A Multicultural Hotchpotch
China Town
Kuala Lumpur is a major stopover city and many people break their journey there en route to a final destination. In fact, it's a city that is well-suited to a forty-eight hour visit – there is more than enough to keep the visitor busy for a couple of days. The city is truly multicultural. Although distinctly Malaysian, it is also greatly influenced by the Chinese and Indian immigrants who have made Kuala Lumpur their home. Additionally, a variety of other minorities add to the unique character of the city.
Skyscrapers sit next to crumbling traditional buildings. The aroma of delicious street food tempt passers-by. The muezzin's call to prayer echoes through the streets, while incense wafts from Buddhist temples. A shopper's paradise, the Kuala Lumpur's commitment to consumerism is evident in its bustling street markets and modern malls, which can be found throughout the city.
Getting there and around
Kuala Lumpur's airport is one of the largest in South-East Asia. Opened in 1993, the airport is 45 miles south of the city center. It takes 30 minutes to reach Sentral Station, Kuala Lumpur's transport terminal by train. By taxi, it takes an hour.
Additionally, a monorail connects many of the main tourist attractions and the transit network is the most cost-effective and cheapest way to get around the city.
Checking in
Kuala Lumpur offers accommodation to suit all budgets. From five dollar dorm beds to five star hotels and an excellent choice of mid-range hotel options in between, finding a crash-pad for a couple of nights shouldn't be a problem, whatever your budget.
Day One
Kick-start the day with breakfast at the Antipodean Cafe
Start your city adventure with a tasty breakfast at the Antipodean Café (20 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru). Check out the pumpkin and sweetcorn fritters accompanied by bacon – it's awesome. The coffee is pretty good too. It's a contemporary café, with cool red and black décor.
The Petronas Twin Towers for spectacular city views
The Petronas Twin Towers is the city's showpiece. At 451 metres high with 88 storeys, it was the highest building in the world until 2003, when it was overtaken by Tapei 101 in Taiwan. Walk across the skybridge between the 41st and 42nd storeys and then head up to the 86th floor for incredible cityscape views. Furthermore, whilst in the building, have a wander around the KLCC Shopping Mall, which is at the base of the towers.
The Petrona Towers
China Town
Next up, head over to Chinatown and take a stroll down Petaling Street. If you are looking for a bargain, you are likely to find it here. From electrical goods to t-shirts and souvenirs, the street is also well known for its wide selection of imitation brands. Furthermore, it's an ideal place to sample some mouth-watering street food including the locally popular salted roast duck.
China Town
Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple
Just around the corner, you will find Sri Mahamariamman (Jalan Tun H S Lee), the city's oldest Hindu temple. Intricately designed in South Indian style, it has three shrines and is the main place of worship for Kuala Lumpur's Hindu population.
Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple in China Town
Malaysian Handicrafts at Central Market
Also in the vicinity, Central Market is chock-a-block with stalls selling Malaysian handicrafts, batiks and artwork. Adjacent to the market is an arts centre, where you can watch artists at work. Additionally, frequent traditional music and dance shows can be seen at the centre.
For dinner, why not try some authentic Malay cuisine? The award-winning Bijan Bar and Restaurant is a slick, chic venue, where you can choose from a range of Malaysian food. Vegetarian options are available and it is also one of the few restaurants in the city that serves alcohol. The wine list is impressive.
Day Two
The Batu Caves
The dramatic Batu caves are situated thirty minutes by train from downtown and are easy to reach from KL Sentral. The complex consists of four caves. The main cave has 272 steps leading up to it and is guarded by a giant Shiva statue. Monkeys hang out on the steps, waiting for any scraps which pilgrims may throw their way. Colourful shrines are hidden in the nooks and crannies of the caves. At the entrance to the caves, restaurants serve vegetable curries, rice and poppodums on banana leaves.
The Batu Caves
Islamic Arts Museum
Back in town, The Islamic Arts Museum is a bright modern building, exuding a calm and peaceful aura. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits and Islamic culture worldwide is well-presented (Jalan Lembah, Perdana).
The National Mosque
Nearby, The National Mosque has a capacity for 15,000 people. The architecture is impressive with soaring minarets and a star-shaped concrete ceiling. A number of reflecting pools and fountains in the grounds are surrounded by lush foliage.
The Lake Gardens
The Lake Gardens are also in the vicinity of both the museum and mosque, a sprawling area consisting of five different gardens and parks. It's an oasis in the heart of the city and includes a deer park and a bird park with over 3,000 species. Additionally, there are butterfly and orchid gardens. Due to the huge size of the area, it rarely becomes too crowded and serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Little India
Little India of Brickfields, transports the visitor to sub-continent minus the madness of Mumbai. It's a vibrant and colorful area and a great place to buy sparkly bangles or even a sari! There are some great restaurants in the area. Restoran Sri Kortumalai (215 Jalan Tun, Sanbanthan, Jalan Brickfields) serves cheap, but mouth-watering South Indian food.
Little India
Lastly, head to Sky Bar for a cocktail or two. Situated on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel, the view of the Petrona Towers is spectacular and it's a perfect way to round off your two-day jaunt to Kuala Lumpur.
