|
Kuala Lumpur Destination:
The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see
| |
|
|
|
|
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is located on the west coast of Peninsula of Malaysia. Covering some 243 sq km, it lies approximately 40 km from the coast. Kuala Lumpur -or KL as it is commonly called- lies in a valley surrounded by jagged hills. Kuala Lumpur was originally a mining settlement in the late 1800s where tin was discovered at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Although KL's tin trade has declined since, the prosperity of the city has continued to grow.
Today, KL is home to 1.5 million people within the city proper, and more than 6 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. It is the political and cultural centre of the nation. Kuala Lumpur leads Malaysia's fast paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism. Malaysia is considered one of the fastest growing country in South-East Asia
|
|
Kuala Lumpur has plenty to offer in terms of sights and shopping. Not to be missed is the Petronas Twin Towers at the heart of the city, one of the modern marvels of the world. The Towers are called Menara (Malay for "tower") 1 and 2, and until October 2003, they were the tallest buildings in the world. The towers are connected at the 41 and 42 level by a Skybridge. This is open to visitors on Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.30am to 5pm. At the foot of the towers, there is the superb KLCC shopping mall, offering brand-name items, superb eateries and several attractions such as the Petrosains Discovery Centre and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) is easily accessible by taxi and the Light Rapid Transit train system. It is also within walking distance of major city hotels. ...
Another vantage point for a bird's-eye-view of KL is the KL Tower ("Menara KL") a telecommunication tower (www.kuala-lumpur.ws/menarakl). The uniquely designed building resembles a giant baby's rattle and is one of the world's tallest concrete structures at 421m. The tower has an observation deck offering a 360-degree view of the city, and a restaurant serving a scrumptuous buffet lunch and dinner. Reservations are needed as it is usually fully booked.
|
|
|
|
|
Dataran Mardeka
Facing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square, an immaculately-tufted 8.2 hectare area of historical interest. A 100 meter-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 signifying the independence of the country from British rule. At the opposite end of the square is an inviting spot where visitors can relax amid soothing rushing waters of fountains, elegant colonnades and colorful beds of zinnias and marigolds. Beneath the square is Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex.
|
| |
|
|
Sultan Abdul Saman Building
A stately, historic building rich in character, it was built in 1897 to house several important government departments during the British administration. This Moorish-inspired building, topped by a shiny copper dome and a 40m high clock tower, is a major landmark in the city. It serves as the backdrop for important events such as the National Day Parade on August 31 and the ushering in of the New Year. This heritage buildings now occupied by the Supreme Court and the Textile Museum. |
| |
|
|
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate Malaysia's emergence as South East Asia's commercial and cultural centre. Celebrated as one of the tallest towers in the world, the buildings stand at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and are joined by a skybridge |
| |
|
|
Lake Gardens
These 60-hectare (148-acre) gardens established in 1888 form the green belt of Kuala Lumpur. The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake. Visitors can take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water (RM4 per hour: Saturdays, 2pm to 5.30pm and Sundays |
| |
|
|
National Museum
Malaysia’s historical artefacts and cultural icons are housed in an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. |
| |
|
|
National Mosque
A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in South East Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. |
| |
|
|
Chinatown
This is the home of applied arts. Due to the sheer variety and scale of exhibits there is bound to be something to grab your attention. It has the world`s largest collection of Indian art outside India, Chinese, Islamic, Japanese and Korean galleries, more Constable paintings than the Tate; seven Raphael masterpieces and sizable collection of miniatures, watercolours and medieval and Renaissance sculpture, and a splendid collection of Samurai swords, among other things. It is located near South Kensington tube station, at Cromwell road, SW7. Tel: 0207 942 2000. |
| |
|
|
Kualalumpur Railway Station
British architect, AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station. Spires, minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
