Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as the locals call it) is the capital of Malaysia and – according to a 2019 study – the second-friendliest city in the world. The days when it all began as mudflats and tin deposits (in the 1850s) seem unimaginable compared to its current state. Today, Kuala Lumpur is the International Garden City of Lights, where shoppers are spoiled for choice. Gastronomy connoisseurs broaden their palates, party animals find sanctuaries, and nature-lovers are wowed.

Population:

1.808 million (2017)

Currency:

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
RM1 ~ US$0,25

Emergency Numbers:

Police and Ambulance: 999 (112 from a mobile telephone)
Tourist Police: +60 32149 6590

Opening Hours:

Banks: Monday-Friday 10.00 -15.00, Saturday 9.30 -11.30
Shops: Daily 10.00-22.00
Museums, galleries and parks: Daily 9.00-17.00

Newspapers:

New Straits Times Press
The Star Papers
Faces Magazine

The City

Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cross-cultural influences and the result is an exciting mixture of cultures, costumes and cuisines; it is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is also one of the three Malaysian Federal Territories, together with Putrajaya and Labuan. The city is surrounded by satellite cities like the administrative capital Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Sunway (great amusement park), Cheras, Shah Alam, Subang and Petaling Jaya. KL consists of various districts with their own identities.

The Classic Centre is where KL was born, at the meeting of Klang and Gombak Rivers. You will find historical sites like the first large mosque Masjid Jamek, Central Market, Little India, Dataran Merdeka, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and the Selangor Club. Lively Chinatown is still authentic and features Petaling Street - Kuala Lumpur’s first market and various temples (Buddhist and Hindu). The Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower in the Grand Jalan Ampang district are hard to miss as they dominate the city’s skyline. The nostalgic Lake Gardens boasts the romantic park Taman Tasik Perdana, the Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum and the National Monument is just a stone’s throw away. The posh Bangsar is where Kuala Lumpur’s rich come out to play. The highlight is Jalan Telawi, packed with nightspots.

For shopping, head off into the direction of the hip Bukit Bintang which is dubbed “The Shopper’s Paradise.” Do the Bintang Walk and find out why! The rest of KL includes sights such as the Batu Caves Hindu Temple, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Park, Selangor Pewter, and the National Zoo. Or why not take a relaxing day, and just absorb the atmosphere of wandering through such diverse communities as Chinese, Malay, South Indian and East Malaysian and many more. Each community offers its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion, while lending its own unique additions to Malaysian culture.

Do & See

Kuala Lumpur combines a modern city with an old feeling of the town. Visit for example the Petronas Twin Tower which used to be the highest buildings in the world or visit the oldest market in town where you can find lovely souvenirs to take home.

Dining

Head to Jalan Alor for an al fresco meal at one of the many tables lining this KL street food hub, or try one of these similar spots favoured by locals: Pudu Wai Sek Kai (also known as 'Glutton Street'), an area referred to as Lucky Gardens (here, restaurant or cafe-type establishments are a good bet in terms of both quality and variety), plus eateries around Brickfields, home to KL's Little India, which translates into the dominant type of food offerings here.

Malaysian cuisine is a fusion of cultural influences. For instance, 'nasi lemak' is historically Malay, 'rojak' is Indian Muslim, 'char kuay teow' is Chinese and the spicy-hot 'laksa' is Nyonya (a mix of Malay and Chinese). Each culture emphasises different ingredients and flavours; for example, the Malay curry tastes tangier compared to the Indian.

Here's a list of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Cafes

Kuala Lumpur offers many cafe options, from the regular coffee drinker to the casual one. There is also a mixture of the types of cafes offered here, from outdoor locations where locals hang out to indoor cafes for a convenient shopping break. The numerous options of popular franchise chains and local cafes offer great choices for all coffee experiences.

Here's a list of the best cafes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: