We have been to Malaysia thrice now but never have been able to explore the capital Kuala Lumpur properly. So, this time on our third attempt, we finally discovered major portions of the city.
Fly with Malaysia Airlines
When planning Malaysia, you certainly cannot miss flying aboard its national carrier Malaysia Airlines. I believe boarding a national carrier is one step closer to familiarising yourself with your destination onboard itself. Flying with Malaysia Airline from Delhi to KL was extremely pleasing and experiencing the hospitality onboard kept me tingling with excitement. Be it its food, music, entertainment and even its interiors, the whole package is very much reflective of Malaysia.
Tip:
- Book your flights from their official website to get the best flight deals, food offers and extra leg space seats for a better experience.
- Do check out their frequent flyer program ‘Enrich” for more privileges, upgrades and preferential treatments.
Now that I have landed safe and sound at Kuala Lumpur, I cannot contain my excitement to explore this world-class city. With a background in history and being a curious girl, researching about a place well in advance is something that I always do. For you, I bring the top must-see destinations in the city.
River of Life
Ever wondered how Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia got its name? The words Kuala and Lumpur hold a very specific meaning “confluence of two muddy rivers” where ‘Kuala’ means two rivers meeting point and ‘Lumpur’ means muddy. History goes back to when the rivers Klang and Gombak used to flow through the densely populated areas of South East Asian countries. But over the years due to rapid constructional developments in the city, it became highly polluted and thus becoming a dumping ground and eventually disconnected from people’s lives. So in order to reconnect back with the rivers, a project named ‘River of Life’ had been initiated by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall in the year 2012 thus making it to “Worlds 10 best Waterfront Districts”. Today, witnessing the confluence of two historic rivers is indeed beautiful.
Tip:
- Visit during evening hours for a musical show and great pictures.
- Also visit Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul, the oldest mosque in KL.
China Town- Pedalling Street
Be it Asia or any other part of the world, one certainly cannot miss visiting the local China Town. It is like a quintessential culture pit spot wherever you may go. This one in Kuala Lumpur is no less bringing in Chinese heritage over the years that continues to blend and shape the culture of Kuala Lumpur to this day. The colourful Chinese shops along Pedalling Street house shops selling Asian street food, desserts and drinks under shaded canopies. The walkways can get a bit crowded, but the hustle and bustle make it all the more fun. This vibrant market is one of the largest heritage precincts of Malaysia filled with an exciting medley of hip haunts, generation-old food joints and its people.
Tip:
- Do not miss to try out the most well-known drinks in Malaysia: Air Mata Kucing, a natural herbal drink. It is considered as one of the “50 Most Delicious Drinks From Around The World” by CNN.
Malaysia Cartoon and Comic House
I’ve always had a penchant for cartoons and comics since I was a kid. Even today I don’t leave a chance to watch a cartoon in my free time. So when I came across a place dedicated to Cartoons and Comics, I couldn’t hold my excitement. Opened since 2017, MCCH houses works by legendary artists and pioneer cartoonists from the early 1930’s to the present. It celebrates the work of cartoonists and stars comic characters by showcasing the history and vintage works through a fun and colourful gallery. Hundreds of colourful cartoons and comic strips are on display, many of which are original hand-drawn artwork before scanners made the job somewhat easier. MCCH exhibits over 500 cartoon and comic pieces produced by 50 local cartoonists some of which are considered as National treasures.
Tip
- Do drop by at the souvenir shop for exciting gifts and stationery.
Helipad Lounge Bar
Located on the 34th floor of Menara KH, the Heli lounge in Kl is an interesting place. A Helipad by day and a night club by night is not something we come across every day. It is believed to be Kuala Lumpur best kept open secret. Both locals and tourists flock here around sundown for an exceptional view and fantastic cocktails. Sipping on your favourite drink on a helipad with 360-degree views of KL’s iconic skyline while watching the sunset is an enthralling experience.
Tip
Come as early as possible to grab the best seats.
Petronas Observatory and Petrosains
Last but not least, one of the main attractions and quintessential stop by is the Petronas twin tower. Trip to Kuala Lumpur cannot be complete without visiting the world’s first tallest building. The twin tower is a fine example of Malaysia’s culture as the towers have a resemblance to its Islamic art which one can see on the steel and its glass façade. Visiting the towers is a very organized event, as tourists are shown the Skybridge, the Observation Deck and gift shop.
