Introduction
Located between Indian Ocean and South China sea, in the South East Asian region, Kuala Lumpur is the ultra-modern capital of Malaysia. Because of its strategic location, it has been a traveller's entry point to Malaysia, dating back to the times when traders and travellers of the east and the west converged at this place.

What to do
Being the capital, it is a well-developed city in the country with modern highrises, glitzy hotels, and world class shopping malls. Known as KL affectionately by its people, this flashy city offers a lot to the tourist. One can stroll around the historically significant Merdaka square, visit the ancient mosques and museums, or peer over the city from the Petronas Twin Towers -the world's tallest building. For the brand conscious shopper and the craft lover, this city doesnt fail to deliver. One should not miss the night markets, polularly known as Pasar Malam and try out his bargaining skills. The nights in Kuala Lumpur are a different scene altogether ; the city glittering with lights and the nightclubs, bars, karaoke lounges, cinema, theaters thronging with people.

City at a Glance

Latitude 3° 7' N Longitude 101° 42' E Population 18 million Area 243 Sq. km Language Bahasa Malaysia(official); English, Cantonese, Tamil, Madarin(business) Relegion Muslim, Buddhism , Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, Confusianism Telephone code 03

History
Kuala Lumpur's history dates back to 1857 as a small mining town at the converging point of Gombak and the Klang rivers. The town flourished undre the business interests of three officials- A british resident, A malay Raja Abdullah and a chinese headman. This buzzing town attracted Chinese labourers, Malays from neighbouring areas, and Indian immigrants. Soon Merdaka Square became the focal point of the town with colonial buildings replacing local offices. The city spread out from here.

Inspite of going through its ups and downs , Kuala Lumpur became the capital of the state of Selangor in the late 1800s, and later the capital of the federal Malay states of Perak, Selangor, Negeri, Sembilan, and Pahang. Its main thrust was the establishment of center of Malaysian Network of rail lines.

Today multicultural and multi racial people making up this busy city.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Kuala Lumpur has pleasant tropical climate. Temperatures range from 22-33 degrees and humidity is high all year round. Rainfall is heavy, the heaviest showers occur from March through May and September to November. The best season to visit is from november through April.

Attractions
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Merdeka Square is the site where the the Malaysian Flag was first hoisted in 1957 and Independence proclaimed. At one end of the square is the world's tallest flagpole flying the national flag.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Designed by a British architect , this two storey building is topped by a forty meter high clock tower, and is the most famous landmark of Kuala Lumpur. It has been influenced by Moorish architecture.

Masjid Jamek
This is Kuala Lumpur's oldest mosque, known for its intricate North Indian Islamic architecture, sited at the point where the Gombak river and the Klang River meet. This point is the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur.

Masjid Negara
This brilliant mosque is characterised by a multifold umbrella like blue roof signifying the five pillars of islam and the thirteen states of Malaysia. There is a 73 meter minaret, a marble courtyard and a grand hall inside the mosque.

Petronas Twin Towers
The petronas Twin Towers is the world's tallest building, going upto a height of 452 meters. Built at a commercial development centre called the KLCC or Kuala Lumpur City Center , it has chic shopping malls, cineplexes, and an art gallery.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Built in 1911 under the British rule, it is peppered by Moorish design and architecture.

Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake gardens)
This is Kuala Lumpur's most popular park spread over an area of 100 acres, located at Jalan Parlimen with various recreational facilities. Within the Lake gardens are the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden, Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm, and the National Planetarium atop a hill in the Lake Gardens.

Petaling Street (Chinatown)
This is Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown,and shopping here is a typical oriental experience- the night markets (pasar malam) coming to life with the throng of foodstalls, markets and traders spreading out their wares. Two temples are located in Chinatown, namely the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple and the Sri Mahamariamman temple which are worth seeing.

Central Market
Once a wet market, the two storey Central Market is a haven for souvenir hunters. A good place to pick up curios and antiques like porcelain figures, handicrafts, hats, scarves, etc. at a bargain.

