Kuala Lumpur officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, or more commonly KL, is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. The only alpha world city in Malaysia, it covers an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi). It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in both population and economic development.
Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia, home to the Parliament of Malaysia, and the official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara. The city once held the headquarters of the executive and judicial branches of the federal government as well, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999. Some sections of the judiciary still remain in here.
Kuala Lumpur is one of three Federal Territories of Malaysia, enclaved within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Kuala Lumpur has undergone rapid development in recent decades. It is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic development.
Petronas Twin Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world. Now the world’s tallest twin structures, the 88-storey buildings were designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates with both towers joined at the 41st and 42nd floors (175m above street level) by a 58 metre-long, double-decker Sky Bridge.
Along with the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower is easily Malaysia’s most recognizable and popular landmark. Constructed in 1994, the tower stands at 421 metres and effortlessly trumps the Petronas Twin Towers with the highest and most spectacular view of the city. This gleaming tower’s spindle-like apex is visible from almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.
The vibrant Chinatown is a well-known bargain hunter’s paradise that seemingly never sleeps. Rich in Oriental culture, heritage, and history, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. It holds its own against more glamorous neighbors like KLCC and Bukit Bintang.
11 km north of KL, Batu Caves is a 400 million-year old limestone hill (with a 100-year old temple incorporated within it), best known as the focal point of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The celebration attracts thousands of visitors who come to see the colourful spectacle of devotees who pay homage by carrying ornately-decorated ‘kavadis’
On the concourse level of the KL Convention Centre, the 464,515 sqm Aquaria KLCC houses over 150 species of marine life. Some dismiss it as a tourist trap, but they are truly missing out. Beyond the tanks filled with kelp, coral, and sea creatures, lies one of KL's foremost sightseeing attractions, offering real depth and complexity.Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Towers
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Chinatown
Batu Caves
Aquaria KLCC
Useful information
In Malaysia the power sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Visitors to Malaysia must obtain a visa from one of the Malaysian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
A modern rail system, excellent roads, low-cost buses, and an extensive ferry system make getting around Malaysia an easy task.
The official and national language of Malaysia is Malaysian, a standardised form of the Malay language. English remains an active second language, with its use allowed for some official purposes under the National Language Act of 1967.
