Kuala Lumpur is the national capital and the largest city of Malaysia. It has 1.73 million citizens and it is among the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia. As a capital, it is the financial, economic and cultural center of Malaysia, home to the government and the Malaysia King. It has undergone rapid development the past decades, being proudly the home to the tallest twin buildings, the Petronas Towers. It is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is named as one of the New 7 Wonder Cities and is designated as World Book Capital 2020 by UNESCO. The latter is a very important title for education, as it is nominated to capitals with works dedicated to books and reading.
Kuala Lumpur, known as KL as well, is famous for its skyscrapers and the huge shopping malls. I was astonished by the “mall culture” that prevails there. Malaysian people regard visiting the numerous malls of the city as a form of entertainment and a way to escape from the merciless heat. It has interesting colonial architecture and various gastronomic delights. Tourism is a central focus in Kuala Lumpur, as also the accommodation of many different cultures and religions. So, a traveler can see and visit temples, mosques, minarets, Mogul-style domes and many historic monuments in the same city.
When to visit Kuala Lumpur
In general, Malaysia has a tropical climate, which means that Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year long. The ideal attire is basically light materials, like T-shirt and bermudas.
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is when the humidity is quite low and this happens twice in a year: from May to July and from December to February. May to July is the best season, as the temperature rises to around 25°C and it encourages tourists to go shopping even at night. The same temperatures can be met during December and February, which is the best season with all the Christmas and New Year’s preparations and without rain.
There are two monsoon seasons, too, which take place from October to January and from March to April. It is best to avoid them because of all the heavy thunderstorms.
How to go to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has two airports, one for the primary aviation airlines and one for the budget airlines. KL accepts flights from all over the world. The airports, then, are connected to all the train lines, leading to the city. It offers, also, an extensive network of buses and metered taxis. Travelers use mostly the light rail to travel around the different regions of the city. There is also an app like Uber, called Grab, which offers ride hailings by citizens and by taxis. Grab is a well-known app in South East Asia.
What to see in Kuala Lumpur
#1.Petronas Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world with 88 floors and 451.9 meters height. Their design is of Islamic influence, by the Argentine architect César Pelli. It was completed in 1996. It accommodates a number of offices for world-famous companies and it, also, features the Skybridge, between the 41st and 42nd floors, between the two towers. It is the highest 2-story bridge in the world.
#2. National Museum
For an introduction to Malaysia’s history, economy, geography, arts and culture, one must visit the National Museum. In its four main chambers that correspond to different historical periods (antiquity, kingdoms, colonialism, and contemporary Malaysia) one can find collections of traditional old houses, dioramas of everyday rituals, weapons, and musical instruments, as also the history of the Malaysian puppet theatre.
#3. National Mosque
The enormous national Mosque covers an area of 53,000 m2 and has a capacity of 15,000 people. It has a 73-m high minaret and a beautiful outdoor garden with reflecting marble pools and fountains. Tourists can enter the Mosque only after the prayers have finished, with the appropriate clothing. When I was there, I was approached by a very friendly preacher who was willing to explain to me the five pillars of Islam.
#4. KL Tower
KL Tower is a communications tower and is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. I think that it looks a bit like a UFO. You can go there if you want to have a magnificent view of the city.
#5. Chinatown
An area that never sleeps, a town of many colors and odours, Chinatown is one of the main tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur. It is another main shopping center for tourists with bargains that start on Chinese herbs and can be found even to imitation goods. For even lower prices, Chinatown markets are open at night with hundreds of stalls. Beautiful temples, art galleries, and delicious street food guarantee a full afternoon of fun and adventure.
#6. Istana Negara
Istana Negara is Malaysia’s National Palace, built in 1928. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, so the entrance is the hot spot for photographs. The palace opened in 2011 and replaced the old Istana Negara.
#7. Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the place to go if you want to shop during daytime or nighttime, or if you wish to visit the many restaurants and cafes of the area. It is a very popular place among Malaysians. I was driven there by the friendliest Malaysian-Chinese couple I have met so far.
#8. KLCC Park
The KLCC Park is an urban park below the Petronas Twin Towers and in front of KLCC Mall in Kuala Lumpur City Center. It combines many species of tropical trees, many water designs, like a 10,000 sqm man-made lake with a 43-m bridge, footpaths, playgrounds, and a Mosque. It covers an area of 50 acres.
#9. Eco Park
If you want to experience a relatively small rainforest without having to leave the city, then this is your place. Endangered species of plants, as well as some birds, and even monkeys can be found there.
#10. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Kuala Lumpur. Its construction began in 1873 and it is also rumored to be the richest in the country. One can understand that very easily by its facade, which is gloriously decorated with little statues and colors. It is an important national and cultural heritage. It is free to visit.
#11. Batu Caves
We saved the best for last. Batu Caves are the must-see of Kuala Lumpur. It is a limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples. There is a river flowing below it. It is the focal point of the Hindu Festival Thaipusam in Malaysia.
Outside Batu Caves, is located the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity. It is a really huge statue covered with gold paint. If you visit this holy place, don’t forget to take the tour of the Dark Cave, which lies inside the main cave, to admire its stalactites, stalagmites and some rare insects.
