A Cultural Escape in the Heart of KL: My ASR Local Signature Experience at Ascott Kuala Lumpur

Craving more than just a comfortable bed? Ascott isn’t just about upscale living—it’s your gateway to Malaysia’s vibrant traditions, flavours, and artistic soul. And if you're an Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) member, the experience gets even sweeter: think exclusive member rates, birthday treats, late check-outs, and curated cultural events like the ASR Local Signature series—all designed to make every stay feel like a celebration.

Ascott Star Rewards is rewarding!

I recently had the chance to immerse myself in their "ASR Local Signature" experience, thanks to my friend Marianne, a proud new member of Ascott Star Rewards. She was selected to join this beautifully curated two-day journey, and lucky me—I got to be her plus one.

Cute durian plushie with detachable pulp.

From artisanal crafts to heritage bites and soul-stirring stories, our short escape turned into a celebration of all things uniquely Malaysian. If you're curious about what a staycation can look like when culture meets comfort, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what unfolded at Ascott Kuala Lumpur.

One-Bedroom Premier Suite

My Luxurious Home Away From Home: The One-Bedroom Premier at Ascott Kuala Lumpur

My home for the weekend was the One-Bedroom Premier unit, and it was nothing short of impressive. Spanning a generous 74–79 sqm, the suite felt more like a chic city apartment than a hotel room. It featured a separate living and dining area perfect for relaxing or entertaining, a king-size bed in a spacious bedroom that guaranteed restful sleep, and a fully-equipped kitchen, ideal for whipping up a not only a late-night snack, but a full course meal! The elegant interiors, warm lighting, and panoramic city views truly made it feel like a luxurious "home away from home" right in the city center.

Cosy living space with a huge flat-screen TV

Welcome fruit platter

Spacious, stylish, and serene—our One-Bedroom Premier Suite was the perfect city sanctuary.

A fully-equipped kitchen, ideal for whipping up a not only a late-night snack, but a full course meal!

Complimentary tea/ coffee 

Electric kettle, toaster and Nespresso coffee maker.

A plush king-sized bed, blackout curtains, and feather-soft pillows? Sleep came easy.

Whether you’re typing up notes or touching up lipstick, the suite’s spacious desk transforms effortlessly—from workspace to vanity station, all with style and comfort.

Marble finishes, premium toiletries, and luxurious showers—we’ve upgraded our self-care game.

The bathroom felt more like a personal spa retreat than a hotel amenity.

Ascott KL pampers guests with Appelles—where Australian botanicals meet five-star self-care.

From shampoo to body wash, Appelles amenities turn every shower into a spa ritual.

Beyond the apartment, guests have full access to Ascott Kuala Lumpur's excellent facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa services. What truly sets this property apart is its unbeatable location directly next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. 

Open 24/7 and fully equipped, Ascott KL’s gym lets you chase your fitness goals anytime—whether it’s sunrise stretches or midnight reps.

Books, skyline, and serenity—Ascott KL’s Sky Lounge on the 22nd floor is the ultimate chill zone.

Escape the urban buzz at our 22nd-floor pool deck. Whether you're unwinding by the adult pool, watching the little ones enjoy their kids' pool, or soaking up the sun, it's the perfect city escape.

A dedicated kids' pool for family fun.

A prime seat with the best view in the house. Sink into the soothing warmth of our jacuzzi and let the Kuala Lumpur panorama wash over you.

Soft lighting, cushy seats, and quiet corners—Ascott KL’s Sky Lounge wraps you in comfort from 22 floors up.

Elevate your relaxation. There's nothing quite like a relaxing day on the 22nd floor with these incredible cityscapes as your backdrop.

This provides immediate access to world-class shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient public transport, making exploration effortless. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or on business, this unit offers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Day 1: A Deep Dive into Malaysian Culture

Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager of Ascott Malaysia.

Arrival & Welcome

Our check-in was smooth and welcoming, with the staff greeting us with genuine warmth and hospitality. After settling into our gorgeous suite, we joined fellow guests for the afternoon’s curated activities. The Country General Manager (CGM) opened the event with a heartfelt welcome speech, sharing Ascott’s global vision and deep local commitment. 

We had a truly insightful and delicious afternoon discovering that Malaysian cacao ranks among the best in the world! 

A Sweet Discovery: Chocolate Tasting

We dove into a delicious and eye-opening afternoon celebrating Malaysian cacao, ranked among the finest globally. Guided by the brilliant Ong Ning-Geng of Chocolate Concierge, an award-winning chocolatier, we explored the origins, processes, and flavours that make Malaysian beans so exceptional. The tasting session was a highlight—his creations were as exquisite as they were insightful. We left with handcrafted bonbons and a single-origin bar, giving us something to savor long after our cultural escape ended.

We were privileged to join award-winning chocolate maker Ong Ning-Geng of Chocolate Concierge as he shared his extensive knowledge, breaking down everything we ever wanted to know about chocolate. 

It all begins with the fresh cacao fruit – the foundation of good chocolate.

Our palates were put to the test as we sampled and rated an array of single-origin chocolates from diverse Malaysian locales, comparing their intensity, acidity, sweetness, and other distinct characteristics.

Did you know Malaysian cacao is world-class? We tasted proof.

This award-winning single origin chocolate bar hails from Chemor, Perak.

