A lot of people have 24, and only 24, hours in Kuala Lumpur. Think about it. The foremost metropolis is a paragon alpha world city in Asia, let alone Malaysia, and, as such, a global financial pulse point. The result? Hordes of business travellers. Head honcho executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, all in town for a short stay, for a pitch, a confab, a conference, or layover.

Kuala Lumpur is a hub, point. Your travels may well take you to hotels in KL, either on business, leisure, pleasure or all of the above. If you happen to be so fortunate, this 24 hour guide will prove essential.

Menara Kuala Lumpur
2 Jalan Punchak

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KL’s other tower is a made-for-tourism dynamo with all the requisite attractions, from observation deck to panoramic restaurant (yes, it revolves).

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is one of Southeast Asia’s retail and entertainment district par excellence. Replete with busy pedestrian enclaves, stellar budget eats, spas, malls and nightlife spots, the area is KL’s irrepressible hive of activity.

Where to stay: Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Thean Hou Temple
65 Persiaran Endah

Elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism permeate the city’s dominant Chinese temple. Come early to observe prayer hall services.

Central Market
Jalan Hang Kasturi

A KL icon and national heritage site, Central Market is not the wet market it once was a century ago. Though somewhat commercial and tourist-centric, the Jalan Hang Kasturi landmark still has allure.

Bird Park
920 Jalan Cenderawasih

Malaysia’s aviary of record welcomes close to a quarter of a million visitors per annum. Of equal interest as a bird sanctuary and verdant escape from the urban hustle bustle.

Batu Caves

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Malaysia’s diverse ethnic and spiritual heritage comes to the fore at Batu Caves, the nexus of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in the country. Well worth the 13 km trip from KLCC, the limestone hill and cave complex is a wonder.

Islamic Arts Museum
Jalan Lembah Perdana

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is one of the foremost curators of Islamic art in the world. Exhibits come and go and the permanent collection of over 7,000 objects and relics is superb.

Lake Gardens

The IAMM is close to Lake Gardens, a premier oasis in the heart of KL. The first public park of note in the city dates back to 1888 and unfurls several photogenic attractions.

Where to stay: Carcosa Seri Negara Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Chinatown
Jalan Petaling

The Chinatown strip of Jalan Petaling is a boisterous quarter of food stalls, merchants and foot traffic. A first-rate spot to eat, browse and mingle.

MAP
1 Jalan Dutamas

KL’s only avant-garde arts and cultural platform serves as a synergist to probe contemporary ideas.

Bukit Ceylon

Expat nightlife strip supreme, Bukit Ceylon is a prime KL cruise and crawl district.

Little India

Brickfields is Kuala Lumpur’s de facto Little India and a colourful, vibrant ‘hood to discover, from Sri Kandaswamy Kovil temple to the many shops on Jalan Tun Sambanthan.

Petronas Twin Towers
Jalan Ampang

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Thoroughly iconic, instantly recognizable, KL’s dominant landmark begs a visit. Check out the Skybridge, KLCC Park, Suria KLCC et al.

Where to stay: Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur City Guide

Posted in Asia, Malaysia

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 19th, 2011 at 4:52 am and is filed under Asia, Malaysia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.