any flood. I think modern houses could be built like this also.

[Image above] - Walking along the many shops that sell all forms of household goods and clothing and more.

[Image above] - When in Kampung Baru, one must really eat the “national” dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak. Which is rice cooked in coconut cream (savory), with lots of different condiments such as sambal chili sauce, fried anchovies, peanuts; cucumber, egg, and all forms of meat and seafood. It’s a very versatile dish and Kampung Baru is a center for getting many of the most renowned Nasi Lemak in town. A few of the best ones are Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa (https://goo.gl/maps/1SGgpUojcp7wzmAN8 ), Nasi Lemak Wanjo (https://goo.gl/maps/MbmdN19ZgJ76YCim6 ), Nasi Lemak CT Garden (https://goo.gl/maps/maCtwwXwwxrCGYTT7 ).

[Image above] - There are also plenty of fruit stalls selling lots of fruits and other food stuffs. If not tried before, it’s quite common to find Malaysia’s national favorite fruit the durian (thorny fruit) here. Just be reminded not to bring durian in any public transport or back to the hotel room.

[Image above] - After a long scenic walk, I finally arrived at the destination of the Kampung Baru LRT station (https://goo.gl/maps/9BndNAz6G3n4A52e9 ). Here one can head over to KLCC Petronas Twin Towers via the Saloma Pass bridge, or get the metro back to any part of town.

Throughout the walk, I was taking photos of updated store fronts, accessibility ramps and kerb cuts, and more. Thank goodness at least here in Kampung Baru, not much has changed.

Have you been to Kampung Baru before? If not, do take time to visit some day. It’s very rewarding walk.

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Seems like you had a great weekend, by the way, I haven’t been there yet. Let’s host a meetup there so that we could get time to explore this place. Thanks, @StephenAbraham for sharing your experience with us.

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Ooo I spy the world’s stinkiest fruit there @StephenAbraham such a bad smell with such a good taste :slightly_smiling_face:

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Hi @StephenAbraham ,

I loved reading about your walk! Kuala Lumpur is one of my favorite cities in the world, but I haven’t explored that area, so I’m taking notes. I’m also gathering courage to try durian next time I get to visit Malaysia. :sweat_smile: The smell kept me away last time, but everyone says it’s delicious (even @PaulPavlinovich !).

By the way, I think that the Travel board might be a better fit for your post. It’s not just a place to share adventures from other countries but also the ideal space for recommendations and insights from your own area. If you wrote your post with that in mind, please feel free to change the topic.

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Seems you had wonderful weekend @StephenAbraham . I never visiting Yet Kampung Bharu. Its sound interesting. During my visit in Malaysia, I’ve been in KL,Penang,and Melaka only. Maybe after pandemic , I will visit Kampung Bharu. I love history of a city. Is there any museum ?

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The best way I enjoy durian @DeniGu is in ice cream. It mellows the flavour and entirely removes the smell.

I have eaten it raw and was served it at a Malaysian friend’s home. He gave me the simple rule his family uses. Take a small amount and don’t let it touch the outside of your body anywhere!

Paul

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Now that’s some advice you don’t hear every day. :grinning: Thanks for sharing, @PaulPavlinovich !

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I saw the sign that it is forbidden to take the bus with that fruit and I laughed a lot, but when I smelled it later, I understood why. I can understand you very well. :sweat_smile: @PaulPavlinovich @DeniGu

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The smell is quite an experience that’s for sure @Gezendunyali @DeniGu

It ranks right up there with Stilton Blue Cheese the specially aged one that smells like a football locker room dirty clothes basket concentrated into a cheese.

I think Swedish surströmming smells worse. If I rated them for smell out of 10 where 10 is worst

surströmming 10

durian 5

stilton 4

That says a lot about surströmming. I’ve smelt it but couldn’t bring myself to actually try it!

Paul

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