The city was founded at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers by tin miners from China. For this reason, they chose this name, which translates as "dirty mouth". In the last century, Kuala Lumpur was under the control of the British and Japanese (during the Second World War). The years of occupation did not pass without a trace for the region, but today, among the pluses left over from that time, one can single out, for example, the architectural heritage of that era. Much has changed since then, and now the capital of Malaysia is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.
City districts have no clear boundaries. In addition, ethnic quarters are widespread here. One of the most overgrown is Chinatown. Many attractions are concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers. For a couple of decades of existence, these two skyscrapers have become the hallmark of Kuala Lumpur.
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What to see and where to go in Kuala Lumpur?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Petronas Towers
The visiting card of the city. The twin towers were built for 7 years until 1999. Their height is over 450 meters. They are interconnected by a covered crossing bridge. It is not only convenient and beautiful, but also provides fire safety. The buildings have 88 floors. There is an observation deck at the 86th floor. Inside the towers there is a shopping center, office space, a concert hall, restaurants, a museum.
KLCC park
Located at the Petronas Twin Towers. Destroyed in 1998 by the Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx. Occupies an area of 20 hectares. The central park of the city is rich in alleys, fountains and artificial lakes. The largest fountain also serves as a pool for children. An ideal place to escape the heat of the day. There is a modern and safe jogging track on the territory.
Bukit Bintang
This area was built up in stages. First, an entertainment complex appeared - the first in the city. Then trading platforms and all kinds of leisure centers were added. There are shops for different budgets: for example, Star Hill Gallery is designed for a wealthy audience, and BB Plaza is a more economical shopping option. There are also restaurants serving dishes from all cuisines of the world, and spas.
Petaling street
Tourists and locals alike often refer to this street and its surroundings as Chinatown. Red lanterns are typical of the area. At the same time, not only the Chinese settled here, but also representatives of other Asian countries. Partially Petaling street is located under a translucent roof and is filled with shopping arcades and restaurants. Hotels in Chinatown are cheaper than other parts of the city.
Jalan-Alor street
The main gastronomic street of the city. It gets especially crowded here in the evening. Tourists and locals alike gather in the open air to sample dishes from all parts of the Asian region, primarily Malaysia. Most of the dishes are prepared in front of the visitors. Numerous fruits and vegetables are also on sale. Nobody pays attention to the noise and crowd around - this is a special flavor of the area.
Istan Negara Royal Palace
The building originally belonged to a Chinese wealthy man. During the Japanese occupation, it became a canteen for officers. Later converted into the residence of the State Sultan. At the moment, the palace is a royal residence. Official events are held here. For this reason, tourists are not allowed inside. However, the attraction is popular: you can take a picture in the background or watch the changing of the guard.
Sultan Abdul-Samad building
The administrative building of the city and at the same time an architectural monument. During the construction in 1897, the author of the project, the British Arthur Charles Norman, chose the Moorish style as a basis. At the moment, the Ministry of Culture is located inside. Independence Square, on which the landmark is located, is surrounded by other notable architectural objects, for example, the Textile Museum and the Jamek Mosque.
National Museum of Malaysia
The building of the museum itself can be counted among the exhibits. It was built in 1953 as a national peasant dwelling. It stands on piles, the outer decoration is patterned panels, the inner one is a mosaic with historical subjects. The collection boggles the imagination: coins of antiquity, weapons of different eras, puppets of the "wayang kulit" theater, or "theater of shadows", archaeological values from Kelantan.
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Unlike most galleries in the world, this one has a slightly different specialization. Inside the colonial building, there is an exhibition of photographs and newspaper clippings that tell about the past of Kuala Lumpur. Some buildings, even no longer existing ones, are presented in the form of models. The authors of the exhibition also fantasize about the future. Films about the development of the city are shown at regular intervals.
National Textile Museum
Opened in 2010. The rich collection is divided into various categories. One of the halls shows outfits typical of all parts of the country. Another tells the story of the region's textile industry. The third contains jewelry and items made of precious metals. And in the fourth, national fabrics are presented. The entrance to the museum is free. There is a theme shop nearby.
Petrosains - The Discovery Center
The research museum is located in the Petronas Twin Towers. Almost all exhibits can be touched and studied in practice. Inside, during the excursion, visitors are told about various technical means and scientific directions. However, the bias is towards oil production. Even the entrance to the museum is unusual: you need to sit in special booths and enter through the tunnel.
Museum of Islamic Art
In 1998, a museum of Islamic art was opened in a purpose-built building. The exposition is divided into several separate galleries. The collection dedicated to the architecture of Islam shows many iconic knowledge in miniature. For example, the mausoleum of Timur Amir and the Taj Mahal. In another room, archaeological finds are presented. The costumes section contains two Orenburg shawls. They were made by Tatar Maginur Khusainova.
