Spine-Tingling Skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 24-Hour Travel Guide
The Petronas Towers are KL's most formidable sight
Nasi kandar - a buffet of Malay food
Merdeka Square in the City Centre district (courtesy Flickr: AndyLawson)
KL is a beautiful sight at night
Overview - Discover the enigmatic capital city of Malaysia – one of Asia’s fastest growing cities. You’ll get a sense of the Kuala Lumpur’s (or simply, KL) paradoxical life as both a fast-paced metropolis and a traditional Muslim municipality. From Independence Square to the glittering Petronas Towers, explore the sites in this truly undiscovered gem.
Breakfast - For a truly Malaysian experience, go to the high tea buffet at Kafe Kayu Manis in the very local Damansara district of KL. Musicians will serenade you among a gallery-like atmosphere, where you’ll dine on old wooden tables surrounded by Malay artwork.
Morning - I’m sure you’re itching to see the Petronas Towers, but hold out for that until later. Start out in the City Centre, KL’s traditional core area. It was in this part of town that many Chinese originally settled, giving rise to its other name, Chinatown. There is also a sizeable community of other minorities, especially Muslims, so it’s a great place for wandering, window browsing or shopping. Be sure to check out Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Lunch - Nasi Kandar Pelita is just a cool place to eat. It’s well known for none other than nasi kandar, a typical Malaysian rice meal. But it’s more than just a restaurant – it’s more like a big, open-air food hall with counters serving different specialties. If I were you, I’d go for a big plate of nasi lemak (spiced rice cooked in coconut milk) and some roti canai (fried flatbread with tasty dipping sauce).
Afternoon - After lunch, head down to the Golden Triangle, KL’s financial and urban district. Here, you can get up close and personal with the famous Petronas Towers, the second tallest buildings in the world. A speedy elevator will whisk you up to the 41st floor, where you can walk between the two towers via a “skywalk”. Though not the highest point in the towers, the skywalk is full of windows for viewing and photographing out both sides, giving you stellar views of KL.
Dinner - Go for dinner at one of KL’s most famous restaurants: the Hakka Restaurant. Located just near the Convention Centre, has been in business for 40 years and is a staple of the city. Taste-test the sharkfin mantou dumplings on their open-air breezeway – perfect for a warm night and a cool beer.
After Dark - After dark, stick around in the Golden Triangle, which is KL’s party center. The Luna Bar is a sweet rooftop bar where you can sip trendy cocktails. Rum Jungle offers a more organic atmosphere, with an outdoor bar area and good live music.
Sleep - Kuala Lumpur’s Novotel Hydro Majestic Hotel is exceedingly recommendable. They offer fantastic service in a 5-star environment, a tasty restaurant (with breakfast included) and a swanky cocktail bar in central KL. This place is top notch, and affordable, too.
Tags: skyscraper, Chinatown, bars, Walking