Downtown Traveler

Kuala Lumpur is a great holiday destination with plenty to see and do. Not only does it have everything you would find in other Malaysian cities– temples and mosques, colonial architecture, Chinese markets, museums and parks– but, as you would expect from a capital city, it also has a flavor all of its own. As the powerhouse of the flourishing Malaysian economy, it represents a vibrant mix of old and new, and of many different cultures.

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Read on for 5 must-see attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

5) The Golden Triangle

When you arrive in Kuala Lumpur, you will find it very easy to get around the city, with a well established public transport system, including LRT (rapid transit) trains, monorail and buses, as well as a plentiful supply of taxis. Many visitors start with the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’, the bustling commercial area of Kuala Lumpur. Here you will find modern hotels and conference centers, skyscrapers and shopping malls, as well as the famous 88-floor Petronas Twin Towers.

4) Freedom Square

The historic center includes many old colonial buildings. Start with Dataran Merdeka (Freedom Square), with its mock-Tudor buildings that would not be out of place in an English village. Also not to be missed are the Anglican Cathedral, the old Kuala Lumpur railway station and the offices of the Colonial Secretariat.

3) Chinatown and Little India

The Chinatown area provides a complete contrast. Here you can wander down tiny alleyways between the market stalls, buy souvenirs and traditional medicines, or even have your fortune told. Next, move on to Little India with its Hindu temples, followed by the Masjud Negara (National Mosque).

2) National Museum

The National Museum is a spectacular modern building with displays including history and natural history. Other museums in the city include the Asian Art Museum and the National History Museum. When you feel like taking a break from culture, take a walk in the Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens), home to birds, butterflies and orchids, as well as a boating lake perfect for a day outdoors with the family.

1) Dining out

There are lots of options for eating out. You can find cosmopolitan restaurants of every type in the Golden Triangle. Elsewhere in the city, look for traditional Chinese and Malaysian food. At night time, the whole of Chinatown seems to be transformed into a giant outdoor restaurant! You may also want to try one of the hawker centers: these are food courts with dozens of different stalls to choose from. After you have eaten, you can take part in the vibrant night life; there are clubs and bars to suit every taste.

This is all part of the Kuala Lumpur experience, where different cultures come together and traditional customs sit side by side with a modern infrastructure. What more could you ask for in a vacation?

Have you been to Kuala Lumpur?

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