The capital of Malaysia (aka Key-El) is located in the valley of the Gombak and Klang rivers of the Malacca Peninsula. The eastern part of the country is located on the island of Kalimantan. They are separated by the South China Sea. It plays an important role in the formation of the equatorial climatic features of Malaysia. The young metropolis relatively quickly turned from a small settlement of tin miners to a popular center of world tourism. There is everything here: beach recreation areas, nightclubs for every taste, cheap, varied shopping, unforgettable architectural and natural attractions. It is convenient to get to know the country if you stay for at least a week, but if you are passing through the city, it is useful to first find out information about what to see in Kuala Lumpur in 1 day. A convenient and budget option for acquaintance is a trip on a special Hop On Hop Off bus, The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours. It is suggested to get off and on at any stop of your interest.
Petronas Towers
The architectural ensembles of the city harmoniously combine proposals of different styles: traditional Chinese, Indian and European options. Images of ancient mosques rise next to skyscrapers that amaze the world with their form, height, and original elements. Among them are the famous 88-storey Petronas towers (the number 8 is called lucky by Malaysians). The structure is considered the tallest twin towers in the world (they occupy 21st place in terms of the height of a separate building of 452 m).
The project of unique skyscrapers was developed by the architect from Argentina Cesar Pelli. The towers were opened in 1999. Now the premises of the towers are occupied by the offices of famous world corporations, shopping centers, a museum, etc. It is better to view the ensemble from the observation deck located in the building opposite or from the Skybridge connecting the giants. It is located in the middle and occupies two floors (41 and 42). Skybridge is considered the tallest sliding, two-story bridge. It is not fixed in the main structure, but has the ability to slide inside the towers as they swing.
The main observation deck is located on the 86th floor. For safety, fences and glass windows are installed on it. From the height of inspection, all the houses of the city seem to be ordinary low-rise buildings. Particularly impressive is the flight over the towers, the city in a safe helicopter. Tickets for walking the towers (as part of a group tour no more than 1000 per day) must be booked in advance. If it does not work out, then in the evening, the beauty and grandeur of skyscrapers are visible from the ground due to the stunning illumination of the spiers and domes.
Petrosains Museum
The Science Museum is located on the 4th and 5th floors of both towers. It is entered from the Kuala Lumpur City Center shopping center (4th floor). The initial idea of its creation was the desire of oil companies to show the process of oil production (Malaysia takes the leading places in the oil trade). The exposition includes samples of the used equipment, acquaintance with the methods of oil refining. Gradually, the subject matter of the museum expanded. It has modern interactive installations of many laws, phenomena of physics and chemistry.
Inspection of the museum begins with a trip around the territory in a special trailer shaped like a drop of oil. It has screens and films about natural wealth and its use. Interesting expositions create real participation in earthquakes, in battles with powerful hurricanes. You can independently race along the Formula I tracks, lie on real nails. Wander through the prehistoric forest next to the dinosaurs among the majestic ferns.
Visually see how the liquid passes through different types of soil. In the premises of the cinema, scientific films are shown in 3D. A visit to the museum is of interest to schoolchildren and adults. The exhibits of the Museum are cognitively designed phenomena of different natural trends. This gave the right to include it in the lists of the largest science museums in the world.
Central park
Elements of ancient cultural traditions, peculiarities of Malaysian nature have been preserved in an extraordinary way among skyscrapers, temples, noisy and very quiet streets of the city. The rich past of the country is not forgotten and is included in the list of its eternal attractions. The rich list includes a fabulous oasis with original recreation areas - Central Park. Among tropical palms, surrounded by rare plants, to the sound of falling cascades of water, one can hear cheerful children's laughter and music.
Plants brought from all parts of the planet create an atmosphere of eternal holiday among the natural kingdom. The park is located next to the Petronas Towers in the city center. A walking path begins next to them. The main idea of the landscape designers was the desire to show the value of the rainforest, to create a corner of tranquility and silence in a noisy modern city. Among the alleys of the park, 23 rare (old) trees were planted, standing on the territory of the racing club. An artificial lake with a fountain 42 m high was created. The park was opened in 1980.
