Introduction to Kuala Lumpur

The capital city and the most populous city of the Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is spread over an area of 94 sq miles and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2012.

The larger metropolitan area called Greater Kuala Lumpur is also popularly known as the Klang Valley. This is a huge urban conglomeration of a population of 7.2 million. Klang Valley is among the fastest growing regions in Malaysia in terms of population and economy. Kuala Lumpur is the political and administrative center of Malaysia. The official residence of the Malaysian King is also in this city. Kuala Lumpur is rated alpha world city and globally ranked 48^th among the world cities going by the Global Cities Index in 2010.

Facts about Kuala Lumpur

City	Kuala Lumpur
Country	Malaysia
Area	94 sq miles
Population	1.6 million
Average Day Temperature	80°F
Average Night Temperature	25°F
Currency	Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Dialling Code	+60
Major Airports	Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) & The Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport(SZB)
Geographic Coordinates	3°8′51″N  101°41′36″E
Time Zone	Malaysia Standard Time
Official Website	www.dbkl.gov.my

 

Historic Overview

The history of Kuala Lumpur dates back to 1850s when the Malay Chief of Klang, Raja Abdullah, was trying to develop the tin mines around this zone. Chinese laborers were hired and they landed at this confluence of the Sungai Gombak (earlier known as Sungai Lumpur which means the muddy river) and the Sungai Klang to open the mines at Ampang, Pudu, and Batuk. This developed into a major trading post as demand for tin grew and thus was born the frontier town which today has grown to be a global metropolis. In 1881, there was a major fire that almost engulfed the whole city, add to that it was hit by floods immediately after the fire. The whole city was rebuilt after these major natural disasters. During World War II, the Japanese had seized this city and held on for some time till they surrendered to the British Troops. The major population of the city consists of Malays and Chinese. Needless to say ethnic skirmishes have been written in bold letters too. In 1969, Kuala Lumpur witnessed the bloodiest ethnic riot. This resulted in a death toll of 196 and in the ended brought in reforms that changed trading monopolies of the Chinese.  

When to Visit Kuala Lumpur

This tropical paradise can be experienced almost round the year. If you are planning a visit stick to May – September or November – January end. It is never too hot or too cold in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy the tropical summer during May to September and experience the tropical monsoon too in May –September, the heavier rains happen during April – May and October – November. The festive season of December and January should never be given a miss. It is the peak tourism time and the festival fever never dies in Kuala Lumpur. The Mega Sale Carnival and the shopping festivals also happen during this period. However, tropical monsoon is also an attraction for many. You can enjoy sighting the turtles laying eggs on the beach during the peak monsoon months. Shopping Malls and Amusement Parks are there to quench your thirst for excitement all round the year. Whatever the season be, the beauty and charm of Kuala Lumpur never ceases to attract the tourist.  

Getting To Kuala Lumpur

Once you arrive at any of the two airports in Kuala Lumpur, you will be amazed at the organized transport network that this mega-polis has to offer. The nerve center is called Klang Sentral. Buses, taxis to all parts of Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore can be availed from here. The in city mono rail is just across the road from the Klang Sentral hub. Taxis take the same time as long distance buses, so if you are keen on budget traveling, traveling by bus would require the same time as traveling by taxicabs. Ideally it is best to move around Klang and Kuala Lumpur by hiring a car. There are many such agencies that let out cars provided you have the requisite driving permit to drive in Malaysia. This is a good option as there is nothing better than having your own means of communication. You would also find trains from the Klang Sentral that connects different parts of Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. But train travel time is slower than the roadways. KTM Komuter trains connect you to different zones in the Kuala Lumpur Metropolis. If you have time and would like to enjoy the train ride, then the train can be an option, otherwise stick to the roadways. If you are looking for ferry rides out of Kuala Lumpur to Bali, Sumatra, or Singapore, you have to travel to Port Klang and avail the ferry services. Most ferry services to & fro Kuala Lumpur also have car/bus carrying facilities.  

