Travel Destination: Kuala Lumpur
About Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur or KL, is on its way to becoming a popular south-east Asian destination, a runner up in a group where Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong comfortably occupy. It has all the makings of great destination anyway. One of its most popular spots is the Petronas Twin Towers where at some point was the world’s tallest. The cityscape is interesting with modern skyscrapers complementing the still impressive colonial buildings. KL is the capital city and the seat of Parliament of Malaysia. The Istana Negara, residence of the Malaysian King is also found here. It is the business and economic centre of the country.
The multicultural backdrop (a mix of Chinese, Indians and Malays) complements the lovely skyline and urban landscape. Kuala Lumpur is a global city and that means it is comparable to the most modern cities in the world. Despite the continuous foray into urbanisation, it remains Asian to the core—mysteriously beautiful, warm and inviting.
Flying into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the easiest way to reach the city. From the airport, one can get to the inner city through the Express Rail Link (ERL). In a matter of 28 minutes, the city centre is yours for the taking. There are many modes of transportation available like LRT (light rail transit), buses, monorail, taxis and car hire.
The Kuala Lumpur City Centre KLCC is a good point to start. It is a very cosmopolitan place so the conveniences of a city life are found here, from shopping to dining to entertainment to various attractions. You wouldn’t miss the Petronas Twin Towers, an 88-story modern building that houses various offices, shops, art gallery and a great place to view the cityscape. A few minutes from the Petronas is the KLCC Park, a 50-acre urban development where visitors can picnic and enjoy the serene landscape. It’s a sanctuary in the heart of the city with 1,900 palm and indigenous trees surrounding the area that makes for a relaxing retreat. This is a fun place for the whole family as well, with amenities such as children’s playground, wading pool, jogging track, sculptures, benches and symphony fountain. Other attractions include Aquaria, a modern aquarium showcasing the country’s marine ecosystem. Just a stone’s throw away is the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the main venue for local and international performances and the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, a modern music hall used for world-class shows. Continue the tour by visiting the Old Railway Station (a 1910 showcase of Moorish architecture with attractive minarets and spirals), KL Tower off Jalan P. Ramlee (it has an observation deck and restaurant you can try), Central Market (for some local products such as batik, pottery, wood carving) in Jalan Hang Kasturi, Chow Kit Market (to check out fresh produce, clothing, shoes and other goods), National Monument (memorial for fallen soldiers), the Chinatown (for food and shopping opportunities), Old Post Office, hawker stalls along Petaling Street, and Jamek Mosque in Masjid Jamek Bandaraya along Jalan Tun Perak, one of the oldest mosque in the city built in 1909.
If you want to go on a nature trip, 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur is a limestone hill called Batu Caves, it is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Back in the city, there are plenty of city parks and gardens to explore further like the Perdana Lake Gardens, a 92-hectare garden located near the Malaysian Parliament building. Southeast Asia’s largest bird park, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is inside the park. Bukit Nanas, one of the world’s oldest virgin forests within a city; Bukit Sungai Putih and Bukit Sungai Besi Forest Reserves are all in the heart of the city too.
Kuala Lumpur is a city of pleasant surprises. Go enjoy its varied flavours and lively urban lifestyle.