Joanna James
Though known as the entertainment region of Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang has another side that endears tourists. Whether it's a short stay or a long stay, there are encounters you must make.
After hour entertainment is what Changkat Bukit Bintang is known for. The avenue is packed with trendy bars and clubs, and this is where you should come to if you are in for a bit of light-hearted fun. It is easy to get to the place if you are staying at a hotel near Bukit Bintang, the likes of Travelodge Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur for example. The weekends and public holidays are a busy time for the avenue, so if you intend to walk around the area in relative peace, you must avoid the holidays. The buildings found at the avenue are quite unique given that they are colonial buildings which were refurbished and turned into shops.
A foodie is going to find Jalan Alor to their liking. Famous for street food, Jalan Alor is a road found near Bukit Bintang. You see a row of air-conditioned restaurants serving local fare, and some restaurants offer an alfresco dining set up. The variety of food available is the key point, and you see vendors constantly grill skewers of chicken and beef to serve the customers who line up before their stalls.
Spanning over the length of Jalan Imbi boulevard, Berjaya Times Square is a twin tower complex. It is the fifth-largest building in the world, and it houses about 1,000 retail stores and several food outlets; tourists can find many boutique shops selling various items at affordable prices. The tenth floor is occupied by a nine-screen cinema and a large indoor park.
Just a few paces away from Petaling Street, Central Market provides a focus for the artistic community in Kuala Lumpur. At the time it was built, which was 1928, it was no more than a wet market, but it was transformed into a handicrafts' outlet in the 1980s. Inside the mall is graced with various works of Malaysian artistry with printed batiks as the main highlight.
Second only to the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL is an unmistakable landmark in Kuala Lumpur. The structure was built in 1994, and it has a height of 421 meters. With a viewing deck at 276 meters, it puts up a stout competition with the Twin Towers. Menara KL is the 18th tallest freestanding structure in the world.
This is the primary Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The juxtaposition of Sri Mahamariamman Temple and the two Buddhist temples found not too far away goes to show the heterogeneous nature of Malaysia's capital. The temple was built by Tamil immigrants in 1873, and in 1968, along with other features, a seventy-five feet tall tower was added to the complex.
Also referred to as Kasturi Walk by locals, Malaysia Heritage Market is a popular flea market in the city. The stalls standing very closely together sell various things, including fruits, snacks and clothing items. Nothing is priced over the top, and the convenient location makes it one of the most visited places in Kuala Lumpur.
This is one of the oldest forest reserves in the country; it is a thicket of green found in the middle of the metropolis. The reserve is about 100 years old, and it spans over 11 hectares. There are well-maintained nature trails, and tourists have guided tours available to them.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
