Surrounded by steamy jungles and shaped by British colonists, Chinese laborers and Indian migrants, Kuala Lumpur is just as much defined by its deep-seated Malay culture. KL, as it is known to those familiar with it, displays a towering skyline above a bustling metropolis filled with multicultural neighborhoods and buildings that create a storyline telling how this capital of Malaysia became a thriving, modern city. Choosing what to see and do in KL is like selecting the best entree from vast menu in a good restaurant: It’s difficult, but it can be done when you consider your taste preferences.
Sky High Views
- The most dominating of structures in KL’s skyline, 1,480-foot tall twin Petronas Towers were the world’s tallest buildings when opened in 1998. Still among the world’s tallest structures, the skyscrapers’ Islamic contours symbolize the country’s aspirations and allow you to get your bearings in the city. Ride an express elevator to the Skybridge, which links the towers about half-way up, or go higher to the 86th floor observation deck. Another height-defying structure, the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower invites you to dine at almost 1,400 feet above the traffic in a revolving restaurant, or to view the city from an observation area, not unlike Seattle’s Space Needle.
Shop Till You Drop
- Kuala Lumpur’s bargains are the kind you could write home about. At the base of the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC offers just about everything luxurious to downright inexpensive. For a little kitsch with lots of bargains, go the hub of KL’s Chinatown, Petaling Street Market. There, you can find items ranging from Petronas Towers paper weight souvenirs to Rolexes. Shopping, eateries and entertainment abound in the city’s Bintang Walk, or Bukit Bintang District. This is home to Bukit Bintang Plaza, a well-known discount mall, with an estimated 500 outlets bearing merchandise with names like Gucci and Burberry. Sungei Wang Plaza and BB Plaza, also in the Bukit Bintang District, may not be as glitzy as their counterparts, but if you’re looking for a good deal you can always start or finish your spree where the locals shop.
- Arts and Museums
- The National Art Gallery displays collections and works emphasizing Malay artists, with rotating international and Asian exhibits. Explore the Malayan timeline captured in artifacts from prehistoric times, the Kingdom period, colonial times and Malay-Islamic development at the National Museum. Near the modernist National Mosque, you can admire the Islamic Arts Museum’s intricate architecture, and step inside to take in a presentation of arts ranging from geometric tile designs and jewel inlaid swords to 19th century Ottoman furnishings. The Royal Museum and National Palace is the former abode of Malaysia’s royals, where you can now tour the private living quarters of the King and Queen. Listen to symphonic music at the base of the Petronas Towers in the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, a concert hall showcasing the Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra.
Experience Culture
- Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. One of the best ways to witness Malay culture and history is via the Kuala Lumpur Culture and Arts Walking Tour. Chinatown historically produced tapioca, and is known as Chee Cheong Kai, which means starch factory street, and here you can see one of the richest displays of Chinese culture, history and cuisine in Southeast Asia. Visit Little India with its wafts of curry, arts and crafts. Downtown at Capital Square, events at the Indian Cultural Centre will help you understand Indian traditions, heritage and values.
Outdoor Attractions
- Visit the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, an emerald jewel in the midst of the city that encompasses a number of top attractions, including the KL Bird Park, the Butterfly Park, Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens and the Royal Malaysian Police Museum. Outside KL, Batu Caves is accessed by climbing 272 steps up limestone karst crags to three caves of temples and shrines. The sacred place attracts most crowds during Thaipusam, an annual Hindu festival.
