Kuala Lumpur
Discover Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, called KL by locals, is Malaysia's federal capital and largest city at 6.5 million (city-proper population of 1.8 million). Kuala Lumpur is a cultural melting pot with some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, impressive shopping districts, food from all parts of the world, and natural wonders within day-trip distance. Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling city with residential suburbs that seem to go on forever. The city proper is a 243 km (94 sq mi) Federal Territory managed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and comprising eight divisions which are further split into 42 local areas, mainly for administrative purposes. The following districts have been conceptualised for visitors to Kuala Lumpur.
What to Experience in Kuala Lumpur
Taste of Kuala Lumpur...
Malaysian food is amazing, making Kuala Lumpur an excellent place to eat as it hosts cuisine from all around the country and beyond. Most restaurants close by 10PM, but in the city centre, there are always a few 24-hr kedai mamak (curry houses) or fast food places if you get stuck. Delicious food can be very cheap too: just head to the ubiquitous roadside stalls or kedai kopi (literally coffee shop, but these are all about the food). These shops operate like a food court with many stalls selling a variety of food. Some coffee shops have tables and chairs by the roadside. Chinatown (especially Jalan Sultan, Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Petaling) in the city centre and Jalan Alor in the Golden Triangle have some of the greatest concentrations of coffee shops and stalls. They mostly open only at night. Pudu is also a famous area among locals for its street food stalls, though tourists typically do not go there. One famous collection of streetside Mamak stalls is at Jalan Doraisamy near the Heritage Row in Chow Kit. Along with full-blown curries, these places also serve roti canai (generally RM1 each), a filling snack that is almost half chapati, half pancake but certainly wholly delicious. It is served with dhal and curry sauce. Shopping malls' food courts provide cheap Malaysian food in more comfortable and hygienic conditions, although the prices will be a little higher.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Kuala Lumpur into what it is today.
Founded in 1857 under British rule as a tin mining outpost, Kuala Lumpur is fairly new as far as Malaysian cities go and lacks the rich history of George Town or Malacca. Due to the success of tin mining, Kuala Lumpur began to flourish but had problems with gang fighting in the late 1800s. Following this, Kuala Lumpur faced further misfortune after much of the city burnt down in a large fire as most buildings were built from wood and thatch. As a result buildings in Kuala Lumpur were required to be built with brick and tile. After these rough early years, Kuala Lumpur began to prosper and was made capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. During World War II, Kuala Lumpur and the Federated Malay States were occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. During this time the economy was virtually halted. Soon after the British regained power it was declared that the Federated Malay States were to become the Malayan Union and work toward independence began. In 1952, Kuala Lumpur was one of the first cities in the Union to hold elections. Malaya's independence was declared in 1957 in front of huge crowds at what was later named Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), and Kuala Lumpur continued as the new nation's capital. In 1972, Kuala Lumpur was given city status and by 1974 became a Federal Territory of Malaysia in its own right, hence losing the title as capital city of Selangor....
Climate
As Kuala Lumpur is only 3 degrees north of the Equator, you can expect tropical weather all year round. Shielded by the Titiwangsa Mountains to the east and Sumatra to the west, temperatures are relatively cooler than other cities within Peninsular Malaysia. Expect sunny days with temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and slightly cooler evenings, particularly when afternoon showers occur and humidity is high. Rainfall can be sporadic and quite torrential at times, but usually does not last very long. During the wet season, around October to March, the northeast monsoon brings heavy rainfall that can occasionally flood some areas of Kuala Lumpur. The months around June and July could be classed as the dry season, but even then it can frequently rain. Occasionally, due to forest fires from Sumatra around May to October, haze can blanket the city and surrounding regions, and it is best to remain indoors if you suffer from asthma.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMalaysia's transportation systems function well, by regional standards. Planes, trains, buses, and taxis are linked in a system conceived and constructed by, if not an order-loving person, at least a dedicated amateur. The planners' aims are an ultra-modern, chic, European-style system that are a far cry from the city's humble barrio beginnings. The reality is a sound B+ with still a long way to go before hitting the top. A bewildering jumble of initials and acronyms assault any first time journey planner in KL, and it will take at least a day to decipher the scheme of things. Kuala Lumpur is served by two airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main airport and served by all long-distance jet flights, whilst Subang Airport is limited to regional flights. The government owned Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railway or KTM) operates intercity (antarabandar) diesel rail services throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Trains arriving in Kuala Lumpur call at 3.13428101....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Kuala Lumpur's public transport system is fairly efficient and convenient, but much room for improvement lies in its integration. The city suffers from paralysing traffic jams throughout the day. Consider combining various methods of public transport to avoid this. Touch 'n Go is a reloadable smart card that can be used to pay for all public transport throughout the city. The card costs RM10 plus the amount you wish to load. The card can be purchased at all RapidKL ticket counters (lines 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12), some convenience stores (FamilyMart, MyNews), some gas stations, or at the Touch 'n Go service centre in Nu Sentral shopping mall (KL Sentral station). Self service reload machines are available at some RapidKL stations. There is a discounted rate on travel if one uses the card instead of a token. Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, JCB and UnionPay contactless cards are accepted for travel on KTM and ERL lines (lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 10).
