Kuala Lumpur - the capital of Malaysia and home to the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix stages in March 2009. Officially to be confirmed in November.
Kuala Lumpur is the bustling capital city of Malaysia and its showpiece of prosperity and grandeur. Kuala Lumpur means ’muddy estuary’, a name coined by the original tin prospectors who arrived at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers in 1860. Kuala Lumpur has progressed considerably since then as can be witnessed in the reflections of the glittering skyscrapers elegantly rising between the well-preserved colonial buildings of yesteryear.
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This blend of old and new worlds, interspersed with the diverse influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural lifestyles, makes for a fascinating exploration of the city’s streets. An orientation of Kuala Lumpur is best begun from Merdeka Square, the heart of the city. To the southeast of the square is the modern business centre and the bustling streets of Chinatown. The picturesque National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and impressive Railway Station can be located to the south and beyond them to the west is the city’s green belt. The tranquil and lush Lake Gardens provides some respite from the frenetic activity of the city. The National Museum (Muzim Negara), the National Monument and the Malaysian Parliament are also found on this stretch.
Getting Around
The hot and humid streets of Kuala Lumpur are usually jammed with traffic, even on the pavements. The easiest way to get around, therefore, is on the five different commuter train routes, each operated by a different company. The KL Monorail is the one that serves the main shopping and hotel districts, while the Putra LRT serves Chinatown. Fares are reasonable and the trains are very frequent on all routes, which operate from about 5.30am to midnight. City buses are hot, crowded and totally unreliable. Taxis can be hailed at the roadside or found at most obvious locations outside hotels, shopping centres and the like. Metered fares rise steeply between midnight and 6am, and drivers sometimes raise the price during peak hour or in bad weather.
Attractions
Batu Caves:
Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these impressive limestone caves together with the Hindu shrines that honour their deities. The caves were discovered by the American explorer William Hornaby in 1881 but have since become associated with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three-day religious festival during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to the caves during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of self-flagellation that are fascinating to observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave is reached by climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave - housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious art. There is a clear view from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, set within a large cave that extends for 262ft (80m).
Transport: There are regular trains from Kuala Lumpur Station, and buses 11 or 11D leave from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal Opening Time: Daily 9am to 6pm Admission: Free
Chinatown:
The crowded and colourful Chinatown area is a jumble of shops, food, smells and people. The central section of Jalan Petaling is closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an exciting, brightly lit experience. Vendors spread their wares onto the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in. Merchandise ranges from jewellery to toys and t-shirts and bargaining for the best prices is accepted practice and part of the fun. Transport: Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni stop and walk across to Petaling Street, or a short walk from the central bus station
Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek):
Masjid Jamek is located where the Gombak River flows into the Klang River and with its palm tress and curved steps leading to the water’s edge, it is a haven of peace and tranquillity set amongst the buzz and rush of modern KL. The Mosque is built on a symbolic site dating back to the origins of Kuala Lumpur, being the spot where the founders of the city first set foot. The design was inspired by Mogul mosques in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades. As with all mosques, a visit calls for conservative dress and the removal of shoes.
Address: Jalan Tun Perak
Transport:Masjid Jamek LRT station Opening Time: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm. Friday 8.30am to 11am and 2.30pm to 4pm Admission: Free
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station:
British architect, AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station. Spires, minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. It serves not only as an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station.
Address: Jalan Hishamuddin Telephone: (0)3 227 6063
Lake Gardens:
These 60-hectare (148-acre) gardens established in 1888 form the green belt of Kuala Lumpur. The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake. Visitors can take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water (RM4 per hour: Saturdays, 2pm to 5.30pm and Sundays 8am to 5.30pm). The gardens incorporate the National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, with Malaysia’s Parliament House situated at the northern end.
Transport: Bus 30 from Jalan Sultan Mohamed, or 22 or 38 from Lebuh Pasar Besar Opening Time: Butterfly House: daily 9am to 5pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm Admission: Butterfly House: RM5; Bird Park: RM5; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: Free
Melaka (Historic City):
The fascinating seaside city of Melaka preserves the historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade with China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Colonial powers wrestled for control, and much of the Portuguese influence from the 1500s is cemented in its architecture. The most notable cultural presence today is predominantly Chinese. Chinese merchants continue to ply their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air markets burst with colourful fruit, vegetable and fish produce. The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng together with the vast Chinese cemetery, support a thriving industry entirely dedicated to the deceased. The merging of Chinese and Malay have produced a unique ethnic group found in Melaka, the Baba-Nyonya. The unique lifestyle of this micro-culture can be explored in a dedicated Baba-Nyonya museum.
Telephone: (0)6 236 538 (tourist information)
Merdeka Square:
The 328ft (100m) flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is the tallest in the world, and marks the place where Malaysia achieved independence in 1957. The city’s colonial past is still very much alive in the architecture of the surrounding buildings and the field still hosts the occasional cricket matches. The Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club rests on one corner of the square, looking onto a large video screen displaying religious messages and advertisements. The Club served as a social centre for Kuala Lumpur’s British residents; its doors are now open to anyone who can afford the membership fees. In keeping with die-hard customs women are still not allowed entry to the bar, except by invitation.
National Mosque (Masjid Negara):
A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in South East Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of the city’s Malay office workers congregate here for the Friday afternoon prayers. The impressive 18-point star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.
Address: Jalan Perdana, Lake Gardens Telephone: (0)3 2693 7784
Transport: LRT to Pasar Seni LRT station Opening Time: Daily 9am to 6pm, except Friday during prayers 2.45pm to 6pm Admission: Free
National Museum (Muzium Negara):
Malaysia’s historical artefacts and cultural icons are housed in an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. Shadow play (Wayang kilt) displays reflect the ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional weapons such as daggers (kris) and machetes (parangs) reveal the Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms.
Address: Jalan Damansara Telephone: (0)3 2282 6255 Email: janetsm@tm.net.my
Transport: Bangsar LRT station or bus to Jalan Travers Opening Time: Daily 9am to 6pm Admission: RM1
Petronas Towers:
The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate Malaysia’s emergence as South East Asia’s commercial and cultural centre. Celebrated as the tallest towers in the world until the recent completion of Taipei 101 in Taiwan, the buildings stand at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and are joined by a skybridge extending 192ft (58m) across. Traditional geometric principles of Islamic architecture have been followed using modern technology, with an inspiring result. The Petronas towers are used as office complexes that form part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Development Park. Telephone: (0)3 2331 1769 (Skybridge)
Transport: Train from Kuala Lumpur Central Station or PUTRA light rail transit to KLCC; bus 176,178,183 or 185 from Jalan Hang Lekiu bus stop Opening Time: The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 5pm Admission: Free for 1,300 visitors per day
The National Park (Taman Negara):
Taman Negara contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land. Its richly diverse fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130 million years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal life is by ‘trekking’ along the jungle trails. Although seldom seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in places amongst the jungle growth. Besides trekking, the park’s other attractions are fishing, river rafting or bird watching and climbers can explore the Peninsula’s highest mountain, Gunung Tahan at 7,175ft (2,187m). The best time to visit the park is between March and September. Telephone: (0)3 905 2872
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