Ah, the perfect start to a day out in Kuala Lumpur—a half-day trip, starting with the KL Butterfly Park and ending with some glorious Ceylonese cuisine. But first, let’s talk about the butterflies, nasi lemak, and everything in between!
We kicked off our mini adventure at 8am sharp, leaving home with a spring in our step and butterflies (pun intended) in our stomachs—not from hunger, but excitement. First stop? Nasi Lemak Tanglin! After a smooth one-hour drive, we parked easily, which felt like a small victory considering KL’s parking challenges. It was 9am and breakfast time!
Nasi Lemak Tanglin: The Legend Since 1948
The aroma of Nasi Lemak Tanglin is enough to make any Malaysian weep tears of joy. Known for their fluffy, coconut-infused rice and sambal that packs just the right amount of punch, this family-run stall has been winning hearts since 1948. Their outlets have spread like wildfire across KL, but the original Tanglin branch remains the OG nasi lemak experience.
As I queued up, I couldn't help but notice a few containers already running low—talk about popularity! While the sambal sotong is the star for many including me, my wife is more towards chicken. So, there it was: a plate of perfectly steamed rice, crispy anchovies, crunchy cucumbers, and roasted peanuts, all dancing in harmony with a sweet and spicy sambal. One minor slip-up on my part—I forgot to ask for an egg! Oh well, next time.
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For those wondering about the sambal's spice levels, I’d say it sits comfortably at a 3 out of 5. It hits you with a sweet note, followed by a slow-burn kick that stays with you. In the end, my breakfast verdict? Tanglin remains undefeated in the Nasi Lemak Olympics.
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Next Stop: The KL Butterfly Park
With satisfied tummies, we headed over to the KL Butterfly Park, just a 5-minute drive from Tanglin. Picture this: a lush, man-made jungle right in the heart of the city, with over 5,000 butterflies fluttering around an 80,000 square foot enclosure. Or at least, that’s what the brochures say.
Entrance Fee - RM18 per adult / RM8 per kid
When we arrived, it felt like we had the place to ourselves, thanks to the warm, sticky weather. Butterflies were everywhere—well, mostly high up near the net roof, so not quite surrounding us like a Disney movie scene. Still, the scenery was Instagram-worthy, with flowers, water cascades, and bridges offering some great photo ops (if the butterflies actually stayed still long enough to be captured on camera).
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The park also had an indoor section, showcasing beetles, insects, scorpions, and other creepy-crawlies—thankfully behind glass. Our son, Arjun, had a blast feeding the rabbits and koi fish, proving the park has something for everyone. We spent a little over an hour exploring, and while the experience wasn’t as butterfly-filled as expected, it was a beautiful, peaceful escape.
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Lankan Delights at The Lankan KL
After the butterflies, it was time for lunch! Off we went to The Lankan KL, a restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The decor immediately reminded me of the sea—calming blues and greens, perfect for a laid-back dining vibe.
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We ordered two dishes that are staples in Lankan cuisine: Chicken Lamprais and Fish Briyani. If you’ve never had Lamprais before, let me break it down. It’s basically a Sri Lankan meal masterpiece wrapped in banana leaves. There’s fragrant ghee rice, spicy chicken curry, caramelized onions, fried plantains, and boiled eggs, all slow-baked together for that delicious, infused flavor. One bite, and I could almost hear the waves crashing in Colombo!
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We couldn’t resist ordering Brown Sugar Paal Appam for dessert. I’ve seen appam shrink in size over the years, so imagine my surprise when a large, golden-brown appam landed on our table. Crispy edges, soft center, and just the right touch of sweetness—it was divine!
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Would I return to The Lankan KL? Absolutely! The food, the service, and that appam have secured this spot a firm place in my heart. Now I just have to make sure my jeans still fit after all that indulgence!
- Chicken Lampraise - RM35.90 (4 out of 5)
- Fish Briyani - RM26.90 (4 out of 5)
- Brown Sugar Appam - RM4.90 (5 out of 5) *must try*
- Ice Lemon Tea - RM6.90
- Fresh Orange Juice - RM14.90
- Sweet Lassi - RM8.90
- Total - RM98.40
So, there you have it—our half-day filled with butterflies, nasi lemak, and Sri Lankan delights. We laughed, we ate, and we learned that the key to any great adventure is balancing chaos with calm, food with fauna, and excitement with, well… more food!
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