Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan commercial hub, teeming with gastronomic, shopping and entertainment delights. Home to the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower, Kuala Lumpur is a fairly large city of over 7 million people and has an amazing array of cultural and historical vestiges from a colourful past. It is also home to large Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. Step out of the main city to explore other landmarks of Kuala Lumpur like the Batu Caves, the Islamic Arts Museum and the Sze Ya Temple; the oldest Buddhist temple in KL.
This is the heartbeat of Malaysia!
Kuala Lumpur experiences tropical weather year-round. The city is warm and sunny with daytime temperatures around 32ºC (90ºF). During the northeast monsoon season from October to March, there is abundant rainfall. Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.
Air
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the city’s main airport. It is located 50 kilometres south of the city. Some of the airlines that serve KLIA include:
Air India, Air Mauritius, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.
Travellers can also travel on Air Asia from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
From the Airport
Train: The fastest way to reach the city from the airport is on the high-speed train. The ride on the KLIA Ekspres (+60 3 2267 8000) to KL Sentral takes just 28 minutes.
Bus: Airport Coach SDN BHD: (+60 3 6203 3064) Triton Express: (+60 3 8787 4258).
Taxi: Taxis and limousine services are located at the airport; all are operated by Airport Limo (+60 3 9223 8080). Travel coupons can be purchased in the international arrival hall, the domestic arrival hall and the baggage claim area. Guests can arrange a private airport transfer through the hotel.
Car Rentals: It can take up to an hour to reach downtown KL by car. All car rental companies at the airport are located in the arrival hall and also can be arranged through the hotel.
Sea
KL’s harbour, Port Klang (+60 3 3168 8211), is located about 64 kilometres southwest of the city.
Visa Requirements: The Malaysian government requires all persons entering Malaysia to carry a national passport or internationally recognised travel document that is valid for at least six months from date of entry. Foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain one in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. Visa requirements and fees vary according to country. Check with your local Malaysian embassy or consulate about rules and regulations
Light Rail & Monorail
KL's railway system comprises three different systems, which extend throughout the Klang Valley. They are:
KL Monorail
Both underground and aboveground stations are located throughout the city. KL's central station is KL Sentral, which also has train services to both Singapore and Thailand.
Car Rentals
Driving is KL's main mode of transport and its highway grid connects to every part of the city. However, roads are not toll free. Fees can be paid in cash or via value cards such as the Touch ‘n Go. Car rentals can easily be arranged through your hotel concierge.
Hiring a private car and driver is also a good mode of transport. They can be hired on a half or full day basis through your hotel concierge and are a very comfortable way of getting around.
Taxis & Buses
Taxis are plentiful, but always remember to ask the driver to use the meter. The starting price is RM3 for the first 2 kilometres and RM0.90 per kilometre thereafter. RapidKL's bus services are also convenient.
As Malaysia's biggest city, Kuala Lumpur has some of the country's greatest landmarks of modernity. Touring the city centre gives visitors a greater sense of why KL has become one of the largest shopping and touring destinations in Asia.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC): Start out in front of the majestic Petronas Twin Towers. Standing 88 stories high, they are two of the world's tallest buildings. They house the upscale mega-mall (Suria KLCC), a concert hall and much more.
Take a short walk to the nearby KL Tower. Perched at 421 metres, this telecommunications tower is one of the world's tallest structures of it's kind.
Head to the observation deck for a bird's eye view of downtown in the late afternoon or early evening. It also has a rotating restaurant and a cocktail lounge.
Petaling Street: This is KL's Chinatown, home to many of the city's oldest structures, including traditional two-storied terrace shophouses and small streets.
Vendors commence trading mid-morning filling the stretch with stalls selling everything from clothing and handbags to perfume and watches. Do note that the "branded goods" are mostly knockoffs.
Food options here are plentiful, ranging from nasi lemak (coconut rice) to tou fu fah (a Chinese beancurd dessert).
Do visit the Central Market while you're here. Though traditionally a food market, it now also has painters, sculptors, fortune-tellers and traders hawking a wide range of curios, collectibles and art.
Lake Gardens:
The district surrounding this elegant area is home to many of KL's cultural attractions. Museum enthusiasts will enjoy the National Museum where they can learn about Malaysia's history, and see its arts and reconstructed sections of ancient palaces.
Another notable site found within these gardens is the National Planetarium. Also nearby is the scenic Jalan Perdana, and other museums including the Royal Malaysian Police Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum. At the National Mosque one can view splendid, detailed motifs and tilework.
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin's Colonial Architecture: This is the main artery that connects to many of KL's museums, showcasing a blend of British and Moorish architecture with Gothic accents. Start at the National History Museum, housed in a former bank dating back to 1910.
Head north and across the street you will see Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Big Ben of KL. In the same vicinity lies the old Selangor Club, a mock Tudor style cricket club.
Continue north until you reach the enchantingly designed Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Just across from the station you'll see the 20th century Malayan Railway Building. Turn onto Jalan Raja and you'll be at Merdeka Square, where the Malaysian flag was first raised after its independence in 1957.
Continue up Jalan Raja to Plaza Putra and you'll find the gothic St Mary's Cathedral that was built in 1895.
Golden Triangle: This is KL's art, entertainment and shopping centre. Begin your exploration at Asia Heritage Row, a walking street featuring refurbished buildings and homes. It has a festive atmosphere with fun shops and restaurants.
Next, head down to Jalan Bukit Bintang/Bintang Walk, a lively walking street full of live entertainment and shopping emporiums selling everything from designer wear to casual clothing. Here, you'll also find numerous cafés, alfresco restaurants and shopping complexes including: Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Plaza, Lot 10, Low Yat Plaza, Pavilion KL, Starhill and Sungei Wang Plaza.
Water: Bottled water is recommended. Starwood Hotels provide complimentary bottled water in guest rooms.
Safety: KL has a low crime rate, but visitors should take routine safety precautions.
Health: No immunisations are required for short-term travellers, unless you are coming from or through a yellow fever area. You should also bring any special medications you require, as well as any of your over-the-counter items.
Money: Malaysia Ringgit (MYR) or RM. All major international credit cards are widely accepted. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found throughout the city.
Tipping: Tipping is not necessary because prices include 6% government tax and 10% service charge.
Language: Bahasa Malaysia is Malaysia's official language, but English is widely spoken. Chinese dialects and Tamil are also spoken and if you need help, you can reach out to the locals; they are generally friendly and helpful.