Travel Guide Kuala Lumpur

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1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels Thinkstock/iStock 01/13

2 02 Quick view - a brief overview The n 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 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. General Information Country overview Reefs and rainforests, mountains and minarets, skycrapers and sampans; more than lives up to its official slogan 'truly Asia'. One of the great cultural melting pots, 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 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 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 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 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 n 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. General knowledge Key facts Population: /13

3 03 Population Density (per sq km): 89 Capital:. 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 n Dollar. Electricity volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are used. General business opening hours Most private sector offices are open Monday to Friday and Saturday , but many public sector offices operate a five-day week. Government office hours Mon-Fri, Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January December 2019 period. 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 Hari Tahun Baru (New Year s Day): 1 January 2018 Hari Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Day): 1 February 2018 Tahun Baru Cina (Chinese New Year): 16 and 17 February 2018 Hari Pekerja (Labour Day): 1 May 2018 Hari Wesak (Buddha s Birthday): 29 May 2018 Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan): 15 and 16 June 2018 Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 August 2018 Hari Kebangsaan (National Day): 31 August 2018 Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 12 September 2018 Hari (Nationalfeiertag): 16 September 2018 Hari Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 30 September 2018 Maulidur Rasul (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 20 November 2018 Hari Natal (Christmas Day): 25 December /13

4 Hari Tahun Baru (New Year s Day): 1 January 2019 Hari Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Day): 1 February 2019 Tahun Baru Cina (Chinese New Year): 5 and 6 February 2019 Hari Pekerja (Labour Day): 1 May 2019 Hari Wesak (Buddha s Birthday): 19 and 20 May 2019 Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan): 5 and 6 June 2019 Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 11 and 12 August 2019 Hari Kebangsaan (National Day): 31 August 2019 Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019 Hari (Nationalfeiertag): 16 September 2019 Hari Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 27 and 28 October 2019 Maulidur Rasul (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 and 11 November 2019 Hari Natal (Christmas Day): 25 December 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions Social conventions in 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 n 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, 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 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 04/13

5 05 boiled milk used in tea has normally been boiled or treated. Other Risks Malaria and Hepatitis A and C are present in 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, 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 Telekom Berhad, the national phone company ( 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, and in larger cities in East. Signals are less reliable in the highlands and vanish entirely in rural areas of Borneo. 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 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. City Centre Tel: Tue-Sun (closed Fri ) Islamic Arts Museum 05/13

6 06 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 Tel: Daily 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 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 Tel: Daily , and Masjid Jamek Overlooking the junction of the Gombek and Klang Rivers, this early 20th-century mosque is one of the loveliest buildings in, with pastel-coloured onion domes, minarets and arched colonnades. Jalan Tun Perak Tel: Daily and (closed Fri ) 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 Tel: Chinatown 06/13

7 07 On the southern side of the Colonial District, 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 Daily Sri Mahamariamman Temple Serving 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 Tel: Sun-Thurs Fri Sat 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 No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee Tel: Daily 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 Tel: Daily Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas For some, shopping is the main reason to visit ; 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 department stores. 07/13

8 08 Markets Central Market is a major attraction in its own right; its blue art deco archways are crammed with stalls selling all manner of n 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 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 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 Ampang Price: Expensive 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, Sri Desa Enterpreneurs' Park Jalan Kuchai Lama Price: Moderate Bijan Authentic Malay cooking is the forte in this laid-back café with a tranquil back garden; specialities include ikan bakar (fish baked in banana palm leaves). 08/13

9 09 3 Jalan Ceylon Price: Moderate 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 Nightlife Nightlife in 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 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 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, CC No Black Tie Cool live jazz and Japanese cuisine are on offer in this intimate venue, which often features top international artists. Lorong Mesu 09/13

10 Dewan Filharmonik Petronas KL s premier classical music auditorium, in the Petronas Towers; home to the n Philharmonic Orchestra and hosting a reputable programme of concerts, ballet and other arts events. KLCC Calendar of events Calendar of events Thaipusam The most important Hindu festival in, celebrated mainly by n 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. 31 January 2018 Venue: Batu Caves Federal Territory Day Public holiday marking the ceding of to the federal government of in 1974 by the surrounding state of Selangor. It's marked by colourful celebrations including fireworks and parades with streamers and balloons. 1 February 2018 Venue: Throughout the city 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. 16 February 2018 Venue: Chinatown King's Birthday Celebrations ns celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King of with a series of extravagant ceremonies in the capital,. Events include a ceremonial Trooping of the Colours symbolising the loyalty of the n Armed Forces to the monarchy. 4 June /13

11 11 Venue: Various venues in 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 n population, and while the celebrations are largely family-oriented, it's quite a special time of year to be in the city June 2018 Venue: Throughout the city 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 n Fashion Week and the Made in exhibition. 15 June - 31 August 2018 Venue: Throughout the city Merdeka Celebrations A month-long festival marking 's independence from Britain, which was finally gained in Celebrations come to a head on Independence Day, August 31, with a huge parade and the ceremonial raising of the n flag at Merdeka Square. August 2018 Venue: Merderka Square and other city venues F1 Petronas n Grand Prix The Formula One carnival comes to town once a year at the Sepang Circuit close to International Airport. Currently the second race of the annual F1 calendar, the Grand Prix first took place here in September - October Venue: Sepang International Circuit n Motorcycle Grand Prix The annual n Motorcycle Grand Prix is one of '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. 4. November Venue: Sepang International Circuit Deepavali 11/13

12 12 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. 7 November 2018 Venue: Throughout the city Sepang 12 Hour The Sepang 12 Hour (MMER) is a 12-hour endurance race for cars between cc. First held in 2000, this has grown to become one of the biggest events of its kind in. It's seen as a good training ground for the racing stars of the future. December Venue: Sepang International Circuit Hotels Hotels in 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 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 Pullman Bangsar Coolly decorated modern rooms in this smart, formal hotel, ideal for special occasions. 1 Jalan Pantai Jaya Tower Category: Moderate 12/13

13 13 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 AnCasa Express Simple but clean rooms at this friendly hotel, centrally located in Chinatown. Jalan Pudu Category: Cheap 13/13