Once home to the tallest building in the world, KL is famous for its gleaming skyscrapers and trendy rooftop bars. But like Malaysia as a whole, the capital lays claim to an appetising mix of cultures and attractions, from Chinatown and Little India to colonial gardens and colourful Hindu temples.
One of the economic powerhouses of Asia – a medley of mosques, museums and markets, temples, traders and towers.
KL serves up street food as good as any in Hanoi or Bangkok, while at the same time offering megamalls with enough contemporary designer fashion to rival Tokyo or Shanghai.
For a sense of KL’s cosmopolitan nature, take a stroll around bustling Chinatown with its daily market along Petaling street, or wander the streets of bazaar-like Little India.
Take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city in the tranquil Lake Gardens, 92 hectares of landscaped hillside gardens originally laid out by the British.
The 400-million-year-old Batu Caves and the temples therein are well worth the drive from the city, their entrance guarded by a 140-foot statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war.
Kuala Lumpur is a city where tradition and innovation meet in dazzling harmony. At its heart, the soaring Petronas Twin Towers and the upscale precinct of KLCC speak to the city’s modern aspirations – home to designer boutiques, five-star hotels and some of Asia’s finest dining. While just a few streets away, Jalan Petaling in Chinatown comes alive with lantern-lit markets, traditional apothecaries and the irresistible aroma of hawker stalls.
South of Chinatown, a stroll through the landscaped Lake Gardens provides a slice of serenity as well as access to the KL Bird Park, the world’s largest walk-in aviary. Equally enjoyable on foot are Little India and the charming Malay area of Kampung Baru. A short drive from the city but not to be missed are the dramatic Batu Caves, a Hindu pilgrimage site of temples and shrines set within towering limestone caves reached via a flight of multi-coloured steps.
Occupying a prime position close to the Petronas Twin Towers and the green space of the KLCC, the Four Seasons sets the standard for luxury and style in Kuala Lumpur. A signature of the hotel is Bar Trigona, one of Asia's best bars with extraordinary city views by day and especially at night.
Combining an impressive selection of dining and leisure options with an ideal location for exploring the entertainment district of Bukit Bintang, the Shangri-la has long been a favourite for travellers and Kuala Lumpur locals alike.
The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur combines the luxuries style and facilities synonymous with Mandarin Oriental along with an ideal location overlooking to the green space of KLCC park and the Petronas twin towers.