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 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.

currency

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

phone

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

newspaper

New Straits Times Press
The Star Papers
Faces Magazine

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

population

1.808 million (2017)

info

Malaysia Tourist Information Counter (MATIC)
109 Jalan Ampang
50450, Kuala Lumpur
+60 3 9235 4848
Information Counter: Daily 8.00-22.00

Landscape of downtown kuala lumper with blue sky f11photo/Shutterstock.com

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.

Young woman sitting on the transparent glass floor in Menara KL tower, Kuala Lumpur Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock.com

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.

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Menara KL Tower

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Petronas Twin Tower and KLCC

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Batu Caves

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Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana)

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Masjid Jamek Mosque

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Old Railway Station

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National Museum

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Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

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Islamic Arts Museum

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Aquaria KLCC

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Sri Mahamariamma

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Petrosains Science Discovery Centre

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Kampung Baru

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KL Forest Eco Park

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Royal Palace Istana Negara

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Petaling Street (Chinatown)

Malaysian chicken satay with delicious peanut sauce, one of famous local dishes. dolphfyn/Shutterstock.com

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:

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Bijan

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Jalan Alor

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Yarl Restaurant

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ChoCha Foodstore

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Chynna

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Limapulo: Baba Can Cook

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Dining in the Dark KL

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Pinchos Tapas Bar

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Din Tai Fung Pavilion KL

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Betel Leaf

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Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill

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Loco Bar and Restaurant

Asian business people talking about at the coffee shop Cafe. TORWAISTUDIO/Shutterstock.com

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:

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

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Merchant's Lane

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LOKL Coffee Co.

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ChoCha Foodstore

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Antipodean Cafe - Tan & Tan

Mojito cocktail and cashews on table in rooftop bar at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Prasit Rodphan/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Malaysia is a Muslim country, but non-Muslims are free to enjoy the alcoholic aspects of the nightlife. As dusk falls, Kuala Lumpur transforms itself into a vibrant city of entertainment and fun, becoming a playground for party-goers of all walks of life. The club culture is concentrated mainly in Jalan Telawi and Jalan P Ramlee.

Below are the best bars and nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

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Zouk KL

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Marini's On 57

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Suzie Wong

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The Deceased

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Zeta Bar

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Esperance Nightclub

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Mojo Restaurant & Bar

Shopping mall Elena Ermakova/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Shoppers will find their trip to Kuala Lumpur worthwhile to say the least. There are many ways to pursue your shopping needs from a shop house to a street stall, or from a night market (“pasar malam”) to a shopping mall. You may not always find exactly the same product but you have a lot of choice in price and quality. There are great shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, namely Suria KLCC (just below the Twin Towers) and Mid Valley Megamall, Bangsar Village. However, the most famous area for shopping is Bukit Bintang, with the highest density of malls and shops in the city. You can find anything from the smartest Japanese hi-tech gadget to the latest French designer piece.

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Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

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Petaling Street (Chinatown)

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Suria KLCC

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Publika

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Central Market

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Sungei Wang Plaza

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Mid Valley Megamall

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train approaching towards camera. MRT system forming the major component of the railway system in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. kah loong lee/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Airports

There are two airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, 55 km from the city, and Subang Airport is 12 km from the city—just a quick taxi ride away. Subang Airport caters mostly domestic flights.

From KLIA to the Kuala Lumpur city centre you can take the high speed train KLIA Ekspres & KLIA Transit. Travelling time is 28 minutes for KLIA Ekspres and 35 minutes for KLIA Transit. www.kliaekspres.com

Address:

Email:

Phone: +603 8776 2000 (KLIA)

Website: www.klia.com.my

More Information: www.malaysiaairports.com.my

Public Transport

Since most people don’t live downtown, the most common way of getting around in Kuala Lumpur is driving. There may be light traffic jams during rush hours, but nothing serious. However, for the visitor, the public transport system is well-expanded and consists of an underground system, a monorail line, a series of different train lines and several bus operators.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.myrapid.com.my

More Information: www.klsentral.com.my

Taxi

If you are not familiar with the city and only staying for a short period, taxis can be the most convenient way of getting about. Taxis are easily available and economical. Fares are charged according to the zone and are subject to change. An extra 50 percent is added for services between 24.00 (midnight) and 6.00. All taxis should use meters.

Address:

Email:

Phone: +60 3 62 59 20 20

Website: www.publiccab.com.my

More Information:

Post

There are several post offices in Kuala Lumpur. Most of them are open Monday to Saturday but each post office has different opening or closing hours.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.pos.com.my

More Information:

Telephone

Country code: +60

Area code: 3

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

Electricity

220-240 volts, 3 pin plugs

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information: