KL and Selangor SIGHTSSIGHTS && SCENESSCENES with The hassle-free and fastest mode of transport to visit fascinating places of interest. KUALA LUMPUR AND SELANGOR Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, is a bustling metropolis of contrasts and diversity. It is fanked by the neighbouring state of Selangor, as well as the nation’s administrative capital, Putrajaya. The country’s main entry points, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Port Klang, are situated in Selangor. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are famed for their fascinating tourist attractions, from gleaming megastructures, heritage buildings to scenic nature retreats, exciting theme parks and shopping malls. 2 Exploring the City and its Surroundings by MRT Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and its surroundings are linked by a comprehensive transport system which includes trains, buses and taxis. The rail networks are Light Rail Transit or LRT, KL Monorail, KTM Komuter, KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the nation’s newest mode of transport that connects various places of interest, commercial zones and residential townships within the Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley areas. This world-class transportation system is ranked to be among the best in the world, putting Malaysia at par with other developed countries. Tourists can take the MRT to visit many places of interest, not only around the city centre but to the outlying areas in Klang Valley to discover the hidden gems of the region. Feeder buses are available at most MRT stations to provide better connectivity. 3 The MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line (SBK Line) is the frst MRT project in Malaysia. The 51 km line begins from Sungai Buloh, located to the north-west of Kuala Lumpur, and runs through Kuala Lumpur city centre before ending in Kajang, a township in Selangor. It serves 31 stations. Phase One of the MRT project from Sungai Buloh to Semantan began its operations in December 2016. Phase Two, from Semantan to Kajang, started its operations in July 2017. Each train set has four cars with a total capacity of 1,200 passengers. The MRT SBK Line integrates seven locations with existing rail lines. It also has 16 stations equipped with park & ride facilities.The estimated travelling time between Kajang to Sungai Buloh is 84 minutes. The MRT Sungai Buloh – Kajang Line spans 51 km and is served by 31 stations. It provides greater mobility within the Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley Region. 4 MRT Stations The MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line has 31 stations of which seven are situated underground. The remaining 24 are elevated stations. The line runs underground for a distance of 9.5km. MRT stations are designed to give commuters an aesthetically pleasing experience. The architecture of the elevated stations is based on the wakaf. Wakaf is an Arabic word which means a pavilion built for travellers to stop and rest. Like a traditional wakaf, the elevated MRT stations are open to allow natural lighting and ventilation. 5 The design conceptconccept of the undergroundunderground stationsstaations is inspired by the Klangng Gates Quartz Ridge, whichwhhich is believed to be the longestongest pure quartz dyke in the world. The multi-facetedmulti--faceted quality of quartz andannd its colourful refections portrayp Malaysia’sMalaysia’s multiculturalmulticcultural society.society. All stations havee facilities such as escalators,escalatorrs, lifts, customer service centres,entres, ticket vending machines,m restrooms, prayerprayer rooms and public telephones.nes. They are also equippedeqquipped with facilities for thee disabled such as lifts and ramps, tactile guide andd warning strips along walkwayswalkwways and platforms. More than 8,0000 parking bays are availablee at selected MRT stations. Most stations outside Kuala Lumpur’sLumpur’s central businessbussiness district are served byy feeder buses. A fat ratee fare of RM1 is chargedcharged forr feeder bus services. Stationsons have adequate lay-byslaay-bys to enable people to drop offoffff passengers, while coveredcovered walkways allow peoplep to walk to stations comfortablycoomfortably and safely.safely. Parkk and ride facilities are available.available. Each underground station has its own design theme, refective of its surroundings and environment. For instance, the theme of the Merdeka Station is “Independence” while Pasar Seni Station chronicles the founding of Kuala Lumpur. 6 Places of Interest MRT provides easy access to many fascinating tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy a hassle-free ride to various places of interest, including 44 shopping malls, 11 educational institutions, 18 places of worship as well as numerous sightseeing spots and healthcare centres. Some of these attractions are located near the station while others are linked by feeder buses, or integrated with other modes of transport. Muzium Negara (National Museum) This is the country’s premier repository for the nation’s rich history and heritage. Built in 1963, the museum is a treasure trove of documents, royal regalia, weaponry and many more. Its façade features a Minangkabau-styled roof with two impressive front murals. Getting there: MRT - Muzium Negara Station 7 Pasar Seni (Central Market) A great place for art enthusiasts, Pasar Seni which literally means ‘art market’, is the place to fnd unique crafts, traditional fabrics, ornaments, collectibles and curios. The building is a fne example of the 1930s Art Deco style with a stepped entrance design and wrought iron panels. Just outside, Kasturi Walk beckons with an exciting outdoor shopping experience. Merdeka Station History buffs will enjoy a stop at the MRT Merdeka Station. Apart from being a gateway to several historical attractions, the Upper and Lower Concourse levels offer a visual feast with glimpses into the nation’s past. The most notable is the black and white photograph of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s frst Prime Minister, with his right arm raised, declaring the country’s independence. There is also a three-dimensional mural of Rukunegara or the national tenets. 8 A short walk awayy from the station is Stadiumm MerMerdeka,deka, a stadium that was built specially for the ddeclaration of the country’country’ss independence. It has beenn the venue for some pprestigious events such as the boxing match betweenn the legendary MuhamMuhammadmmad Ali and Joe Bugner inn 1975, the Southeast Asiann Games in 1977 as well aas a concert by the late popp king Michael Jackson in 1996.996. The illustrious list of oother celebrities who performedrmed here include Mariah CareyCarey,arey, Celine Dion, AAvrilvril Lavigne, Linkin Park and Jenniferennifer Lopez. The MRT’MRT’ss MerMerdekadeka StatioStationon also connects visitors to Stadiumdium Negara, the frst indoor sstadiumtadium which opened in 1962. AAlso close by are the Al-BukhaAl-Bukharyary Mosque, Victoria Institutionon (one of the city’city’sy s oldest schooschools)ols)) and Chin WWoooo Stadium. • Getting therthere:re:e: MRT – MMerMerdekardekadeka Station Stadium MerdekaMMerdeka was the site of thee country’scountry’country s formal declarationon of IndependIndependence.ence. It received the UNESUNESCOCO Asia-Pacifc AAwardward for ExcelleExcellenceence for Heritage ConservaConservationtion in 2008. 9 KidZania Kuala Lumpur KidZania Kuala Lumpur is an interactive edutainment centre that allows children to learn through the art of role playing. Children can choose from over 90 professions in 59 different establishments where they can play the role of a fre fghter, surgeon, fashion designer, pilot, journalist and many more. KidZania Kuala Lumpur is situated in The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. Bukit Bintang Lively and vibrant, Bukit Bintang needs no introduction among avid shoppers. This premier shopping area is a must on the itinerary for the string of glitzy malls which offer the latest in designer wear, exclusive timepieces, bags, shoes and many more. Bargain hunters will be thrilled to fnd great buys, especially during the annual sale seasons. Bukit Bintang’s streets are lined by chic cafés. Nightlife at Changkat Bukit Bintang Changkat Bukit Bintang is KL’s party venue with funky bars, lively clubs and trendy bistros that serve a variety of international food. The vibrant scene is amplifed with themed nights, deejays and live performances. MRT trains operate until 12.00 midnight. 10 Secret Garden (1 Utama Shopping Centre) Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to the Secret Garden at the Rooftop of 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Spread over 30,000 sq ft, this sanctuary showcases 500 species of exotic fora. The high-tech garden is created on bio-carbon soil and nurtured by a team of renowned botanists. It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. • Getting there: MRT – Bandar Utama Station and Feeder Bus T812 Ice Skating To have some fun and burn calories at the same time, visit the Ice Skating Rink situated within the Royale Chulan Damansara Hotel. • Getting there: MRT – Mutiara Damansara Station Alfresco Dining What better way to experience the local lifestyle than visiting a popular local hangout. Dataran Surian,Kota Dame and Jalan Alor are food enclaves with a variety of delights to tempt every palate. • Getting there: Dataran Surian : MRT – Surian Station Kota Dame : MRT – Kota Damansara Station and Feeder bus T806 Jalan Alor : MRT – Bukit Bintang Station Plant Nurseries Enjoy gardening? Get all your gardening needs in Sungai Buloh. From fowers, plants to pots and decorative items, you will be delighted to fnd a whole range of options here. • Getting there: MRT – Sungai Buloh Station 11 Satay Kajang Satay is one of Malaysia’s iconic delicacies. It consists of succulent pieces of meat skewered along thin bamboo sticks and barbequed on a charcoal-fuelled open grill. Satay is almost synonymous with Kajang, because this township is touted as the home of good satay. Many satay lovers visit Kajang just to savour this popular delicacy. MRT 12 Placeces of WoWorship Visitors can get easye access to 18 places ofo worship of all faiths aroundnd Klang ValleyValley via MRT.MRT. FromFrom historical mosques andd churches to ornate TaoistTaoistt and Hindu temples, MRTM enables visitors to experienceexpperience Malaysia’sMalaysia’s multiculturalmulticulttural milieu.