Travel Guide Kuala Lumpur
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Travel Guide
Kuala Lumpur
02 Quick view 05 Phone calls & Internet 09 Nightlife
02 Malaysia 05 Top 10 sights 10 Calendar of events
04 Travel etiquette 07 Shopping in Kuala Lumpur 12 Hotels
04 Health 08 Restaurants
© Thinkstock/iStock
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Quick view
Kuala Lumpur - a brief overview
The Malaysian capital offers an alluring blend of high-tech modernity with rich
historic roots. Come here for first-class shopping and dining, but its cultural mix is
what makes Kuala Lumpur stand out, a happy blend of influences from the
Muslims, Chinese and Indians. Despite its size, the city has a less frenetic pace
than others in the region.
KL’s most iconic image, symbolising its constant development, is the Petronas
Twin Towers, which dwarf the many other soaring skyscrapers. Explore at ground
level, however, and the old Colonial District provides a feast for the senses, from
multi-coloured temples to aromatic street markets and foodstalls.
Malaysia
General Information
Country overview
Reefs and rainforests, mountains and minarets, skycrapers and sampans;
Malaysia more than lives up to its official slogan 'truly Asia'. One of the great
cultural melting pots, Malaysia is a nation where Chinese joss-houses, Hindu
temples and gold-domed Malay mosques jostle for space with bustling markets
and towering skyscrapers. Away from the cities, untamed nature awaits, in the form
of jungles dripping with rare and exotic species and coral reefs teeming with
turtles, sharks and rainbow-coloured tropical fish.
Peninsular Malaysia is where people come for bustling cities and colonial history,
but the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo are the gateway to a mysterious
world of coral islands and lush rainforests inhabited by isolated indigenous tribes.
Geography
Malaysia is situated in central South-East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north,
with Singapore to the south and Indonesia to the south and west. It is composed of
Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the north coast of
the island of Borneo, 650 to 950km (404 to 600 miles) across the South China Sea.
Peninsular Malaysia is an area of forested mountain ranges running north-south,
on either side of which are low-lying coastal plains. The coastline extends some
1,900km (1,200 miles).
The west coast consists of mangrove swamps and mudflats which separate into
bays and inlets. In the west, the plains have been cleared and cultivated, while the
unsheltered east coast consists of tranquil beaches backed by dense jungle.
The major islands are Langkawi (a group of 99 islands), Penang and Pangkor off
the west coast; and Tioman, Redang, Kapas, Perhentian and Rawa off the east
coast. In Malaysian Borneo, Sarawak has alluvial and, in places, swampy coastal
plains with rivers penetrating the jungle-covered hills and mountains of the interior.
Sabah has a narrow coastal plain which gives way to mountains and jungle. Mount
Kinabalu, at 4,094m (13,432ft), is the highest peak in Malaysia.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 29628392
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Population Density (per sq km): 89
Capital: Kuala Lumpur.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language, but English is widely spoken.
Other languages such as Chinese (Cantonese and Hokkien), Iban and Tamil are
spoken by minorities.
Currency
Ringgit (MYR; symbol RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of RM100, 50,
10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. The Ringgit is
often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar.
Electricity
230-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are used.
General business opening hours
Most private sector offices are open Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and Saturday
0900-1300, but many public sector offices operate a five-day week.
Government office hours
Mon-Fri, 0830-1630
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December
2021.
Note
(a) Holidays falling on the weekend are observed the following day.
(b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the
moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of
Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during
the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some
disruption may continue into Hari Raya Aidilfitri itself. Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari
Raya Aidil Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the
region.
(c) Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations
and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.
(d) Not all Public Holidays are observed throughout Malaysia.
2020
Hari Tahun Baru (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Tahun Baru Cina (Chinese New Year): 25 and 26 January
Hari Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Day): 1 February 2020
Hari Pekerja (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Hari Wesak (Buddha’s Birthday): 7 May 2020
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan): 24 and 25 May 2020
Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July and 1 August 2020
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 20 August 2020
Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia (National Day): 31 August 2020
Hari Malaysia (National Day): 16 September 2020
Maulidur Rasul (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 October 2020
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Hari Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 14 November 2020
Hari Natal (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
2021
Hari Tahun Baru (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Hari Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Day): 1 February 2021
Tahun Baru Cina (Chinese New Year): 12 and 13 February 2021
Hari Pekerja (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan): 13 and 14 May 2021
Hari Wesak (Buddha’s Birthday): 26 May 2021
Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 and 21 July 2021
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 10 August 2021
Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia (National Day): 31 August 2021
Hari Malaysia (National Day): 16 September 2021
Maulidur Rasul (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 19 October 2021
Hari Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 4 November 2021
Hari Natal (Christmas Day): 25 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
Social conventions in Malaysia are dictated by religion and culture, with different
norms amongst Muslim Malays, Indian Hindus and followers of Chinese religions.