Talk about unique! Chocolate Concierge is raising the bar with these bonbons, and yes, that pink one is indeed asam laksa flavoured. Absolutely brilliant!

Limapulo didn’t just serve dinner. It served nostalgia, flavour, and pride.

A Michelin-Distinguished Culinary Journey: Nyonya Dinner & Durian Omakase at Limapulo

Private cars whisked us to Limapulo by Baba Can Cook, a nostalgic gem renowned for its authentic Peranakan cuisine. The dinner was part of the ASR Local Signature experience, and it was unforgettable—from the crunchy, flavour-packed Pai Tee to the rich Chicken Pongteh and fiery Sambal Petai Prawn, each dish told a story of tradition and taste. The meal ended with silky-sweet Cendol, the perfect finale.

If you're looking for a genuinely delicious and authentic Nyonya food experience in Kuala Lumpur, this place comes with our highest recommendation.

Our culinary journey began with the delightful Pai Tee, crispy top-hat shaped cups brimming with julienned jicama, carrots, juicy prawns, and a hint of a chili kick – a perfect crunchy start. 

If comfort food had a soul, it would be Chicken Pongteh at Limapulo.

The Sambal Petai Prawn delivered a fiery punch with plump, fresh prawns wok-fried with pungent petai beans and a robust sambal. 

We also savoured the Ikan Goreng Cili Garam, a beautifully fried fish seasoned simply with chili and salt, letting the freshness of the fish shine through.

Sambal Terung, perfectly cooked eggplant tossed in a spicy and aromatic sambal.

To conclude our authentic Nyonya experience, we enjoyed a refreshing bowl of Cendol. The icy dessert, with its pandan-flavored jelly, and generous drizzle of gula melaka (palm sugar) and coconut milk, was the ideal sweet ending to a truly satisfying meal. 

Fresh from the husk, straight to the plate—KL’s finest durians served in true omakase style.

Then came the durian omakase by the Durian King Since 1970's—an experience that truly elevated the “king of fruits.” We sampled six rare varieties, including the regal Lobster King, floral Black Pearl, and aromatic Tekka. But the standout was the Lou Mou King from Bentong—grafted onto 50-year-old kampung trees, this custardy delight embodied decades of durian legacy. It was luxurious, intense, and unforgettable.

Limapulo has completely redefined the game, becoming the very first Michelin-recognised restaurant to embrace durian. 

Durian royalty was in the building—Lobster King, Black Pearl, Lou Mou King and more!

This omakase turned skeptics into durian believers. Even fruit can be fine dining!

Come to Limapulo for a taste of Malaysia’s finest durians

Premium durians, expertly opened and perfectly presented. 

Michelin-starred durian tasting? Yes, that’s a thing—and we savoured every bite.

The durian variety Tekka, also known as "bamboo foot" in Hokkien, gets its name from a groove in the middle of the fruit that resembles a bamboo shoot.

The Black Thorn offered a more complex profile, with its signature bitter notes beautifully balanced.

The Lou Mou King from Bentong is the real star! Grafted onto rare 50-year-old kampung durian trees, its rich, custardy texture and intense sweetness are pure perfection. A true taste of heritage!

Evening Vibes & Reflections

While some guests embraced KL’s vibrant nightlife, we chose a quiet night back at Ascott, soaking in the sparkling city skyline from the Sky Lounge.

Catching a glimpse of the KLCC Twin Towers from the 22nd-floor Sky Lounge.

KL Tower was bathed in blue light on July 18 and 19 in a vibrant show of support for National Unity Week 2025, reflecting the spirit of harmony and togetherness among Malaysians of all backgrounds.

Day 2: Artistic Expression & Fond Farewells

Breakfast at WIP on the Park kicked off our day. Nestled next door to Ascott KL, it charmed us with spacious elegance and quality selections—from classic Nasi Lemak to a lovely Middle Eastern corner with fresh hummus and flatbread. The live egg station was a definite crowd-pleaser.

We had a lovely breakfast at WIP on the Park, a delightful eatery nestled in the building right next to Ascott KL

Stepping in, I was immediately struck by how airy and spacious it felt, truly a perfect start to the day. The decor is quite elegant, adding a touch of sophistication without feeling stuffy.

Simple, classy, and delicious—breakfast at WIP was a morning treat done right.

And of course, no good breakfast is complete without a live egg station, ensuring your eggs are cooked just how you like them. 

Our final activity—a batik painting session with master artist Pak Lazim—allowed us to channel creativity into a vibrant souvenir. Each of us painted a piece we could proudly take home, wrapping the stay with heart and colour.

Led by batik master Lazim, participants used pre-drawn designs to unleash their creativity and craft personalised masterpieces.

We didn’t just take home souvenirs—we created them.

Every brushstroke carried a story. Batik painting turned guests into artists.

Hands-on artistry meets heartfelt memories.

Cherished Memories

Our final group photo captured the connections made, while Bhavani’s closing remarks reminded us of the impact thoughtful hospitality can have. As we packed up and lingered in the lounge, we couldn’t help but reflect on how the ASR Local Signature event had gone far beyond a simple stay—it became a celebration of culture, community, and connection.

When your staycation leaves you inspired, you know it was more than just a getaway.

For Ascott Star Rewards members, this isn’t just about perks. It’s about being invited into moments that stay with you, long after checkout. From heritage to hospitality, this experience proved that Ascott truly knows how to turn a stay into something signature.