Memories of Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala Lumpur

KL as it is known in the region, has transformed itself from absolutely nothing to a gleaming bustling city with modern skycrapers and distinct local flavour.

It is just amazing!  On the other side of the landscape KLCC park, loom the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and its surroundings.  I believe it is the most visited spot in the city.  No wonder, it is just a magnificent work of art.  I have seen it during the day and admired with the lights during the night.  Visitors can now whiz all the way up to the observation deck on the 86th floor. 

KLCC Shopping Mall at the Petronas Twin Tower

After an exciting adventure of the towers, go down and shop as there are too many shops to choose from.  It is within the Petronas Twin Towers that offer designer men and women clothes and accessories.  You will not get hungry within the mall as there are a lot of caterers to local and foreign tourists.  

Located at the junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan P. Ramlee. You can access the Mall through Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee, and Jalan Kia Peng.

Other Contact: Email: info@suriaklcc.com.my

Phone: (603) 2382 2828

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus - KL

You will be surprised to know that in my three nights stay in downtown Kuala Lumpur, I was able to go around more than thirty city tourist attractions.  The most convenient and quickest way of going around the city is by using a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus.  The bus is a double-decker with an English tour guide. It is very affordable and you will have to use the coupon all day long.  Guides also do commentaries in some major languages. You may purchase tour tickets from the bus, travel agents, and hotels or buy in advance using a toll free telephone or email herein provided. It covers more than 100 major hotels so check with your hotel reception on the nearest KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop. I purchased my tickets from the Malaysia Tourism Centre.  It is a walking distance from Corus Hotel where I was staying. Yes, you need a full day to finish visiting the more than forty city tourist spots waiting for you in KL.

Contact: Email: inquiry@myhoponhopoff.com

Phone: 1 800 88 5586 

http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/

 

Petaling Market - KL

There are plenty of things to explore in KL, from the sacred Batu caves to its colonial architecture, from its boisterous Chinatown section filled with street vendors and night markets, and to its colourful Little India.  The Petaling Market in Chinatown is special because it is a bargain market that you can find any item under the sun.  It is best to come and shop at night as it becomes lively as a bustling market from 7:00PM onwards everyday including weekends.  Some stalls open as early as 8:00AM though.  Come visit the once regarded as the Bargain Paradise of Kuala Lumpur. There are local museums, mosques, temples, and huge mega-malls abound giving visitors plenty of choice of places to go, and things to see, do, and eat. 

Address: Petaling Market -  Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur 50000 Malaysia

Phone:             +60 3 2693 6661      

Theme: Local Craft

Handicraft Shop Complex at Jalan Conlay

If you are into traditional side, head out to Craft Complex on Jalan Conlay, where you can try your hand at batik painting inside a traditionally carved, wooden pavilion. It is a huge building located in the popular Golden Triangle shopping area.  Just along the street, Badan Warisan Malaysia, a community based preservation organization, sells one of the city's widest and most eclectic selections of artifacts and books.   On the grounds, a garden of native herbs and a Malay village chieftain's restored wooden house on stilts provide an urban oasis.

What to buy: Buy Batik cloth, shirts and dresses, woodcarving, pottery, silver, and brasswares.

Address: Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur 50450

Phone: +60 3 264 2990

Malaysia Tourism Centre - KL

To understand the origin of this multicultural city, go to the revamped National Museum for the insightful, guided tour in English.  Key exhibits include the 11,000-year-old remains of Perak Man and Portuguese firearms from their conquests of Malacca in 1511.


The mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures in the city makes for genuine fusion and a wide range of curries, dim sum and satay.  European, Japanese, Korean and Arabic foods reflects the origin of many of the city's residents. For street food, head to Jalan Alor, a lively road lined with cheap and cheerful Chinese restaurants.  

Corus Hotel in KL

I was checked in at the Corus Hotel which is strategically located 5 minutes walk to the twin towers. The amenities are superb.  You can swim in the pool surrounded by a garden terrace, exercise in the gymnasium by the poolside or be pampered at Danai Spa.  It was convenient for me and my family because it is very close to the city tourist spots and just next door to the Putra LRT Station which made it very accessible to the airports. More good hotels that are stone-throw from the KLCC Shopping Mall like the Mandarin Oriental (from $250 US) is located beside the Petronas Towers with an infinity pool with views over the KLCC park and the city's skyline.

Skycrapers in  KL

The skycrapers and modern office towers are indication of a progressive city.  Modern city like KL surely has to have a variety of nighlife available to suit everyone's taste and it doesn't disappoint anyone. Modern clubs, night markets and other delights abound to tempt the senses and your wallet, so why not head out and enjoy some of the local flavours while you are in town?  Be warned that the city's nightlife does shut down rather early compared with other countries, so expect to be out no later than 2 am. 

Streets in Kuala Lumpur

KL streets are generally safe.  If you are touring on foot and because you have spare time to do it, I would recommend you to walk and be fascinated with the beautiful view on the street which are close to each other.  This will allow you to have an adventure of the old and the new worlds and a blend of diverse influences.

Eye-On-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur

There was that Eye of Malaysia when I visited KL.  It is a transportable Ferris wheel which was unveiled and began operating in 2007 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.  It was relocated to Malacca the following year  and eventually dismantled in 2010.  It was a great experience. It enable visitors to experience a 360-degree panoramic view of the city centre and over 20 kilometres of its surroundings. I just hope there is a Visit Malaysia 2012!

Front Gate of Istana Negara, Royal Palace - KL

I had a glimpse of the official residence of His Majesty the King of Malaysia, Istana Negara. This is a two-storey majestic building situated on the slopes of a hill called Bukit Petaling.  The Palace is not allowed for tourists or for public visit, nevertheless, I was contented taking photos from the outside where I visualize a beautiful surrounding inside protected by front gates with two beautiful arches.
Address: Jalan Istana Jalan Syed Putra, KL Malaysia.

Palace of Culture

There is also the Palace of Culture or Istana Budaya.  This has become the venue for special performances and events in Kuala Lumpur.  If you are interested to know more about this cultural venue and the people involved in making this palace a reality, you may check from the following information:

Address: Jalan Tunk Razak, Kuala Lumpur 50694 Malaysia
othercontact: Fax:603 40255975
Phone: 603 40265555
Website: http://www.mycen.com.my/malaysia/arts_culture.html

Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur

Another spot I visited is the historical Merdeka Square where the Malaysian flag was first raised that signifies the country's independence from the British rule.  The Square is also known as Dataran Merdeka.  It has been part of the history and became one of KL's landmarks.  This historical location is surrounded by other landmarks like, Selangor Club, St. Mary's Cathedral, Sultan Abdul Samad building, and the clock tower which was regarded as the Big Ben of Kuala Lumpur.

Address: Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur 50050 Malaysia
Directions: Get off a the Pasar Seni LRT station. Walk through the Dayabumi complex to get to the Square.
Phone:             +60 3 2693 6661      

There is so much to say about Kuala Lumpur.  To put a bit of excitement, I will continue giving a Taste of KL in my blogs.   I will put some links on information about the city that will help you move around easily  What I saw in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur in particular,  is just beyond my expectation.