| Page Views: 6,677 Last Visit to Kuala Lumpur: - I Live Here | My KL Pronounced 'Kay-Ell' by city_guy - last update: Aug 15, 2004 |
KUALA LUMPUR*, meaning a muddy confluence, had its origins as a shanty mining outpost for the tin trade in the 1800's at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang River.
Today, KL as it is popularly known, is a bustling metropolis, the federal capital of Malaysia and is the principal centre of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities.
The site of the original settlement draws a steady stream of tourist, largely to the adjacent Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Merdeka Square where the British flag was lowered for the last time on midnight August 31, 1957 and replaced by the new Malaysian flag.
The city's skyline is rapidly changing and presently boasts of the world's tallest twin towers*, the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers standing at 451.9 meters as well as the KL Tower, the world's fourth tallest standing at 421 meters.
Modern transportation that include the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and a Rapid Transit monorail system, recently opened, mean getting around is a breeze. However, despite its transformation into an ultra-modern city, KL still retains its old world charm depicted in the majestic buildings of the colonial era, quaint pre-war shophouses and the way business is conducted.
More conspicuous is its 'Garden City' ambience, apparent the moment one lands in the city. At night, the streets adorned with lit trees and decorative shrubs, as well as the buildings are colourfully lit to give the city a unique dazzle.
The Lake Gardens, home to the Hibicus and Orchid Gardens as well as the Bird, Deer and Butterfly Parks, just one of KL's many delights. For a sojourn in antiquity, the National Museum is a must but there are other museums with specific themes as well.
The city is also an excellent hunting ground for shopping buffs as alaysia is now known as a shoppers paradise. Well-known establishment located along Jalan Bukit Bintang(The Golden Traingle) , Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Ampang as well as Central Market and KL's Chinatown(Petaling Street) tantalise visitors with their sheer variety of products and the lure of attractive prices.
These areas also throb with the excitement of nightlife and evening entertainment. There is local and western theatre, cultural renditions and even night golfing around the city. |
| Chinatown under renovation |
|  | The NEW Chinatown A picture of Petaling Street(Chinatown) under renovation. It was recently completed somewhere in June 2003 and now boast of a rain-free, sun-free market. Opening from as early as 8.00am, one will find shopping for many items there fun and interesting.
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If you have any questions about KL, please contact me here or email me at: jr@asia.com and I will try my best to help you.☺
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| last glimpse of the old chinatown |
| | What chinatown 'used' to look like This is what it used to look like a few months ago. The goverment finally decided on taking some steps to beautify this tourist/local attraction and well, it just truned out fine.
Shop for all you dreamed about, branded watches, clothes, sunglasses, movies in DVD/VCD(note these are now under watchful eyes of the authorities), just about all the stuff that cost 10 times more at the malls.
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> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "So much to see, eat & buy" | | Cons: | "Watch out for the crooked taxi's and....." | | In A Nutshell: | "The city of Everything, Heritage, Culture, Shopping, Food...." |
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 Comments for city_guy about Kuala Lumpur | | | | |
shawnT Tue Feb 24, 2009 14:36 UTC
GREAT page on KL. Im new to VT and my travels seem so boring compared these exotic travels. I have a craving for some tropical place in Asia ! | jumpingnorman Fri Feb 20, 2009 00:46 UTC
Very comprehensive toliet warning in Malaysia, hehehe...thanks for sharing and greetings from Arizona, Norman :) | samsopiee Tue Feb 12, 2008 01:33 UTC
Salsa no longer regular here. Go to http://forums.havanaestudio.com for more info! | deedo Thu Sep 27, 2007 21:50 UTC
Very interesting details. Soon I will be in KL and I am curious to see this 'Squatting' type ;) . Thanks for info. |
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