The Crowd
Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of different
cultures. The three major ethnic groups here are the Malays or
Melayu, Chinese and Indians. Several other races including Indonesians,
Thais and Bangladeshis, among others, have made their home here - each
contributing their own unique cultural identity, including food and
clothing, to the colourful mosaic that makes up the city. Kuala Lumpur
also has the highest concentration of expatriates in the country.
Click here to learn more about the people
Places to Visit
One of the most beautiful places here is Taman
Tasik Perdana or the Lake
Gardens (91.6 hectares big) near the Parliament
buildings. There are several parks there........ I first visited the
Butterfly park
in 1997 on my second trip to Malaysia. I had never seen so many butterflies
in my life. The museum there has a nice collection of insects too. I
didn't know about the other parks until my friend, Nick, took me
to the Bird park.
It is another enclosed park where you can see many bird species without
the inconvenience of camping out in the wild. One of the highlights
- 'Hornbill birds' close up. The Orchid
and hibiscus garden is just opposite the
Bird Park. I was lucky because when I went there, many of the plants
were flowering and it was a wonderful sight. Some of my Malaysian friends
(born here) were visiting the park for the first time and had a pleasant
surprise. They never knew that such a beautiful place even existed in
KL.
Click
here for the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
If
you ever come to KL, don't forget to visit Bangsar. It
is another favorite place of mine and is where I usually "Lepak"
(hang out) with Ezlika and other friends. Bangsar Baru is the one
of the most happening places in KL and comes alive at night when the
'Bright and Beautiful'
come here to see and be seen. It is also the place where you are most
likely to bump into a Malaysian celebrity. And the most amazing thing
- people just don't care.
Check
out "Night
life in the Klang Valley" page for more details
Just down the road
and over the flyover and you can drop by Mid
Valley Mega Mall. The largest shopping
mall in South-East Asia. Also the location of the biggest heath club,
cineplex and pet store in Malaysia.
The Petronas Twin
Towers, forms the focus of the KL City
centre and is a sight to see, especially at night. Below it,
is the popular Suria KLCC Shopping complex.
Its packed during the weekends. Around it is a nicely landscaped 20
hectares park. The choreographed fountains which start in the evening
are a sight for sore eyes. Or you can just take a romantic stroll around
with a loved one.
Click
here to take
the Shopping Centre Survey
Another exciting place is
Jalan Bukit Bintang, which has the highest concentration of shopping
Malls in the country. These include Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungai Wang
Plaza, Lot 10, KL Plaza and the up market Star Hill. The new BB Park
along the Jalan (road) has food, drinks, souvenir and entertainment
from noon to mid-night. There are numerous cafes where you can unwind
after a hard days night.
Other places
of interest:
Masjid Jamek (Jamek
Mosque) - marks the
confluence of the Gomak and Klang rivers. Built by Indian Muslim
traders long ago.
Central
Market - a wide
choice of traditional and ethnic stuff. Initially a wet market,
it is situated in the heart of KL and has been converted into a
commercial place. Numerous shops sell batik paintings, pewter ware,
cane baskets and other handicrafts. While there, you
can also have your portrait drawn by one of the numerous artists
who have set up shop there.
The (in)famous Petaling
street- where you can buy
'Lolex' (spelling correct) watches, T-shirts and other fake branded???
goods at prices depending on your bargaining ability.
Chow Kit Road
- all locals know about this in famous place. It was once a prestigious
group of houses in pre war Malaysia.
Jalan Masjid
India - a row of shops near Masjid
Jamek.
KL Tower or Menara
KL - World's Fourth tallest
tower. Breathtaking view of KL skyline from the top.
National Art Gallery
National Monument
National Mosque
National Museum
Titiwangsa lake garden
Click
here to Check
Out My Malaysian Links