In a small paradise, residents bring kids to swim during the tropical heat in a safe (free) outdoor pool, a small water park, in the streams of a real waterfall. The playground is equipped with slides, swings, attractions. Many fountains, mysterious bridges, cozy gazebos, charming paths in the shade of exotic plants. In the evenings, the park hosts a show of musical fountains. For lovers of active recreation, a comfortable sports track is organized. During the walk, you can admire the architecture of the towers, the main symbol of the city, for a long time.
Oceanarium Aquaria KLCC
To penetrate into the secrets of the underwater world of the tropical depths of the water expanses of Asia is offered not with scuba diving, divers, but through a trip to a modern oceanarium. You don't have to look for it for a long time. It is located in the Golden Triangle of the capital, next to the famous towers. The necessary housing for 5000 different inhabitants of the seas and land has been arranged on several floors of the complex. They are comfortable, comfortable, they are good to look at, to discover the life of animals inhabiting the depths of the sea.
Expositions are placed along a 90 m tunnel. The glass path is made in the form of a road along the ocean floor. Scary tiger sharks, ancient sea turtles, unpredictable stingrays, evil piranhas, octopuses swim nearby. At a specific time, there is a live show: divers feed the inhabitants of the sea. In the section of the contact aquarium, you are invited to touch real starfish and crabs. There is an unusual entertainment when it is proposed to look inside the aquarium through a special recess.
The journey through the aquarium is organized in such a way that the beginning of the movement passes through a mountainous area with mango forests, jungle, and a coral reef. A separate exposition was created from representatives of the Malaysian rain forest. Now 53% of the country's territory is covered with forests. In the past, the entire eastern (island of Kalimantan) was occupied by rain forests. These are 2,000 types of trees, 15,000 species of vascular plants. Among them is the largest flower in the world (its diameter is one meter).
Forest Ecopark
The environmental problem in the modern world has become a big disaster for all countries of the planet. The development of chemical, nuclear and other industries is necessary for society, but together with the benefits they bring irreparable harm to nature. The climate is changing, unique species of animals and plants are disappearing. In Malaysia, such a disaster was the deforestation of an ancient forest. The country's economy demanded the expansion of palm oil production. Instead of ecological rain forests, new palm plantations appeared.
Together with them, birds disappeared, the number of orangutans (permanent residents of the country) decreased, the population of a rare species of rhinoceros, and the fauna became poorer. The desire to preserve the pristine heritage of the mountainous country for descendants is expressed in the creation of a Forest eco-park on the territory of a large city. It is accessible to residents, guests and amazes with the beauty of a real jungle with natural paths for the passage, spied on by Mother Nature.
Suspension bridges, fabulous formations of lianas, unexpected corners decorated with blooming orchids appear in the thicket. There are a lot of rare forest plants here. All of them are marked with name plates. Together with a guide, you are invited to find out complete information about each of them in one of the most unusual parks in the world.
Menara TV Tower
It seems that high-rise buildings on our planet have appeared quite recently. The first skyscraper is considered to be the building of the Insurance Company in Chicago. It had only 10 floors and a height of 42 m.Already at the end of 2019, 4953 buildings appeared on the planet, striving to the stars with their tops. Among them are residential skyscrapers, ultra-tall television towers. Now there are 90 of them in Malaysia, including the famous television tower in the country's capital.
The building was completed in 1996. Over two thousand steps lead to the summit at an altitude of 421 m. It is proposed to defeat them on a high-speed elevator (its appearance became a technical impetus in the construction of high-rise buildings). Among buildings of this type, it ranks 7th in the world. At different heights of the tower there are open and closed observation platforms with a 360-degree view. It is difficult to find a place where such a view of the city, the surrounding area, the famous Petronas towers opens. On a one-day visit to the city, it is useful to spend time in the revolving restaurant of the Atmosphere 360 tower and combine useful action with pleasant entertainment. A full circle of a restaurant takes an hour.
