3 Perfect Days in Kuala Lumpur
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3 Perfect Days in Kuala Lumpur This itinerary was created by the inspiring Kyra S, who traveled to Kuala Lumpur for an urban adventure before attending a wedding in Penang. 09 Things to Know 01 02 03 HISTORY: Kuala Lumpur be- HISTORY: Kuala Lumpur was HISTORY: During WWII, Kuala gan in the middle of the 19th founded ca. 1857 at the conflu- Lumpur was occupied by the century with the rise of the tin ence of the Gombak and Klang Japanese. The period, called “3 mining industry, and boomed in rivers. In English, the name years and 8 months,” resulted the early 20th century with the Kuala Lumpur literally means in significant loss of lives. At development of rubber planta- “muddy confluence.” least 5,000 Chinese were killed tions in Selangor. in Kuala Lumpur in just a few weeks of the occupation by Japanese forces, and thousands of Indians were sent as forced labor to work on the Burma Railway. 04 HISTORY: In 1957 the first 05FLOWERS: The endangered 06FOOD: A popular dish based Malayan flag was raised on the Rafflesia flowers have been on rice in Malaysia is nasi lemak grounds of the cricket field, found only in Malaysia and (rice steamed with coconut milk Merdeka Square, to mark the Indonesia, in particular in the and pandan leaves to give it a country’s independence from East Malaysian states of Sabah rich fragrance). Of Malay origin, British rule. Kuala Lumpur came and Sarawak. The best known of nasi lemak is frequently referred of age in 1974, when it was for- these species is Rafflesia arnol- to as the national dish. It is cus- mally detached from its mother dii, which has the distinction of tomarily served with ikan bilis, state of Selangor and made being the world’s largest flower, peanuts, sliced cucumber, hard into a unit of its own called the reaching a diameter of about boiled eggs and sambal. Federal Territory. three feet. 07POLITICS: Malaysia is gov- 08RELIGION: Malaysia is a pre- 09DIVERSITY: Over half of the erned by a parliamentary dominantly Muslim country with population is of Malay descent; democracy with a bicameral 61% of the population practices the Chinese form almost a legislative system. The Head Islam; 20% percent Buddhism; quarter of the total population. of State is the King (Yang Di- 9% percent Christianity; 6% per- Malaysians of Indian descent Pertuan Agong), a position that cent Hinduism; and 4% percent form approximately 7% of the is awarded to a different State traditional Chinese religions. population; while all indigenous Monarch every five years and people combined form about the Head of Government is 11% of the total population in the Prime Minister. The current Malaysia. PM, Mahathir Mohamad, is the world’s oldest PM at age 93. When to Go Where to Stay 5-STAR HOTELS: UNIQUE BOUTIQUES: LINKS TO RENTALS: 1. JW Marriott, Bukit Bintang 1. Melia Kuala Lumpur, Bukit 1. Contemporary 1-bed studio 2. The Shangri La Hotel, City Bintang with parking & infinity pool Center Kuala Lumpur 2. Hotel Maison Boutique, 2. Midcentury 2-bed with awe- 3. Grand Hyatt, City Center Pudu some views & infinity pool Kuala Lumpur 3. Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon, 3. 2-bed suite with, again, 4. Mandarin Oriental, City Bukit Bintang views & infinity pool Center Kuala Lumpur 4. Fraser Residence, Kampung 4. Garden-themed 1-bed on 5. The St. Regis, Kampung Baru the vibrant Old Klang Road Attap 5. Lantern Hotel, Bukit 5. Cozy studio in walking dis- Kewagan tance of major attractions 03 Questions to ask a Bartender 1. How do you feel climate change is affecting the city proper? 2. Where do you go to get away and take a break from the city? 3. Is football or cricket more popular? And who do you root for? Day 01: City Center Morning BREAKFAST: • For a café with Italian-inspired coffee drinks: Ra-Ft @ Binjai 8, Unit G1, Ground Floor, Binjai 8 Premium Soho, 2 Lorong Binjai, 50450, Ampang • For a larger breakfast with a full menu: VCR, 2, Jalan Gallo- way, Bukit Bintang, 50150 EXPLORE: It’s best to beat the heat and crowds early downtown in KL. Head for the landmark Petronas Towers, once the tallest skyscrapers, with Islamic architecture and a visitor skybridge—if you’re not afraid of heights. After, continue through the “Golden Triangle” area of KL, the main shopping and nightlife area, by visiting another famed towering skyscraper, Manera KL Tower, the fifth tallest world’s structure. Again, not for those who hate heights, but you’ll see some great views if you ride to the top! Afternoon LUNCH: • For a good sandwich: Brasserie Fritz, Ground Floor, Wolo Bukit Bintang, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 • For a great view of the city: THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, 12, Jalan Pinang, 50450 EXPLORE: The aquarium is a great way to end this “Golden Triangle” day and once again, keep cool and avoid the hot, humid Malay temperatures. The Aquaria KLCC, boasts over 5,000 exhibits and 60,000 square feet of space, which is a lot for a downtown, bustling, Asian city center. 