Information
Kuala Lumpur at a glance
Kuala Lumpur – KL to its friends – is more than just a capital city: it is a monument to Malaysian ingenuity and determination. From humble beginnings as a tin-mining shanty town, KL has evolved into a 21st-century metropolis, dominated by the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia and flush with the proceeds of international trade and commerce. Over the years, KL has faced its share of challenges but nothing has succeeded in suppressing the determination of locals to make KL, and Malaysia, a leader among Asian tiger economies.
The marketing slogan for the Malaysian tourist board is ‘truly Asia’ and nowhere is this more true than in the capital. KL is every inch the Asian cyber-city: historic temples and mosques rub shoulders with space-age towers and shopping malls; traders’ stalls are piled high with pungent durians and counterfeit DVDs; and locals sip cappuccino in wi-fi–enabled coffee hops or feast at bustling streetside hawker stalls serving food from across the continent.
The most striking thing about KL from a visitor’s perspective is its remarkable cultural diversity. Ethnic Malays, Chinese prospectors, Indian migrants and British colonials all helped carve the city out of the virgin jungle, and each group has left its indelible mark on the capital. Eating, shopping and nightlife are undeniable highlights of any visit to KL, but don’t restrict yourself to the city – there are numerous parks and monuments dotted around KL that make easy day trips for a break from the hustle and bustle.
Kuala Lumpur Fast Facts
1. Population
The estimated population of Kuala Lumpur in the city proper for 2006 was 1.58 million.
2. Currency
Name: Malaysian Ringgits
Code: MYR
Symbol: MR
For up to date currency conversion rates please go to http://www.xe.com/
3. Electrical Plugs
British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade 240V 50Hz
4. Time Zones
GMT/UTC +8 (Standard Time)
5. Visa Requirements
If you are not sure as to whether or not you will require a visa to travel to Malaysia http://www.kln.gov.my/ has a list of countries requirements as well as detailed information about the Malaysian consulate in each country around the world
6. Weather forecasts
For up-to-date weather forecasts for your trip to Malaysia the following link provides both ?C and ?F for your preference http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Kuala%20Lumpur,%20Malaysia&wuSelect=WEATHER as well as extended forecast.
7. Maps
To make Kuala Lumpur easier for you to navigate, the following link has a facility for you to print region maps & street maps with accuracy http://www.streetdirectory.com/malaysia/kl/
Getting Around
Kuala Lumpur's public transport is plentiful and varied. You have the option of using metered taxis, the MRT subway system or the convenient bus services. On the water, you can get around by ferry.
1. Bus
Buses fan out from Puduraya, KL's main bus station just east of Chinatown, to all over Peninsular Malaysia as well as to Singapore and Thailand. The only long-distance destinations that Puduraya doesn't handle are Kuala Lipis and Jerantut (for access to Taman Negara) - buses to these places leave from Pekeliling bus station; and Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu, buses for which leave from Putra bus station.
2. Car
All the major companies have offices at the airport. City offices, which are generally open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday, include the following companies:
Avis (2144 4487; www.avis.com.my; Angkasa Raya, Jln Ampang)
Hertz (2148 6433; www.hertz.com.my; Ground fl, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jln Sultan Ismail)
Mayflower (6253 1888; www.mayflower.com.my/html/car.htm; 18 Jln Segambut Pusat)
Orix (2142 3009; www.orixcarrentals.com.my; Ground fl, Federal Hotel, 35 Jln Bukit Bintang)
3. Taxi
There is a good supply of taxis and all are metered. Taxis can be flagged down on the street or found at taxi stands near major hotels and shopping centres. During heavy rain, peak hours or late at night, however, taxis can be almost impossible to get in many parts of the city centre.
4. Ferry
Kuala Lumpur is the hub of the KTM (2267 1200; www.ktmb.com.my) national railway system. Long-distance trains depart from KL Sentral in the Brickfields area. The KTM information office (10am-7pm) in the main hall can advise on schedules and check seat availability. A ticket delivery service (2267 1200; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat) can get your ticket to you for RM4.
Attractions
Aquaria KLCC
The impressive Aquaria KLCC is a short stroll from Suria KLCC, in the basement of the KL Convention Centre. As well as tanks of colourful fish and touch-a-starfish type activities, you can walk through a 90m underwater tunnel to view sinister-looking (but mostly harmless) sand tiger sharks and giant gropers. If possible, time your trip to coincide with the shark feeding (15:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday).
Butterfly Reserve
Flying creatures of a different sort than at the nearby Kuala Lumpur Bird Park are showcased at the interesting Butterfly Reserve. Some of the iridescent butterflies fluttering around the covered grounds are real monsters, and there's a bug gallery where you can shudder at the size of Malaysia's giant centipedes and spiders. The park shop sells mounted butterflies and other giant insects, but it's best not to encourage the trade in these increasingly endangered creatures.
Galeri Petronas
You can swap consumerism for culture at the interesting Galeri Petronas, an art gallery which showcases contemporary photography and paintings. It's a bright, modern space and the work on display often delves deep into Malaysian history and culture. Check the website for details of upcoming shows.
Masjid Negara
The principal place of worship for KL's Malay Muslim population is the gigantic Masjid Negara. The mosque was inspired by the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Its umbrella-like blue-tile roof has 18 points symbolising the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. Rising above the mosque, a 74m-high minaret issues the call to prayer that can be heard across Chinatown. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit outside of prayer times but dress appropriately and remove your shoes before entering.
Petaling Street Market
Traders start to fill covered Jln Petaling from mid-morning until the whole street is jammed with market stalls selling everything from fake Gucci handbags and pirate DVDs to nasi lemak (coconut rice) and bunches of lychees. The market really comes into its own at night, when hordes of tourists scour the stalls for convincing fakes of brand-name clothes, perfumes, watches and luggage.
This information was sourced from the following websites:
