Kuala Lumpur

Overview

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. The Petronas Towers are its defining landmark, and shopping, food and culture come together here.

History

Kuala Lumpur began as a small settlement during the tin-mining boom of the mid-19th century; its name means muddy confluence. Chinese miners including Yap Ah Loy opened up the area from 1857, and British colonial administration followed. After Malaysian independence in 1957 the city became the federal capital and grew rapidly. The Petronas Towers, completed in 1998 as the tallest buildings in the world at the time, came to symbolise Malaysia's economic rise and national pride.

Highlights

• •The Petronas Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world
• •City panoramas from the Sky Bridge on floors 41 and 42
• •The maze of Central Market and its traditional crafts
• •The Hindu shrine of Batu Caves
• •Jalan Alor night market and its multi-ethnic street food

Practical tips

• •The metro makes getting around easy
• •Check the latest visa-free entry policy before travelling

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

Petronas observation deck about MYR 185 for adults; Merdeka Square free

Opening hours

City open all day; Petronas observation deck 9:00 to 21:00

Local food

Nasi lemak, bak kut teh and teh tarik

Getting around

The LRT and metro cover the main districts, and the Petronas Towers are reached by LRT

Visa

Visa-free arrangements apply to Chinese citizens; check the latest announcements. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be completed online before entry.

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