The catch-all greeting in Bahasa Melayu is selamat, but Malays are more likely to
use the Arabic phrase assalamualaikum, meaning 'peace be with you'. The
standard title for Malay men is Encik (pronounced Enchik), which can be used with
or without the person’s name; single Malay women should be called Cik
(pronounced Che) and married women Puan.
Touching the hand to the chest is a sign of respect and a relaxed wrist and gentle
touch should be adopted when shaking hands.
Chinese and Indians usually use Western forms of address. Hospitality is always
warm, lavish and informal. When eating food by hand, only the right hand should
be used. Visitors should respect religious beliefs and follow the Malaysian
example, particular when it comes to appropriate attire. Footwear should be taken
off at the door when entering a house or temple. Outside the workplace, dress
should be informal, but not overly casual.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 999
Food & Drink
Food is one of the highlights of any trip to Malaysia, but a little caution is required
as standards of hygiene can vary. Restaurants are usually fine, and you should
also be safe at street stalls and night markets where the food is prepared freshly on
the premises. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish and avoid places where food
has been left lying around in the open air. Avoid ice cream and other
unpasteurised dairy products as they may have been defrosted and refrozen.
Tap water in larger cities is usually safe, but most people prefer to drink bottled
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water. Elsewhere, all water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated
– stick to water that has been boiled or sterilised. Be wary of ice as it may have
been prepared using contaminated water. Milk is unpasteurised and should be
boiled – milk used in tea has normally been boiled or treated.
Other Risks
Malaria and Hepatitis A and C are present in Malaysia and Hepatitis B is also
widespread, though the risk to travellers is low. Outbreaks of dengue fever,
Japanese encephalitis and meningococcal meningitis occur in both urban and
rural areas, but are rare in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and coastal resorts. Rabies is
present; if bitten by monkeys or dogs, seek immediate medical attention. There
have been several outbreaks of avian influenza since 2004 but no human fatalities.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +60
Telephone
International calls can be made from public telephones or at any office of Malaysia
Telekom Berhad, the national phone company (www.tm.com.my). Public phones
can be found in many areas, such as supermarkets, shopping centres and post
offices, and most use coins or pre-paid cards, which can be purchased at petrol
stations and convenience stores.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies and
network coverage is good in most areas of Peninsular Malaysia, and in larger
cities in East Malaysia. Signals are less reliable in the highlands and vanish
entirely in rural areas of Borneo. Malaysia has GSM 900/1800 and 3G mobile
networks, and pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased locally for unlocked mobile
phones. If your phone is locked to a network, cheap handsets are widely available.
Internet
Internet cafés are found everywhere and most chain coffee shops and shopping
centres offer Wi-Fi connections. Larger hotels offer in-room internet access and Wi-
Fi access in the lobby.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Towers
At 490m (1607ft), this is currently the tallest twin structure in the world, housing the
national oil company, as well as a hotel, restaurants, theatre and shopping mall.
The Skybridge is the highest point open to visitors, with amazing views from 170m
(558ft) above the ground.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Opening times:
50088 Kuala Lumpur Tue-Sun 0900-2100
Malaysia (closed Fri 1300-1430)
Tel: 603 2331 8080
www.petronastwintowers.com.my
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Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Housed in a stunningly designed modern building, this excellent museum contains
artworks and religious artefacts from around the Muslim world, spanning 1,000
years.
Jalan Lembah Perdana Opening times:
50480 Kuala Lumpur Daily 1000-1800
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2274 2020 www.iamm.org.my
Colonial District
The old city centre is a delightful area to explore on foot, with many old buildings,
temples and markets, in the streets around Independence Square (Dataran
Merdeka).
Dataran Merdeka
50 500 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Masjid Negara
The National Mosque is a strikingly angular modern building, with stained-glass
windows, latticed walls and an elegantly tall minaret, and fronted by peacefully
sparkling fountains.
Jalan Perdana Opening times:
50480 Kuala Lumpur Daily 0900-1200, 1500-1600 and 1730-
Malaysia 1830
Tel: +603 2693 7784
www.masjidnegara.gov.my
Masjid Jamek
Overlooking the junction of the Gombek and Klang Rivers, this early 20th-century
mosque is one of the loveliest buildings in Kuala Lumpur, with pastel-coloured
onion domes, minarets and arched colonnades.
