Kuala Lumpur travel and tourist guide
Merdeka Square is where the nation was born
The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is great place to visit from Singapore and provides easy access to the wider peninsular region. Perfect for a few days shopping before hitting the beach, KL has enough sights, culture and fantastic cuisine for even the most discerning of visitors. A growing number of expatriates have become so enamoured with Kuala Lumpur’s charms that they choose to live here permanently, and you’ll be hard pressed to question why after a visit here.
Below is a small glimpse at the Malaysian capital but a comprehensive guide is available at 1stopKualaLumpur.
Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions
Think Kuala Lumpur and most people immediately have the Petronas Twin Towers spring into their minds. These 88-floor iconic buildings in the heart of the city are the number one visited sight and cost a whopping US$1.6billion to build. Formerly the tallest buildings on the planet, tourists get the change to walk between the two edifices at the 41st floor and gaze down on the sprawling metropolis below. More on the Petronas Twin Towers.
Malaysia is an Islamic country and so it is little wonder that the capital’s National Mosque should be such a marvel of architecture. The multi-domed building is often filled with as many as 15,000 devotees since its construction in 1965 and is set among picturesque landscaped gardens. The main minaret sours 73 metres above the ground with a main roof featuring an 18-pointed star which seems like a folded umbrella. Dataran Merdaka is extremely close by and is were the independent nation of Malaysia was first established.
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is worth dropping by as a remarkable example of colonial architecture of British origin. Nearby is the the National Museum, with arguably the best and most diverse collection of exhibits of any collection in the country. Prehistoric finds, period costumes, vintage cars and fascinating dioramas can all be found here. Drop by art deco Central Market to pick up some lovely souvenirs for loved ones back home. More on KL attractions.
The infamous Petronas Twin Towers
Shopping is as important a pursuit in KL as anywhere in the world with scores of malls and markets littering every neighbourhood of the city. Kuala Lumpur residents are blessed with boutiques from every possible Continental fashion house plus all manner of high-end technology firms have manufacturing bases within the country meaning bargain electronics. Plus there are all sorts of top quality handicrafts available as well. More on Kuala Lumpur shopping.
Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has one of finest dining scenes of anywhere in Southeast Asia with imported Argentine steaks, authentic Spanish Tapas plus the best classic French fare and Oriental classics. The banana leaf eateries of Little India are atmospheric places to grab a quick yet satisfying bite, while the chic restaurants of Bangsar are teeming with international favourites cooked up by Western chefs with experiences in all the great culinary centres of the world. More on Kuala Lumpur restaurants.
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is somewhere where your money goes a long way with probably the cheapest five star hotels of anywhere in the developed world.
Le Meridien, Hilton and Sheraton are all represented here plus a few charming little independent offerings which provide intimate service with a local feel. The Golden Triangle district is where most of these hospitality options are situated and that makes it easy to stroll down to all the glitzy shopping, fine dining, bars and nightclubs as well. For more Kuala Lumpur hotels.
Travellers on a budget will also not go wanting as Kuala Lumpur is blessed with no shortage of cheap rooms. Chinatown is the backpackers enclave of choice with dozens of guesthouses featuring dorm beds for a handful of dollars, free WiFi and tour deals. Plus all the least expensive restaurants, food stalls and pubs are also found around here. For more on Kuala Lumpur guesthouses.
Kuala Lumpur nightlife and bars
There are plenty of bars in KL from sports pubs to lively discothèques where revellers dance to European chart hits until dawn. Zouk or Nouvo in the city centre attract a good portion of foreign visitors out for a good time whilst Chinatown has cheap watering holes frequented by backpackers. Bangsar is the chic expat area west of the city centre that boasts lots of options for those with cash to splash. More on Kuala Lumpur bars.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur transportation is hassle-free with ubiquitous taxis and a cheap, clean and efficient metro system. Those arriving at the international airport will find its just a quick half-an-hour by train to the city centre or alternatively a 90-minute bus ride from the low cost terminal (LCCT). Those wanting to escape the city should head to KL Sentral Station for rail connections south to Singapore or north to Bangkok. Alternatively visit Pudu Raya Bus Terminal near Chinatown for coach services all over the country. More on KL tranportation.
