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Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

About Kuala Lumpur

Surveying Kuala Lumpur's dazzling skyline, punctuated by futuristic skyscrapers and pencil-thin minarets, it's hard to believe that less than 200 years ago the city was nothing more than a malaria-infested jungle. Over its short but dramatic history, the city has seen foreign rulers and waves of migrants leave their imprint on its architecture, cuisine and religion so that today the fast-rising metropolis thrives with a multiplicity of vibrant cultures sure to captivate all types of traveller.

For all its modern allure, Kuala Lumpur's ethnic enclaves remain steeped in tradition. In Chinatown, joss-houses and incense-infused temples surround Jalan Petaling, a sense-assaulting thoroughfare bustling with hawker stalls. The beat of Bollywood leads to Brickfields, or Little India, known for its curry houses and rich silks. Find a snapshot of authentic local life at Chow Kit indoor market or seek out greenery at Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, a slice of rainforest in the heart of the city.

Those drawn to the city for its cosmopolitan flair won't be disappointed. Many hotfoot it to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) for the city's star attraction, the steel-and-glass-clad Petronas Towers, but the area also boasts an array of multi-story malls, sleek bars and top-end eateries that are buzzing day and night.

Key facts

Population:

1700000

Latitude:

3.150661

Longitude:

101.713251

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

The Majestic

This lovely heritage hotel retains the refined air of its pre-war days, but recent restorations have added a modern 15-storey Tower Wing. The contrast between old and new plays out in the bedrooms, with those in the colonial quarter boasting wood panelling and claw tubs, while the new wing entices with four-poster beds and sleek glass fittings. The hotel's parlours, smoking lounge and orchid-filled conservatory add further allure.

Mandarin Oriental

Located in the cosy Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental combines comfort and style to produce one of Boston's most luxurious and trendy hotels. Rooms resonate with classic oriental styles with a modern flare and boast beautiful views of the Back Bay cityscape. After a long day of touring and shopping, enjoy a soak in the oversized Jacuzzi baths or indulge in a massage at the Mandarin Oriental's five-star spa. Perfect for a business retreat or a relaxing holiday, the Mandarin Oriental will not disappoint.

Tune Hotel

Taking the budget airline concept and applying it to hotel rooms, the brightly-coloured Tune Hotel offers limited service at low cost. Its tidy and compact singles, doubles and twins are good value but add a surcharge for air-con, Internet access and other extras. The flagship hotel is located downtown, a short stroll from Medan Tuanku Monorail station, but a new sister establishment has opened in Jalan Putra.

Hotel Capitol

Regular promotions and online booking deals bring down prices at this towering business-type hotel set in the midst of the Golden Triangle. Rooms are neat and functional rather than opulent, but the staff are friendly and the location is excellent, with the Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping strip right on your doorstep. Guest have access to an upscale restaurant, a kitchen-bar and 24hr concierge service.

Sarang Mas

This homely bed and breakfast set in a 1920s brick-built house offers rooms with simple furnishings along with communal lounge areas, and suits both families and single travellers. There's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that feels far-removed from the business hotels of KLC, and the owners also have various other options, including apartments and single rooms, in six other locations across the city.

Traders Hotel

Firmly targeting the business traveller, Traders Hotel offers a location and amenities associated with the top Kuala Lumpur hotels but its prices are easier on the pocket. Rooms are modern and smartly decorated, and service is friendly and efficient. A bonus of staying here is having immediate access to the rooftop Sky Bar, an in-demand address thanks to its epic views of the Twin Towers.

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