Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Garden City of Lights, is the Capital City of Malaysia. From its centralized position which spans 243.6 sq. kilometres, this ultra-modern nerve centre of Malaysia expands outwards to embrace the world.
Discovering Kuala Lumpur is like travelling through a time tunnel. Here, vivid traces of history continue to influence and inspire a country set on becoming a fully industrialized nation by the year 2020. You will see ultra-modern skyscrapers standing magnificently next to rows and rows of quaint old shop houses. Haute cuisine beside hawker stalls.
To an avid shopper, Kuala Lumpur is a paradise. From world-renowned designer labels and brands to exquisite made-in-Malaysia items, the highly competitive environment that exists among traders is a blessing in disguise to shoppers. While department stores practice a fixed price policy, bargain hunters can test their skills at smaller retail establishments or at any one of Kuala Lumpur's famous night markets. KL will enthral you. It will capture your heart and mind in a way no other city will.
Places of Interest in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
The famous twin towers – the world’s tallest – are situated in KL. Set in an enormous and artistically designed tropical garden, they house an exciting discovery centre, a stunningly beautiful concert hall and an unusual art gallery, all of which are connected to a shopping gallery and food court.
Since it was opened in 1997, the towers have become one of the city's main symbols, looming into the heavens and often lost in cloud when the afternoon thunderstorms rumble in. Standing 452 m (1483 ft) high, the building (designed by Cesar Pelli) consists of two similarly shaped towers joined by a 58 m (192 ft) sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floors. Local ex-pats like to see the Petronas Twin Towers as a metaphor for Malaysia's economy.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad building was constructed at the end of the last century and the site was chosen because of its central position. A.C. Norman, a British architect who worked for the Public Works Department in Kuala Lumpur, in designing the existing building took into consideration some of the features of buildings in several Islamic countries. The building includes shiny copper domes and a 130-metre clock tower. The predominantly Moorish appearance of the building suitably reflects the cultural background of Malaysia.
Istana Negara
The official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (The King), located on a hillock at Jalan Istana. The palace is surrounded by green lawns, ponds and trees. On ceremonial occasions, the palace and its grounds are gaily lit-up.
Parliament House
The Parliament House placed on elevated ground commands a panoramic view of the Lake Gardens is the modern Parliament House with its distinctive oval-shaped windows. It is situated in one of the greenest and most beautiful areas in KL and is superbly lit at night. The main building and its adjoining tower block accommodate the two houses of Parliament, a banquet hall, library, various offices and committee rooms.
Sri Mahamariaman Temple
Built in 1873, this is one of the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. It also houses a giant chariot that is used to transport a deity annually during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam
Gardens in Kuala Lumpur
Lake Gardens Located off Jalan Parlimen, is the greenbelt of Kuala Lumpur. Developed in the 1880s, these undulating and beautifully landscaped gardens cover 170 acres of rolling lawns with huge trees, colourful beds of flowers and two lakes. There is a children's playground, jogging tracks, exercise stations, and rowing boats. The popular gardens offer plenty of recreational opportunities and attractions. The Orchid Garden showcases thousands of international varieties of the most beautiful flower in the world. The garden contains over 800 species from Malaysia alone. The Hibiscus Garden is a small terraced garden, which provides a strikingly colourful panorama of countless varieties of hibiscus.
Photos: Tourism.gov.my
malaysia.tourism-asia.net