Jalan Tun Perak Opening times:
50050 Kuala Lumpur Daily 0830-1230 and 1430-1600
Malaysia (closed Fri 1100-1430)
Tel: 603 9235 4848
Old KL Station
Only a few trains still serve this colonial-era station in the south of the city, but it’s
an architectural highlight, with its whimsical confection of arches, domes, minarets
and spires.
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin www.ktmb.com.my
50050 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2263 1111
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Chinatown
On the southern side of the Colonial District, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinese district
comprises a bustling complex of alleyways packed with markets, pharmacies and
ramshackle shops; also including the colourful Chan See Shu Yuen Temple.
Chinatown, Jalan Petaling Opening times:
50000 Kuala Lumpur Daily 0800-1800
Malaysia
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Serving Kuala Lumpur’s sizeable Indian community, this is the largest and oldest
Hindu temple in the city, controversially renovated in the 1960s, with a
spectacularly colourful exterior.
Jalan Tun H. S. Lee Opening times:
50000 Kuala Lumpur Sun-Thurs 0600-2030
Malaysia Fri 0600-2130
Tel: +604 263 4941 Sat 0600-2100
Menara KL Tower
This shorter rival to the Petronas Towers has an observation deck at the top of its
communications tower, offering a much higher viewpoint than the Skybridge, at
335m (1,100ft) over the city.
Menara Kuala Lumpur Opening times:
No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off Jalan Daily 0900-2200
P.Ramlee
50250 Kuala Lumpur www.menarakl.com.my
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2020 5444
Muzium Negara
Housed in a modern building designed as a traditional Malay palace, the national
museum gives an insightful portrayal of the country’s many ethnic communities,
spanning its history from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include fine
wood carving, textiles and shadow puppets.
Jalan Damansara Opening times:
50 480 Kuala Lumpur Daily 0900-1800
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2267 1111 www.muziumnegara.gov.my
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Key Areas
For some, shopping is the main reason to visit Kuala Lumpur; its numerous
sprawling markets and plush malls are open till late every day, to satisfy even the
most avid retail addict. The so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ area, within Jalan Pudu,
Jalan Ampang, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Tun Razak, has the most shops, malls and
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department stores.
Markets
Central Market is a major attraction in its own right; its blue art deco archways are
crammed with stalls selling all manner of Malaysian handicrafts – though a bit
overpriced for tourists – as well as a food court and restaurants. Also unmissable
are Chinatown and Little India, which continue late into the night: much of the
claimed western brand products are cheap imitations, but it’s worth a visit for the
bustling atmosphere.
Shopping Centres
The Golden Triangle has the lion’s share of malls, but Bangsar Village, in the
eponymous neighbourhood, is a cut above the rest, while one of the biggest malls
of all is Suria KLCC, with hundreds of stores filling the five-storey complex.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
With its wide cultural mix, spanning China, India, Thailand, Japan and beyond, the
city offers some great eating options, from cheapand hectic street stalls in
Chinatown to trendy gastro eateries in Bangsar, the upmarket expat area to the
west of the city centre.
G3
This top-notch bistro serves Italian specialities as well as exotic tropical fruit
smoothies, attracting a loyal expat crowd.
19 Jalan Telawni 3, Bangsar Price: Expensive
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tamarind Springs
Excellent Thai and Indochinese cuisine is served up in this pavilion in the jungle
on the city outskirts; an exotic gastro adventure.
1 Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama Price: Expensive
68000 Ampang
Malaysia
Din Tai Fung
On the sixth floor of the Pavilion Shopping Mall, this Chinese restaurant serves
some of the best dim sum in the city; often busy but worth the wait.
No. 34-3, Jalan 1/116B, Price: Moderate
Sri Desa Enterpreneurs' Park
Jalan Kuchai Lama
58200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Bijan
Authentic Malay cooking is the forte in this laid-back café with a tranquil back
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garden; specialities include ikan bakar (fish baked in banana palm leaves).
3 Jalan Ceylon Price: Moderate
50 200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Jalan Olor
Come here for some of the best street food in KL; dozens of stalls serving up
freshly cooked Asian meals on the go; best to go after dark when it really comes
alive.
Jalan Alor Price: Cheap
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Nightlife
Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur
KL nightclubs and bars are loud and lively, especially the more touristy joints in the
central‘Golden Triangle’ area; for more sophisticated entertainment, head for
trendy Bangsar.
Hard Rock Café
If you can put up with its standardised global image, you can hear some of the
city’s best live music here.
