Kuala Lumpur Malaysia travel and tourist guide
Kuala Lumpur is a huge city where anything goes
Kuala Lumpur is a brilliant destination for a couple of days stopover before visiting the rest of Malaysia, but also has enough sights, shopping and entertainment to keep tourists busy for much longer. The bright lights of KL are a glowing testament to the resurgent Malaysian economy and the city is home to a growing throng of expats who work with the big multinational oil and media companies.
Below is a brief introduction to the Malaysian capital but for a comprehensive guide visit 1stopKualaLumpur.
Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
The number one sight to be visited on any tour of KL must be the Petronas Twin Towers. These 88-floor iconic edifices (eight being a lucky number for the Chinese) cost US$1.6billion to build and were the tallest buildings in the world before being usurped by Taipei 101. Arrive here early to get the best chance of walking between the towers on the unique skybridge which links the pair at the 41st floor. More on the Petronas Twin Towers.
Another must-see Kuala Lumpur attraction is the National Mosque. This glorious multi-domed building was constructed in 1965 and can house 15,000 worshippers. Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, it features a minaret 73 metres high and an 18-pointed star main roof which resembles a folded umbrella. Nearby Dataran Merdaka is were the Malaysian nation was born and worth dropping by, whilst Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a remarkable feat of British colonial architecture.
The National Museum is situated on Jalan Damansara near the Perdana Lake Gardens. It provides an extensive insight into Malaysian culture and history with exhibits for all ages. Dioramas depict early village life in the territory whilst prehistoric excavations have thrown up hundreds of awe-inspiring finds. And Central Market is the perfect place for picking up some gifts for friends and family back home. More on sightseeing in KL.
Shopping is a major pastime for Kuala Lumpur residents and there are grand markets and malls here to rival anywhere else in the world. Every European fashion house imaginable is represented with leading names from Asian electronics firms also doing a roaring trade in centres like Pavillion and Suria KLCC. And remember to pick up some authentic batik clothing for perfect souvenirs. More on shopping in KL.
Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is blessed with hundreds of first class accommodation choices and some of the finest hotels in Asia are found here. All the big multinational names such as Le Meridien, Sheraton and Hilton can be found and offer fantastic discounts through our online booking partners. Most high-end hotels are situated in the Golden Triangle hospitality district which is perfect for shopping, eating and nightlife as well. More KL hotels.
Budget travellers visiting Kuala Lumpur will find no shortage of cheap options. Centred around the bustling Chinatown neighbourhood, there are countless guesthouses catering for backpackers in KL which offer a bed for only a few dollars and usually tour bookings, internet access, bars and even complimentary breakfast included in the price. More on KL guesthouses.
Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur
Eating in Kuala Lumpur is one of life’s great pleasures with a myriad of options greeting visitors here.
Both those on a tight budget and with cash to splash will be amazed by the choices on offer, with banana-leaf restaurants in Little India serving up spicy sambal and dosas for just a few ringgits and specialist sushi houses in the city centre offering Oriental delicacies prepared with aplomb. More on KL restaurants.
Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur
There are many different bars in KL for every possible taste. Sports fans will have no problem watching the big match whilst those who want to boogie until dawn should head to the nightclubs of KLCC such as Zouk or Nouvo. Bangsar is the chic new expat neighbourhood to the west of the city centre with numerous drinking holes catering for moneyed industrialists. But backpackers can find cheap beer deals in Chinatown pubs such as Reggae Bar, but remember that this is a Islamic country and so alcohol is prohibitively taxed and perhaps as expensive as anywhere in Asia. More on KL nightlife.
Transport in Kuala Lumpur
Getting to Kuala Lumpur is relatively easy with most visitors arriving at the international airport not far from the city centre. From here it is a swift 30-minute train to KL Sentral Station – the city’s main rail hub.
Passengers arriving at the low cost LCCT terminal must make do with a 90-minute coach transfer or inexpensive taxi.
Around town, the cheap and efficient metro system is easy to fathom and glides over the city in air conditioned comfort. Alternatively, cabs can be found on every corner with the only difficulty trying to persuade drivers to turn on their meter (always agree a price beforehand if they are reluctant).
Getting out of town is easy with direct train services all the way to Singapore to the south or Bangkok to the north. Alternatively there are four bus terminals linking the capital with every possible destination, the most important of which is Pudu Raya Bus Station which is just a short walk from Chinatown. More on transport in KL.
