48 Hours in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s cosmopolitan capital is where new and old collide. The melting pot of cultures is home to a wealth of attractions that are waiting to be explored. The best way to cap 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur? Hiring a helicopter and viewing the sprawling city from above.

Day 1: Morning

The only way to start the day is with nasi goreng (fried rice with meat and vegetables) and an iced coffee at one of the many street-side eateries that dot the capital. After fuelling for the day, soak up the country’s rich history at the National Museum. Take a step back in time to the Orang Asli – Malaysia’s aboriginals – the origins of the Malay state and how centuries of colonialism have shaped the country to what it is today.

Day 1: Afternoon

Excite the senses with a trip to colourful Little India Brickfields. Spend the afternoon strolling through the vibrant streets peppered with Indian restaurants and stores spilling over with everything from flower garlands, aromatic spices, Bollywood music, and a range of delicious local delicacies. The main street, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, is packed full of shops flogging jewellery, traditional clothes, banana leaf restaurants and henna tattoo spots. A large fountain sits at its centre, with the near-by three-storey Indian Bazaar a great spot to snap up souvenirs.

Day 1: Evening

Get on a high and head to the capital’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The twin skyscrapers stood as the world’s tallest buildings between 1998 and 2004, teetering 452 metres. Snap a selfie with the towers looming in the background, or purchase a ticket and climb to the viewing deck for vistas of the capital sprawling below.

Start the second day tucking into a tasty dish of nasi lemak

Day 2: Morning

Start the second day tucking into a tasty dish of nasi lemak, a fragrant dish infused with coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, a boiled or fried egg, cucumber, sambal (spicy shrimp paste) and peanuts. Next, we recommend heading to vast Lake Gardens for some respite from the capital’s chaos. The gardens are home to Perdana Botanical Garden, which boasts an expansive park, tree-lined trails, orchid and hibiscus displays, and a planetarium.

Day 2: Afternoon

After re-fuelling at one of the many eateries that dot the area, head to nearby . Standing proud as Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art it houses an extensive collection of Islamic arts from across the globe. After browsing the museum, head over to Masjid Negara, Malaysia’s national mosque with a capacity of up to 15,000 people.

Admiring Kuala Lumpur from above

Day 2: Evening

What better way to round out 48 hours in Malaysia’s vibrant capital than admiring the city from above? Ahead of dusk, jump aboard the helicopter and hover in the skies above the city as the sun sinks into the horizon. There are plenty of options to choose from, including aerial views of downtown’s collection of skyscrapers, majestic KL Tower, historic Merdeka Square and the treasured Batu Caves.

The New Way To Travel During Pandemic: Private Helicopters

A global pandemic is something the travel industry could never foresee when stepping into 2020, and it's hit the industry tremendously. Travelling will never be the same again. While no one really knows when COVID would come to an end, the travel industry is getting ready to forgo the old ways and adapt in the post-pandemic era.

While avid travelers long to travel and explore the world, it’s unsurprising that they’d be highly concerned with hygiene due to the pandemic. And this is precisely where helicopter charters come in.

Unlike mainstream transportations, private helicopters have a much smaller passenger capacity and better ventilation facilities, making it a top choice for those who travel during the pandemic. Reports highlight the risk of exposure to bacterias and viruses in closed or crowded settings like ships, trains, and buses. For instance, the Diamond Princess cruise ship's outbreak showed that close confines caused the virus to spread in haywire. Traveling with private helicopters can indeed give travelers a peace of mind during the time of the pandemic.

Getting to far-flung yet unusual destinations via private helicopters is an ultra-exclusive experience. Not only does it provide the flexibility of point to point travel, but its top-knotch facilities also offer the most pleasurable journey. The cabin itself is like a luxurious suite in the sky, adorned with leather reclining swivel chairs and top-quality sound systems to provide the utmost comfort to travelers.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to truly get away from it all in the face of a pandemic, but you can get to off-the-beaten-track destinations easily with private helicopters. Whether it’s a lush tropical hideaway in the Caribbean Ocean, a secluded golf resort off the coast, or a 5-star hotel in the heart of a vibrant city, it’s so much easier to access these destinations with private helicopters. The best part is that you get to personalize your travel experience to have the best time!

Nobody likes to waste time waiting in line or deal with flight delays. Private helicopter rental offers the additional benefit of access to private terminals for faster security check-ins, making your travel experience a breeze. Meanwhile, they also handle all aspects of your custom tour, including taking you on an adventure full of the best tourist hotspots and hidden gems only locals would know, so you could relax and enjoy every moment on your trip.