150 marine life species reside here, appropriate for a city with close ties to the surround- ing bodies of water. Evening DINNER: • For a local Malay array: Jalan Night Food Court, 21, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 • For an an evening view: Mr. Chew’s Chino Latino Bar, WOLO hotel, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 • For fresh sushi: Iketeru Restaurant, Hilton Hotel, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur 50470 EXPLORE: The nightlife is all about the views. Sip a cocktail at Marini’s on 57 or Sky Bar. Posh crowds arrive around 10-11pm. Day 02: Religion & Royalty Morning BREAKFAST: • For coffee-on-the-go: Doi Chaang Coffee Malaysia Offi- cial, Jalan Universiti, Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya • For a secret, local spot for strong iced coffee: Antipodean Café, 20 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah EXPLORE: Wake early and walk up 272 steps to the 400 million year old Batu Caves, snapping photos of pesky monkeys (do not bring food!) along the way. Catch your breath while walking amongst the Tamil shrines. There is also an adjoining Ramayana Cave that you can explore with various Hindu paintings of gods. For an extra-special ritual, buy a flower offering from the street sellers before entering the site, wear it in your hair sa you climb the steps, and place it at the shrine at the top. Afternoon LUNCH: • For dim sum: Ming Room, third floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya • For traditional “re-nao” dim sum: Xin Cuisine, Concorde Hotel, 2 Jalan Sultan Ismail EXPLORE: Mosques are all over this city, but definitely stop by Putrajaya, or the “Pink Mosque.” It is a contemporary mosque with rose-tinted granite comprised of Malaysian, Persian, and Arab-Islamic designs. Istana Negra, also known as the “King’s Palace,” was actually home to a Chinese millionaire in 1928 before becoming the residence of the Malaysian king. While you can’t visit inside the palace, it is a great stop to see the guards outside and in traditional Malaysian guard attire. Evening DINNER: • For casual variety: Table & Apron, 23, Jalan SS 20/11, Dam- ansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor • For vegetarian Indian: MTR Malaysia, 69 Jalan Thambipillay • For a huge Japanese menu: UROKO Japanese Cuisine, 22, Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor EXPLORE: For a speakeasy with leather sofas and specialty cocktails, try The Vault. Or, hit up Changkat Street before a full- on DJ dance party until the break of dawn at Zouk Club KL. Day 03: Islamic Arts Morning BREAKFAST: • For Turkish-style coffee: Prana Alchemy, 433 Jalan PJS10/9, Selangor 46150 • For brothel history and Ista-worthy décor: Merchant’s Lane, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Wilayah Persekutuan EXPLORE: Chinatown of KL is a must. Start at the Sri Maha- mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in KL, built in the late 19th century. From there, wander northeast to Jalan Pedal- ing (the Pedaling Street Market), and prepare to be flooded by flowers, foods, and souveniers. Afternoon LUNCH: • For ambiance: The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Ho- tel, 5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Perdana Botanical Gardens • For refinement: The Drawing Room, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 EXPLORE: Merdeka Square is an epicenter for historic Kuala Lumpur. It used to be a cricket green, but now serves as a green space in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Take a quick stroll through the National Textile Museum, a small but mighty museum with textiles dating back to prehistoric times. Then, visit the afternoon’s main attraction—the Islamic Arts Museum, a contemporary museum with historical artifacts and lovely café and library. Evening DINNER: • For curry and coconut: Kayra, 46 Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1 • For Italian (reservations needed on Fridays): Zenzero, A- 09,St Mary’s Place, 1 Jalan Tengah • For roti canai (a bite size meal) at a local-favorite, outdoor street stall: Valentine Roti, 1 Jalan Semarak EXPLORE: Heli Lounge Bar (34th Floor, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail) offers views from a helipad at sunset. For smooth jazz and a full 1920s vibe, visit Ril’s Bar (30, Jalan Telawi 5, 59100 Bangsar Baru)..