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DestinationsDestinationsOther |
Kuala LumpurINTRODUCTION Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and is 396 kilometers from Singapore. It was founded in 1857 when 87 enterprising miners paddled up the Keluang River in search of new tin deposits. Kuala Lumpur became the capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896 and the seat of British administration. From this period, Kuala Lumpur inherited a system of roads and fine examples of gracious colonial architecture, which are still evident today. It is now a cosmopolitan city, even though its name still means ‘muddy estuary’. It is a mixture of old colonial buildings, soaring skyscrapers and Malay mosques, with Moorish design. Clean and beautiful, with tree-lined streets, parks and public flower gardens, Kuala Lumpur transforms into a veritable wonderland of lights at night, earning its name “Garden City of Lights". HISTORY Kuala Lumpur has its origins in the 1850s, when the Malay Chief of Klang, Raja Abdullah, hired Chinese laborers to open new tin mines. These mines developed into a trading post, which came to be considered a frontier town. In 1896, Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the capital of the newly formed Federated Malay States. During World War II, the Japanese army captured Kuala Lumpur on January 11, 1942. They remained in occupation until August 15, 1945, when the commander in chief of the Japanese Seventh Area Army in Singapore and Malaya, Seishirô Itagaki, surrendered to the British administration following the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In 1957, the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from British rule. Kuala Lumpur remained the capital through the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Railway Station is a great way to get around the city. Built in 1910, with its Moorish spires and cupolas, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful stations in the world. The Central Market is the center for the development of Malaysian culture, arts and crafts. It is a good place to start out your shopping spree. ATTRACTIONS RESTAURANTS CoChine - The Kuala Lumpur branch of the famous Singapore-based restaurant group Indochine, CoChine serves the same exquisite Vietnamese and Lao food in stylish surroundings bedecked with Khmer carvings and water features. The menu includes exotic spicy Lao salads and barbecued prawn paste, molded around sweet sticks of sugar cane. Nasi Kandar Pelita - Nasi Kandar Pelita is Malaysia's favorite chain of nasi kandar (rice meal) restaurants for the best reason there is - the food is magnificent. The restaurant is arranged like a food court, with separate counters serving Malay and South Indian favorites such as mee goreng (fried noodles) and roti canai - a Malay classic of fried flat bread. Seri Melayu - Sometimes it is hard to find a chair in this 500-seat traditional Malay eatery. A buffet lunch is offered but Seri Melayu is renowned for its extensive dinner buffet. Dishes include satay, rendang tek, roti canai and pengat durian. From 8:30pm every night, a spectacular cultural dance show is scheduled just for tourists. One Bangsar - One Bangsar hosts ten restaurants that house the flavors of the world: Orient, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Mediterranean, as well as great wines and other beverages. It is a melting pot of the world's finest cuisine in a sophisticated and stylish place. Bon Ton - Bon Ton serves up an eclectic mix of Western and Asian fare in a casual setting. Prices are reasonable. Telawi Street Bistro - Part bar, part bistro, this sophisticated hangout offers fabulous modern Australian and Italian food - imaginatively prepared seafood and meaty main courses -- supplemented by a solid wine list and an excellent cocktail menu. LODGINGS Number Eight Guesthouse - Escape from the budget crypts to this boutique-worthy guesthouse carved out of a row of shop houses. Rooms have the novel addition of windows and contemporary Asian-eque décor. The budget wing offers dorms, and the boutique wing has private, en-suite rooms. Carcosa Seri Negara - This 1904 mansion of the former British resident-general sits on a hilltop in the picturesque Lake Gardens district. A wrap-around veranda overlooks the four-acre estate, ceiling fans cast dramatic shadows, and the rattan furnishings transport you to the fabled days of rubber plantations and gin martinis. Mines Resort City - The weird factor is exponential at this resort theme park occupying a former tin mine. That's right, this former open-pit mine has been converted into a lake and a beach surrounded by the Palace Beach & Spa Hotel, a shopping mall, and theme park. It is south of Kuala Lumpur near the airport. Le Village - Most Chinatown guesthouses specialize in basic shelter: a bed, a bath, and that's about it. But Le Village does cheap with charm. Occupying the upper stories of an old shop house, the common spaces are filled with local art and textiles. There's a rooftop deck and an owner whose personality is as endearing as the setting. Tune Hotel - The budget air carrier Air Asia has transplanted its no-frills philosophy into the accommodation arena. Rates are determined by demand and a la carte services, meaning for more ringgit, you can buy soap, air-conditioning, and fresh towels - the land-based version of the rolling refreshment carts. Pujangga Homestay - If you were from the Kuala Lumpur middle-classes, you might have grown-up in something akin to Pujangga Homestay. It's a simple residence separated from the street by a garden courtyard and has space for 11 guests in various room configurations (singles, doubles, triples). 
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