During this time, you can taste national dishes and see a beautiful modern city. Of interest is a visit to an open area (great pictures are obtained here). It contains two Sky Boxes with glass floor and walls. Walking on a transparent floor at a height (almost next to the clouds) causes an additional rush of adrenaline and emotions. When buying a ticket, they ask to sign a document confirming the medical right to stay at such an altitude and the tourist takes responsibility. Near the tower there is a mini zoo, an upside-down house, and an aquarium. In the evening, it is proposed to see the unusual illumination of the Garden of Light tower.
Independence Square
In the capital of any state there is a special place where the main holidays, festivities take place, hymns are played in honor of significant events in the country. In Kuala Lumpur, such a zone for the celebration of the victorious people, or the Hari Merdeka Day of Independence, is the Independence Square. The country broke free from the domination of the British Empire in 1957. On August 31, the flags of the country began to rustle in the square in the center of the city. And since that time, solemn parades have been held here. On a large green area of the square, artists perform, carnivals are held, fireworks are sparkling.
The festive grounds are surrounded by the preserved buildings of colonial Britain. They were built in the traditional Moorish style according to the designs of the architect A.K. Northan. These include the architectural complex of the City Council, the Information Department, and the General Post Office building. Numerous arched colonnades are an original element of decoration of the facades of buildings. The ensemble, created by one author, harmoniously fits into the surroundings with alleys of tropical palms, flower beds, original fountains. In the background, the building of the English Royal Selangor Club is visible.
It still works, but its members may be Malays who were educated in England. Walking around the square, you can see the famous Palace of Sultan Abdul Samad, decorated with a 40 m tower with a gilded dome and a clock. It houses the country's Supreme Court. On Merdeka Square (next to the huge letters of the I Love KL Gallery), it is suggested to choose the time for an interesting sightseeing tour (free). It creates a special effect in the evening, when the buildings of the square are illuminated with beautiful illumination.
Masjid Jameh Mosque
In the history of any city there is a place where its life was born, the dwellings of the first inhabitants were built. Most often, settlements arose on the banks of rivers and seas. Unusual energy, the strength of the future capital of the country manifested itself at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. Currents do not take away the history of the Motherland, but reveal its secrets, traditions to descendants. As a sign of confirmation of the energetic impact of the atmosphere of antiquity, the Masjid-Jame mosque (the eternal symbol of the city) was built in the same place.
The Muslim shrine is considered the oldest mosque in the capital. Built according to the project of Hubbock (English architect). The typical Moorish building style is similar to the Mughal mosque in North India. The graceful structure is distinguished by red and white shades, bulbs of three domes, beautiful arcade elements, numerous turrets, two minarets. One of the entrances of the prayer hall has access to the patio. On its territory are the graves of prominent figures of Malaysia.
The last restoration of the mosque was carried out in 2017. The park and fountains surrounding the mosque create a special cosiness, silence and tranquility. Having received a hijab with a hood for women at the entrance, a skirt in the form of pants for men, it is proposed to go inside the mosque and even take photographs. It is proposed to continue the journey along the city street (Tuanku Abdul Rahman), where the most beautiful buildings of Kuala Lumpur, erected in the XX century, are located.
Bird park
The vibrant colors of the tropical world are reflected not only in exotic plants. A living continuation of the multi-colored fairy tale is the "flying flowers" or the feathered inhabitants of the mountainous country. You can admire them, look at them indefinitely. A graceful multi-colored parrot can even enter into a lively conversation with visitors. Children like this very much, and therefore a visit to the Bird Park is considered an attractive continuation of the journey through the Botanical Garden.
A feature of the park is the creation of conditions for life, reproduction of feathered inhabitants. There are 4 different zones in the park. Birds fly freely in 1 and 2. Aviaries resemble the natural environment of life. Hornbills live in unit 3. Separate cells are placed in 4 zones (for predators). Among the inhabitants of the park are invited to see ostriches, crested eagles, rare ducks, pink flamingos, brooding owls. There are 2,000 bird species in the park. Along with excursions, you can visit an incubator, take part in a bird feeding show. The city's bird park is one of the largest open air avenues in the world.
