DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES KUALA LUMPUR 1 ELITE GUIDE TO KUALA LUMPUR HIGHLIGHTS OF KUALA LUMPUR 3 ONLY ELITE 4 Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experiences CONCIERGE RECOmmENDATIONS 5 We asked Kuala Lumpur’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day EL ALEph SAILING YachT WHERE TO ➤ STAY 7 ➤ DINE 13 ➤ TO BE pampERED 15 Spa VILLAGE, RITZ-carLTON WhaT TO DO ➤ DurING THE DAY 17 ➤ DURING THE NIGHT 19 ➤ FEATURED EVENTS 20 ➤ SHOppING 21 SEpaNG CIRCUIT NEED TO KNOW ➤ MARINAS 25 ➤ prIVATE JET TErmINALS 26 ➤ EXCLUSIVE TraNSPORT 27 ➤ USEFUL INFORMATION 27 SUNSET AT REBAK ISLAND DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | KUALA LUMPUR www.elitetraveler.com 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF KUALA LUMPUR Don’t miss out on Kuala Lumpur’s wealth of attractions, adventures and experiences alaysia, the cultural melting pot of And of these, none is shining so bright as almost equidistant between Thailand, the MSoutheast Asia, has long been renowned Kuala Lumpur – a city as breathtaking as the Philippines and Singapore and draws these for its natural beauty. But now man is natural wonders surrounding it. different cultural strains together. Add to catching up with nature – dreams of luxurious The cultural and economic center of the this the city’s proud islamic heritage, shown holidays amidst these marvels have now country, Kuala Lumpur has become a hive throughout the Bangsar District by Neo come fully into fruition. Here, lavish hotels of activity over the last two decades and Moorish architecture, and you have a truly lie on untouched islands and great cities is quickly emerging as an international diverse and dynamic city right at the heart of rise out of the swathes of verdant rainforest. metropolis in its own right. The city lies the Southeast Asian world. THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS BANGSAR DISTRICT The city itself has four major districts that are particularly noteworthy Large scale renovation and rejuvenation over the years have created for the Elite Traveler. Firstly, Jalan Ampang signals Kuala Lumpur’s Kuala Lumpur’s now world famous skyline, where luxury boutiques and modernistic intent with a rising mass of skyscrapers, and glass and five-star hotels vie for space with colonial buildings and traditional Malay steel-fronted buildings. The area is home to Kuala Lumpur’s Golden markets. Kuala Lumpur, also known as KL, firmly embraces a modern Triangle, so named because it is the central hub for business in the city. vision – so much so that it’s hard to imagine that this glittering city Here the Petronas Towers loom large over all, an iconic and symbolic was just a region of tin mines only 160 years ago – yet its rich heritage testament to Kuala Lumpur’s vision of modernity. This pet project of has never been forgotten. Elsewhere of note within this vast city is the ex-prime minister Mahathir Mohammed is a self-contained mini-city of Bangsar district – a chic parade of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, hotels and flagship HQs, and is the showpiece of the Kuala Lumpur City including both Valentine Willie Fine Art and Space KL (see page 20). Take Center development (KLCC). a trip to Changkat Bukit Bitang, for feats of innovative culinary offerings from award winning restaurants such as Frangipani (see page 13). THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS Finally, Jalan Bukit Bitang is a roll call of restaurants, ritzy boutiques and five-star hotels, including the enormous Pavilion Mall. Elite Traveler’s Guide to Kuala Lumpur offers a perfect gateway to the contemporary marvels and historic charm of this wonderful city. SPACE KL ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | KUALA LUMPUR www.elitetraveler.com 3 ONLY ELITE Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experiences EL ALeph saiLING yacht, OCEAN INDEPENDENCE PRIVATE SUPERYACHT CHARTER most stunningly beautiful and untouched islands on earth. The FREEDOM Yacht CHARTER breathtaking island of Paulau Langkawi has emerged as the hub of VIP Contact: Helen Grant the sailing and chartering world in Malaysia, in part due to the recent Phone: +44 7956 424 431 construction of state-of-the-art marinas around the bays, such as Email: [email protected] the impressive Telegar Harbor. Similarly, the Langkawi Regatta, Website: www.freedom-yacht-charter.com which takes place every January, brings sailing enthusiasts in their hundreds and its notoriety is steadily growing. OCEAN INDEPENDENCE VIP Contact: Harry Lort-Phillips A myriad of high-end international chartering companies are Phone: +44 207 381 7600 active in the area, most notably Freedom Yacht Charter and Ocean Email: [email protected] Independence. The majority of the yachts available are renovated Website: www.oceanindependence.com traditional Malaysian shipping vessels, lovingly and expertly restored Home to the Langkawi archipelago – 99 islands marooned in azure and fully equipped with