Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city in Malaysia, and having grown swiftly since the tin mining industry developed in the area it is a truly modern metropolis. One of the drawbacks of this is that it lacks some of the ornate and historic structures that are to be seen in many Asian cities, but this certainly doesn’t mean that Kuala Lumpur is a dull or tiresome place to visit. The city may be most famous for its towering skyscrapers, but on the ground beneath it is a bustling area full of culture and wonderful shopping areas.
Shopping In Kuala Lumpur
For those who are looking for luxury and designer brands there is no doubt that Kuala Lumpur is the shopping Mecca that attracts people from all over Malaysia. The Suria KLCC is one of the most attractive shopping malls in the city, lying beneath the Petronas twin towers and boasting some of the most exclusive shops and retailers. However, the real heart of shopping in Kuala Lumpur is to be found in the Golden Triangle which includes the huge malls to be found on Jalan Bukit Bintang, with Starhill Gallery offering the biggest designer brands in a wonderfully ornate mall.
For those looking for a more traditional and authentic shopping experience they should head to the Chinatown district where the Central Market is a great space which has been converted into an arts and crafts market. Traditional fabrics and clothing is sold alongside souvenirs for visitors to Kuala Lumpur in the former produce market’s charming surroundings.
Visit The Batu Caves
One of the natural attractions of a visit to Kuala Lumpur are the BatuCaves that also double as a Hindu temple. Although the caves themselves are easily accessible from the city centre, it is worth noting that there is a significant stairway to climb up to the caves, and it isn’t suitable for those not able to climb the stairs themselves. The large golden statue welcomes visitors to the area, while the caves themselves are a network of large caverns, while the Hindu temples inside are particularly attractive, and complement the natural structure of the caves.
Enjoy Malaysian Cuisine
One of the great cultural aspects of a visit to Malaysia has to be the cuisine, and Kuala Lumpur has a wealth of places that offer excellent cuisine to suit a variety of budgets. Some of the most interesting and tasty food can often be found in the street stalls. The highlights here are the roti canai which are a flat bread that is combined with dhal and curry sauce. One of the great authentic experiences in Kuala Lumpur is to head to one of the vendors across the city that dispense with plates and serve their dishes of curry and rice on a fan of banana leaves.
Visit The Islamic Arts Museum
Islam has often been portrayed in the west as a divisive religion, but a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum will show off some of the very best features and works of the religion. There are 12 galleries in all that focus on various parts of the art and culture of Islam, and there are items on display from across the region. One of the real highlights is the Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, which displays some of the beautifully ornate and masterfully made books and scrolls of Islam.
Enjoy The Birds And Animals At The Bird Park And The National Zoo
For those who enjoy viewing the rare and interesting birds and animals of Malaysia, the BirdPark and the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur are two must visit places on any visit to the city. The exhibits in the zoo include the impressive collection in the ReptilePark, along with Malaysian elephants, and a large number of primates. The BirdPark is a charming aviary that has many of the birds living in an environment very close to their natural habitat, and it is great for spotting colorful attractive birds such as the Rainbow Lorikeets and the Red Lory.