Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is divided into Peninsular or West Malaysia and East Malaysia. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur lies central to the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It all began in mid 19th century when industrialists came to settle along the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Today, it is the best instance of the cultural heritage that is unique to this land which offers a whole new experience to its visitors.Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, and thus, the main international gateway of Malaysia as well. When the Federation of Malay a gained its independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur was declared the Federal capital. In 1972, it achieved city status. At the same time, it also remained as the capital of the state of Selangor, a status it attained in 1887. However, on the 1st of February 1974, it was officially declared a Federal Territory which also marked the end of Selangor's jurisdiction over Kuala Lumpur.
Clean and beautiful, with treelined streets, parks and public flower gardens, Kuala Lumpur transforms into a veritable wonderland of lights at night, earning its name 'Garden City of Lights'. Kuala Lumpur's strategic location in the region has made it an important international centre for trade, business and commercial activities. The city is served by a comprehensive and modern transportation system. More than 40 foreign airlines fly in from various parts of the globe through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang, an hour's drive south of Kuala Lumpur. Railway lines and roads radiate from the city providing swift access to other parts of the country. A commuter train service has been introduced to connect the city to neighbouring towns. The city's public transportation has been further augmented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Kuala Lumpur is also served by the country's largest seaport, Port Klang.
For the formalities, every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid international visa or a similar travel document. Foreign nationals who require a passport must apply and obtain it in advance at the Malaysian Representative Office prior to entering the country. The types of visa that are issued by the Malaysian Government are: Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa. Also, you need to fulfill customs requirements and health regulations.
KL is adept at reconciling the old with the new, the vintage with the contemporary. From the charm of the mature to the potpourri of the present, Kuala Lumpur has observed a colonial façade as well as the ambience of modernity. The structure of the Sultan Abdul Samad building blends most intimately with the tall freestanding wonder of the Petronas Twin Towers. Surely, there is more to the countenance and feature of KL than what merely shows.
Tourism Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC)
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Cesar Pelli and Associates and currently houses Petronas Corporate Headquarters. It is currently the 2nd most tallest building in the world after Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The Twin Towers symbolises strength and grace using geometric principles typified in Islamic architecture. It is located at the former Selangor Turf Club, a 100-acre site in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.Petaling Street
Petaling Steet is a famous market in Chinatown, and it's a place that never sleeps. It is a great place for locals to get some goods at bargain prices and certainly an eye-opening experience for tourists. Looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, CDs and more? Then Petaling Street is the place for you. It is easy getting to Petaling Street as numerous bus companies service the area.Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)
Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) is appropriately named because it was at this place on August 30, 1957 at midnight, the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country's history upon gaining independence from the British rule. The flag raising ceremony was held at the very spot where the 100-metre high flagpole now stands.The best part about this gamma world city is that it has maintained equilibrium between its own culture and modernization. Literally Kuala Lumpur is speckled with offbeat skyscrapers and avant-garde shopping malls. Still it has no shortage of old quaint shop houses which strike a chord of its past. On one hand where you see the world's tallest twin building of the Petronas Twin Towers, you can find its rich Craft Complex on the other hand. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is acclaimed to be only city in the world which has dense forests in its precincts.
