Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Answer 1

General Overview

Kuala Lumpur is more than a city capital of Malaysia; it is the proud symbolic embodiment of the country’s progressive march to economic prosperity and development since its independence from British rule in 1957. Rising from its humble beginnings as an obscure tin mining town in the 1850s, Kuala Lumpur or popularly referred to as “KL” has flourished to become the bustling commercial and cultural hub of Malaysia.

With a population of over 1.6 million and metropolitan population of 7 million, KL’s unique character lies in its cultural diversity. Malaysia’s three main ethnic groups, the Malays, Chinese and Indians have historically left their marks on this unique city. Indian temples, Chinese designed pre World War II buildings and mosques with rising minarets stand proudly next to modern skyscrapers and the world’s tallest twin towers, the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower.

KL is the shopping destination in Asia rivaling Singapore and Hong Kong. From hundreds of Macy-style departmental stores to high-end branded outlets to street fashion stalls, one can be spoilt for choice especially at the bustling China Town. The city’s diversity also creates the perfect melting pot for a great variety of ethnically-inspired food that is so uniquely Malaysian.

Arts and Entertainment

KL is the cultural hub of Malaysia, offering a hype of activities that so richly represent the essence of this uniquely diverse city. For a fun-filled and educational family outing, a visit to the National Museum or “Muzium Negara’ is a great way to learn about Malaysia’s colorful history. Next, a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum, which is South East Asia’s largest museum of Islamic Art is a fun way to learn about Malaysia’s official religion. The Islamic Arts Museum displays over 7,000 artifacts of Islamic arts from Persia, the Middle East, China, India and Southeast Asia.

For the musically inclined, catch a night of Classical Music at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall which is located at the Petronas Twin Towers at the heart of KL. Its resident orchestra the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra holds regular concerts and also features special performances by visiting international musicians every month.

Food and Drink

KL is often referred to as a “food haven” by food lovers in Asia. Offering a vast array of food and delicacies from its mixed population of Malays, Chinese and Indian origins, it is the perfect melting pot for subtle varieties of fusion food that fit the palate of even the world renowned chefs.

One should never leave KL without trying its street food, which can be purchased from “Hawker’ stalls (open air food stalls) or any restaurants. “Fried Kuey Teow’ (Fried Flat Noodles), “Roti Canai “(Indian Flatbread), “Nasi Lemak’ (Malay coconut flavored rice with spice), “Satay’ (barbecued meat kebabs in peanut sauce) and numerous arrays of meat dishes and curries are the normal offerings in any street centers or local restaurants.

KL’s Chinatown at Petaling Street is a favorite spot for a family’s night in town. Walk along the street and savor KL’s authentic delicacies whilst shopping (and bargaining) at hundreds of street vendors lined up with their wares.

KL’s nightlife centers in its main streets like Bintang Walk, Tun Ismail Street and Ampang Street where pubs and bars line the streets. Here, the night comes to life as early as 6 p.m. every evening and lasts through to the wee hours in the morning. Beer brands normally consumed by locals are “Tiger’, “Carlsberg’, “Anchor’ and “Heineken’ and they are brewed locally by the only two brewing companies in Malaysia, Guinness Anchor and Carlsberg.

The famous fresh coconut juice and tropical fruit juices like pineapple and mango juice are refreshing compliments to spicy local food. A local dessert “Ice Kacang’, a mixture of colorful sweet condiments on blended ice topped with sweet syrup is also a great treat in the hot, tropical climate of Malaysia.

Answer 2

Kuala Lumpur is the city and capital of Malaysia, home to Petronas Towers the world’s tallest twin towers. As the commercial and cultural hub, Kuala Lumpur offers visitors a lively and bustling nightlife, great shopping and good food.

The city also embodies Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and its colonial past with well preserved post world war structures, mosques and temples standing adjacent to modern skyscrapers.

Visitors can walk and shop along Petaling Street, also known as China Town, which offers an array of merchandise stalls and restaurants. From counterfeit designer bags to “durians’ (a green thorny fruit hailed as the king of fruits by the locals), China Town is one of the food destination in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps, with a bustling nightlife offered by hundreds of pubs and restaurants located right in the heart of the city, lining the famous Jalan Ampang and the Bintang Walk.

One can enjoy the pleasures of city life as well as a rich cultural experience when visiting Kuala Lumpur.