Kuala Lumpur

Ancient history coupled with modern culture

Kuala Lumpur is a city with a new face, but an old soul. Here you’ll find a melting pot of cultures, where soaring skyscrapers sit beside ancient mosques, and world-class shopping centres rub shoulders with bustling night markets. You can wander Merdeka Square, ringed by colonial architecture one day, and explore the famed Golden Triangle the next. Kuala Lumpur is a city shaped by its past as much as it’s present and if you’re looking for a unique luxury hotel, Kuala Lumpur is the perfect chic urban sanctuary.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
For a spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur, climb the 450 metre-high Petronas Towers to the observation deck. When you get down, take a breather from the metropolis and escape into the green expanse of Lake Gardens. Stop by the National Monument, nearby. Then step inside the Islamic Art Museum. This airy, gleaming gallery gives a fascinating flavour of ancient art, from batik to calligraphy and beyond.

SHOPPING
Whether you like shops big and modern, or traditional and quirky, Kuala Lumpur has it covered. Browse the glitzy malls and exclusive designer boutiques of Bukit Bintang. Or head to Kuala Lumpur’s suburb, Petaling Jaya, for a busy weekend market selling all sorts of goods and wares.

FOOD & DRINK
You can eat like a king in Kuala Lumpur. There are plenty of stylish restaurants for fine dining. But make time to sample the street food, too. After dark, night markets come alive and the air is filled with tempting Malay, Chinese and Indian aromas. You’ll find spicy meat and fish wrapped in banana leaves, rice infused with coconut milk and, of course, steaming bowls of laksa.

Top Tip from SLH

After a day of sightseeing, pop into a kedai kopi. These traditional coffee shops are dotted around the city – and you’ll find plenty in Petaling Jaya’s Old Town.