Kuala Lumpur : For thrill seekers.....
More than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. While the city's past is still present in the evocative British colonial buildings of the Dataran Merdeka and the midnight lamps of the Petaling Street nightmarket, that past is everywhere met with insistent reminders of KL's present and future. The city's bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. To some, this spirit seems to have been gained at the loss of ancient cultural traditions, but in many ways KL marks the continuation rather than the loss of Malaysia's rich past. Like Malacca five hundred years before, KL's commercial centre is a grand meeting place for merchants and travelers from all over the world.
In the same way, the city brings together Malaysia's past and present, its many constituent cultures, and even its remarkable natural treasures, allowing first-time visitors an invaluable opportunity to see Malaysia as a whole before setting off to explore its parts. In the botanical and bird parks of the Lake Gardens one is treated to a first glimpse of the unsurpassed beauty and variety of Malaysia's plants and animals. In the vibrant Central Market, music, crafts, and cultural practices from Kelantan to Sarawak can be explored and experienced. And in the National Museum, the dizzying multiplicity of Malaysia's cultural history comes into focus. As the entry point for most visitors and the meeting point of the country's many attractions, Kuala Lumpur is a grand gateway to a fascinating destination.
LOCATION
Kuala Lumpur is situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers. It is approximately 35 km from the coast and sits at the centre of the Peninsula's extensive and modern transportation network. Kuala Lumpur is easily the largest city in the nation, possessing a population of over one and a half million people drawn from all of Malaysia's many ethnic groups.
Batu Caves Situated 13km (8mi) north of the city, the huge Batu Caves are one of the best-known tourist attractions. The main cave ( Temple Cave)- is a vast open cave that is reached by 272 steps. There are several other smaller caves one of which is decorated with elaborately painted Hindu figures. Apart from being a tourist attraction the caves are used for Hindu festivals and pilgrimages, including masochistic feats which are performed annually by Thaipusam devotees.
Merdeka Square - You cant miss Merdeka Square, mainly because of the easy to spot 95m (312ft) flag pole. Merdeka Square is situated in the heart of downtown KL.and is surrounded by historical buildings such as: the Royal Selangor Club (which is the place where everyone who is someone in KL meet each other). Also of interest is the nearby Victorian-Moorish style Sultan Abdul Samad building. The National History Museum and library are close by, as is the impressive, modern Dayabumi Complex. For the party animal: At midnight on 30 August, revellers crowd Merdeka Square to celebrate National Day, the anniversary of Malaysia's independence
Kuala Lumpur Tower - Take in KL’s high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of the fourth-highest telecommunications tower in the world. Bird’s eye panoramic views on offer from the observation deck.
Festivals and celebrations - The capital celebrates Malaysia's major holidays and festivals such as Thaipusam ( devotees of Lord Subramaniam prove their faith by piercing their body parts with metal spikes and hooks), Chinese New Year and Deepavali (Festival of Lights, when tiny oil lamps are lit outside the homes of Hindu people to entice Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, inside). Celebrations take place at Tasik Perdana and Lake Titiwangsa gardens in the north of the city. The Flora Fest is held in July , with exhibitions and the international Floral Parade. September has 2 weeks of celebration called Malaysia Fest (also called the Colors of Malaysia) with exhibits of traditional arts and special cultural performances around town. The October Shopping Carnival follows on its heels. For further details contact the tourist information office (tel (03) 2164 3929, fax 2162 1149) Central Market - Winner of the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953. Today, the art-deco structure of the Central Market is a wonderful place of development and display of Malaysian arts, crafts and culture. Diverse demonstrations, activities and performances are on show to delight the artist in anyone!