Wisma Concorde, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Zouk
One of the most happening clubs in KL, attracting top DJs from around the world;
dress casual smart and come prepared for wild parties.
113 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
SkyBar
Come to this glitzy bar on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel KL, to sip cocktails as
you take in the breathtaking views, including the nearby Petronas Towers.
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur CC
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
No Black Tie
Cool live jazz and Japanese cuisine are on offer in this intimate venue, which often
features top international artists.
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Lorong Mesu
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
KL’s premier classical music auditorium, in the Petronas Towers; home to the
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and hosting a reputable programme of
concerts, ballet and other arts events.
KLCC
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is welcomed by Chinese people everywhere, and KL is no
exception. Centred on Chinatown, but celebrated across the city, this animated
festival includes dragon dances, vast amounts of fireworks and liberal feasting at
Chinese restaurants across the city.
January 25, 2020
Venue: Chinatown
Federal Territory Day
Public holiday marking the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the federal government of
Malaysia in 1974 by the surrounding state of Selangor. It's marked by colourful
celebrations including fireworks and parades with streamers and balloons.
February 5, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Thaipusam
The most important Hindu festival in Malaysia, celebrated mainly by Malaysian
Hindus with Tamil origins. The celebrations are vividly colourful and marked by
acts of self-mortification, with devotees adopting painful body piercings before
parading en masse to the Batu caves. More than a million pilgrims gather for the
festival every year.
February 8, 2020
Venue: Batu Caves
King's Birthday Celebrations
Malaysians celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King of Malaysia with a series
of extravagant ceremonies in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Events include a
ceremonial Trooping of the Colours symbolising the loyalty of the Malaysian
Armed Forces to the monarchy.
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June 4, 2020
Venue: Various venues in Kuala Lumpur
Aidilfitri (Hari Raya Puasa)
Two days of joyful celebration mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of
fasting. Muslims make up the majority of the Malaysian population, and while the
celebrations are largely family-oriented, it's quite a special time of year to be in the
city.
June 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
A shopping bonanza, based on similar events in neighbouring Singapore, the
annual Mega Sale from mid-June to August sees prices plummet in stores across
the city. This is also the time for Malaysian Fashion Week and the Made in
Malaysia exhibition.
June - August 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Merdeka Celebrations
A month-long festival marking Malaysia's independence from Britain, which was
finally gained in 1957. Celebrations come to a head on Independence Day, August
31, with a huge parade and the ceremonial raising of the Malaysian flag at
Merdeka Square.
August 2020
Venue: Merderka Square and other city venues
Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
The annual Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix is one of Kuala Lumpur's best-loved
sporting events. Held at the spectacular Sepang International Circuit, this is a
highlight of the sporting calendar and huge crowd gather to soak up the noise,
excitement and the distinctive smell of super-charged engines.
November 1, 2020
Venue: Sepang International Circuit
Deepavali
The famous 'Festival of Lights' is one of the most popular Hindu celebrations,
commemorating the triumph of good over evil. As with the Chinese New Year,
every community joins in the celebrations, lighting candles, lanterns and fireworks
to bring good luck. This is a public holiday in most of the country, including KL.
November 14, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Sepang 12 Hour
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The Sepang 12 Hour (MMER) is a 12-hour endurance race for cars between 1600-
1900cc. First held in 2000, this has grown to become one of the biggest events of
its kind in Malaysia. It's seen as a good training ground for the racing stars of the
future.
December 2020
Venue: Sepang International Circuit
Hotels
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is well supplied with budget and mid-range hostels, particularly in
Chinatown and close to the KL Central Station, though some rent by the hour so
check rooms first.Most top-end hotels are clustered close to the Petronas Towers,
as well as the central business district near the KL Convention Centre.
KL Ritz-Carlton
This classically designed modern hotel offers the ultimate of comfort and style, with
luxuriously appointed rooms, as well as a pool and sauna.
168 Jalan Imbi Category: Expensive
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Anggun Boutique
Think eccentrically arty for this attractively kitsch boutique hotel, with four-postered
beds and dark tropical wooden furnishings.
9 Tengkat Tong Shin Category: Expensive
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar
Coolly decorated modern rooms in this smart, formal hotel, ideal for special
occasions.
1 Jalan Pantai Jaya Tower 3 Category: Moderate
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Istana
This large luxury hotel is excellent value for money, with outdoor pool in manicured
grounds; yoga and salsa classes are also on offer.
73 Jalan Raja Chulan Category: Moderate
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
AnCasa Express
Simple but clean rooms at this friendly hotel, centrally located in Chinatown.
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Jalan Pudu Category: Cheap
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
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