KUALA LUMPUR OVERVIEW

Kuala Lumpur General Information

A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay. Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, cultureold world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.

Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.

KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of -the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other. Treat your tastebuds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.

The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.

Kuala Lumpur Places of Interest

   Petronas Twin Towers Standing Mejestically at a height of 451.9m, this gleaming structure of steel and glass is te tallest twin building in the word. Visit the famous skybrige on the 41st floor to view the city from a dizzying height.

  KL Tower have an unforgettable time at the world's fourth tallest tower. Dine in a revolving restaurant or enjoy forest walks and cultural performances. For an adrenalin rush, try the reverse bungry jump.

  National Museum Malaysia's premier museum is te repository for the nation's rich history and heritage, Built in 1963, its facade features a Minangkabau-styled roof and two impressive front murals. Highlights include the collection of keris or Malay dangger and ceramics from the Ming Dynasty.

  KL lake Gardens Enjoys verdant greenery in this refreshing enclave. Within the environs are the Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens, Deer Park, KL Butterfly Park and KL Bird Park.

  National Monument This Huge Bronze Monument pays tribute to the valiant soldiers who defending the country during the Communist Insurgency. It was designed by felix de Weldon, the architect of the famous Iwo Jimo Memorial.

  Istana Negara The Official residence of his Majesty The King of Malaysia is a stately mansion set within a beautifully landscaped garden. The daily changing of the guard attracts its fair share of visitors and photographers.

  Merdeka Square This is an important heritage site in the city. The Union jack was lowered here on 31 August 1957 marking Malaysia's independence from colonial rule. The nearby Sultan Abdul Samad Building is another heritage site.

  Masjid negara This is the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It has a unique stylised star-shaped dome representing the 13 states of malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. Its 73m high minaret stands impressively against te skyline.

  Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex Styles like s malay village, this complex is an artists' colony housing handicraft shops , an art workshop, craft museum and food court. Shop for the best malay ethnic crafts, or try your hand at batik-painting. To vuew a fine traditional Malay house, visit The Heritage Centre nearby.

  Malaysia tourism Centre An important historical landmark, this building served as the military base of the Bristish army and the headquarters of the japanese army during World Wars 2. Today it is a one-stop centre offering a host of facilities for tourists.

  KL Railway Station An splendid building with Moorish architecture as well as graceful arches and minarets. It was the hub fo the nation's rail transportation system before the modern KL Sentral Station was built.

  Masjid jamek Built in 1909, this mosque occupies a historic location at the confluence of the klang and Gombak rivers, the birthplace of kuala Lumpur. It is the city's oldest surviving mosque. nearby is masjid India, built in southern Indian style.

  Sze Ya Temple This is oldest Taoist temple in the city with a history dating back to 1864. It features an ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges.

  Thean Hou Temple Golden roofed pagodas and strings of lanterns are impressive features of this temple. Location inside are three majestic statues of deities.

  Sri Maha Mariamman Temple one of the most elaborate Hindu temples in the country, it boasts a magnificent 22m high gate tower and portico adorned with intricately carved images of Hindu deities.