Known simply as “KL,” this capital city was once a small, sleepy village where mining was the main industry. Today, it has undergone an extreme makeover and become a city of 1.6 million people that is among the world’s most sophisticated urban holiday destinations. It’s a sprawling city that seems to go on forever, but in reality, its distinct districts are easily navigated, even for the first-time visitor. Getting around is inexpensive with the rapid transit network or RapidKL. And trains go from the airport straight into the city.
The City Centre has some architectural beauties from its colonial days and an area that is called Chinatown. When you hear someone mention the Golden Triangle, they are referring to an area northeast of the centre where you’ll find grand-scale hotels, shopping malls, nightclubs, as well as the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Moving north of the city, you get a feel for the diverse cultural mix of Kuala Lumpur in Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The traditional shopping district shares its space with budget friendly accommodations, festivals, food markets and the huge Putra World Trade Centre. This is the place to get fantastic bargains on handbags, watches, sunglasses, and clothing. Don’t miss the Brickfields area, home to Little India. Browse the stores for beautiful Indian fabrics and inexpensive restaurants.
Malaysians love great food and you’ll find it in abundance in Kuala Lumpur. You can eat very well and not have to spend a lot of your holiday budget. A quick snack (like rotis or curry) can be found at street food stalls and they’re open late at night if you need a little something after a night of dancing. Fine restaurants are plentiful in the Golden Triangle and Bangsar regions. From Middle Eastern to Korean and Malay, Kuala Lumpur has delicious choices, sure to satisfy every palate.
If you did nothing but shop, you’d be thrilled to see just how much your money buys.
Even five-star hotels are reasonably priced and accessible to most travelers.
When you want to get away from the bustle of the city, a one-hour trip to Kuala Selangor is a treat. It’s famous for a nightly show of fireflies and for fantastic seafood restaurants.