Kuala-Lumpur

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur

Discover a land that fills the senses with awe and visit vast shopping malls, towering skyscrapers and magical mosques.

Overview

Vibrant, frenetic, modern and traditional can all be used to describe the stunning city of

Kuala Lumpur. As Malaysia’s capital city, it is probably best known for the iconic Petronas

Towers.

As a city, it has certainly come a long way from its humble origins as a tin miners’ settlement

on the confluence of the muddy Gombak and Klang rivers in 1860.

The city's cultural diversity provides plenty of sightseeing for those who travel to Kuala

Lumpur, from tranquil temples and glorious gardens to bustling street markets. Malay,

western, Chinese, and Indian influences work together to create a blend of old and modern

worlds. From China Town and Little India to the British architecture in Dataran

Merdeka(Independence Square) of the mock-Tudor Royal Selangor Club House and cricket

pitch, this diverse juxtaposition of old and new perfectly illustrates the city’s ethnic

diversity.

Despite its modernity, you can still experience true Malaysian culture and life around the

traditional arts and crafts stalls of Central Market. But shopping doesn’t stop there.

Kuala Lumpur is a shopaholic's paradise with a range of fantastic malls. But the capital

isn’t just about culture and shopping, for the younger travelers there is also an amazing

indoor theme park.

Weather

Kuala Lumpur has a hot, tropical climate with heavy rainstorms occurring throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings.

The average monthly temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	31	32	33	33	32	32	32	32	32	32	31	31
Night	22	22	22	23	23	23	22	22	22	23	23	22

Shopping

If you love shopping Kuala Lumpur is the place for you. You can find just about anything in one of the many markets or shopping malls. The general shopping areas of the city are around Suria Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tuanku, and Abdul Rahman which sell all manner of European and International goods.

For those that prefer the shopping mall experience, you won’t be disappointed. There are many to choose from offering a wealth of goods and attractions (such as bowling, cinema etc.). Most of them are located on Jalan Bukit Bintang:

Mid Valley Mega Mall
Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall
Low Yat Plaza
Bukit Bintang Plaza
Lot 10
Star Hill Shopping Centre
Kuala Lumpur Plaza
Suria KLCC Shopping Centre (beneath the Petronas Towers)
Times Square

If you are looking for some traditional Malayan shopping try one of the local markets. Bargaining is essential and expected. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (China Town) is great for leather goods, designer items as well as food and drink. Jalan Masjid India is the place for Indian fabrics and garments whereas Central Market is the place for genuine Malaysian items.

For something a bit different, try one of the Pasar Malam or night markets. A regular one is held at Jalan Petaling but details of others can be found in Vision KL Magazine.

As well as fashion and electrical goods, great buys in Kuala Lumpur include batik, brocade, handmade pewter ware (Royal Selangor and Tumasek), pottery, silverwork, wood carvings, brassware and woven basket work.

entertainment

Although Kuala Lumpur has a predominately Muslim population it has a lively bar and club scene. The main areas for these are the Golden Triangle, along the Jalan Sultan Ismail – Jalan P Ramlee strip, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Sri Hartamas area and the Bangsar Strip (just out of the city).

Here are the names of a few of the city’s bars and clubs to look out for:

Finnegan’s
El Niño
Planet Hollywood
The Pub (Shangri-La Hotel)
Hard Rock Café
Citrus Rouge
Bravo
Beach Club Café
The Embassy
Emporium
Zouk

However, for many of the city’s residents, a traditional night out is a visit to one of the Pasar Malam's (night markets) where the focus is on socializing and people watching whilst enjoying a meal at one of the Hawker outlets.

If you want something a bit different from bars and clubs, listed below are some of the other types of entertainment available:

Music & culture venues:

Dewan Filharmonik Protonas (classical concert hall)
The Temple of Fine Arts

Theatre:

The National Theatre
The Actor’s Studio

Cinema:

TGV
Golden Screen Cinema

festivals month

January

–
Thiapusam (religious festival)
February

–
Federal Territory Day and Chinese New Year
May

–
Wesak Day
June

–
Colours of Malaysia
August

–
Independence Day
October

–
Malaysian Grand Prix
November

–
Diwali
December

–
Malaysian Fashion Week

excursions

Although there is plenty to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, there is plenty more of Malaysia to see during your visit. Here are just a few excursions you may like to take:

Melaka
Genting Highlands
Shah Alam
Batu Caves
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah State Mosque
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Templer’s Park
Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, Kuala Gandah

Health & Safety

It is best to avoid drinking the tap water, bottled water is readily available.

With regards to vaccinations, it is advised that you check with your GP before traveling for the latest advice. Health care in Kuala Lumpur is of very high quality however this isn’t always the case in other areas of Malaysia.

If you eat food from street vendors make sure it is freshly prepared and hot to minimize any risks. Also, Kuala Lumpur is a busy city so protect your valuables against pickpockets.