Avoid Petronas Towers if you're afraid of heights. Photo / iStock
Avoid Petronas Towers if you're afraid of heights. Photo / iStock
The Malaysian capital features an astonishing mix of influences.
Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is Malaysia's main metropolis. Its collage of cultures, cuisines and cityscapes make it perfect to experience the best of Asia in a few days. Here are some tips.
On arrival
Direct flights from New Zealand arrive at a satellite terminal at KL International Airport. Once you've disembarked, hop on the shuttle train to the main arrival hall to clear customs and collect your luggage. The quickest way into the city is on the KL Ekspres, a high-speed, non-stop train that arrives at KL Sentral train station in just under half an hour. A one-way fare is RM35 ($12).
Pick a hotel in the Bukit Bintang or KL Sentral districts. The Majestic Hotel is an icon, thanks to its colonial charm, but other hotels in the central city will suit every whim and budget.
It is easy enough to walk or bike around town, but transport by taxi is a breeze, especially with aircon in 28C heat. Almost all drivers speak English. Blue taxis are known as executive cars and will cost more but any other taxi starts its meter at RM3 (about $1). Hailing cabs is the norm, but if you are smartphone-savvy, download the MyTeksi taxi booking app.
Food
Decades of cross-cultural cooking has created a deliciously vibrant food scene. Pick up a Kuala Lumpur Food Trails map and eat your way through the top five foodie districts, from the Indian infusions in Brickfields (Little India), to the hustle and bustle of KL's famed food alley, Jalan Alor.
Satay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It might seem strange to Kiwis, but KL's shopping malls offer some of the city's best dining options. The basement level of Lot 10 mall is home to 33 eateries, most of which have been family-owned for generations and have relocated indoors from traditional hawker street stalls.
Art and culture
Soak up culture exploring KL's arts and architecture. Mosques, temples and shrines are found throughout the city, representing the many creeds that call KL home. The National Mosque of Malaysia is open to tourists at certain times of day, as is Sri Mahamariamman, the oldest Hindu temple in KL. Another gem, the Islamic Arts Centre, houses more than 7000 artefacts, including intricate calligraphy, carpets, tomes and jewellery from the Middle East and Asia.
A short taxi trip takes you to the Batu Caves, about 13km north of the city. The caves are more than 400 million years old and have been enshrined as a Hindu temple and feature a gigantic gold statue of Lord Murugan standing guard. Watch out for monkeys and take a bottle of water - it's 272 steps to the cave entrance.
For serious heights you can't miss the Petronas Towers that dominate the KL skyline. Walk across the skybridge that links the towers 170m above ground and take the lift to the observation deck on the 86th floor. Check the website as you might need to book.
Nature
If you're in transit, you won't have time to explore the rainforests of Borneo or dive into the coral reefs of Terengganu. Instead, see some of Malaysia's wildlife at the KL Bird Park, Butterfly Park and the KLCC Aquarium. KL Lake Gardens is made up of a gorgeous orchid garden, deer park and a lake, of course.
Shopping
Work off all that food with serious retail therapy but be warned, Malaysia's malls are another ball game. KL boasts the likes of 1 Utama, the seventh-largest mall in the world, which has an indoor rainforest and rollercoaster. You will find the finer things in life at the Pavilion, known for luxury European brands such as Louis Vuitton and Malaysia's own Jimmy Choo. For electronics, check out Low Yat Plaza where haggling reaps huge discounts on legit brands. Petaling St is a row of some of the oldest shophouses in KL, where street vendors sell sought-after clothing, bags and other accessories. You can't barter at the mall but you can here.
Savvy shoppers time their stopover with one of Malaysia's three nationwide sales for even better bargains (the Year End Sale in Nov-Dec, Grand Prix Sale in March and the Mega Sale Carnival in July-August).
Nightlife
There is no better place to watch the sun go down than at KL's Heli Lounge Bar. By day it's a working helipad, servicing the skyscraper underneath but at 6pm it transforms into an open-air bar offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the city. Another top spot is the SkyBar on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel for mesmerising views of the Petronas Towers.
The speakeasy bars sprinkled around the city are an unusual quirk. These hidden corners of cool can be found in the most unexpected places. Look out for an out-of-place purple convertible, a "No Entry" sign in five languages or a white wall with a hanging bowler hat and escape into a truly unique drinking experience.
Cultural dos and don'ts
KL is the cosmopolitan heart of a Muslim-majority country so, although it's easy to let loose, there are a few cultural cues to keep in mind. No beachwear in the streets is a good rule of thumb and public drunkenness isn't a good idea either. Stripping naked on a mountain top is a definite no-go, as a group of backpackers found. Malaysian people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality and KL is widely considered one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia.
Short stay
VisitKL.gov.my is offering a three-day, two-night KL stopover package that includes accommodation, breakfast and passes to the KL City Gallery, Hop-On, Hop-Off bus and musical show from RM180pp ($63) until the end of this year.
Even if you only have half a day in KL it's easy to see the sights. The Showcase KL pass includes a return KL Ekspres train fare and an all-day pass on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which stops at 23 of KL's noteworthy sites. Passes cost RM95 ($33) and Showcase KL staff at the airport kiosk will recommend an itinerary.
Shopaholics can make a quick trip to the Mitsui Outlet Mall from KL International Airport. Free shuttles run on the hour and flight information boards are throughout the mall. Passengers can self check-in at Mitsui to continue shopping until boarding call.