Truly Asia

For a tourist in Kuala Lumpur the options are endless. Even a seven days stay would seem to be too short. The must-see list is also long. To start with, The Petronas TwinTower is an architectural wonder and stands tall with 88 stories. It is the world’s third tallest building which is connected by a double-decker aerobridge on the 41st and 42nd floors. It is situated in the city center of Klang. The Menara KL Tower on the Bukit National Forest is a 421 meter high observation tower that gives you super panoramic view of the vast mega-polis. It is the world’s fifth tallest structure and the observation deck here is 100 meters higher than the aerobridge of the Twin Towers. For any tourist who visits Kuala Lumpur, this is also a must see. The most colorful and bustling zone of the city is the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. It is a must visit for shoppers to avail the best bargain on almost any products. It is deeply immersed in the finer nuances of the Oriental culture and heritage. The night market is a place of huge tourist attraction and as a tourist you surely wouldn’t want to miss this nocturnal event. The Batu Caves are an important destination too. You have to travel approximately 6 miles to the north from Kuala Lumpur city to reach Batu Caves. It is a limestone hill that comprises of 3 major caves and a temple that houses a Hindu idol that is more than 100 years old. It also comprises of sub-terrain lime stone formations that are said to be as old as 400 million years. It also houses an art gallery and a museum. Travel to Brickfields and visit the Little India of Kuala Lumpur. This is inhabited by Indians, Bangladeshis, and Sri Lankans. Little India boasts of budget eateries and Indian curry cuisines. You can also shop for exotic embroidery and silk work at Little India. Most of the shops and eateries remain open till late in the night. Do not miss the Central Market which used to be an unorganized wet market earlier, now boasts of a sprawling revamped structured shopping zone. It is popularly known as Pasar Seni and was built in 1928. It is an ideal zone to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts such as Malaysian batik and other merchandise. The Central Market is situated on the opposite bank of the Dayabumi Complex and boasts of an art-deco style building with local ‘Baroque’ trimmings. Also very important on this list is the Chow Kit market. This is recognized as one of the most infamous landmarks of Kuala Lumpur. It is located at the northern end of the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rehman. Even though Petaling Street is a glamorous place in the same area, Chow Kit Market has its own charm. The experience of serious bargaining is a way of life at the Chow Kit Market. South west of Kuala Lumpur lies another important tourist destination. The Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in South East Asia. It is located along the Jalan Klang Lama and overlooks the federal Highway. This six tiered Buddhist temple is also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. Dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou, who is said to protect fishermen, this temple is also a shrine where many come to worship Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. It was built by Klang’s Hainanese community in 1894. Another 100 year old temple is the Sri Mahashakti Mohambigai Amman Temple. It is a Hindu Temple and is located in the center of the Mid Valley City. Goddess Mohambigai is a combination Hindu Goddesses Parvathy, Saraswati and Laksmi. This shrine also has a huge bodhi tree with a statue of Lord Buddha meditating under this tree. There are two imposing statues at the entrance of the Temple. They are known as the Bhootangals and are believed to be guardians of the temple. For the nature lovers, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park offers a variety of ornithological delights. It is a lake and gardens situated in a 80 hectares area that houses over 3000 birds from 200 species from around the world. It is twice the size of Singapore’s famous Jurong Bird Park and houses more birds. It has a walk in aviary and a toy train that takes you across the bird park. The birds here are kept free and can be witnessed in their freedom.  

Activities to do in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a city full of exciting things to do. As a tourist you will have innumerable shopping options. Starting from the swankiest malls of Klang to the Oriental and Indian markets, it is a delight for the shopaholic. Though Bukit Bitang is the most popular shopping destination of Klang, tourists must remember that the city has many others for the shopper looking for a bit of retail therapy. Bukit Bitang is the place to be for everyone but serious shoppers cannot miss Petaling Street in Chinatown. Big brands to timeless antiques share a space at the Petaling Street boulevards. The Pavillion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall in the heart of Bukit Bitang shopping district is considered as one of the trendiest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. The KLCC at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers is a crescent shaped shopping mall that houses the world’s top brands and has mush more to offer. Don’t miss the oriental spas at the KLCC. Bukit Bitang also houses a few noteworthy shopping Malls namely, Low Yat Shopping Mall, Berjaya Times Square, Fahrenheit 88 Shopping Mall, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, and BB Plaza. These are all must visits for the serious shoppers who visit Kuala Lumpur. It is popularly believed that Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps. The night life of this city is bustling and very colorful. With a huge number of night clubs and nocturnal hangouts Kuala Lumpur never ceases to make the tourist run out of eventful options. There are a number of night clubs that tourists frequents to simply enjoy the clubbing and pubing experience of the city. Bukit Bitang and KLCC house the top notch night clubs of Kuala Lumpur. The night clubs of Chinatown, Jalan P Ramlee area are also very popular and frequented by the nocturnal revellers. Beach Club cafe, Bangsar, Hard Rock Cafe, Little Havan, Nouvo, Finnegan’s, Golden Triangle, Bliss, The Backroom, Hemingway’s and El Nino latin cafe are hugely popular too.  

Must Try Restaurants

For the gourmet, Kuala Lumpur has a host of cuisines to offer. The most popular restaurants of the city are:

• Frangapini, 25 Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, +603 2144 3001
• WiP, Lot G111, Ground Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof. +603 2094 1789, +604 2094 2789
• Enak KL, LG2, Feast Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur  +603 2141 8973
• 39 Restaurant, PNB Darby Park, 10-Jalan Binjai, 50450 KL. +603 7490 3333
• The Ming Room,  3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.  +603 2284 8822
• Bijan Bar & Restaurant, No. 3, Jalan Ceylon 50200, Kuala Lumpur. +603 2031 3575,  +603 2031 6568

 

Hotels In Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has all kinds of hotel accommodations. Be it super luxury class to the economic budget hotels, every tourist can avail the type of hotel he or she wishes to fit within the budget. Super Luxury Category Hotels: Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur, 168, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur 55100 Malaysia. +60-3 2142 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KualaLumpur   Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, 3 Jalan Pinang Kuala Lumpur +60-3-2147-1111 www.impiana.com/klcc   Mid Range Hotels: Double Tree (Hilton) Kuala Lumpur, The Intermark 348 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400, Malaysia. +60-3-2172 7272. www.doubletree3.hilton.com   Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur, 62, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. www.swissinnkualalumpur.com   Budget Hotels:  Prescott Inn Medan Tuanku Kuala Lumpur, 23 Lorong Medan Tuanku Satu, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. +60-3-2713-7887                                                                                                      www.eprescotthotel.com   The Malaysia Hotel, 67 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. +60-3-2144-7733 www.themalaysiahotel.com Last Updated on: May 28, 2012