Kuala Lumpur; ideas and things to do

A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay.

Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, cultureold world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.

Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.

KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of -the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other. Treat your tastebuds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.

The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.

---

Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, otherwise known as KLCC the world's tallest twin structures. Located in the heart of the capital city, the crown of the Kuala Lumpur contains a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park and an upmarket shopping complex.

Inspired by the geometric shape found in Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli.

Stretching out to one side of this architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park. Other attractions at KLCC are Suria Shopping Complex, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where The Aquaria Oceanarium is situated.

Key Tips

Visiting the sky bridge is a great experience, it is open to visitors between 8.30am - 5.00pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

How to get there

By Foot or Taxi The Petronas Twin Towers are in between Jalan Ampang and Jalan Raja Chulan. It is also next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and opposite The Ascott.

By Train The KLCC station is on the PUTRA LRT line.

---

Petaling Street

Petaling Street, the centre of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown, maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors fan out their merchandise along the street.

While you can shop for anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts, the true allure of this night market is in wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds and energy. Food is plentiful here with many scrumptious varieties to choose from; some of the restaurants here have been in business for generations. Locals flock to Petaling Street primarily for bargain accessories and great Chinese food. So, go on, be brave - head down to Petaling Street with an empty stomach and an adventurous spirit. Even if you don't spend a penny, (which will be hard!), you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience here.

At the end of Petaling Street, you can further explore the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which dates back to 1906. The interior of this building features open courtyard pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. On the exterior, the temple depicts elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures which grace the facade and roof ridges.

For more adventurous tourists, further down from Petaling Street is the South Indian Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This temple is situated at Jalan Tun H.S.Lee which is within walking distance from Chinatown. Built in 1873, the temple is said to be the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temple in the country. The design and decorative features include intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious stones and hand-painted motifs. Exquisite Italian and Spanish tiles provide further ornamentation. A silver chariot housed within the premises features prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets.

Outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple are stalls selling garlands and strings of sweet smelling jasmine. Additionally, the strong aroma of Chinese traditional herbs and that of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air from across the street.

Key Tips

If you would like to visit the temples, they are only open during the day. However, the best food and shopping is available at night.

How to get there

By Foot or Taxi Petaling Street is opposite the Kotaraya Shopping Complex and Central Market.

By Train The Pasar Seni station on the PUTRA LRT down the street from the beginning of Petaling Street.

---

Lake Gardens

Taman Tasik Perdana, better known as the Lake Gardens, is the oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur. It lies just on the edge of the city and used to be where the British elite built their fine homes in the colonial times.

Today, its landscaped hills and beautiful trails provide an escape for city dwellers out for a jog or some early morning t'ai chi. Its main attraction is the lake surrounded by lush greenery in a 92ha. (227 acres) parkland that provides a refreshing ambience.

Roam through the aviaries at the Bird Park and Butterfly Park. Or take a stroll through the beautiful Deer Park and Orchid Garden, which are all reachable either by foot or by regular shuttle buses. From the gardens, you can also visit other attractions such as the National Monument, the Planetarium and the Islamic Museum.

Key Tips

Carcosa Seri Negara is within the Lake Gardens. They serve scones that melt in your mouth and English tea on the verandah in the cool afternoons.

How to get there

By Taxi Entrances to the Lake Gardens are on Jalan Parlimen and behind the National Mosque.

---

Who to contact

For more information on any of the above, you can contact the Kuala Lumpur Tourist Office on +603-2615 8188 or the Tourism Infoline on 1-300-88-5776