Introducing Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur – KL to its friends – is more than just a capital city: it is a monument to Malaysian ingenuity and determination. From humble beginnings as a tin-mining shanty town, KL has evolved into a 21st-century metropolis, dominated by the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia and flush with the proceeds of international trade and commerce. Over the years, KL has faced its share of challenges but nothing has succeeded in suppressing the determination of locals to make KL, and Malaysia, a leader among Asian tiger economies.
Advertisement
The marketing slogan for the Malaysian tourist board is ‘truly Asia’ and nowhere is this more true than in the capital. KL is every inch the Asian cyber-city: historic temples and mosques rub shoulders with space-age towers and shopping malls; traders’ stalls are piled high with pungent durians and counterfeit DVDs; and locals sip cappuccino in wi-fi–enabled coffee hops or feast at bustling streetside hawker stalls serving food from across the continent.
The most striking thing about KL from a visitor’s perspective is its remarkable cultural diversity. Ethnic Malays, Chinese prospectors, Indian migrants and British colonials all helped carve the city out of the virgin jungle, and each group has left its indelible mark on the capital. Eating, shopping and nightlife are undeniable highlights of any visit to KL, but don’t restrict yourself to the city – there are numerous parks and monuments dotted around KL that make easy day trips for a break from the hustle and bustle.
Ready to go?
- Discover the best of Malaysia in 14 days
- Spend a day at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
Tips & articles
-
World’s best Chinatowns
3 February 2011
The world will be partying with the Chinese this week, as they see in the Year of the Rabbit. Chinatowns...
-
Travel in December: cities where the sun shines
20 December 2010
Ice, wind, rain. Sound familiar?If your winter is dominated by these three elements but you’re looking for some sunshine, then...
-
World’s best festivals: Thaipusam
2 December 2010
This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s A Year of Festivals.Location:...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
London -> New Delhi -> Kualar Lumpur
by Tristan_E 28 May 2012
Hello, I'm a UK passport-holder planning to spend the month of August in India, for the first time! However, I'm going to visit my partne…
-
RE: Two months stay in Kuala Lumpur
by gorper 28 May 2012
For me the best part of living in KL is getting out out KL! That said, if you can find enjoyment here, I hope you have a great trip.…
-
Re: Singapore Malaysia
by wildhippychild 27 May 2012
The guy above shouldnt have answered if he wasnt going to say anything of value! Were you intending to stay in singapore or were you…
Kuala Lumpur
-
Kuala Lumpur Overview
- When to go & weather
- Getting there & around
- Practical information
- History
- Tips & articles
- Hotels
- Forum
- Show map Close map
Things to do
- All things to do (467)
- Activities (78)
- Entertainment (80)
- Restaurants (159)
- Shopping (63)
- Sights (80)
- Tours (7)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Kuala Lumpur
-
1 Get a giddying view from the Menara KL
Zoom up to the observation deck of this communications tower for the best, soaring views over the city
-
2 Feast in fabulous mamak restaurants
Tuck into spicy curries, traditional tandoori, and a world of other culinary goodness at mamak restaurants such as Devi's Corner, Nasi Kandar Bestari and Nasi Kandar Pelita
-
3 Take in the temples, mosques and markets of Chinatown
See Hindu, Muslim and Chinese Buddhist temples and mosques crammed shoulder-to-shoulder; bargain hard at the Petaling Street Market, and join locals at the Wet Market
-
4 Admire the Islamic Arts Museum
Cast your eyes over one of the world's best collections of Islamic art, or get take-away: the museum's excellent shop sells high-quality Islamic arts and crafts
-
5 Find peace in the Lake Gardens Park
Lose yourself in the sculpted parks and dense tropical jungle here, and amble into the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, starring ostriches, hornbills, eagles, flamingos and parrots
Our favourite Kuala Lumpur Blogs (beta)
-
Photo of the Week: Petronas Towers from Kampung Baru
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 13 May 2012
-
Photo of the Week: Petronas Towers at Night
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 6 May 2012
-
Glitter and Consumerism in KL
Blog: Lonely Girl Travels - 14 April 2012
Let’s just say that my mind is blown. Back in November, when I landed in Phnom Penh, there was a sale on Air Asia. I looked into my crystal ball and determined that come April—Cambodia’s hottest month and when the biggest holiday of the year shuts down virtually everything for a week—I’d be ready for [...]
