Situated on the Malay peninsula that stretches from Indonesia to the Philippines, Malaysia, as the adage goes, is “truly Asia.” Its capital Kuala Lumpur is firmly rooted in tradition with a mix of nationalities and races. On any given day, you can hear a variety of spoken languages ranging from Cantonese to Mandarin, Hindi, Tamil, and English. Malaysia is also a melting pot for people from all corners of Asia; the official language Malay is spoken alongside English by most residents.
Shopping Expeditions
Kuala Lumpur’s downtown core is rapidly evolving; there’s a lot to discover, ranging from the soaring Petronas twin towers to the plentiful shopping areas and malls in the city. Bukit Bintang is regarded as Kuala Lumpur’s trendiest; this shopping mall has hordes of visitors complemented by five-star hotels, restaurants, and vibrant nightclubs.
Also worth exploring is Malaysia’s Chinatown in Petaling street; here, you will find a variety of counterfeit brand-name designer goods. The most exciting part of Petaling is its delightful array of local Chinese cuisine and seafood restaurants; bargaining is part of the deal when shopping in Petaling.
Landmark Buildings
Kuala Lumpur’s famous landmarks include the Petronas Towers, the Old Railway Station, and the Sultan Abdul Samad building. Located in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers were once the world’s tallest from 1998 until 2004, until the designation was overtaken by Taipei 101 Tower and Burj Khalifa of Dubai. Designed by Argentine-born American architect Cesar Pelli the towers have 88 floors, reaching a height of 1,483 feet (451.9 meters).
The towers serve as the headquarters of Malaysia’s oil and gas power company. They are also home to one of the best shopping malls in town, along with an observation deck on the 86 floors with 360-degree panoramic city views. Beautifully landscaped parks, complete with a jogging track, a water fountain, and a wading pool, complement the area surrounding the Petronas Towers.
The remarkable structure of Kuala Lumpur’s Old Railway Station makes it one of the most iconic buildings in town. Built in 1910, the Old Railway Station features a mix of Moorish and Indo-Gothic style. The domed towers and large arches are reminiscent of the Indian Palaces of Rajasthan. A stop by the Old Railway Station is worth exploring, given that the station is one of the oldest colonial structures in Malaysia.
The Old Railway Station is not the only iconic building in Kuala Lumpur; the Sultan Abdul Samad building, which houses the federal court and the court of appeals, is now home to the ministry of information, is unique in its own right. Built in 1897, the Sultan Abdul Samad building has been part of Kuala Lumpur since the city was a trading and mining settlement; currently, it is one of Malaysia’s most treasured buildings.
Batu Caves
Your trip to Malaysia isn’t complete without a stop at Batu Caves, one of Kuala Lumpur’s must-see attractions. Home to several Hindu shrines, the caves are only about a 20-minute ride from the city. You can explore the pilgrimage site where offerings are made in the 100-year-old temple and shrines. Other interesting facets include a giant statue of the lord Murugan at 140 feet (42.7 meters) high alongside caves, temples, and several artefacts.
One of the major hurdles facing visitors to the caves is the multi-colored staircase leading to them. Apart from the height and physical exertion, you are confronted by opportunistic monkeys around the staircase eagerly waiting for a chance to steal a quick snack, be it a banana or any nearby object within reach, including your water bottle or cell phone.
