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Kuala Lumpur Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Kuala Lumpur
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Kuala Lumpur Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Kuala Lumpur - 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.
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.
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Kuala Lumpur
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Merdeka Square
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Chinatown
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Petronas Towers
City centre. Ticket Booth: Tower 2, Concourse
Level
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday
8.30am to 5pm
Phone:(0)3 2331 1769 (Skybridge) |
Kuala Lumpur
holidays - Top Events
1. Colours of Malaysia
From 2007-05-01
To 2007-05-29
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What is it? Malaysia is extremely proud of its cultural
diversity, which is showcased in Kuala Lumpur each year with one of
the world's most colourful extravaganzas, Citrawarna, or 'The
Colours of Malaysia'. This month-long cultural celebration is
packed with a kaleidoscope of events, the highlight being a grand
parade involving thousands of people escorting a float bearing the
Royal family. The event also marks the King's birthday. The
spectacular procession is a moving mosaic of rhythm and dance.
Throughout the month there are numerous offerings including art and
craft exhibits, sumptuous cuisine at food festivals, resplendently
costumed music and dance performances and sports
meetings.
Where is it? Merdeka Square and other venues around the city
centre |
2. Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump
From
To
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What is it? The Menara Kuala Lumpur (better known as the
KL Tower) is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the
world, standing at 1,381 feet (421m). The tower has become a magnet
for extreme sports enthusiasts, particularly 'BASE' (building,
antenna, span and earth) jumpers. Every year 50 or so daredevils
make repeated jumps from the tower and make three-second free falls
before opening their chutes, leaving spectators breathless. Allied
events on the day include a light aircraft fly past, helicopter
roping, radio controlled aircraft displays and gliding
exhibitions.
Where is it? Menara Kuala Lumpur |
3. KL International Water Festival
From 2007-04-12
To 2007-05-10
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What is it? Water looms large in the life of Kuala Lumpur
and the city capitalises on its suitability for water-based
activities with an annual Water Festival. There are hundreds of
components to the month-long water carnival, like a sandcastle
building contest, an underwater treasure hunt, the 'catch the duck'
competition, log-walk fights and many kayak, canoe and jet-ski
races. A programme of cultural music and dance performances, most
offered free of charge, tops off the extravaganza. For more
information contact the Ministry of Tourism on (603) 2693 7111 or
www.tourism.gov.my
Where is it? Taman Tasik Perdana |
4. Thaipusam
From 2007-02-01
To 2007-02-01
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What is it? Malaysia celebrates numerous religious
festivals, but the best known and most popular with tourists is the
Hindu test of faith and endurance, Thaipusam, held at Batu Caves
during the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. This festival,
involving a procession of devotees carrying yokes (kavadi), bearing
offerings, up hundreds of steps, is not for the squeamish. The
bearers, in a trance-like state, are pierced with skewers through
tongues and cheeks, with hooks and spears pierced through other
body parts. The procession follows a ceremonial decorated chariot
drawn by bullocks.
Where is it? Batu Caves, about seven miles north of Kuala Lumpur |
5. Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
From 2007-04-08
To 2007-03-08
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What is it? One of the first events in the annual Formula
1 Grand Prix motor racing season is the Malaysian Grand Prix at the
impressive Sepang track. The first World Championship Grand Prix
held at this new ultra-modern circuit, known for its sweeping
corners and wide straights, was in 1999, and since then the event
has become known as one of the most thrilling on the F1
Calendar.
Where is it? Sepang Circuit |
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