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) |
4. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Jalan Hishamuddin
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)3 227 6063 |
5. Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)
Jalan Tun Perak
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to
4pm. Friday 8.30am to 11am and 2.30pm to 4pm
Phone:(0)3 274 6063 |
6. Lake Gardens
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Butterfly House: daily 9am to 6pm; Bird Park: daily
9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to
6pm
Phone: |
7. National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 6pm, except Friday during prayers 2.45pm
to 6pm
Phone:(0)3 2693 7784 |
8. National Museum (Muzium Negara)
Jalan Damansara
www.museum.gov.my |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 6pm
Phone:(0)3 2282 6255 |
9. Batu Caves
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What is it? 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).
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 4.30pm
Phone: |
10. The National Park (Taman Negara)
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)3 905 2872 |
11. Melaka (Historic City)
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)6 236 538 (tourist information) |
