Introduction

Malaysia, located in South-East Asia, is comprised of two parts: Peninsular Malaysia, bordering with Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south, and East Malaysia, with the states of Sarawak and Sabah sharing the island of Borneo, with Indonesia and Brunei.

The country is endowed with beautiful beaches, invigorating highlands, tropical jungle, charming countrysides, vibrant cities and a spectrum of colourful cultures. Malaysia's national parks are amongst the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Glimpse exotic flora and fauna such as the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Sun Bear, the Malayan Tiger, the Orangutan, Rainforest Tarantulas, Monkeys, and even the world's biggest flower, the Rafflesia.

The warm and friendly people of Malaysia have a diversity of heritage based on a vibrant fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is located on the west coast of the Peninsula of Malaysia in a valley surrounded by jagged mountains approximately 40 km from the coast. Kuala Lumpur was originally a mining settlement in the late 1800s where tin was discovered at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Although the tin trade has declined since, the prosperity of the city has continued to grow.

Malaysia is one of the ‘Asian Dragons' of rapidly-growing economies in South-East Asia with its fast paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism.

Kuala Lumpur, with its unique blend of eastern culture and western influence, is a fascinating place to visit. Yet is still retains its historical charm, with century-old shop houses, colourful markets and a unique blend of cultural traditions. Today, the city known as 'KL', is a thriving economic centre and is the political and cultural centre of the nation. KL and its surrounding metropolitan area is home to more than 6 million people. Click here to book your KL Hotels

Kuala Lumpur Getaway
4 Days / 3 Nights from US$67 per person	per person US$
	Twin	Single
Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur	67	135
Radius International Hotel Kuala Lumpur	100	200
Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur	160	320

Travel to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of Asia's major aviation hubs about 50 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

KLIA Express Train is the rail link from the airport to KL Sentral railway station and runs from 5am-midnight. The 57Km journey is non-stop, takes 28mins with trains departing every 15 minutes in peak hours (5am-9am, 4pm-10pm) and every 20 minutes off-peak hours(9am-4pm, 10pm-midnight). [Adult one-way costs RM35]

Once visitors reach KL Sentral they can purchase fixed fare taxi coupons to hotels or other destinations. The coupon will display the destination in English and the local language. This system prevents taxis overcharging visitors.

KLIA Express Coach to KL Sentral takes one hour [adult RM10, child RM6, 6am-11pm]

Airport Taxis can be arranged in the arrival hall. This is the most expensive option as the airport is 60km by road to KL. Ensure you negotiate a fixed price or the driver uses the meter.

Trains operated by Malaysian KTM arrive from Singapore via night and day services. The journey between Singapore and KL takes 7-10 hours.

Coaches to/from KL

NiCE have executive express buses to Singapore, normal buses and double-decker buses. [Departs KL Sentral, arrives Singapore's Copthorne Orchid Hotel on Dunearn Rd, takes 4 –5 hrs]

Transnasional have direct buses from KL to Singapore and many Malaysian destinations. [Departs KL Sentral Station]

Local Transport

KL Monorail provides transport around the inner city area travelling 8.6km from KL Sentral (in the southeast) through Bukit Bintang and Bukit Nanas to Titiwangsa (in the northeast). The KL Sentral monorail station is not connected to the main KL Sentral railway station. Passengers have to cross the distance on foot. [Tickets cost RM1.20 to RM3.00].

Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) is the main railway station of Kuala Lumpur and was built to take over from the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, a colonial-era landmark that remains open for commuter trains only. Intercity trains serving Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore commence at KL Sentral.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Malaysia but ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate a fixed fare.

Language

English is widely spoken by people in the tourism business. Many staff at hotels, casinos, shops, restaurants and museums will speak English.

Kuala Lumpur Attractions

Malaysian Tourist Centre is the place to start your Malaysian Adventure. It's open 24hrs daily and housed in a renovated old tin miner's mansion, located on Jalan Ampang ("Jalan" means road in Malay) near the Petronas Towers. Originally built in 1935 by a wealthy Chinese tin miner, the mansion served as a war office for the British army and later the Japanese army during WWII. In 1957 Malaysia gained independence from Britain and the mansion held the first sitting of the nation's new Parliament.