Dayabhumi Complex
This thirty-five storey building is another landmark of Kuala Lumpur portraying a blend of Moorish-Byzantine architecture.

National Museum
This oldest and biggest museum in Malaysia, it is inspired by Malay architecture and displays Malaysian history. A must see for any tourist.

Muzium Telekomunikasi Negara (Telecommunication Museum)
This impressive heritage building with greek porticos is the first interactive museum in Malaysia.

Other
Others monuments and places worth taking a look at are the National Monument, the Parliament House, Menara Kuala Lumpur, Istana Nagara (National Palace), the National Science Center . If one is an inquisitive historian , some museums worth visiting are the Royal Malaysian Armed force Museum, Royal Malaysian Air force Museum, Museum of Asian Arts, MISC Museum, Maybank Numismatic Museum etc.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Kuala Lumpur celebrates many festivals peculiar to the various cultures. The prevalence of different relegious faiths sees the observation of various holidays like Chinese New Year, Prophet Mohhammed's Birthday, Deepavali, Christmas, Thaipousam, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Important days and events like National Day, City Day, Flora Festival and the weeklong Shopping Carnival are celebrated. Of special interest is the Malaysian Fest which is a two week long celebration of the unique culture of Malaysia. Besides, there are many sporting events held in Kuala Lumpur every year.

Places nearby
There are several recreational parks in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Titiwangsa Recreational Park, Taman Tasik Permaisuri and the Botanic Gardens of University of Malaya are some options.

After Hours
At night, Kuala Lumpur transforms itself. The glitzy malls, hotel bars, Karaoke lounges, cinemas, and theatres are abuzz with the throng of people. One can binge at the the deluxe nightclubs and cabarets or watch international performers all night. Bars and pubs scattered around the city are open till the wee hours of the morning, which play jazz, piano and popular music. One should not miss the live bands displaying their talent.

SHOPPING
Kuala Lumpur, with its cometitive currency, is a shoppers' paradise. The upmarket shopper should head for the KLCC, and the malls in Petronas Twin Towers where one will find most international designer labels, quality stuff and Made-in-Malaysia items. For something exquisitely malay, one should not miss pewter, sonket and batik items. The Central market is a good place for crafts and souvenirs. Bargain hunters can test their skills at the famous Pasar Malam (night markets), Petaling street, Pasar Tani and so many others. One can get exquisite Indian stuff like sarees, jewellery and edibles at Little India. There are numerous duty free shops in the shopping complexes and the airport.

WHERE TO STAY
Kuala Lumpur offers the tourist a varied range of accomodation at competitive prices. The city is dotted with glitzy international five stars hotels which provide excellent facilities. Besides, there are medium range and budget hotels, youth hostels and apartments available.

WHERE TO EAT

Eating out in Kuala Lumpur is an exotic adventure. The tourist gets a palate of international cuisine, spicy malay food, exotic Chinese cuisine , a variety of exotic Indian food, the list is endless. The traditional Malay dishes- Satay, Nasi remak, Lendang, fried noodles, chicken rice, Roti Kanai, Murtabak should not be missed.

The Chow Kit Market-the largest wet market in Kuala Limpur, offers lots of other culinary options to the adventurous.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Kuala Lumpur is served by many international airlines. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is at a distance 75 km from Kuala Lumpur City. Besides Malaysian Airlines which flies to 35 cities and towns around the country, there are regular international flights to different destinations around the globe.

Land
By Road
It is possible to reach by road to Malaysia from Thailiand and Singapore from the North-south expressway in the West coast and east-west highway to the east coast. Kuala Lumpur is well connected by road to other parts of the country and efficient bus services are readily available.

By Rail
Malaysia has a well connected railway network in the Peninsula. It is possible to reach Malaysia via Thailand and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur Railway station has direct trains from Butterworth and Singapore.

Local Transport
From the Airport one can take a bus, by return Budget Taxi Service, return Luxury Taxi Service, one way Limosine Taxi or one way metered taxi. One inside the city there are buses, Car rental services, taxis and tricycles for hire.