The City Of Sky Scrapers - Kula Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur or simply KL, is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay, KL has grown from a small sleepy village to a bustling metropolis (metro population 6.9 million) in just 50 years. With the world's cheapest five-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.

Kuala Lumpur is a fairly sprawling city for its size. For many visitors the center of the city lies in the Golden Triangle, between Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Ampang: this is where most of the city's shopping malls, five-star hotels and trendiest nightspots are, and the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) development home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers is at the northern edge. But the traditional core of the city lies more to the south, where Merdeka Square has many of KL's best-preserved colonial buildings and Chinatown bustles with activity late into the night. Further south yet, the suburb of Bangsar is a popular restaurant and clubbing district.

Best Time To Go

KL is hot and humid almost all the time. Although there is rain through the year, March to April and September to November are the wettest months. KL's wide ethnic diversity means that celebrations of one kind or another are usually going on somewhere around the city; these can make transport more crowded than usual. Public holidays are a surprisingly good time to be around, as most locals head for the beaches and hills. In more liberal KL, Ramadan doesn't pose the same 'where to eat?' problems that affect the more devout Muslim areas on the east coast.

Places To See

SULTAN ABDUL SAMAN BUILDING

A stately, historic building rich in character, it was built in 1897 to house several important government departments during the British administration. This Moorish-inspired building, topped by a shiny copper dome and a 40m high  clock tower, is a major landmark in the city. It serves as the backdrop for important events such as the National Day Parade on August 31 and the ushering in of the New Year. This heritage buildings now occupied by the Supreme Court and the Textile Museum.

RUMAH PENGHULU ABU SEMAN

The heritage centre of the Badan Warisan Malaysia (Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is located in a mock Tudor building dating from 1925. In the garden is a bamboo hut built by Orang Asli of the Temiar community and a restored Malay timber house known as the Rumah Penghulu. This was formerly the residence of a local headman in Kedah. It is beautifully decorated throughout with intricate carvings and has been furnished to reflect a house in the early thirties with some wedding accoutrements. A guided tour and viewing of a video documentary on the restoration is available. The centre hosts regular exhibitions with a heritage theme and has a gift shop and reference library.

DATARAN MERDEKA

Facing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square, an immaculately-tufted 8.2 hectare area of historical interest. A 100 meter-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 signifying the independence of the country from British rule. At the opposite end of the square is an inviting spot where visitors can relax amid soothing rushing waters of fountains, elegant colonnades and colorful beds of zinnias and marigolds. Beneath the square is Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex.

NATIONAL MOSQUE

This uniquely designed mosque embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. Its most striking feature is the multi-fold umbrella-like roof which symbolizes the aspirations of an independent nation. Standing prominently against the skyline is the sleek and stylish 73m high minaret.
The national mosque serves serves as the principal mosque for the city dwellers.

NATION SPORTS COMPLEX

The National Sports Complex situated on a 200 acre site in Bukit Jalil is the venue for sports and other functions. It houses the National Stadium, Putra Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, National Hockey Stadium and National Squash Centre. Traditional carvings adorn the main entrance of the National Stadium which was the venue for the opening, closing ceremonies and the track and field events during the Kuala Lumpur '98 XVI Commonwealth Games.

THE FAMILY PARK

The family park consists of two rugby fields, two soccer fields, a sepak takraw court, beach volley ball, basket ball courts plus a children's playground. Changing rooms, food stalls, surau (prayer room) and bathrooms are provided. Camping area for scouts with basic facilities plus training equipment for obstacle and endurance activities.