Petronas Twin Towers are two of the tallest buildings in the world standing 452meters (1480ft) at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre development. The 88 level towers were constructed in only 4 years with a stainless steel and glass exterior. The movie Entrapment, with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, was filmed on location. The double-level skybridge on levels 41 & 42, which joins the two towers, is open to visitors from 9-10.30am and 2.30-4pm daily (except Sunday). The visit is free of charge. Arrive at the information desk on the ground floor of Tower Two early to reserve your tickets. At the base of the towers is the Suria KLCC shopping complex.

KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur) was designed with an Islamic influence, is 421metres (1380ft) high and sits on top of a hill giving the best views of KL. There is a souvenir shop, revolving restaurant, cafes and public observation deck with an audio tour of the view in every direction [Open 9am–10pm daily, adult RM20]. The restaurant revolves every 90mins and has a delicious buffet lunch and dinner [formal wear required, from RM120]. At the base of the tower are shops and an area that hosts venues such as fashion parades. The Tower is located next to the downtown area in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, a natural jungle sanctuary for birds and wildlife, with a rain forest walk and suspension bridge for visitors.

Royal Selangor Pewter is the most well-known brand in pewter offering over a thousand beautiful tableware and gift items. Royal Selangor pewter is composed of tin, with a small proportion of copper and antimony added to strengthen it. Take a factory tour at The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, a 20 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur's city centre. The Factory Tour shows the different pewter production processes and ends at the Retail Store where a wide selection of Royal Selangor pewter can be purchased. [Open daily 9-5pm, free admission, Taxi from KL RM10 or LRT to Wangsa Maju station RM3]

Batu Caves is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in the Gombak district, 30mins drive north of Kuala Lumpur. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu (or Batu River) which flows past the hill. The main cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to the god Murugan, and is accessed by climbing up 272 steps.

Tasik Perdana Lake Gardens are located in the middle of the city not far from the city centre [open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 8am-6pm]. Visit the Bird Park and Butterfly Park [open 9am-5pm] to see local and exotic species within forested enclosures. There is a Planetarium which houses the Arianne IV rocket engine used to launch Malaysia's first satellite (Measat I) into orbit. Other attractions in the garden include a deer park, orchid garden, hibiscus garden, ASEAN sculpture garden and row boats on the lake. Within the gardens are Parliament House and the National Monument that commemorates those who died in the communist insurgency in the 1950s. The monument is modelled on Washington DC's famous Iwo Jima monument.

Islamic Arts Museum opened in 1998 with three floors of exhibits displaying armour, textiles, jewellery, metal works and ceramics. The museum is located on Jalan Lembah Perdana.

Firefly Park is located at Kampung Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor just outside KL. Fireflies are harmless insects with no pincers, no bite, have a life span of two months and inhabit the berembang trees that grows along the riverbank. Watching fireflies is an enchanting experience as you cruise on a boat along the river in the night to capture the beauty of this natural wonder. The best time to watch is the first few hours after sunset. Enjoy the spectacle of whole trees being lit up like ‘Christmas trees'.

KL's Historic Centre is best explored by a self-walking tour. Sights a little further away are best reached by LRT (Light Rapid Transit), monorail or taxi. Places of interest are: Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) on Jalan Raja. The square hosts national events and has the world's tallest flag pole at 100 metres (328ft). Royal Selangor Club (next to Independence Square) was built in 1884 in mock-Tudor style. St Mary's Cathedral (next to Royal Selangor Club) built in 1894. Sultan Abdul Samad Building (across the road from the Royal Selangor Club) was constructed in 1894-7 in an architectural style featuring Moorish, Indian and Arabic motifs. The building was the former colonial administrative centre and today houses the High Court and Supreme Court. Walk on the road behind the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and you will find the junction of the Klang and Gombak rivers which is the symbolic birthplace of KL. At the junction of the rivers is the Jamek Mosque. From the Royal Selangor Club walk north along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (the road is named after the first Prime Minister) to explore the shops. You will come across the historic Coliseum Café and Hotel which is over 60 years old. Every Saturday night Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall with merchandise on sale from the department stores. Walking south from Independence Square is the National History Museum and KL Memorial Library. Along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is the Dayabumi Complex which is best seen at night when lit up. The General Post Office is on the ground level. About 0.5km south from Independence Square is the Masjid Negara (National Mosque) which was built in 1965. The jagged 18 points of the star-shaped roof represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the Mosque is the magnificent old KL Railway Station constructed in 1911. The new KL Sentral Station in Brickfields has replaced it.

Chinatown lies behind the soaring skyscrapers of KL's financial district contrasting the old with the new. In the crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways Chinese merchants sell their goods from the ground floor of quaint pre-war shophouses. The main streets of Chinatown are Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. Chinatown is always an interesting area where shoppers will find copies of branded goods, CDs that haven't been released yet and any interesting shops. Shoppers can test their bargaining skills. It's a great place to visit day or night.

Genting Highlands Resort is a hotel resort, casino and entertainment complex located 50 km (30 miles) northeast of KL on top of Banjaran Titiwangsa (the mountain range that runs down the centre of Malaysia) at 2000m (6600ft) above sea level. Gentings' casino is one of the largest in the world and there is plenty of inexpensive accommodation in six hotels. The resort has an outdoor family-oriented theme park an indoor theme park, shopping complex and two theatres featuring international cabaret dinner shows and magic shows. There is a golf course and equestrian course. Formal wear is required for the casino. The resort is accessed by a steep, winding road but there is a cable car complex at the base of the mountain for a more relaxing and scenic ride up to the resort. An Express Bus service departs Puduraya Bus Terminal and KL Sentral Station to the Genting Skyway station (takes 50 mins). Buses are not allowed up the steep road. The Skyway operates daily from 7.30am—11pm (12pm weekends). A one-way ticket is RM8.50 for bus and skyway. Taxi and limousine services are also available. Click here for first world hotel reservation

Malaysian Grand Prix is a formula one race held in early April at a circuit next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Elephant Park Is located 90mins drive outside KL and is popular with tourists. Tour operators also take visitors to a deer farm where you can feed the sun bears.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Golden Triangle Area hosts many of KL's cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Walk along Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ramlee. The Bukit Bintang area is also popular at night.

Skybar on level 33 of the Traders Hotel is one popular KL nightspot.

Bangsar is a suburb about 4km south-west of the city which is full of bars, cafes and restaurants especially around Jalan Telawi which is popular with partying travellers and expatriates. The best way to get there is by taxi.

Shopping

Malaysia is a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia. From the antique and the exotic to modern electronic and audio-visual equipment, the constantly changing product range available in Malaysia includes an extensive collection of designer labels from the fashion capitals of the world. Duty-free shops are found in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and international airports.

Bukit Bintang Area at the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang is part of an area known as the Golden Triangle business district. The monorail travels through this area of up-market shops, high-class restaurants, international hotels and nightlife. There are many large shopping plazas in the area all within walking distance: Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Imbi Plaza (specializes in computers and software), Lot 10 (almost 100 retail stores and Eurpoean designer boutiques, food court, Isetan Japanese department store), Starhill Plaza, KL Plaza.

Berjaya Times Square is the largest shopping complex in Malaysia showcasing approximately 700 specialty retail shops, 1200 luxury service suites, 45 restaurants and cafes and Cosmo's World which is Malaysia's largest indoor theme park with an IMAX cinema and ten-pin bowling at the top of the complex. The complex is on Jalan Hang Tuah and is serviced by the monorail.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is the newest shopping mall at Jalan Bukit Bintang set to inspire with its fashion, food and urban leisure choices. This 7-storey shopping mall has 450 retail shops representing some of the finest brand names around the world.

Suria KLCC shopping complex is a huge centre located on Jalan Ampang at the base of the Petronas Towers, there are many up-market shops, quality restaurants, cafes, and food courts.

Ampang Point Shopping Centre has six shopping levels with jewellery shops, book stores, boutiques and an excellent choice of eateries.

Ampang Park Shopping Centre is located near the Petronas Towers.

City Square is located at the intersection of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ampang and is a shopping complex, hotel and office in one integrated building, also has nine art galleries.

Avenue K is located along Jalan Ampang opposite Suria KLCC and is a fashionable lifestyle shopping centre.

Central Market is known to the locals as Pasar Seni. Built in 1888, originally as a wet market it has undergone extensive refurbishments. It has been designated a Heritage Building and is now a Centre for Malaysian Culture, Arts and Handicrafts.