Where to Stay
Budget accommodation can be found everywhere; dormitory beds can cost as little as RM25 per night. Find the cheap ones online if cost is an issue. Increasingly, newer & better ones are opening in the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Chow Kit, Jalan Ipoh areas, the so-called growth areas in the city centre. If you are willing to take the 10-minute LRT to the main attractions, then hotels can be found for as little as RM49 per night (sometimes below) with free Wi-Fi. Another area with low-cost accommodation is in Brickfields close to the KL Sentral monorail station. Mid-range hotels are comparatively poor value in Kuala Lumpur, and it is worth it to spend a little extra (or look a little harder) for a true luxury hotel on the cheap. Kuala Lumpur is similar in price to Bangkok for 5-star luxury hotels, with rooms available for as little as RM400 or even less. Prices vary seasonally. Crime is not rampant in Kuala Lumpur.
Money & Budget
Being the retail and fashion hub of Malaysia it is no surprise that shopping is one of Kuala Lumpur’s greatest pleasures. From the local pasar pagi (morning market) and pasar malam (night market) to top end shopping malls and everything in between, you will be sure to find something to suit your budget and style. Many shopping options also exist beyond the city proper in the adjacent satellite cities of Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. For more information on shopping in these areas please refer to the buy section of these articles. Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers.
Language & Talk
As befitting the nation's capital, Malay is universally spoken and understood by locals in Kuala Lumpur. However, as Malaysia's largest city, Kuala Lumpur is also home to Malaysians of many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and this is often reflected in the number of languages that are used by locals in daily life. The lingua franca of the Chinese community is Cantonese, and most of the ethnic Chinese can speak Cantonese regardless of their native dialect, with a significant number also able to speak Mandarin.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Crime is not rampant in Kuala Lumpur. The perception of crime is high, but the Malaysian police have managed to reduce crime significantly in and around urban Kuala Lumpur. Reports of violent crime against foreigners are uncommon but instances of pickpocketing and bag snatching have risen. Kuala Lumpur is generally very safe for travellers (it is locals who are often the targets of crime), but be wary of over-friendly locals trying to con you. Police presence, particularly around tourist areas and at night has increased. Walking in the city is usually fine but, as anywhere, caution must be exercised, especially if alone. Indeed, your greatest danger whilst walking will be sidewalks that end abruptly in massive holes, or impassable 6-lane roads that you must cross. Snatch thieves can be rather ruthless: women have been knocked unconscious by bag snatchers on motorbikes. If this happens to you, let go of the bag rather than be dragged several metres and risk injury.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Kuala Lumpur
Sunset view from Trader's Hotel towards KLCC
Smog over Kuala Lumpur
a city street filled with traffic and tall buildings
aerial view of city buildings during daytime
Cyberpunk Vibe at Bukit Bintang
aerial photo of cityscape during nighttime
Malaysia 63rd Independence Day
Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers and Oasia Suites
Sunset view from Trader's Hotel towards KLCC
Smog over Kuala Lumpur
a city street filled with traffic and tall buildings