Kuala Lumpur
OVERVIEW
Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital and the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city has the
highest population in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is
the cultural, financial and economic hub of Malaysia. It is the sixth most visited city in the world,
with 8.9 million tourists per year.
Tourism is driven by the city's cultural diversity, relatively low costs and
wide variety of attractions.
Kuala Lumpur is both plural and diverse; it hosts many different
religions in harmony. Islam is mainly practised by the Malays and
the Indian Muslim communities. However, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taosim and Hinduism are also popular within Malaysia.
WEATHER
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate, which
is warm and sunny, along with a great deal of rain. The monsoon season
is from October to March. Temperatures tend to remain steady. Maximum temperatures
are between 31 and 33 °C (88 and 91 °F) and have never exceeded 39.3
°C (102.7 °F), while minimum temperatures are between 22 and 23.5 °C
(72 and 74 °F) and have never fallen below 14.4 °C (57.9 °F). Take a look at these climate profiles for Kuala Lumpur which detail the variations in temperature, humidity and precipitation over the year.
Kuala Lumpur typically receives minimum
2,600 mm (100 in) of rain per year. Flooding is frequent in Kuala
Lumpur when there is heavy rain, especially in the city centre and downstream
areas. To make sure you are not caught in a flood check the current weather conditions for kuala Lumpur.
THINGS TO DO
The major tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur include the Merdeka Square, the House of Parliament, National Palace, Kuala Lumpur Tower, the National Museum, Central Market, the National Monument and religious sites. KL Bird Park is a
great family-orientated attraction; it is amongst the world's largest free-flight
walk-in aviaries.
The entertainment hub of the city is mainly centred in the Golden
Triangle encompassing Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan
Sultan Ismail and Ampang
Road. Fashionable nightclubs, bars and lounges, such as the Beach Club,
Espanda, the Hakka Republic Wine Bar & Restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe and the Luna Bar etc
are located there.
For a dose of culture and history, Batu Caves are located 13 kilometres
north of Kuala Lumpur, the caves include one of the most
popular Hindu shrines, which is the central point of
the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia. However, you must climb
an exhausting 272 concrete steps to reach the
temple but the natural beauty makes it worthwhile. Whilst there, you can also
participate in a dark cave expedition and experience bats in their natural
habitat.
Kuala Lumpur has 66 shopping malls and is a retail
heaven for those of us who love to shop! Bukit
Bintang district has the highest
concentration of shopping malls and cafes in Kuala Lumpur. A personal recommendation is Berjaya Times
Square and Sungei
Wang Plaza for great fashion at competitive prices. For the best bargains around you cannot beat Petaling
Street - The Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. Petaling
Street consists of an outdoor market with a vast array of designer brand knock
offs. But be prepared to haggle if you want the right price!
Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest
twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers represent
Malaysia's impressive development. Suria
KLCC is a premium shopping
centre, located at the base of the Petronas
Twin Towers. It boasts over 400 stores
and caters for the more luxury brand conscious. Whether you choose to shop
or not, you must experience the breathtaking view of the Petronas.