the same attention to detail and luxurious waters and banded by brilliant white beaches teaming with a modernity one would expect from a high-end hotel. wealth of marine life – Malaysia boasts a stunning array of things to do for the nautically minded Elite Traveler. And with the rise in Every vessel is designed to give each and every guest the experience superyacht charter in the area there has never been an better time of a lifetime on board. The luxury charters have a highly trained, fully to take the helm of your own luxury yacht and explore some of the dedicated captain and crew on board, so you just sit back and relax. BEDROOM, EL ALeph saiLING yacht, OCEAN INDEPENDENCE ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | KUALA LUMPUR www.elitetraveler.com 4 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS We asked Kuala Lumpur’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day AZMAN ISMAIL CONCIERGE, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL Email: [email protected] Phone: +60 3 2032 2388 10am Breakfast at Lot 10 Hutong (Malaysian Heritage Food Village) for a typical local breakfast. 11am -12pm Take a private city tour inclusive of Twin Tower Skybridge, Merdeka Square, Old Station, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Jamek Mosque (in the old part of Kuala Lumpur). 1pm - 2pm Visit Lake Gardens, The Bird Park, Orchid Garden and the Deer Park. 2.30pm Lunch at Madam Kwan (Malaysian cuisine) where guests enjoy local favorites such as nasi lemak, curry mee and asam pedas. BEST RESTAURANTS Lafite - at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur - for fine dining. Bijan Bar & Restaurant - serves the best Malaysian cuisine. Rama V - serves authentic Thai food. BEST SHOPPING AREA Suria KLCC, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Starhill Gallery. BEST ATTRacTION Visit the Petronas Tower Skybridge (Skybridge, 86th floor, observation deck) and Menara Tower to see the magnificent city of Kuala Lumpur. MENARA TOWER SKYBAR AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL KESSAVAN BHASKARAN CONCIERGE, RITZ-CARLTON P Phone: +60 3 2142 8000 Email: [email protected] “Start with breakfast in Shook! at Feast Village. Visit Wei Ling art gallery at Brickfield, and then have lunch at the Al-Amar Lebanese restaurant in the Pavilion shopping mall. Finally, finish the day with dinner at the Tamarind Springs restaurant.” BEST RESTAURANTS Al-Amar Lebanese restaurant, Pavilion. Gonbei at the Starhill Gallery -Japanese Restaurant Prime at Le Méridien. BEST SHOPPING AREA Petaling Street, Chinatown, and the small tea shops dotted around. BEST ATTRacTION Visit Wei Ling art gallery in Brickfields. ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | KUALA LUMPUR www.elitetraveler.com 55 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS BEACH ON LaNGKAWI ISLAND NURUL NUZAIRI play or visit the local family fish farm. Serai Restaurant – celebrates sun-drenched FRONT OFFICE MANAGER Indulge in a gourmet picnic on an idyllic flavours of authentic Italian flavours. FOUR SEASONS, LANGKAWI private beach. Kelapa Grill Restaurant – features Asian stir fries, wood-fired speciality pizza, Phone: +60 4 950 8888 Allow for therapeutic healing in the western cuisine and grilled classics. “Savor a hearty breakfast spread at our comfort of your private hideaway with contemporary Serai restaurant after your luxurious treatments that reflect BEST SHOPPING AREA morning garden walk. Malaysia’s cultural diversity. Lobby Boutique with its eclectic collection of Asian fashion wear from elegant casuals to Explore Langkawi’s natural wilderness by Savour authentic Malay flavors with the vibrant beachwear to inspired souvenirs. going on a mangrove tour with our finest culinary array at our signature naturalist. Choose to depart either in the restaurant Ikan-Ikan while enjoying views BEST ATTRacTION morning or afternoon. The 3.5-hour tour of the Andaman Sea.” Experience the stunning sunset from the takes you into the spectacular mangrove Moghul Swing at Rhu Bar while sipping wetlands, limestone caves and secluded BEST RESTAURANTS favorite cocktails. For the more adventurous, coves. Teeming with wildlife, watch the Ikan-Ikan Restaurant – highlights take a trek through the ancient rainforests or eagles soar proud, see the macaques at authentic Malay cuisine. dive into the crystal blue of the Andaman Sea. MOUNTAIN VALLEY LANGKAWI ISLAND ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | KUALA LUMPUR www.elitetraveler.com 66 WHERE TO STAY Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare, choose from our stunning selection THE LOBBY, THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL LOBBY LOUNGE, THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL THE BEDROOM, THE ROYAL SUITE TOP SUITE THE ROYAL SUITE . Square footage: 2,583 . Nightly rate: $5,225 THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL Why we love it: The ultimate in modern-day opulence, the Royal Suite exudes a VIP Contact: Lothar Nessmann,