Kuala Lumpur Things to Do Tips by longsanborn

Previously, the Central Market was the largest wet market in the city. Built in 1928, it is also a very old building that has won awards for its architectural design. Because of its strategic location, the rapid development of the surrounding area (which led to a decline in its viability as a wet market location) and the need to cater to tourists, the building was later converted into a large arts and crafts centre.

Now, the building is home to many arts and crafts shops showcasing the work of local artists and craftsmen. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs and T-shirts in addition to more elaborate handicraft and artwork. Cultural performances are also regularly hosted here. A wide variety of Malaysian food can be sampled in and around the Central Market.

The full address is Jalan Hang Tuah Kasturi, (Junction of Jalan Benteng & Lebuh Pasar Besar), 50050 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm (Mon - Sunday)

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Directions: You can find Central Market just across from the Klang River, opposite the Dayabumi Complex, on the fringe of KL’s Chinatown. Its location makes it easily accessible by road and rail, and to pedestrians as well.

Petaling Street is the center of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. It's the place that never sleeps. All visitors to Kuala Lumpur must not miss a walk through Petaling Street. It is a bustling market that serves as a bargain hunter's paradise and also one of the premier shopping areas in the city with its distinctly oriental atmosphere. Recently, the city council has installed water-proof opaque fibre-glass roofings over the chinatown. This way, visitors can shop in comfort, shaded from the bright sunshine and rain.

If you're looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, DVDs, CDs and more, then Petaling Street is the place for you. For the best atmosphere, you must go at night and also enjoy the excellent chinese restaurants around the area.

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The Merdeka Square (Independence Square or Dataran Merdeka) is situated in the centre of the Kuala Lumpur city. It's close to the Gombak river, the Masjid Jamek, Central Market and China Town. Around the Dataran Merdeka, you can find the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club, and the National History museum. Some of these buildings have Moorish flavour.

A 100 metre-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on 31 August 1957 signifying the independence of the country from the British colonial rule.

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The Petronas Twin Towers appeared in the 1999 film "Entrapment" starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. A prime stunt sequence took place when the pair were stranded atop the connecting bridge and are confronted by a Kuala Lumpur police helicopter. Malaysians did not approve of the film because the film portrayed Malaysia as a backward and unsafe country.

The Petronas Twin Towers (also known as the Petronas Towers) were once the world's tallest buildings when measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural or architectural top. The Petronas Twin Towers are currently the tallest Twin Towers in the world, and they lay claim to being the world's tallest high rise of the 20th century.

At the base of the Twin Towers is the Suria KLCC, which is a large shopping complex where you can find and shop from many designer boutiques, bookstores, electronic shops, and flagship department stores such as Isetan, Parkson Grand, etc.

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Suria KLCC is a huge shopping complex located at the base of the Petronas Towers. Tenants of the Suria KLCC includes:

Aquaria KLCC - Featuring a 90-metre long underwater tunnel, Aquaria KLCC houses over 150 different species of fish from Malaysia and around the world.

Dewan Philharmonik Petronas - Dewan Philharmonik is a concert hall in Suria KLCC. It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Galeri Petronas - There is also an art gallery within Suria KLCC called Galeri Petronas. It is recognised as one of Malaysia's leading venues for art exhibitions.

Isetan - The Japanese department store company Isetan has a branch in Suria KLCC. It is one of the anchor tenants of Suria KLCC taking up a vertical space of five floors equal to the height of Suria.

Kinokuniya - This Japanese bookstore has a large branch in Suria KLCC and occupies 2 floors and faces the pool outside Suria KLCC. It incorporates the usual functions of a book store and also features a cafe.

Petronas Petrosains Centre - The Petronas Petrosains Centre is located on the 4th floor of Suria KLCC. It focuses on Malaysia's oil industry. Children are encouraged to visit by the centre. It is well-known for its Dark Ride course, Flight Simulators and Adventure, Molecular Magic, Geotime Formation and Petrojaya sections.

There are also other designer-brand boutiques such as Hermes, British India Company, Dunhill, Mark & Spenser, Gucci, Ferragamo, etc. There are also several food courts with numerous food stalls in each court, restaurants, fast food restaurants, Cafes, etc,, in the complex.

You will truly enjoy shopping and eating at the Suria KLCC. I sure did!!

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The Sunway Lagoon is a mix of shopping mall, resort hotel, and theme park. The shopping mall (called The Pyramid) is really nice and it has many shops, food courts, restaurants, an ice rink and cineplex cinema. The exterior of the shopping mall is really amazing because a whole pyramid and a sphinx were built in front of it. Outside, along the arcade, there are small trendy restaurants and bars to cater to the evening crowds.

I didn't try out the water theme park because it didn't look so great. However, I did visit the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, which I find to be OK.

Latest Update (01/2008)

Now, there is a new second Pyramid shopping complex adjacent to the original Pyramid. Apparently it is bigger and better than the first one. I do not envy the residents staying near and around the Sunway Lagoon district area. That place will be one heck of a traffic jam hell-hole every hour and everyday of the week!

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Putrajaya is a planned city and a Federal Territory that acts as a federal government administration centre of Malaysia moved from the overcrowding and congestion of Kuala Lumpur. However, Kuala Lumpur still serves as Malaysia's national and legislative capital.

The city is named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. In Bahasa Melayu, "Putra" means prince while "Jaya" means excellent or success. The city is still undergoing massive development.

The main attractions in Putrajaya include:

1) Perdana Putra - building complex (picture) houses the Malaysian Prime Minister office complex. Located on the main hill in Putrajaya, it has become synonym with the Malaysian executive arm.

2) Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) - Putrajaya's principal mosque. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 and was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra and man-made Putrajaya Lake. In front of the mosque is a large square with flagpoles flying Malaysian states' flags.

3) Putrajaya Lake - located at the centre of Putrajaya; this 650ha man-made lake is designed to act as a natural cooling system for the city and also for recreation, fishing, water sports and water transport.

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