While the pandemic seems to be staying for a while, as restless travelers we’re all for traveling with private helicopters to reach our next destination!

The Top 8 Islands You Should Visit in Thailand

It can't be more fitting to compare Thailand to an assortment of colorful candies. The vibrant and cultural hub Bangkok is as rich and exciting as the fruity ones, while Chiang Mai is refreshing and soothing like mint, and Pai District is as lush and unique as toffee. As one of the world’s most renowned holiday destinations, Thailand’s islands are best known for their natural beauty that enraptures all visitors’ hearts. Here are the top 8 islands in Thailand that can be reached by helicopter.

Koh Kradan

Source: expatlifeinthailand.com

Located at the Trang province in Southern Thailand, Koh Kradan is known for having water so clear that you can immediately see all kinds of fish beneath. The 2-kilometer long white sand Koh Kradan Beach trails the east coast of the island, where you’ll find the most dazzling emerald sea and beautiful coral reefs. Make sure you pack thoroughly in advance since there’s no ATM nor medical facility on the island.

Koh Phayam

Source: CNN Travel

Selected as one of the best beaches in Asia by Forbes, Koh Phayam is a rustic island where you’ll find yourself transported back in time. You can hardly find any car on the island as bikes and motorbikes are the main transportation, and the island isn’t connected to the electrical grid. Instead, it heavily depends on diesel generators and solar panels. It’s the perfect getaway if you’d like to unplug and stay off the grid for a few days!

Koh Mak

Source: koh-mak.com

As the largest private island in Thailand, Koh Mak is one of the safest places in the world and, most importantly, a hidden gem that’s relatively unknown by the public. We recommend going snorkeling and hiking at Koh Mak, and you should definitely pay it a visit when it’s still a well-kept secret for most travelers.

Koh Phangan

Source: bangkokattractions.com

There are three hot destinations for the best Full Moon Parties in the world, including Koh Phangan in Thailand, Ibiza in Spain, and Goa in India. These frenzy full moon celebrations attract thousands of Chinese travelers every year. There’s no airport on the Koh Phangan, and it relies heavily on the ferries coming from Koh Samui. When the music fades away at the end of the night, Koh Phangan truly unveils its beauty. The island has not affected by mass tourism, so its beach and landscape remain relatively untouched compared to the other islands in Thailand.

Similan Islands

Source: Image by Viator found on Lonely Planet

Similan Islands used to be a gem among the islands in the Andaman Sea, but due to the disruptions of mass tourism, the Thai Government has implemented a new regulation of limited entries onto the island to let the island recuperate better. Visitors are allowed to go to the islands between November and April (the last day to visit is on April 30), with a limited daily capacity of visitors.

Koh Chang

Source: thetravelmagazine.net

From the jungle on mountain peaks to sweeping bays and waterfalls, Koh Chang has plenty to offer for avid travelers. It’s the second-largest island after Phuket in Thailand, and the best way to explore is by hiring a car or even a helicopter to enjoy the magnificent landscape from high above. Many Westerners find themselves falling in love with Koh Chang upon their first visit and would stay for a few months to immerse themselves in the island life fully. We also recommend snorkeling at the surrounding islands with a local day tour.

Koh Lipe

Source: placesofjuma.com

Best known as the Maldives of Thailand, Koh Lipe is a small island located in southern Thailand. The fastest way to get there is a one-hour ferry ride from Langkawi, Malaysia, rather than reaching the island from Bangkok. You’ll find yourself surrounded by wild marine creatures as you dive beneath the clear turquoise waters, and many travelers visit Koh Lipe specifically to get their scuba certifications there. Apart from diving, be prepared for a feast as there’s plenty of amazing traditional street food around!

Koh Lanta

Source: goatsontheroad.com

The deliciously unspoilt island Koh Lanta shoots to Instagram fame with its enchanting scenery. Unlike other highly popular destinations, there are few Chinese tourists and only a small number of Euro-American visitors on this island. As one of the main islands of Krabi Province, Koh Lanta offers excellent facilities and a lower cost of living compared to Phuket. The islands' lush jungle, clean sandy beaches, pretty coral reefs, and crystal-clear water make the island a perfect retreat.

Don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind which island you’d like to visit, you can always book a private helicopter and travel to all these islands in one-go!