Petaling Street (Chinatown) is located near Central Market and opens day and night. Visitors should not miss a trip to this bustling open-air bazaar. It's a great place to shop and test your bargaining skills! Look for Chinese artefacts, herbs, fresh flowers, textiles and other essentials.

Jalan TAR (Tunku Abdul Rahman) is a famous night market on Saturday nights.

Mid Valley Megamall has something for everyone in one complex including cinemas, fashion, food, health and beauty and much more.

The Gardens at Mid Valley City adjacent to the Mid Valley Megamall is an upmarket shopping gallery opened with over 200 retail shops including Isetan.

Maju Junction Mall is an affordable, modern and stylish shopping mall. With more than 70 shopping outlets and a wide selection of food and beverages at their foodcourts. It provides enjoyable shopping with concierge facilities. Located within walking distance to LRT and monorail, as well as taxis and buses.

The Mall, Jalan Putra Strategically located in the vicinity of the Putra World Trade Center, and the Legend Hotel the Mall's wide concourse and high atrium with a cascading glass roof makes it a magnet for shoppers. It has a wide range of merchandise and shopping bargains, as well as a food court for people from all walks of life.

The Weld is located at Kuala Lumpur's busy commercial district along Jalan Raja Chulan. It has specialty stores offering a huge range of merchandise, as well as a wide variety of restaurants.

Bangsar Village is a shopping complex in Bangsar, a suburb about 4km south-west of the city, with specialty outlets, food chains and much more for the young at heart. Bangsar Village II is linked by a bridge to Bangsar Village.

Dining

Cuisine is one of the main attractions in Malaysia. Malaysian food is a unique blend of cuisines originating from Malaysia's multi-ethnic population - a melting pot of cultures between the Malay, Chinese, Indian and the West.

Favourite areas for dining with visitors are Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Suria KLCC. KL Tower restaurant offers a great buffet lunch and dinner with spectacular views over Kuala Lumpur. Many hotels have cafes providing buffet breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner at affordable prices. Most shopping centers have a food court offering value-for-money meals. Café chains like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans are everywhere as are western fast-food chains such as McDonalds and KFC.

Try the local fare at a hawker street stall or in local coffeehouse especially in the Chinatown area. You won't need fat burning furnace when eating good Malaysian food.

History

Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia's capital city, is located within the heart of Selangor state in the Klang Valley region which is surrounded by mountainous ranges. KL literally means 'muddy estuary' in Malay, because of its establishment in the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

Kuala Lumpur was born in 1857 when a member of Selangor's royal family, Raja Abdullah, decided to open up an area in the Klang Valley for tin prospectors. Miners from China soon arrived and despite pestilence that killed large numbers of them, the Chinese miners thrived, attracting merchants and businesses.

During World War II, Kuala Lumpur was occupied by the Japanese army from 11th January 1942 to 15th August 1945. On 8 and 9 August 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on the two Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima causing General Seishiro Itagaki (Japanese Military) to surrender to the British in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur gained historical significance again in 1957 when the first Malayan flag was raised on the grounds of the cricket field, Merdeka Square, to mark the country's independence from British rule.

After independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur became the capital of the Federation of Malaya and continued to be the capital of the greater Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

On 1 February 1974 Kuala Lumpur seceded from Selangor and the city became a Federal Territory and the seat of government for the whole of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur advanced by leaps and bounds ever since the Asian Economic Boom of the early 1990s (when economic growth was averaging at 10%). Skyscrapers shot up and Kuala Lumpur, formerly a British colonial outpost, has become one of the most lively, advanced and vibrant cities in South East Asia.

Beyond KL

Cameron Highlands is the most popular of the highland retreats in Malaysia. Located above 1,000 meters, the highlands offers visitors escape from the tropical lowland climate with temperatures below 25°C. Cameron Highlands, with its lush and beautiful highland scenery, was developed by the British as a retreat during the colonial era, and has maintained its charm as a cool and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of KL. There is plenty of quality accommodation, rainforest treks, waterfalls and the region is Malaysia's main grower of premier tea leaves and has a few tea farms colouring the landscape in a majestic green. Guests can visit the tea farms and watch the manufacturing process while enjoying a cup or two.