If your whistle-stop tour of South East Asia includes KL, a truly unique experience awaits you, and if time isn’t on your side, you must be very selective in your choice of local attractions. KL offers a unique mixture of hi-tech connectivity and timeless traditions, and with that in mind, here are a few ideas to help make the experience a rich one.
Central Accommodation
A short stay demands an inner city hotel in Kuala Lumpur with plenty of local attractions in close proximity, where you are only a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which must be on everyone’s list. The 45-minute tour of the Twin Towers can be booked online, which is advisable, and the tour includes a visit to the observation deck, which is located on the 86th floor, and at 425m above ground, the view is absolutely breath taking.
Chinatown
KL has an older, more traditional side which is epitomised with stylish Chinatown that consists of colonial style architecture from the 1920s, and you can spend a day admiring the quaint buildings and sampling the freshly cooked vegetarian dishes that the area is so famous for. Petaling Street is a central location that has absolutely everything for sale, including watches, footwear, bags and clothing, and with seafood restaurants on every corner, prepare for a gastronomic delight.
Central Market
Located nearby Petaling Street, this is the artistic side of town, where you can buy a range of art items created by local people, and there are even ethnic zones, where the different cultures are segregated, in order to highlight their uniqueness. There are local artists who sell their work on the streets, and if you see something that really takes your fancy, you can likely pick up a real bargain.
The Malaysia Heritage Walk
A stone’s throw from the Central Market, walking along this boulevard is akin to witnessing the various cultures, with the variety of handicrafts available, and with local prices, you will be pleasantly surprised. If you are lucky enough to be there during a cultural festival, expect to see a range of artistic performances that seem to be unorganised and at random. Chinese Dim Sum is available here, and they say it is the very best outside of mainland China, and there are many other local dishes to try if you fancy something out of the ordinary.
Public Transport
There are always hop on buses running in all directions, and if you like a little adventure, it is well worth spending a day just exploring the many facets of this incredible city. You can buy an all day ticket, which allows you unlimited travel, and let’s not forget the light train transport which is also quick and efficient.
If you source hotel in the inner city, there is more than enough to keep you occupied for a few days, and hopefully, it will be the start of a lengthy affair with this amazing city.