Butterfly park
Many of us know no more than 10 names of butterflies. We are surprised to look at not very pleasant caterpillars, assuming that a beautiful creation of nature appears from them, similar to an unusual flower. There are a lot of them in the tropics. You can see butterflies, get into the natural secrets of their appearance in the unusual park of Kuala Lumpur. Over 6,000 colorful beauties live here. The park has created natural conditions for the habitation of butterflies among the necessary tropical plants.
Nearly 15,000 of them have been planted in the park to create the atmosphere of a rainforest. Many species are accustomed to visitors, do not get scared, they can be viewed for a long time. Sometimes butterflies calmly sit on the hands of walking people. For the inhabitants of the extraordinary garden, there are special tables with their favorite delicacies from fruits and flowers. Protective nets are installed in some places.
Together with excursions, it is proposed to go to the nursery and watch the process of the transformation of the pupa into a butterfly (most often this happens in the early morning). There is an Insect Museum on the territory of the park.In addition to a rich collection of butterflies collected in all countries of the world, you can see the familiar dragonflies, stick insects, beetles that look like a leaf of a tree, praying mantises. The park is considered the largest in the world. By the way, in Malaysia (the village of Kampung Kautan) there is the largest and rare collection of fireflies in the world.
Perdana Botanical Garden
There comes a moment when fatigue appears, overload from the architectural sights of Kuala Lumpur. Relax in unusual silence surrounded by wonderful plants on the outskirts of the city in the oldest Botanical Garden of Malaysia (formerly it was called "Lake Gardens"). The park was opened in 1888 at the initiative of Alfred Wenning (British Treasurer). The first exotic plants appeared on its territory, an artificial lake, waterfalls, flower beds were created.
Convenient paths, beautiful alleys run along the hilly terrain to the lake, immersed in tropical vegetation. On the way, it is suggested to see a sausage tree from Africa, a rainbow eucalyptus, an umbrella palm, a stately baobab, a plumeria with white inflorescences, a Thai tree. Previously, a bush that looked like a toothbrush was used to make durable, non-yellowing paper. She was fire resistant. On such paper, the ancient texts of Buddhists are written (are still preserved).
Heliconias, varieties of ginger colored plants, a collection of cycas with fruits of various shapes are nestled next to a shady reservoir. Rare cacti and ferns are located in small gardens under glass roofs. Several types of palm trees grow in the garden. There is a separate area with medicinal herbs and spices. Roofs and houses were built on individual trees.
You can hide under them during a warm tropical downpour. It is proposed to expand the journey through the Botanical Garden in the parks of Birds, Butterflies, deer, in the Orchid Garden. The park houses the Planetarium, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Police. Walking along the illuminated paths is allowed in the evening. The entrance is free. Arriving is easy with the KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Tourist Bus.
Shri Mahamariamman temple
The population of Malaysia is distinguished by a large percentage of diversity of nationalities. Here immigrants from India, China continue their history and continue the traditions, religion of their peoples. Religions exist peacefully on the territory of the country. Buddhist stupas, Hindu, Shinto temples, mosques, churches of Christians stand side by side and harmoniously complement the history of the country. Among them, the unusually beautiful Shri Mahamariamman Temple (the oldest and richest religious building among the Hindu temples in Malaysia) stands out. It was erected in 1873 by emigrants from South India as a family shrine.
The facade of the building was made in the style of palace buildings in southern India. The need of compatriots for an element of their culture, the continuation of native traditions, turned the unusual temple into a public domain. Subsequently, the temple was moved to another place, carefully disassembled by stones. The building is decorated with 228 sculptures of the gods of Hinduism. Above the entrance there is a tower decorated with precious stones and gold. The temple is dedicated to the popular Indian goddess Maha Mariamman (one of the incarnations of Shiva's wife), protector from various diseases and epidemics. The cult of her worship has existed for 4,000 years.
Like other deities, the goddess is capable of reincarnation, which is reflected in the frescoes on the inner walls of the temple. The main statue of the goddess is located in a small green house and is guarded by guards in red robes (outsiders cannot enter). You can easily recognize the temple by the gopuram or the pyramidal gate (they were built in 1972 after the building was moved to another place). A person passes through the gate for purification, crossing the symbolic threshold between the spiritual and material worlds. The shape of the temple resembles a human body. Its head is directed to the west, and its legs to the east. The 5-tiered gopuram is located at the feet of the human body. It is always brighter, more colorful than the building itself.
