Sights to see in and around Kuala Lumpur

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Sights to see in and around Kuala Lumpur

Old Kuala Lumpur and Chinatown

LRT stops = Masjid Jamek / Pasar Seni

Sultan Abdul Samad Building - This is as good a point as any to begin a tour of KL, since all mileage is calculated from this Clock Tower. KL's very own 'Big Ben' is also home to the the Judicial and Municipal Courts. At the Southern end of the building there is curiously a 'Karyaneka' Handicraft centre which is worth a look in for good quality souvenirs although prices can be steep. Nonetheless, its also air-conditioned for one to cool down in.

Merdeka Square (Independance Square) - Oddly named since this wasn't where Malaysia gained independence at all, but the square used to be (and still is on occasion) the city's cricket square outside the mock-Tudor Royal Selangor Club. Recently refurbished to provide underground shops and parking this is really just a spot to have 'been there and done that' - and unless you know someone who is a member of the Selangor Club - you wouldn't be able to sneak a peek inside. The Royal Selangor Club still prides itself as a club that still has a men-only bar and is a popular venue for lunching judges and barristers from across the road. The fountain on its Southeastern corner is all-Victorian and stands under the world's tallest flagpole (just you wait - Malaysians are obsessed with records of any kind).

Standard Chartered Bank - located at the southern end of Merdeka Square, this bank has never been mentioned in any guidebook (as far as I know), but is interesting from the fact that this was one of the first banks to open in KL and has still remained a British bank - unfortunately, hardly anyone in Britain would have heard of Standard Chartered - since it is no longer a high-street bank in the UK.

Masjid Jamek - Round the back of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, you'll find the meeting point between the Klang and Gombak rivers. This is where it all began; where tin-miners first set their sights on building a stopover point for mining boats on their way to the port (of Klang). At this sight, now stands this mosque which is worth visiting - really for the sheer tranquility set deep in the middle of chaotic KL Old Town. Beware, you MUST obey strict Islamic dress codes when visiting ANY mosque and please be discreet.

Central Market / Pasar Seni - Known in Malay as the Arts Market, this is KL's very own Covent Garden. Originally an Art-Deco wet-market until 1985, the whole building was refurbished into a cultural centre with shops and stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs. Worth a snapshot is the 'Bull's Head' pub and its sign (Established 1985) which 'nicely' demonstrates KL's attempt at recreating London's Covent Garden atmosphere! Seriously though - this is probably the place to get your postcards should you need any.

Dayabumi Building - Not really a sight as such but, everyone tends to ask what the hell is that white building across the river from Central Market. Well, it symbolises Malaysia's new found wealth of the 1980s and houses government offices. Designed in intricate Islamic motifs, the building also houses the General Post Office - worth noting should you need a 'Poste Restante'.

Petaling Street - The heart of Chinatown comes to life in the early evenings when the stalls open to sell you anything from brassieres to fake Rolex watches. Strict bargaining is the rule here - be prepared to walk away from extortionate offers and rude stall-holders. You may like to know that some of my 'Tintin' T-shirts from here have outlasted the original ones - so do check for unexpected quality!

Hindu Temple - there is an Hindu temple on a street parallel to Petaling Street (sorry - the name has escaped for now), but is definately worth a look. Another pocket of tranquility and serenity amongst the hubbub - you Do have to leave your shoes at the door and its probably wise for someone to keep an eye on them should you be sporting Ferragamo.

Lake Gardens

LRT stations : KL Sentral

The Lake Gardens is KL's green lung and is probably one cityscape that makes KL unique in Asia. Stretching from end-to-end this parkland accounts for about 1/3 of the city centre. Within it you will find the following :

Botanical Gardens

Second World War Memorial

Memorials to previous Prime Ministers

Deer Park

Butterfly Farm

Orchid Nursery

Royal Lake Club

Parliament House

Prime Minister's Official Residence

Muzium Negara - National Museum

Galeri Seni Lukis Negara - National Art Gallery

Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station

Golden Triangle

LRT stations : KLCC

Menara Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur Tower. The third tallest tower and free-standing structure in the world.

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

Embassy Row

Star Hill Walk

North Kuala Lumpur

LRT stations :

Putra World Trade Centre

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

The Coliseum Hotel

South Kuala Lumpur

Royal Malaysian Air Force Sungai Besi Airbase

XVI Commonwealth Games Village

The Mines

Petaling Jaya

Taman Jaya

Further out West - Subang and Shah Alam

Sunway Lagoon

Further out North

Batu Caves

Lake Titiwangsa

Orang Asli Settlement - Aboriginal settlement