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.
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
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.
Address: City centre. Ticket Booth: Tower 2, Concourse Level; 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
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
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; Telephone: (0)3 274 6063; 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
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 6pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: Butterfly House: RM5; Bird Park: RM1; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: RM1, free on weekdays
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 Sultan Hishamuddin; 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; E-mail:
info@museum.gov.my; Website:
www.museum.gov.my; Transport: Bangsar LRT station or bus to Jalan Travers; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: RM2; free for children under 12 and children wearing school uniform
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; Admission: RM1 (park permit), RM5 (camera licence)