Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as the locals call it) is the capital of Malaysia and – according to a 2019 study – the second-friendliest city in the world. The days when it all began as mudflats and tin deposits (in the 1850s) seem unimaginable compared to its current state. Today, Kuala Lumpur is the International Garden City of Lights, where shoppers are spoiled for choice. Gastronomy connoisseurs broaden their palates, party animals find sanctuaries, and nature-lovers are wowed.
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RM1 ~ US$0,25
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Banks: Monday-Friday 10.00 -15.00, Saturday 9.30 -11.30
Shops: Daily 10.00-22.00
Museums, galleries and parks: Daily 9.00-17.00
1.808 million (2017)
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50450, Kuala Lumpur
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Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cross-cultural influences and the result is an exciting mixture of cultures, costumes and cuisines; it is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is also one of the three Malaysian Federal Territories, together with Putrajaya and Labuan. The city is surrounded by satellite cities like the administrative capital Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Sunway (great amusement park), Cheras, Shah Alam, Subang and Petaling Jaya. KL consists of various districts with their own identities.
The Classic Centre is where KL was born, at the meeting of Klang and Gombak Rivers. You will find historical sites like the first large mosque Masjid Jamek, Central Market, Little India, Dataran Merdeka, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and the Selangor Club. Lively Chinatown is still authentic and features Petaling Street - Kuala Lumpur’s first market and various temples (Buddhist and Hindu). The Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower in the Grand Jalan Ampang district are hard to miss as they dominate the city’s skyline. The nostalgic Lake Gardens boasts the romantic park Taman Tasik Perdana, the Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum and the National Monument is just a stone’s throw away. The posh Bangsar is where Kuala Lumpur’s rich come out to play. The highlight is Jalan Telawi, packed with nightspots.
For shopping, head off into the direction of the hip Bukit Bintang which is dubbed “The Shopper’s Paradise.” Do the Bintang Walk and find out why! The rest of KL includes sights such as the Batu Caves Hindu Temple, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Park, Selangor Pewter, and the National Zoo. Or why not take a relaxing day, and just absorb the atmosphere of wandering through such diverse communities as Chinese, Malay, South Indian and East Malaysian and many more. Each community offers its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion, while lending its own unique additions to Malaysian culture.
Kuala Lumpur combines a modern city with an old feeling of the town. Visit for example the Petronas Twin Tower which used to be the highest buildings in the world or visit the oldest market in town where you can find lovely souvenirs to take home.
Menara KL Tower
Petronas Twin Tower and KLCC
Batu Caves
Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana)
Masjid Jamek Mosque
Old Railway Station
National Museum
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Islamic Arts Museum
Aquaria KLCC
Sri Mahamariamma
Petrosains Science Discovery Centre
Kampung Baru
KL Forest Eco Park
Royal Palace Istana Negara
Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Head to Jalan Alor for an al fresco meal at one of the many tables lining this KL street food hub, or try one of these similar spots favoured by locals: Pudu Wai Sek Kai (also known as 'Glutton Street'), an area referred to as Lucky Gardens (here, restaurant or cafe-type establishments are a good bet in terms of both quality and variety), plus eateries around Brickfields, home to KL's Little India, which translates into the dominant type of food offerings here.
Malaysian cuisine is a fusion of cultural influences. For instance, 'nasi lemak' is historically Malay, 'rojak' is Indian Muslim, 'char kuay teow' is Chinese and the spicy-hot 'laksa' is Nyonya (a mix of Malay and Chinese). Each culture emphasises different ingredients and flavours; for example, the Malay curry tastes tangier compared to the Indian.
Here's a list of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Bijan
Jalan Alor
Yarl Restaurant
ChoCha Foodstore
Chynna
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Dining in the Dark KL
Pinchos Tapas Bar
Din Tai Fung Pavilion KL
Betel Leaf
Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill
Loco Bar and Restaurant
Kuala Lumpur offers many cafe options, from the regular coffee drinker to the casual one. There is also a mixture of the types of cafes offered here, from outdoor locations where locals hang out to indoor cafes for a convenient shopping break. The numerous options of popular franchise chains and local cafes offer great choices for all coffee experiences.
Here's a list of the best cafes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Merchant's Lane
LOKL Coffee Co.
ChoCha Foodstore
Antipodean Cafe - Tan & Tan
Malaysia is a Muslim country, but non-Muslims are free to enjoy the alcoholic aspects of the nightlife. As dusk falls, Kuala Lumpur transforms itself into a vibrant city of entertainment and fun, becoming a playground for party-goers of all walks of life. The club culture is concentrated mainly in Jalan Telawi and Jalan P Ramlee.
Below are the best bars and nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Zouk KL
Marini's On 57
Suzie Wong
The Deceased
Zeta Bar
Esperance Nightclub
Mojo Restaurant & Bar
Shoppers will find their trip to Kuala Lumpur worthwhile to say the least. There are many ways to pursue your shopping needs from a shop house to a street stall, or from a night market (“pasar malam”) to a shopping mall. You may not always find exactly the same product but you have a lot of choice in price and quality. There are great shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, namely Suria KLCC (just below the Twin Towers) and Mid Valley Megamall, Bangsar Village. However, the most famous area for shopping is Bukit Bintang, with the highest density of malls and shops in the city. You can find anything from the smartest Japanese hi-tech gadget to the latest French designer piece.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Suria KLCC
Publika
Central Market
Sungei Wang Plaza
Mid Valley Megamall
Airports
There are two airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, 55 km from the city, and Subang Airport is 12 km from the city—just a quick taxi ride away. Subang Airport caters mostly domestic flights.
From KLIA to the Kuala Lumpur city centre you can take the high speed train KLIA Ekspres & KLIA Transit. Travelling time is 28 minutes for KLIA Ekspres and 35 minutes for KLIA Transit. www.kliaekspres.com
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Phone: +603 8776 2000 (KLIA)
Website: www.klia.com.my
More Information: www.malaysiaairports.com.my
Public Transport
Since most people don’t live downtown, the most common way of getting around in Kuala Lumpur is driving. There may be light traffic jams during rush hours, but nothing serious. However, for the visitor, the public transport system is well-expanded and consists of an underground system, a monorail line, a series of different train lines and several bus operators.
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Website: www.myrapid.com.my
More Information: www.klsentral.com.my
Taxi
If you are not familiar with the city and only staying for a short period, taxis can be the most convenient way of getting about. Taxis are easily available and economical. Fares are charged according to the zone and are subject to change. An extra 50 percent is added for services between 24.00 (midnight) and 6.00. All taxis should use meters.
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Phone: +60 3 62 59 20 20
Website: www.publiccab.com.my
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Post
There are several post offices in Kuala Lumpur. Most of them are open Monday to Saturday but each post office has different opening or closing hours.
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Website: www.pos.com.my
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Telephone
Country code: +60
Area code: 3
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Electricity
220-240 volts, 3 pin plugs
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