Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia, has a great feel to it and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It has a population of approximately 1.6 million people. In recent decades it has managed to win the vote for hosting major sporting events. This is all part of the drive to become a globally recognised city. The 1998 Commonwealth Games and The F1 Malaysian Grand Prix have both contributed in putting this amazing city on the map. The F1 Sepang Circuit, right next to the airport makes it tremendously popular in the racing calendar. K.L. is a truly great vacation location and a great base from which to explore the rest of this intriguing country.
I loved the internal transport system. As a stranger in town it took me no time at all the get used to it. Easy to use, inexpensive, spotlessly clean and superbly efficient. I came in from the airport using the high speed train link. Arriving at Central Station I used the local train network to transfer to my hotel. It was so easy, the staff were helpful where needed and the local people were approachable, when asking for assistance. As well as the main train network, there is a brightly painted monorail system. This looks like something out of a cartoon, I loved it. Again it was easy to use and certainly offers visitors a novel way round the city.
As with most visitors I couldn’t wait to see the spectacular twin towers of The Petronas Building. This is the largest twin towered building in the world and it doesn’t disappoint. The best time to see it is at dusk, When it changes from towering monolith to sparkling masterpiece as the lights are turned on. It certainly is the most dramatic structure in the city, but not the only landmark building. Some of the new Malay constructions are superb. Drawing on Islamic influences in their design, they certainly stand out from Western Architecture. Good examples would be The Menara Telekom Building and Dayabumi Complex. The Old railway station is a white, Moorish, style structure, greatly contrasting with the more modern buildings.
I liked Petaling Street in Chinatown. Not normally one for shopping this place was quirky enough to make me want to return. It’s a very busy narrow street lined with shops and has market stalls down the centre. The large traditional Chinese arch at one end makes it fairly easy to find. I found it by purely by accident. I was riding the monorail, jumping on and off to explore and I stumbled upon this little gem. Petaling Street is used to promote and sell local products.
The cultural diversity of this country has created a hugely varied selection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The “Golden Triangle” of Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Ampang Road are the boundaries of this area. It has so many chic bars, nightclubs and wine lounges. Nightlife here is extremely varied also. The area has become a magnet for the young, jet set. The variety and standard of street food here is astonishing. Popular dishes here are reflected in the ethnicity of people living within the city. Indian, Malay and Chinese, are amongst cuisines readily available.
One can still escape the traffic and busy life here. Kuala Lumpur boasts the wonderful Lake Gardens. This large 230 acre garden site, includes a large butterfly park, a bird park, a deer park and of course, beautiful gardens. It provides an oasis of peace in the centre of town and it is easy to lose oneself for hours at a time here.
Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer and I can’t wait to return.
