Overview

Kuala Lumpur is an exciting, modern city that has managed to retain a great deal of its colonial charm. Here you'll find colonial buildings designed by prominent British architects next to Indian-style mosques and Chinese temples. Two impressive skyscrapers, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers, boast observation decks that provide visitors with outstanding views over the city. On the ground level, Chinatown serves up spicy Cantonese cuisine and supports lively shopping areas. To escape the bustle of the city, head for the Lake Gardens district and stroll through the botanical gardens found here.

Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

Kuala Lumpur's most prominent mosque is a century old and stands at the convergence of the Gomback and Klang rivers. It sports three onion domes and intentionally models itself after India's Mogul Mosque. Designed by the same architect who worked on the Sultan Abdul Samad Buildling (AB Hubbock), the mosque features soaring minarets and stands a world apart from the modern skyscrapers surrounding it.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

A British project dating to the mid-19th century, this building is distinctly more Asian (and less Islamic) than others in Kuala Lumpur. Upon opening, this building served as Malaysia's administrative seat and it continues to serve today's government as a courthouse. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is central to New Year's Eve and National Day celebrations.

Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown is an atmospheric district with a subculture all of its own. The best way to take it all in is on a walking tour during which you can admire the colonial-era architecture, Chinese temples and historic shops that characterise this part of town. Stop by the lively Petaling Market for bargains on clothing, snacks and handicrafts. Of course, Chinese cuisine abounds in Chinatown, with an emphasis on Cantonese cooking.

KL Tower

Easily spotted from anywhere in city centre, this soaring tower has the highest viewing platform in the city. If you're interested in learning more about the making of the building, be sure to catch the short film (included in the admission price) on the base floor. The observation deck is reached via an express lift that rockets passengers to the city's ceiling. The views from here are well worth the trip.

Lake Gardens

The Lake Gardens district is a beautifully landscaped colonial neighbourhood that was once home to British officials. A few of these majestic residences still stand, adding an air of nostalgia to this rapidly modernising city. Nature is the main attraction here, and visitors can paddle out onto Lake Perdana, view a variety of bird species at the aviary, take a tour of the galaxies at the onsite planetarium or learn about Malaysian insects at the Tama Rama Rama centre. A botanical garden and a deer park are also found here.

Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers loom over the city, and there was a time when they held the title of world's tallest building. They've since been surpassed by towers in Taipei and Dubai, but this doesn't detract from their allure. The most exciting feature of the Twin Towers is the soaring suspension bridge that connects them. Courageous visitors can walk onto the bridge and get an outstanding aerial view of Kuala Lumpur. Be advised that lines for the bridge can be long, as no more than 1,200 people are allowed on it at a time.

Overview

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis with an endless array of activities on hand. While cosmopolitan pastimes like dining and shopping are foremost on most visitors' lists, there are several other activities on hand including bowling, swimming, jogging and cycling. Rock climbing is possible at the nearby Batu Caves, which is also an important Hindu site. For Las Vegas style entertainment, head to Genting Highlands in the distant hills.

Golfing

Kuala Lumpur's status as a convention and business centre has spurred a local interest in golf. Several courses are open to non-members, including Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Awana Golf and Country Club (in Genting Highlands) and Saujana Golf and Country Club. These and other courses hire out all of the necessary equipment so those who travel without their clubs don't need to worry.

Rock climbing

While outdoor adventure sports don't readily come to mind in a metropolitan centre like this, the surrounding countryside holds a few climbing areas. Batu Caves are only a few miles north of the city and offer some low-key walls that be scaled with light equipment. This also doubles as an important Hindu shrine that lights up during Thaipusam Festival early in the year.

Gambling

Genting Highlands is an entertainment-driven city tucked into the hills within convenient reach of Kuala Lumpur. Locals head here for weekends of casino gaming, golfing and a host of other activities. The casino is open 24 hours and has its own hotel. Families will find child-friendly attractions at the local amusement park.

Spa treatments

Those looking to escape life in the city may consider an excursion to the Hot Water Springs Recreation Park. Thermal springs feed heated pools that can accommodate several people at once. Groups and families can rent semi-private bathing areas. Picnics are also popular here, especially at weekends when the park can become crowded. Spa treatment facilities are also found in many upmarket hotels as well as in the Golden Triangle shopping district.

Bowling

Bowling is a city sensation in Kuala Lumpur, and it's a great way to mix with locals in a familiar environment. There are several world-class bowling alleys in the city that stay open late in every season, and the air-conditioning can be a welcome relief during the hot season. Lanes are well-priced, making this the perfect activity for groups and large families.

Fitness facilities

There are a number of ways to stay fit during your visit to Kuala Lumpur. Fitness centres are found throughout the city, most of which offer day and week passes for visitors. Larger facilities have public swimming pools, and there are also several independently-operated pools on hand. Jogging and cycling are also possible away from areas of heavy traffic, especially in the Lake Garden district.

Dining and shopping

Kuala Lumpur excels in dining and shopping, and the city is well equipped in both of these departments. The Shopping Carnival is a two-week extravaganza held in October and draws shoppers from across the region seeking variety and discounts. On the other hand, eating out is a serious affair in every season, with inexpensive, international fare available across the city.

The diversity of dining options in Malaysia's capital is astounding. Visitors will find authentic Malay, Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants everywhere, so a visit to Kuala Lumpur is like a culinary tour of the Asian continent. French, Italian, Japanese and American eateries are also widely available. Food hawkers on the street serve some of the best authentic Malay food at unbelievably low prices.

