Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

The city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia seems like a place which can’t seem to decide on what it wants to be. As a result, it offers tourists everything and lets them decide what they want to experience. This is a city where tourist can find towering skyscrapers, lush forests, mega malls, quaint bazaars, and delicious food at almost every corner. This city is home to a number of different Asian cultures and each of them has added its own distinct flavor to the melting pot that is Kuala Lumpur.

Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers: No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without visiting the structures that have become integral landmarks of Malaysia. The towers were once the tallest man-made structures in the world until 2004 when the Taipei 101 was completed. However, this hasn’t affected the popularity of the Towers a bit as tourists still flock to the observation deck on the 86^th floor to get a bird’s eye view of the city. The Skybridge that connects the two towers is located at levels 41 and 42 and offersamazing great vistas of the city.

Batu Caves: Located just 11 km north of Kuala Lumpur, The Batu Caves are a series of caves inside a limestone hill. There are three main caves and a number of smaller caves in the area. The caves contain a 100-year old temple with idols places inside as well as around the area. The caves are amongst the most popular tourist attraction in Malaysia and during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, they attract thousands of devotees. Most of the participating devotees carry decorated carriers called kavadi and have their bodies pierced with metal hooks and skewers. These are only removed once the devotees have climbed up the 272 steps that lead to the temple.

Aquaria KLCC: Located in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the Aquaria is home to over 150 different species of marine life ranging from sharks, sea snakes, rays, seahorses and fishes. They also have feeding shows featuring many different animals such as piranhas, sharks, otters and more. The highlight of the aquarium is the 90 m long tunnel with a moving walkway. The tunnel has a transparent ceiling and goes through one of the tanks so tourists feel as though they are under the water. Other attractions include a DNA Touch Pool where tourists are encouraged to touch and feel textures of live creatures such as box crabs, corals, sea cucumbers, starfish and more.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park: This place is a must for any avian aficionado. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park has over 3,000 birds, which are free to fly in their respective enclosures. The park is divided into multiple enclosures, each with its own specific variety of birds. Some of these enclosures are Brahminy Land, Flamingo Pond, World of Parrots, Hornbill Park and many more. Unlike zoos where tourists don’t get to see the birds from behind a cage, here they actually get to enter their world and watch themas they go about their lives.

Jalan Alor: The bustling street of Jalan Alor is a Mecca for foodies the world over. The streets are lined with restaurants and hawkers and the aromas wafting from each of them is enough to make anyone drool. The restaurants and hawkers sell all kinds of dishes ranging from chicken, beef, oysters, pork and so much more. One of the best parts about Jalan Alor is that most of the items are incredibly cheap, so anyone will be able to enjoy a scrumptious meal.

Central Market: A must for shopaholics, the Central Market is a great place to pick up a souvenir to remember your stay in Kuala Lumpur. The focus of the market is on handicrafts so tourists will come across some great examples of batik, embroidery, sculptures and a lot more. The market is divided into many different zones with the aim of showcasing the variety of different cultures that live in Kuala Lumpur.

Where is Kuala Lumpur?

This city is located in the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Selangor.

Kuala Lumpur Map

How to Reach?

By Air

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located about 67 km from the city center. Driving the distance will take about an hour.

By Rail

KL Sentral Railway Station is the main railway hub of the city. In addition to providing train services to various parts of the city, it also offers an express service to the airport.

By Road

As the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur has an extensive network of roads that connect it to nearby areas.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

The U Pac Hotel and the V Garden Hotel are excellent choices for budget travelers. ParkRoyal Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur and the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral should be good enough for mid-range travelers. Those looking to splurge should check out the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur and the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur Facts

• The Malay word Kuala Lumpur means ‘muddy river’ as the city is located at the confluence of the Gombak River and Klang River.
• This city was founded by Chinese tin miners in 1857.
• While the Petronas Twin Towers are no longer the tallest buildings in the world, they are still the tallest twin structures.

Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur

The months from May to July are considered to be the best time to visit the city as the country faces a dry spell that results in clear skies and mild temperatures.

Information about Kuala Lumpur

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

Malaysian is the official language of Malaysia. However, majority of the people in Kuala Lumpur speak English and since the city is so ethnically diverse, tourists may also come across people speaking Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil and more.

What clothing should be worn in Kuala Lumpur?

The climate of the Kuala Lumpur is equatorial with consistent temperatures throughout the year. It is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing. Light woolens will be needed when visiting highland areas.

Image credits: naim fadil

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