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.
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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?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Discover the best of Malaysia in 14 days
- Spend a day at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
- Stay in longhouses on a Borneo adventure
- Climb the highest peak of South East Asia during your Sabah trek
Last updated: Jan 17, 2013
Tips & articles
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Thaipusam: a guide to Kuala Lumpur’s biggest Hindu festival
18 January 2013
This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s A Year of Festivals.Location:...
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Malaysia by motorcycle: through the heart of Pahang
30 July 2012
In Kuala Lumpur, ‘right of way’ goes to the craziest, and the city’s chaotic streets are a dangerous place for...
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Top spots for a medical adventure
12 June 2012
Want it modified, enhanced, drilled out, implanted or just plain alleviated? Whatever your bodily need, there’s a place for you.IndiaWith...
Kuala Lumpur
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Our Top Picks For Kuala Lumpur
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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