There are a number of distinct dining districts in the city. Chinatown supports countless street vendors serving noodles and other quick dishes, and you'll also find a number of mid-range Cantonese restaurants here. For something quick and uncomplicated, take a seat at one of the dozens of food stalls in Petaling Market.

Little India is just as tantalising, and the focus shifts to spicy curries and saffron rice. Buffets and thalis (mixed plates featuring several items and rice) are the centrepiece in Little India, so it's possible to sample a wide variety of food in a single visit.

Despite the name, Malaysian coffee shops (kedai kopi) don't necessarily serve coffee. They are clustered around food courts on Jalan Sultan, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Hang Lekir as well as in the Golden Triangle area. These venues open after dark and serve budget cuisine in open-air environs.

For a more refined dining experience, head to Heritage Row, the Golden Triangle or Bangsar. There are several mid-range and upscale restaurants here serving international and Malay fare.

A shopper's tour of Kuala Lumpur begins in the Golden Triangle at Bintang Market (Bukit Bintang). This area is also home to the city's greatest concentration of shopping malls, where you'll find designer fashions, accessories, shoes and electronics. The Golden Triangle is backed by a large selection of restaurants, bars and clubs that keep the district alive well after nightfall.

Suria KLCC has large upscale mall at the base of the Petronas Towers. Here you will find designer labels as well as mid-range department stores and eateries. The best place to browse electronic goods is at Low Yat Plaza, which is also in this district. Midvalley is situated south of the city and hosts Megamall, the city's largest shopping facility.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is a lively shopping district near the Golden Triangle. This area is strongly associated with the Indian community and the markets here deal in Indian-style handicrafts and souvenirs. Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa festivals are held here in their seasons, adding colour to the already lively market area.

There are several traditional market areas for those who have had their fill with the malls. Central Market in the city centre is a cultural gem equally suited for shopping or sightseeing. The market mainly hosts handicrafts and unusual collectables. Meanwhile, Petaling Market is the focal point of Chinatown and deals in myriad souvenirs, folk art, counterfeit handbags and Chinese food products.

Kuala Lumpur's dining scene is as international as it gets, with chefs drawing on Asian, Western and Middle Eastern influences (among many others) to create their menus. Some of the finest establishments are operated in conjunction with five-star hotels or high-end shopping centres, but this doesn't mean prices are unreasonable. While restaurants can be found in every price range, visitors will find that most establishments cater to locals and expatriates as much as to tourists, and prices remain much lower than in the West.

Overview

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main gateway to Malaysia, offering regular international connections to worldwide destinations as well as extensive domestic connections. Visitors arriving from Thailand or Singapore can arrive by train or bus, while ocean-bound travellers can travel from Sumatra and other Indonesian destinations to a nearby port. Public transportation in the city consists of a monorail, commuter trains, buses and taxis.

Airports

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located just over 30 miles southwest of the city in Sepang. Fifty carriers operate here, proving transportation to and from cities across the world. This is Malaysia's gateway facility, and it boasts a newly opened discount carrier terminal hosting Tiger Airways, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific.

Facilities at KLIA are vast. There is a broad selection of shopping outlets ranging from boutique gift shops to duty-free outlets. Restaurants, cafés, bars and fast-food stands are also available. Visitors will find childcare facilities, ample ATMs, a fitness centre with showers, business centres, a medical clinic and pharmacy, and postal facilities.

Transportation to the city centre takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The KLIA express train offers quick and reliable transit to the city centre with departures scheduled every 15 minutes. There is also a commuter train that connects to the suburbs. Coaches depart from Block C and travel time is nearly an hour. Taxis and hire cars can make use of the new Airport Expressway.

Before KLIA opened in 1998, Subang Airport was the city's major air hub. Today it handles smaller aircraft and charter flights, with regular domestic connections (via Firefly and Berjaya Air) to Penang, Pangkor Island, Redang Island and Tioman Island. There is a single international flight scheduled to Thailand's Koh Samui. Taxis and an express bus serve Subang Airport.

Public transportation

Many visitors bound for Kuala Lumpur from other Malaysian cities or even from Thailand make use of the excellent rail infrastructure. Sleeper trains travel from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, with onward overnight connections to Singapore. KL Sentral Station is the primary rail hub in town, and travellers have the option of booking a variety of classes.

Long-haul coaches arrive at Puduraya bus station on the outskirts of Chinatown. The bus network is extensive, with connections to every major city on the peninsula and services to Singapore and Thailand. There is a secondary bus station located next to the Malaysia Tourism Centre in the heart of the city.

It is also possible to arrive by ferry at Klang, roughly 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur. Transit to and from Klang is straightforward as this is a well-established means of arriving in the capital. The port here offers regular crossings to Indonesia including Sumatra.

Once based in the city, visitors have access to an excellent public transportation network. The light rail transit service (LRT) offers a variety of trains which run on three separate lines. RapidKL, KL Monorail and KTM Komuter trains access all of the city's main sights and are the easiest means of getting around. Buy your ticket at the station and then proceed through the turnstile.

Buses are also convenient for tourists, especially the City Shuttle which offers inexpensive day passes and operates 20 routes through major tourist districts. Alternatively, taxis are everywhere. Fares increase between 24:00 and 06:00, when the LRT stops running. Driving in the city can be hectic, with heavy traffic, intermittent one-way roads and inadequate signage. Hire cars are readily available but are not for the faint of heart.