Joanna James
Kuala Lumpur is possibly Asia’s most cosmopolitan city and so much more; a modern city that world-class modern city that rises from the pristine jungles of Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur is home to Malays, Chinese, Thais and Indians, and several generations of Asians of mixed race which is a testament to Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. A bustling city of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and numerous other ethnic groups - Kuala Lumpur offers fascinating cultural experiences. With so much history, so much beauty in one space. It’s a city that draws you in from various angles; a fast-paced lifestyle, fantastic shopping, exotic wildlife, lazy beaches and electrifying nightlife. It’s a city of festivals, unbelievable cuisine, and a clash of colonial and contemporary architecture, dense nature reserves and imposing skyscrapers.
If you’re after a luxurious city break – you’ll find a range of luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur that will not disappoint. There are several options that offer a good base from which to take in the city’s main attractions like Park Royal Kuala Lumpur, but if you are leaning toward budget stays, the city has plenty of those too.
In Kuala Lumpur, you are just one flight away from Borneo, but if you don’t have the luxury of time or the inclination for a holiday that intense, the city presents some great botanical gardens and nature reserves if you are willing to travel an hour or two for some time with nature. Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is over 100 years old, established in colonial times. The reserve is famed for its number of Silver Leaf Langurs – it also has a number of birds and butterflies.
If there’s a shopaholic in you, few places in the world are better to unleash it than Kuala Lumpur. A shopper’s paradise, Kuala Lumpur has it all; you’ll be strolling endlessly through the many high-end shopping malls which house leading brands, but you’ll also have the experience of haggling down at the markets which run right through the night. Top shopping spots are Little India, China Town and Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market, not forgetting the many night markets that dot the city.
Most things in Kuala Lumpur are generally affordable including the delicious food. From the designer restaurants to the street hawkers, anyone with any budget can enjoy an evening out in the city, eating to their hearts’ content. The revolving restaurant at Petronas Towers will give you brag-worthy stories to take back home, as will Kuala Lumpur’s bustling street food scene. With heavy Chinese, Indian and Thai influence, Malaysian cuisine is a mix of grills, fragrant curries that vary in spice and unusual sticky sweet puddings. Make sure you try the Malaysian favourite, Sambal – an intense paste of grounded shrimp, lime juice and chillies that’s served alongside rice and other curries.
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