Vilayat Persecutuan Mosque
The main mosque of the city was founded at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. Built in the likeness of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The architectural style is mixed: there are signs of both Ottoman and Malay styles. The domes of the mosque deserve special attention. They are made from a unique blend of materials to ensure lightness, strength and durability. Occupies an area of 5 hectares. 17 thousand people can pray here at the same time.
Jamek Mosque
It was built at the confluence of Klang and Gombak in 1909. For more than 50 years, the mosque was the main one in the country. During the construction, stones of red and white colors were used. Together with a large number of small details in the decor, the mosque turned out to be very elegant. Palm trees protect the territory from the bustle of the city. The object is closed for tourists, but you can walk around the area and take a photo.
Negara Mosque
Built in the 60s of the XX century. The mosque has become one of the symbols of the country's independence. The government wanted to introduce new social and cultural projects after the liberation of the colonialists from power. The Negara Mosque was built as part of one of them. In 1987, the pink roof was changed to blue-green. Nearby is the mausoleum of Makam Pahlavan - the burial place of some Malaysian politicians.
Tian Hou Temple
The largest Chinese temple in the country. The complex was built in the 80s of the last century.The temple united the traditional for the Celestial Empire religions: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. It is made in the classical style, decorated with carvings, paintings, lanterns. On the territory there is a dining room, souvenir shops, a landscaped garden. Herbs that are used in Chinese medicine are grown here.
Shri Mahamariamman temple
The oldest Hindu temple in the city. Located on the outskirts of Chinatown. It was founded in 1873 and was heavily rebuilt almost a hundred years later. The main change is the appearance of a new tower called "Raja Gopuram". The interior decor is rich, the style is reminiscent of Indian palaces. The building is recognized as an architectural monument. During the great holidays, the temple attracts pilgrims from other cities.
National monument
Installed in Lake Park in 1965. The sculptural group is dedicated to the struggle against the Japanese occupiers during World War II, as well as the liberation of the country from the colonial authorities. The height of the monument is about 15 meters. Around it is a water channel and fountains. Seven bronze soldiers identify qualities that are important for heroes. One of the fighters is holding a Malaysian flag - a symbol of independence.
Central market
As a place of active trade, this territory has been known since the 80s of the last century. In 1936, a large building was built to make trade more organized. Currently, the specialization of the market has changed: it is impossible to buy products inside, but many shops with handicraft goods have opened. There are also galleries of local artists. You can also buy goods from India.
Menara TV Tower
The construction was completed in 1996. The TV tower is one of the ten tallest in the world - 421 meters. When designing, a reference point in detail was placed on Islamic architecture. In the evening, Menara is illuminated in a special way. Because of this, it is called the "garden of light". One of the features of the TV tower is the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant. It is located at an altitude of 282 meters. There is also a paid observation deck.
Old train station
It was built during colonization - in the early years of the 20th century. The architecture is dominated by the Moorish style. Since a new transport hub was created in 1986, the old vocals have ceased to be used for their intended purpose. Inside, a museum was opened on the history of Kuala Lumpur's railway transport. The building is recognized as an architectural monument. Nearby there is a railway station hotel, which was changed after the restoration.
Kuala lumpur bird park
The largest open air aviation in the world opened in 1991. Since then, over 2000 individuals of hundreds of species have been collected on an area of 8 hectares. The main feature is the absence of cages and aviaries in the usual way. The entire territory is covered with a net, so the birds live in almost natural conditions. In the amphitheater, performances with the participation of birds are held, and in the scientific center they are told in detail.
Kuala Lumpur Botanical Garden
It was created at the end of the 19th century as part of the seat of the British government. At the moment, on an area of 90 hectares, there are many remarkable objects. Separate areas are set aside for a deer park, hibiscus and orchid gardens. The National Planetarium and the Police Museum are in operation. In connection with the special regime of nature protection in the botanical garden, there are a number of restrictions. Among other things, you must not pick plants or walk the dogs.
Oceanarium Aquaria KLCC
One of the world's largest oceanariums. Located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Famous for its 90-meter glass tunnel. In it, marine life is from all sides of the visitors. Notable mini-shows are piranha feeding and scuba diving with sharks. Visitors are allowed to touch the inhabitants of some pools without getting them out of the water.
Batu caves
Located north of the city. The limestone caves are named after the river that flows nearby. They are one of the few Hindu shrines located outside of India. The undeveloped caves have also survived, but it is the temple part that attracts the attention of tourists and pilgrims. Here you can see numerous statues, multi-colored lights and several buildings. The Taipusam Festival is held regularly.
