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| This is a very basic guidebook. |
| The information in it was compiled from various reliable sources to serve as a quick reference for your journey. |
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| Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide |
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| What's inside? |
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Looking forward to an affordable and enjoyable getaway to Malaysia's capital? Let us help you with the plans. Our guidebook and its well-drawn maps will help you find the best places to visit, stay, eat and shop in Kuala Lumpur. It'll also give you tips on transport, tours, culture, festivals and the local language. You'll be lost without it!
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| Help Save the Malayan tiger! |
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| Fund collecting in progress... |
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| The Malayan tiger, found in the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula, was not considered a subspecies in its own right until 2004. Recent studies have shown that around 600 to 800 Malayan tigers exist in the wild, making it the largest tiger population other than the Bengal and Indochinese tigers. Nevertheless, it is still considered an endangered sub-species, threatened by habitat loss and conflict with humans. They typically prey on sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar and livestock. |
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| What's an a4trip guidebook? |
| An a4trip guidebook is a travel guide that'll provide you with the information you'll need to plan your trip and to find your way around. Our guidebooks are downloadable in PDF format, and are designed to be so compact, you can take it with you everywhere you go. |
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| How can I pay for a guidebook? |
| We accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only) and Discover (USA only) via PayPal. Your transaction will appear as 'PAYPAL*A4TRIP' on your credit card statement. |
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| Help! Why can't I download the guidebook? |
| Don't worry, just get in touch with us and we'll deliver the guidebook right to your inbox. |
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| Just how often do you update your guidebooks? |
| We try to update our guidebooks at least once a month. |
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| Have more questions about a4trip? |
| Just Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you. |
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| Captivating Kuala Lumpur |
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| by Adline A. Ghani, working mum & freelance writer |
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Kuala Lumpur, known affectionately as KL, is the capital city of Malaysia. Once a tin mining frontier town, it was established at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, hence its name which literally means 'muddy confluence'. Today, the greater area of Kuala Lumpur is known as the Klang Valley, and it is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country. Home to a multicultural community, KL's architecture is a mix of colonial, Asian and Islamic influences, with pre-war shop-houses standing proud alongside the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
As the country's trade and fashion centre, KL is a veritable shopper's haven. Its main commercial hub, dubbed 'The Golden Triangle', boasts a high concentration of retail outlets that include: Suria KLCC, Berjaya Times Square and Starhill, as well as the hippest, most happening nightclubs, bars and lounges. KL also hosts a number of glamorous events annually, such as KL Fashion Week and the International Gourmet Festival. For a true taste of KL, however, you'll need to step away from the glitz and head for the bustling markets of Petaling Street, Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Then, there's the city's beloved Central Market, an art deco landmark that's been around since 1888. Believe it or not, it was once a wet market. Now, it contains an assortment of arts, crafts, antiques and souvenirs. As shopping is practically a national past time, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Malaysian Mega Sale, which since 2000, has been held not once - but thrice a year! KL's pace may be hectic, but it's not just about the rat race. The city also provides an exciting platform for culture and the arts to flourish. To learn more about Malaysian history and culture, drop by the National Museum. A stone's throw away is the National Mosque and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which houses the largest collection of Islamic art in Southeast Asia.
Nearby is the Perdana Lake Gardens, which encloses within its expanse: a Deer Park, a Butterfly Park, a Bird Park, an Orchid Garden, a Hibiscus Garden and much more. Other notable parks in KL include: the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Park, the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens and the Metropolitan Lake Gardens. Despite being a metropolitan city, KL also has some of the oldest virgin forests in the world, located at the Bukit Nanas, Bukit Sungai Putih and Bukit Sungai Besi Forest Reserves. Other major tourist attractions include: the House of Parliament, the KL Tower, Dataran Merdeka, Tugu Negara, Istana Negara, Aquaria KLCC, the National Science Centre, Zoo Negara and Batu Caves.
Fancy yourself a culture vulture? Visit the National Art Gallery, the Petronas Art Gallery or commercial art galleries like: Valentine Willie Fine Art or R.A. Fine Arts. For performing arts, visit the National Theater, the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre or the Actor's Studio in Bangsar. If sports excite you, you should know that KL plays host to annual sporting events like the KL Tower Run, the KL Tower International BASE Jump Merdeka Circuit and the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon. There're also international events like: the Formula One World Championship, the A1 Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix.
If you're worried at all about public transport, don't. KL is served by buses, commuter trains, taxis and rapid transit systems. They are all connected via KL Sentral, the city's main transportation hub. KL's also well connected by highways, speed roadways and expressways. If you're flying to KL, you'll come through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is located about 50 km south of the city. From there, you can hop on the KLIA Ekspres, a high-speed train that'll take you to KL Sentral in under 30 minutes. If you prefer to get to town by car, the highway will get you there in an hour. Once there, there are many budget, mid-range and luxury hotels to choose from.
If you're planning to visit KL, be sure to contact the Malaysian High Commission to check your Visa requirements and the related costs. Malaysia has a varied Visa system, citizens of some Commonwealth nations and the U.S.A., for example, will not require a Visa for social visits. Some foreign citizens will not require a Visa when visiting Malaysia for a period of between 14 days to 3 months. Some may be granted Visa upon arrival, while others will require a Visa or Special Approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before entering Malaysia. The permitted length of stay is entered on the Visa at the time of issue and is at the discretion of the issuer. It is normally 1 to 3 months from the date of issue and extensions are possible.
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