Kuala Lumpur Tower & Capital Back to Top

KL is a modern, vibrant and multicultural city with an economy based heavily on commerce, finance and tourism. It has more than its fair share of shiny corporate buildings and smothering pollution but displays enough character to warrant a stopover or diversion.

The major feature of KL is its architecture - Islamic and Malay influences are highly visible. Former British colonial buildings lend some charm to congested KL; competitive shopping centres abound and watching over it all stand the Petronas Twin Towers, currently the tallest buildings in the world.

Reasonably priced, reasonably navigable and reasonably interesting, KL makes a pleasant pit stop for a few days.

Some great panoramic views of the city can be seen from either the observation platform or the revolving restaurant at the top of the stunning KL Tower.

The famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in the late 19^th century to house the British administration and is now home to the Supreme and High Courts. This flamboyant and intricate example of Moorish architecture faces Dataran Medaka (Medaka Square) - the centre for National Day celebrations, and for those who are interested, here flies the highest flagpole in Asia.

Refuge from the traffic and crowds can be sought in one of KL's parks. KL Lake Gardens is a pleasant area generously spread over a hundred hectares. Located within these grounds is the National Monument dedicated to Malaysia's military heroes.

Around the Lake Gardens are the Orchid Gardens and the Deer Park. Not far away are the Butterfly Park and Bird Park. All are pleasant enough and may be of particular interest to naturalists.

KL houses a few museums allowing visitors to view aspects of Malaysian history. The National Museum displays various Malay artifacts and oddities. Somewhat moth-eaten and lacking in treasures, it has an air of a stately jumble sale rather than a museum. It isn't the Louvre, but its unusual blend is informative.

The National Art Gallery is only worth a visit for those particularly interested in and familiar with mainly local plus a selection foreign artists.

The National Mosque is the largest in the country and is set in peaceful, well-kept grounds. Modern and a little lego-like it doesn't really warrant a visit, in contrast to the enchanting Masjid Jamek, the oldest and most beautiful mosque in KL. This mosque is a delicate and imaginative example of Islamic architecture that justifies its place on the postcard racks.

Note: It is not possible for non-Muslims to enter either mosque during prayers.

Another religious building worth a visit is Sri Mahamariaman Temple - a colourful structure adorned with carvings of Hindu gods. It is situated close to the thriving Chinatown area which is popular for its cultural identity and markets.

Jalan Masjid India, also known as "Little India," adds flavour to KL's cosmopolitan mix. Little India, there is little in particular to do or see here, but it's an interesting place to browse through spices and saris or pick up a curry.

Pasar Malam in Chinatown bursts into life at night once the night market opens, so do the restaurants and street-side cafes offering mainly seafood and Chinese dishes. A great place to watch the world go by!

KL has many good restaurants, both Asian and Western, and there are plenty of handy fastfood outlets. Restaurants tend to offer Halal dishes but always ask to be sure, particularly at non-Muslim establishments such as Chinese restaurants. Details like cooking oils can be easily overlooked.

Some of the most adventurous and authentic food is available from the hawkers who ply their trade in the markets. They offer some superb affordable snacks that are well worth trying.

Market areas include Central Market and Chinatown. Chinatown stretches along the entire length of Jalan Petaling. Shops are open throughout the day; after 6pm, the Pasar Malam (night market) takes over, the road is closed to traffic and the street comes alive with stalls, restaurants and crowds. Here you can buy anything from imitation handbags to souvenirs, clothes, herbal remedies and local trinkets. Bargain hard!

Chow Kit Market only opens on Saturday nights and offers a wide selection of produce along with the opportunity to sample some local foods while meandering through the stalls. The nearby Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman has a good range of antiques, Middle Eastern carpets, batik and other local crafts.

Shopping malls and plazas are never far away in KL and cater for all budgets. The Golden Triangle is the best area for shopping for quality items and is located mainly along Jalan Sultan Ismail and around the Petronas Twin Towers. Heralded as Malaysia's leading mall, the Suria KLCC is a vast complex with a broad choice of over 250 speciality shops and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Other malls worth a mention are City Square and Ampang Plaza, near Ampang Park LRT Station.

Catering to the lower to middle range budget is Sungei Wang situated close to similar malls near the junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

There are many bus and minibus routes that interconnect the city, although these could be confusing for first time visitors unfamiliar with the city.

Traffic congestion in KL is a major problem and can be horrendous at 3 p.m. when taxi drivers change shifts. Taxis are good on the whole but some of KL's more troublesome drivers may need reminding to switch on their meters. Taxis, incidentally, are almost impossible to flag down in the rain.

The one-hour trip to/from the new airport is presently a hassle. Although public buses do run, taxis are by far the best connection.

There is a monopoly on airport taxis. Leaving by taxi involves collecting a ticket before getting into your allotted vehicle. This costs significantly more than the return trip but is preferable to trying your luck with the touts loitering outside.

An airport coach operates but the route is not convenient for all as it bypasses many larger hotels. The LRT link is slated for April 2002.

The closest and arguably the best trip is to the Batu Caves on the edge of the city. These limestone caves sit at the top of a 272-step climb and feature colourful Hindu shrines and temples. Attracting sizeable crowds of visitors and worshippers daily, monkeys often congregate and harass for food. The busiest and liveliest time to visit is during the Thaipusam festival early in the year, when thousands of pilgrims converge to pay homage.

Only a few kilometres further out it is possible to enjoy Malaysia's shrinking indigenous culture and natural environment. The Forestry Research Institute and Museum and Templer Park, have both gentle and strenuous nature trials. Also nearby is the Orang Asli Museum giving a good cultural insight into Malaysia's indigenous population.

Rubber Tapping is a popular tour, although much of the romance of the rubber plantations has gone and some tour operators transport unsuspecting visitors to soulless areas bordering noisy expressways.

One hour north, The Genting Highlands is a big favourite with people from all over Asia and features an extensive amusement and entertainment complex. This bright and noisy labyrinth offers something for all the family from arcade games and magic shows to Malaysia's only casino - definitely not for those trying to get away from it all!

Fraser's Hill is a twisting 3-hour drive from the city and is far more relaxing. There is very little to do at Fraser's Hill itself but the surrounding area is great for bird watchers.

As there is a strong Chinese influence in Malaysia, Chinese New Year is celebrated in typical fashion in January or February with lion dances and firecrackers to usher in the Lunar New Year.

The streets of KL blossom in July with the final parade of the Flora Fest. During this week long celebration there are exhibitions and competitions which culminate in a spectacular parade.

Colourful parades and performances in Medaka Square dominate the celebrations for National Day to celebrate Independence at the end of August each year.

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights flickers into life in October or November. Scores of lanterns and oil lamps welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth into every home.

Malaysia now proudly hosts the Grand Prix and in March you can take in Formula 1 racing. The race takes place on the new Sepang Circuit, close to the International Airport.

Note: Hotels and flights are often heavily booked at this time and it is advisable to book months ahead.