The funny thing about Kuala Lumpur is that I felt I would like it before I even learned much about it. It had already happened to me with a few other cities, when I just knew I would fall for them, and then indeed I did. I’m not entirely sure if it’s pure intuition, or maybe also a decision made upfront to some degree, but those are life’s little mysteries, and what we want to focus on is Kuala Lumpur itself.
Being the capital of Malaysia and the country’s biggest city, Kuala Lumpur (referred to simply as KL by the locals) is what I’d describe as a livable metropolis. It is modern, well-communicated, fairly green, and not even nearly as overwhelming or polluted as another popular Southeast Asian capital, Bangkok.
Highlights, you may ask?
The first KL association that most people have are of course the Petronas Towers, which are no longer the tallest buildings in the world, but still remain the tallest twin skyscrapers. I’ll say they are quite spectacular, especially by night.
Petronas Towers
Yet for the view I’d recommend the KL Tower rather than the Petronas, as it offers the highest, 360 degree viewpoint of the city. The top observation deck is open air, and while it offers spectacular views, it’s probably not best suited for the ones with a fear of hights (or with suicidal tendencies). KL Tower also has an indoor observation deck, but that one fades in comparison.
view from KL Tower
view from KL Tower
KL view
KL Tower
As for other places of interest, there’s the National Mosque, built in 1965, the year when Malaysia and Singapore split.
National Mosque
There’s the Islamic Arts Museum, which houses Islamic texts, textiles and artifacts.
Islamic Arts Museum
There is Chinatown;
Chinatown
old vs. new
my personal favourite, Chinese temples;
Chinese temple
Chinese temple
Chinese temple
as well as Hindu temples.
Hindu temple
Outside Kuala Lumpur you’ll find Batu Caves, a Hindu religious site contained in a series of caves carved inside a limestone hill, with an impressive golden statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, at the entrance.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves
What else?
A lot, of course. You can go shopping in one of the huge shopping malls. You can eat to your heart’s content, as Malaysia is known for the delicious mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. You can party (but know that alcohol will cost you!). You can have a stroll (but remember that it’s very hot and humid here, and that not all areas are pedestrian friendly). And last but not least, you can watch (or get soaked in) the rain, because it rains a lot in Kuala Lumpur, and when it rains, it literally pours.
Kuala Lumpur
