Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is a rich blend of modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, open spaces and local markets. Kuala Lumpur is home to the Petronas Towers, the world's tallest twin towers at 452m high; in fact when they were opened in 1998 they were officially the tallest buildings in the world. Most visitors to Kuala Lumpur will take a classic photo from the steps in front of the towers. Tourism is important for the city's economy; hosting 8.9 million tourists per year earns the city the title of 6th most visited city in the world.
Popular tourist attractions include: Merdeka Square (surrounded by historic buildings), Jamek Mosque (built on Malay burial ground), House of Parliament (featured on currency), the National Monument (fallen heroes memorial), City Gallery, Petaling Street (bustling Chinatown), Central Market (traditional market stalls), National Palace (official residence of the head of state of Malaysia), National Museum (Malaysian history and culture), and the Kuala Lumpur Tower (highest panoramic viewpoint and revolving restaurant). The City Gallery is a must visit; housing miniature displays of city landmarks and a collection of photos and paintings detailing the city's history. Everyone who visits the gallery aims for a photo in front of the 4m high, 'I LOVE KL' sculpture.
Locals love to shop and eat. Visit one of the many shopping malls; there are 66 to choose from! Suria KLCC is very popular due to its location at the foot of the Petronas Towers. The large air-conditioned shopping malls are a contrast to the local markets where you can shop for locally made souvenirs. Sampling the local food is a great way to experience Kuala Lumpur. Cuisine available is a mix of Asian culinary traditions; Malay, Chinese and Indian. There are food courts in the shopping malls and a wide variety of street sellers to tempt your tastebuds.
Accommodation options are wide and varied, catering for travellers of all budgets. From 5 star international chain hotels to budget backpacker hostels you will find somewhere to stay in Kuala Lumpur. You can even stay in a converted shipping container capsule near the International Airport (Sepang). Bukit Bintang is an area popular with tourists looking for great bars and nightlife. If you choose somewhere close to the Convention Centre you will be within walking distance of a number of retail outlets and dining outlets.
Top things to do include; day trip to Genting Highlands (resort town las Vegas style), take a helicopter tour over the city, canopy walk (200m long, 30m above ground) at Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), fish spa (feet clean), firefly tour, Sunway Lagoon water theme park and a cooking class. If you have kids they will love visiting the theme parks, the Aquaria at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the Petrosains Discovery Centre on the 4th floor of the Petronas Towers complex, the National Zoo and Aquarium, the SkyTrex adventure, farm in the city or the Science Centre. Tour options include; half and full day city tours, hop-on hop-off open top bus tours, firefly tours, Batu caves and the elephant sanctuary
