An exciting mix of cultures awaits any visitor to this Asian metropolis

If you’ve ever spotted one of the Malaysian tourism board’s TV ads, you’ll probably remember the slogan ‘Malaysia, truly Asia’. Nowhere is this more appropriate than on the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur.

More than the country’s capital city, KL is a monument to international trade and commerce. Once little more than a shantytown, this shiny 21st century metropolis is packed with historic temples and mosques and trader’s stalls still line the streets beneath gleaming space-age towers.

First stop

We advise any new visitor to KL to start with a trip to the Petronas Towers or KL Tower to get a better idea of the layout of the city. While the Petronas – the tallest buildings in the world for six years until 2004 – are the most architecturally impressive, we like the view from the KL Tower.

Still dominating the city skyline, KL is always less busy with tourists than the Petronas; and as it’s on a hill, you actually get a great view of the whole city.

There’s also a restaurant on the revolving deck of the KL Tower that’s actually pretty good and well worth a visit for an amazing 360-degree perspective.

Out for a bargain

When we told our friends we were visiting Kuala Lumpur, one of the top things on everyone’s ‘to-do’ list was a visit to the city’s markets. From the bustling Central Market to Chinatown and the famous Pasar Malam, or night markets, KL is packed full of street stalls selling everything from the usual tacky souvenirs to beautiful locally made arts and crafts and clothes.

The Central Market of Pasar Seni is located in Jalan Hang Kasturi near the Putra LRT station lines. Once a nineteenth century wet market it’s grown to become a permanent structure housing cultural arts and handicrafts – such as Batik, embroidery carvings, souvenirs, sculptures, clothes and other interesting items. There are also some restaurants and cafés inside.

Want to travel further east? Then the famous Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown – a vibrant marketplace for Chinese-centric goods such as medicines and herbs, fashion accessories and electronic products.

Affectionately known as Chee Chong Kai, or Starch Factory Street, Petaling was once a tapioca mill for Chinese labourers. Today it’s a large noisy and popular market. From early afternoon until late in the evening, the entire street is packed with stalls peddling everything you can imagine, from genuine fake products to arts and crafts.

This is also a great place to pick up some tasty and affordable street food ¬ provided you are able to stomach some of the strange aromas emanating from the stalls.

For something a little more authentic head to Chow Kit market. In the centre of the city, and easily accessible by Monorail, Chow Kit is open daily and feels a lot like a bazaar. While the flavour is predominantly Malay, visitors can also buy a wide assortment of local goods, from fruits, vegetables, tofu, spices, meat and fish to clothes, silk, shoes, electronics and other special fabrics.

Alternatively hit the night markets or Pasar Malam. Popular with locals, these are found in residential areas throughout the city and are a great place to soak up some local atmosphere. It’s a popular pastime for local Malays to stroll around these markets, grab dinner and catch up on the local gossip.

Peace and quiet

Even in the centre of the city it’s possible to surround yourself with lush greenery and some local wildlife. Kuala Lumpur’s Bird Park is one such retreat and is part of an area called the Lake Gardens just ten minutes from KL’s bustling business district.

Established in 1888, the lakes are artificial, but it’s easy to forget the fact while lounging around during a leisurely boat cruise or strolling through the park’s maze of walkways.

With picnics areas, a children's playground, jogging tracks, exercise stations and rowing boats, the park has plenty to offer families.

The gardens also incorporate the National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, with the former Malaysia’s Parliament House situated at the northern end.

For something a bit more adventurous try a visit to the Batu Caves, just 11 kilometres to the north of downtown KL. The Batu are made up of three huge caves, and several smaller ones, cut out of a limestone hill.

One of the city’s most frequented tourist attractions, the caves also house a 100-year-old Hindu temple and interior limestone formations said to be around 400 million years old. Not for the fainthearted, the walk to the caves will see you climbing a total of 272 steps; but as you return you have a treat in store – a visit from the resident (very cheeky) long-tailed macaque monkeys.

A trip out

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a visit to Genting Highlands (officially known as Resorts World Genting and a self-proclaimed City of Entertainment), particularly if you have kids in tow. This is Malaysia's low-budget, family-friendly attempt at a Vegas-style vacation, complete with enormous all-you-can-eat buffets, sparkling lights, theme park rides and show-stopping entertainment.

The resort boasts six hotels with 10,000 rooms, more than 50 fun rides and 170 dining and shopping outlets all surrounded by forested highlands. If you’re looking to escape KL’s crowds, this isn’t the place; if you’re looking for non-stop entertainment on a budget, then you will be sure to find everything you need.

Where to stay?

Berjaya Times Square Hotel

Situated right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the Berjaya Times Square Hotel offers spectacular views of the city skyline. With direct access to the Berjaya Times Square shopping complex, Kuala Lumpur’s best shopping, dining and entertainment are under the same roof.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to the hotel’s Big Apple restaurant followed by a night in the Broadway Lounge where you can enjoy some live entertainment.

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

Set in the heart of KL’s main business and shopping district, the JW Marriott enjoys a prime location right on the doorstep of all this cosmopolitan city has to offer.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to the delicious Shanghai, one of Kuala Lumpur's leading Chinese restaurants.

Somerset Ampang - Apartments

Located on Embassy Row, the Somerset Ampang Apartments boast spacious accommodation, designer fittings and modern amenities and is conveniently located for access to Kuala Lumpur’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment hotspots.
Mustn’t miss: A dip in the rooftop infinity-edge pool. The apartments also have a children’s playground and children’s wading pool.

Royale Bintang Hotel

Ideally located near the famous Jalan Bukit Bintang, this charming hotel is ideally situated within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, as well as major shopping and entertainment areas.
Mustn’t miss: A pamper session at the RimBa SPA with its outdoor garden pavilion and VIP treatment rooms.