Kuala Lumpur has grown with bewildering speed since the tin mining days; a growth that took on epic proportions after independence and particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the 'Asian Tiger' economy propelled an ever-changing skyline. The speed of change has left old Chinese houses and faded colonial mansions idling beside huge gleaming glass and steel towers, while food hawkers and traditional fortune tellers share the streets with bustling businessmen and guidebook toting tourists. One of the most admirable aspects of the city is the level of tolerance displayed by its cosmopolitan residents, with ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians and Europeans all living and working together. One constant in Kuala Lumpur is the climate, with consistently warm daytime temperatures, balmy evenings and afternoons that are often punctuated by thunderstorms, usually passing quickly to leave the evenings cool and rain free.
What To See
Masjid Jamek (The Friday Mosque) is one of the most stunning and popular sights in the city. When visiting any of Kuala Lumpur's mosques, it is essential to dress conservatively and remove footwear.
In complete contrast to the Friday Mosque, the Masjid Negara (National Mosque) is a modern mosque, built in 1965, which gleams every bit as brilliantly as any of Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers. The main dome is moulded in the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central Pillars of Islam. Central Market The blue and pink pastel Art Deco Central Market was built in 1936 and spent many years as the home of the city's largest fresh produce market. Since 1986, the needs of tourism have taken over and the market has 130 arts and crafts shops with batik, pottery, woodcarvings and basketry. For those with even a passing interest in Islamic art, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an essential stop. Domestic Islamic architectural styles are well covered across the three floors of museum space and there are also scale models of the Taj Mahal and the Amir Timur Mausoleum.
Since their opening in 1997, the Petronas Towers has become one of the city's main symbols. It is the world's tallest building, looming into the heavens and often lost in cloud when the afternoon thunderstorms rumble in. The Muzium Negara (National Museum) is an essential stop for anyone interested in delving beyond the skyscrapers and discovering more about the rich history and culture of Malaysia. The exhibitions present the history of the country, while the building itself incorporates various different Malaysian architectural styles and craftwork from different parts of the nation. The Tugu Negara (National Monument) (an impressive brass sculpture designed by an American, cast in Italy and erected in Kuala Lumpur in 1966) is one of the world's largest free-standing sculptures. The heroic soldiers that it depicts were engaged in 'The Emergency' in the 1950s, when Malaysia battled with communist insurgents. The onion-dome topped, needle-like Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world and it offers fantastic 360-degree panoramic views over the city from its 276-metre high observation deck.
Visitors should respect religious beliefs and follow the Malaysian example, such as wearing appropriate clothing. Footwear should be taken off at the door when entering a house or temple. Dress should be informal, but not over-casual. Within towns, smoking has now become the subject of government disapproval and fines are levied in a number of public places, such as cinemas, theatres and libraries.
Food & Drink
Malaysian cuisine comprises of three main groups namely Malay, Chinese and Indian, Malaysian food has become a fusion of the three and more, making it one of the world's most unique cuisine. From the three main ethnic dishes, there are also other cuisines that have evolved from the meeting of the three cultures. There are also other mouth-watering Continental and Mediterranean cuisine available in most of the resort cities and resorts..
Shopping
Shopping in Malaysia ranges from exclusive department stores to street markets. Bargaining is expected in the markets, unless fixed prices are displayed. Kuala Lumpur is a popular shopping destination, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong. Suria KLCC, a shopping mall with a spectacular fountain, gardens and a beautiful piazza, houses a great selection of leading couture outlets. Star Hill and Lot 10 are popular shopping malls and there were plans underway to develop and finish an additional mall - Times Square.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (or KLIA) is 43km (27 miles) to the south of the city centre. A fast transit train connects the arrival gates with the arrivals hall. Departure tax is RM45.
Climate
Sitting right on the equator Malaysia's climate is referred to as equatorial, meaning it is hot and humid all year round (with the exception of the cooler climes of the central highlands). Mornings are usually hot and sunny with showers in the afternoon.
Malaysia's climate is dominated by the effect of two monsoon winds, which affect different parts of the country to varying degrees. The north-east monsoon blows between October and March and the south-west monsoon from May to September. This gives Malaysia a relatively dry season lasting from March to November when the days are warm and humid with mild, pleasant evenings. Rain can fall at any time, but generally the wet season runs from November to February on the East coast and from September to October on the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Apart from the east coast of mainland Malaysia sometimes being extremely wet between November and January, Malaysia can be enjoyed at any time of year as the weather is generally hot, sunny and fairly uniform. In general it is rare to have a day without showers and unusual to have a day without sunshine.
Currency
Ringgit (RM) (approx. 6.65 to £1*). *11/01/05.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs and bayonet-type light fittings are generally used.
Flying Time
Approximately 12 hours 30 minutes from London to Kuala Lumpur.
Getting Around
Bus: Cityliner and Intrakota are the main providers of Kuala Lumpur's comprehensive and highly complex bus service. Although routes vary, main services generally run between 0500 and 2400. Each company operates a different fare system, with fares ranging from RM0.60 to RM1 and tickets are purchased on board (exact change is preferred). Bus route maps are displayed at many bus stops throughout the city.
Taxi: Taxi ranks are also found throughout the city. Queues at the ranks are especially long during rush hour. All taxis have meters, which most drivers willingly use. If the taxi does not have a meter or the driver refuses to use the meter, it is advisable to wait for the next available taxi. Taxi drivers touting for business at main transport terminals should be avoided. During thunderstorms, many taxis will only take passengers for an agreed flat fare and will refuse to use meters.
Health
For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Jan 23 Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 9-11 Chinese New Year. Feb 10 Hari Raya Tussa (Islamic New Year). Apr 22 Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. May 1 Labour Day. May 23 Vesak Day (Birth of the Buddha). Jun 4 Official Birthday of HM the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Aug 31 National Day. Nov 1 Deepvali Festival. Nov 3-5 Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia 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.
Opening Hours
Banks open Monday to Friday 10am-3pm. Some banks open Saturday 9.30am-12pm. Most shops keep their own opening hours, usually within the range of 10am-10pm.
Time
GMT+ 8
Tipping
10 per cent service charge and 5 per cent government tax are commonly included in bills. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Tourist Board
Tourism Malaysia Malaysia House, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU, UK Tel: (020) 7930 7932. Fax: (020) 7930 9015.
Visa Requirements
None for UK passport holders, but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