Petaling street
You can see the central part of Chinatown at any time of the day, depending on the scheduled time. Life is in full swing here around the clock. The pedestrianized part of the street is considered the most popular market in Kuala Lumpur. In 2003, it was transformed into an original shopping pavilion under a transparent roof. The entrance is decorated with bright Chinese-style arches. The shopping arcade starts immediately. The market offers to buy any product: fruits, vegetables, feng shui items, medicinal herbs, pets, clothes, household appliances.
Gems, incense, toys, T-shirts, books. You can buy anything here. Nearby are services for the provision of massage services, acupuncture, predictions of the future. Numerous cafes, Chinese teahouses attract visitors to visit with aromas of dishes of national cuisine of China, Malaysia, and special herbal tea. It is prepared according to old recipes from herbs stored in bags that stand against the walls. On the street there are no discos with loud music, beer rivers.
But on this street of a Muslim country, it is proposed to plunge into the world of a mixture of ancient cultures of Malaysia and China. It is proposed to end the short trip along the shopping arcade at the end of the street next to the Chang Xi Shu Yen Temple. Outwardly, it resembles a sculpture made of glazed ceramics, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow. You can even enter its open courtyards with cozy gazebos decorated with carved figures and colorful paintings.
Bukit Bintang quarter
During a short (only 1 day) trip to the capital of Malaysia, a popular route is a trip to the Golden Triangle or the historic center. But the idea of cheap shopping, souvenirs, gifts from the country is inherent in any person. And then a hike to the Bukit-Bentan quarter will be optimal. It is limited to three streets: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Bukit Bintang. This is the cheapest place for recreation and entertainment.
Night markets, hundreds of small shops, large shopping centers, cafes, restaurants (especially in the pedestrian zone "Arab Street") are designed for any financial level of guests. You can buy everything here: tons of ordinary and rare fruits to an exclusive car, antiques, any clothes, original jewelry. Major shopping centers in the quarter include Sungai Wang Plaza, Suria KLCC, Pavilion, Low Yat Plazza, Berjaya Times Square.
Each of them has from 200 to 700 stores with world brand products. There is an indoor amusement park in the block. It features the highest roller coaster in Asia with multiple loop rides. In terms of the number of spa salons, massage rooms, reflexology salons with round-the-clock work, the quarter occupies a leading place in the city. The best way to get to the quarter is by international city buses.
Batu caves
The unique sight of the country is almost 400 million years old. It is located at a distance of 13 km from the city next to the Batu River. The place of pilgrimage to the Hindu shrine dedicated to the god Murugan is known for the famous Taipusam festival, which has been held here since 1892. The cave complex consists of four limestone caves considered to be a working Hindu temple. A giant sculpture of the god Murugan is installed in front of the entrance. Its height is 43 m.
The sculpture was made of concrete and covered with gold paint. Unusual silence, sensations of unknown magical power give the caves a sacred image and attract guests, believers from all over the world. There are strict rules for visiting each of the caves. The most famous "Temple Cave" is reached by the famous staircase of 272 steps. They are always overcome by pilgrims. In the "Dark Cave" at a length of 2 km, nature has created unique mountain formations in the form of animal figures (it is even difficult to imagine them), intricate pictures of stalagmites hanging from the ceiling.
Over the millennia, unique cave jewels have been formed. They are not allowed to be viewed without a guide. The most accessible is the Light or Temple Cave.It is decorated in the style of Hindu shrines. On the walls of the Ramayana cave are written real chronicles from the life of the most ancient king of India. Lovers of underground travel can come here with excursions or on their own by train to the Batu Caves terminal station.
When traveling, it is important to arrive at the center as quickly as possible. For this, there are the following travel options:
- Express by train. The trip lasts 30 minutes. The ticket price is 55 RM (860 R). It is profitable to buy a round-trip ticket at once. The savings are estimated at 10 RM (156 R).
- By bus. Travel time reaches two hours. The ticket price is 18 RM (282 R) in both directions.
