Kuala Lumpur Things to Do Tips by Quero

KL has a lot of interesting architecture. Of course there are the towers. Looking down on rooftops does nothing for me, but most people like the experience. It is generally possible to go about halfway up the twin towers to the "bridge" level; alternatively, you can go all the way up into the big tv tower, Menara KL, to the revolving restaurant.

Besides these two, some of my favorites are the Istana Budaya (Culture Palace), the National Library, the central post office complex (looks as if it's covered with lace featuring an islamic star motif), the Telekom buiding (brings to mind a giant sail), and the new Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal District Mosque), which are all modern.

For older buildings see the original
KL mosque, Masjid Jamek, (at the confluence of two rivers and the site of an early tin mining settlement), the original British colonial buildings at Dataran Merdeka (Independance Square), and the Buddhist and Hindu temples in Chinatown.

Check the Travelogue for photos of some of these gems.

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Address: All over the city
Directions: Library and Istana Budaya on Jalan Tun Razak; Masjid Jamek between Independence Square and Chinatown; Menara KL in Golden Triangle area; Telekom building at Lembah Pantai.

Probably the nicest park area in KL is the Lake Garden (Taman Tasik Perdana). You'll see people jogging, playing ball, and in the mornings practicing tai-chi. There are several specialized parks within the complex. My favorite is the orchid garden where you can see literally hundreds of varieties of orchids.

There's also a covered area where you can buy orchid plants ranging in size from mature specimens to small cuttings. The smaller ones can be packaged so that you can carry them with you on your trip home to nurture into a living reminder of your visit.

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Address: Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens)
Directions: Enter off Jalan Parliamen

A small gem of a museum is found at the Kompleks Kraf (Craft Complex) in central KL. Exhibits display traditonal techniques of woodcarving, metalworking, basketweaving, and most impressively, decorative textile production. A number of artisans have studios on the grounds of the museum, and it is possible to sign up for classes in batik painting to produce a picture of your own to take home with you.

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Address: Kompleks Budaya Kraf, 53 Jalan Conlay, KL
Directions: Between Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Bukit Bintang in central KL.

It is possible to visit the various mosques around the city. The easiest and most frequently visited in central KL are the Masjid Jamek near Central Market, and the National Mosque near the old railway station.

Visiting hours are posted on the main gate. Friday is prayer day, so plan your visit for a different day of the week. If you show up in shorts, a tank top, or a skirt showing your legs, you will be loaned a garment to cover yourself. In addition, women are required to cover their hair. Shoes must be removed before entering the sanctuary.

Many of the mosques in KL are architectural masterpieces, so don't miss the opportunity to visit if you are able.

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Address: Masjid Jamek LRT stop
Directions: Stand behind Central Market on the bridge spanning the river for a clear view of the mosque. Then follow the walkway along the river to the LRT stop. The gates of the mosque are a few steps away.