Rich Past, Visionary Future
Established in 1857 at the confluence of the klang and Gombak Rivers, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is one of Asia's most dynamic cities. The city began as a mining settlement in the late 1800's with the discovery of tin. Its impressive skyline includes the world's tallest twin towers, the old Moorish styled railway station and numerous mosques, temples and churches.
Rapid infrastructural growth over time has not disminished KL's garden city image. Beautifully landscaped parks and an abundance of greenery have been retained to provide the city's green lungs.
The other essential component of KL is the soul of its people who give the city its distinctive and trully Asian, character. English is widely spoken and locals are typically obliging when approached by tourists looking for directions. Visitors will enjoy awonderful time in KL and are advised to respect cultural noms and sensitivities.
Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrasts. While Malaysians are justly pround of their new structures, older buildings also appeal. Its architectural heritage includes Moorish styled edifices, stately colonial buildings and old shophouses. Modern offices and condominiums tower overhead.
There are many places of interest in KL which can be accessed eaily as distances between them are near. It's possible to discover the capital by foot, by orginised tours or public transport. The theatre of the city unfolds on the streets and is best experienced on foot. Alternatively, join a tour or negotiate with a taxi driver. A series of pamphlets on heritage walking trails produced by the Heritage of Malaysia Trust ( Badan Warisan Malaysia) is available from tourist information centres around the city.
Opposite is the ornate Sultan Abdu Samad Building, built in 1897 with Moorish features, clock tower and copper domes. Beautifully illuminated at nights this well-known landmark in KL was formerly the Secretariat for the British administration. It is now the venue of the Supreme and High Courts.,
KL's museums, memorials and galleries boast of unique and intresting exhibits guaranted to delight the visitormuseums:
- National Museum
- Islamic Arts Museum
- Bank Negara Money Museum,
- Maybank Numismatic Museum
- Shipping Museum
- Telecommunications Museum
- Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Museum
memorials:- Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial
- Tun Abdul Razak Memorial
- Galeria Sri Perdana galleries:
- National Science Centre
- National Planetarium
- National Art Gallery
A much photographed spot is the moorish Styled old railway station. The National Mosque, Jamek Mosque and National Monument, contructed to honour the country's fallen heroes are other attractions to discovers in KL.
The immaculately landscaped KL Lake Gardens near the city centre is its premier green lung.Here one can enjoy scenic views of parlimant House and the city's landmark buidings.
Visit the Buteerfly park and Deer park all withim the lake Gardens.Not to be forgotten is the Bird Park with over 2,500 birds from hundreds of species flying freely in an natural environment.
The park also has a list of regular activities such as Hornbill and Ostrich Feeding.Also in the vicinity is the Orchid Garden,with over 800 species of exotic Malaysia orchid including some rare ones.Close by is the Hibiscus Garden with more than 500 varieties of colourful blooms.Withim walking distance, Cantral Market is an art deco building and formen wet market.It is now a one-stop souvenir, handicraf and restaurant cantre.Nearby,along Petaling Street or Chinatown, shop open all day and sell mostly accessories and clothes.
In the city cantre, Menara Kuala Lumpur or KL Tower at 421m is the best location for a 360' aerial view of the city.Thereis a revolving restaurant with a highly recommended evening buffet. Another panoramic viewis possible from the41-storey bridge conneting the two Petronas Twin Towers. Visitors can opt to visit an interactive gallery know as petrosains,which focuses on malaysia's oil and gas industry.It is housed withim the Kuala Lumpur City Cantre (KLCC) next to the towers.
BEYOND THE CITY
There are several major attractions in the vicinity of KL and many of these can be visited within a day on organised or self-drive tours.
BEYOND THE CITY
There are several major attractions in the vicinity of KL and many of these can be visited within a day on organised or self-drive tours.
Putrajaya, 25 km to the south, is the nation's new administrative capital. Hailed as an intelligent garden city, it is a model township constructed with planning, innovative urban design and preservation for the environment. Attractions here include the Botanical Gardens, Putrajaya Lake and Putrajaya Wetlands.
View the Prime Minister's Office and Residence, the pink-domed Putra Mosque and waterfront promenade. While taking a boat ride on one of the many lakes here, admire the impressive architecture of the bridges around Putrajaya.
Batu Caves in the state of Selangor to the north, is massive limestone outcrop with huge caves. This famoous destination draws people from all over the world during the annual Hindu Festival of Thaipusam. Scaling the 272 steps up to the main temple cave is a highlight here. Selangor is bounded by the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya whic further enhances the touristic appeal of state. Selangor dazzles with a fascinating variety of attractions. Its flourishing capital, Shah Alam, urban centres and the royal town of Klang with modern facilities, from excellent healthcare institutions, international colleges to huge shopping malls and recreation centres. This exciting destination is also venue of world-class sporting events such as the Petronas F1 Grand Prix.
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam is reputedly one of the most stunning structures in the country. commonly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque'. It boasts the tallest minarets in the world.
Nearby FRIM, is a forestry research institute ideal for walks, swimming and picnics. The National Zoo located in KL's suburbs has over 1,000 animal species from around the world.
The historic spice trade port of Melaka has many old building like the Stadthuys, Christ Church, Porta de Santiago and antique shops along jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker's Street)
Nearby FRIM, is a forestry research institute ideal for walks, swimming and picnics. The National Zoo located in KL's suburbs has over 1,000 animal species from around the world.
The historic spice trade port of Melaka has many old building like the Stadthuys, Christ Church, Porta de Santiago and antique shops along jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker's Street)
Other day trip possibilities include the cool hill resirts of Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill and the French-themed Colmar Tropicale at Bukit Tinggi. Genting Highlands, dubbed the 'City of Entertainment' offers indoor and outdoor thene parks, hotels, an 18-hole golf course. Fraser's Hill is a bird-watchers' paradise with more than 265 species of wild montane birds within the resort's boundaries, it is also the venue for the annual International Bird Race.
Take a drive north to the wetlands of Kuala Selangor to see migratory birds, feast on fresh seafood and see fascinating evening firefly display in Kampung Kuantan.
