Kuala Lumpur
Bustling and Colorful City Life
Kuala Lumpur has retained and maintained many colonial and historical buildings including many serene and relaxing places, like the lush green Lake Gardens and Tasik Titiwangsa. The capital’s landscape is a mix of modern and traditional structures, pre-war shops and residential houses. Its diverse ethnic mix also makes a visit in Kuala Lumpur truly fascinating and exciting, making it a one of a kind Asian experience.
Thus, in this youngest capital in Asia, young and old tourists will never run out of places to visit and things to do. They can choose and enjoy different activities to perk their days and nights or even simply to relax and enjoy Kuala Lumpur.
A glimpse in Kuala Lumpur’s history and diverse culture
Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1857 as a tin mining post and it was made a capital by the Federated Malay States in 1896. Literally, the Kuala Lumpur means ‘muddy estuary’ but now, it is considered as one of the wealthiest in Southeast Asia. It also boosts with a modern airport with international direct flights and it housed one of the world’s tallest buildings, Petronas Towers.
It was also in Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur where Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957. While four decades after, the economic boom has seen the construction of skyscrapers and establishment of modern transportation system.
The population of Kuala Lumpur is about 55% of Malaysian Chinese descent. However, other ethnic groups like the Chinese and Indians add color and diversity as evident in the choices in food and activities. The streets reflect its colorful ethnic mix in its various dialects, and unique and delectable cuisines like Nasi lemak or creamy rice, Rendang or dry curry, Sambal or a variety of chilli sauces, Satay or barbecued skewers of chicken or beef with spicy peanut-based dipping sauce, Mee rebus (egg noodles in sweet chilli-based broth), and Acar, a thinly sliced and pickled vegetables and fruits like cucumber, pineapple and carrot.
Things You Need to Know and Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
The capital is located in the northern part of the equator, it has a usually warm tropical weather with occasional rainfall depending on the month you choose to visit—nights and days may be colder during the rainy months from October to March, while May to July are relatively drier. Day temperatures are usually between 29°C – 35°C while 26°C – 29°C during the night time.
The currency in Kuala Lumpur is called a Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Its conversion is around 10 MYR to 4 Singapore Dollar. So, when deciding where to stay, know how your Malaysian Ringgits are converted and choose from a wide list of hotels and accommodations that fit your budget and preference.
You can choose from a list of international luxury hotels with swimming pools, shops fitness centres, and other amenities; youth hostels or medium and budget hotels like City Hotel along Petaling Street in Chinatown. Swiss Hotel located near some popular tourist attractions like Melayu street, Masjid India, Chinatown, KLCC, Dataran Merdeka, etc. Hotel China Town Inn for cost-conscious tourists or the Mayview Glory Hotel located in serene and quiet part of the city.
However, for those who are looking for luxury and international amenities, you can choose from Nikko Hotel, Hotel Maya, The Gardens Hotels and Residences, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Pacific Regency, Ritz Carlton, The Royale Chulan, JW Marriot Hotel, and many more.
Places to visit and enjoy
When exploring the many exciting places in Kuala Lumpur, it is advisable that visitors wear light clothing like T-shirts and short pants. Also bring sunglasses and caps, and you are set to visit:
- The City Centre and find the colonial structures like Merdeka Square, Selangor Club and Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It is also where you will find Chinatown.
- Golden Triangle where you will find the shopping centers, party areas, five-star hotels and the second world’s tallest building, Petronas Twin Towers.
- Tuanku Abdul Rahman is a traditional and colorful shopping area where the festivals of Deepavali Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr) are held. You can also find the Putra World Trade Centre and the Kampung Baru food haven.
- Brickfields in which you will find KL railway station and Little India for the colorful and festive saree shops and banana leaf rice restaurants.
- Other must-see places are Bangsar Midvalley, Damamsara and Hartamas, Ampang where most foreign embassies are located, Northern Suburbs for Batu Caves, Southern Suburbs where KL’s stadium and The Mines theme park are located.
