Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is one of the three Malaysian Federal Territories. It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
The most economically successful country after Singapore and its still growing, building sites abound and the city is awash with stunning examples of modern architecture, not least the famous Petronas Towers and the recently opened Museum of Islamic Arts.
One of the most popular excursions from Kuala Lumpur is a visit to the Hindu shrines and temples in the Batu Caves located approximately 8 miles north of the city. No doubt there are plenty of organised tours that visit these caves. There was a chance to see the rural outskirts of the city as you travel along roads lined with tropical fruit trees.
Part of the Malaysian Federal Territories it is a modern city that has a perfect mix of traditional culture and technology from the streets of Chinatown to Little India and finally to one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
Despite having the Malaysian Government move to Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur remains the home to the King of Malaysia, the Parliament of Malaysia and the countries judicial branch.
Accommodation prices in Kuala Lumpur are some of the lowest in the world whether you are travelling on a budget or indulging in a bit of luxury. Most budget travellers arriving here usually head for Chinatown, especially with the current train and bus stations located at opposite ends of the district. There are plenty of hotels and lodges to choose from and booking is rarely necessary unless you are intent on staying at the more popular budget hotels like the Coliseum or Travellers Station.
Malaysian food is perhaps one of the hardest things to describe to someone who has never tried it. Geographically placed at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, the Kingdom of Malacca was the greatest port in the East in the 16th century, providing a rich source of foodstuffs and spices. Added to this the rise of Kuala Lumpur as a cosmopolitan international city has added further dimension to the local flavour. An increasing proportion of expatriates and a new generation of Malaysians within the community has allowed restaurants to improve their international dishes and led to the more recent experimentation with modern Malaysian cuisine a fusion of Western and Eastern flavours.
