KUALA LUMPUR

INTRODUCTION
The city began as a mining settlement in the late 1800s with the discovery of tin at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Although KL's tin trade has since declined, the growth of the city has remained unabated. Today, with a population of 1.5 million, it is the pulse of the nation. Kuala Lumpur leads the country's fast paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism. Kuala Lumpur was conferred the city status on February 1, 1972 and declared a Federal Territory in 1974.

GEOGRAPHY
Kuala Lumpur , the capital city of the Federation of Malaysia, is centrally located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Covering some 243 sq km (94 square miles), it lies approximately 35 km from the coast.

Getting to Kuala Lumpur is easy with over 40 international airlines, inclusing Malaysia Airlines, serving the city's new state-of-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang. Domestic routes are served by Air Asia, Pelangi Air, Singapore Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines, in addition to Malaysia Airlines.

Population: c.a. 23,000,000

 

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

 

Ethnic : 59% Malay & other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian.

 

Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions.

 

Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages.

 

 

Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, slightly north of the Equator. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: - Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories.

 

Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Approximately 80% of the nation's total population occupies the main peninsula. The terrain is certain to remain etched in the memories of all visitors for life. It is extremely diverse and consists of some of the world's finest coral reefs, vast stretches of white sandy beaches, green hills, towering mountains, limestone formations, networks of white-water rivers perfect for rafting, lakes and vast expanses of jungle and tropical rain forest. The territories that comprise of Malaysia were British protectorates in the 1920s. Malaysian nationalism reached its peak during the 1930s an d again in the Post-World War II Era, culminating in the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, which became Malaysia in 1963.

Things to Know

Shop Hours: - Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores.

 

Bank Hours: - Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, and Saturday 9:30am to 11:30am. Close on every 1st Saturday.

 

 

Holidays: - Weekly holidays vary from region to region. In Selangor, Melaka, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan, there is a half-day holiday on Saturday and a full-day holiday on Sunday. In the states of Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Teren gganu and Kelantan a traditional half-day holiday is observed on Thursday and full-day holiday on Friday; Saturday and Sunday are treated as weekdays.

Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend or Friday, the following day becomes a holiday.

 

Time: - 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time, 7 hours of GMT;

Tipping: Tipping is usually not necessary, unless service is excellent. Most hotels and large restaurants automatically add a 5% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by a ++ sign on menus and rate cards).

 

 

Porters: - Tip porters about M$1 per bag. Any tip less than 50 sen would be considered insulting.

 

Hotel maids: - Service charge added automatically. Additional tipping is unnecessary, unless to acknowledge excellent service.

 

 

Taxis: - Most taxis are fitted with meters, but these are used only in major towns such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Ipoh. Taxi rates are currently M$1 for the first kilometer (.62mi) and 30 sen for each subsequent half kilometer (.31mi). Malaysians usually tip drivers with their coin change. To acknowledge excellent service, 10% is greatly appreciated but not expected. Nevertheless during the Formula One, taxis at the Sepang Circuit, do not use the meters and usually overcharge. There are very limited taxis and public transportation at the circuit is very bad. It is advisable to either rent a car or get a complete package that includes transportation to and from the Circuit or Kuala Lumpur.

Situated at the crossroads of South East Asia, Malaysia is easily accessible from most parts of the world by air, surface and sea links. Over 40 international airlines fly into the country while the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, has a global network that spans six continents and a national network that covers more than 36 local destinations.

By Air
A large number of visitors to Malaysia arrive by air. There are six international airports in Malaysia with the main gateway being the KL International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang in the state of Selangor. The rest of the country including Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan in East Malaysia is well serviced by 14 domestic airports and airstrips for the rural areas.

By Road
Located 48km north of Alor Setar in the northern state of Kedah, Bukit Kayu Hitam is the main entry point into Malaysia for visitors from Thailand. The Malaysian immigration and customs post is located near restaurants, shops, car parks and a duty-free shopping complex. The North-South Expressway links Bukit Kayu Hitam to Kuala Lumpur, 490km away.

Johor Bahru is the main southern entry-point into Peninsular Malaysia for visitors entering Malaysia from Singapore . The North-South Expressway links Johor Bahru with Kuala Lumpur 220km to the north and takes in several towns along the way.

A causeway carrying a road and railway, connects Johor Bahru to Singapore. Immigration and Customs checkpoints are based at the entrance to the Causeway. A second bridge links Tanjung Kupang 30km south-west of Johor Bahru, to Tuas in Singapore. Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) has train services connecting Singpore to Johor Bahru and other states in the peninsula right up to Padang Besar on the border with Thailand.

By Sea
Both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo are accessible via their sea ports. Malaysia's largest modern sea port is Port Klang, located midway on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has excellent harbourage and is a major shipping and cargo terminal. Other sea ports are in Penang and Langkawi. In the north of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor to the south and Kuantan to the East.

Travel in the country is easy enough. Once you have decided where you want to head to, all you have to decide is what mode of transport you would prefer. Most major cities in the country have an airport, while the rail service links the north to the south and even extends to the east of Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah has its own rail track. Of course there is road transport, by car, by bus or by taxi.

By Air
The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, located approximately 50km south of the nation's capital of Kuala Lumpur . KLIA is one of the largest in the world, and also one of the most advanced with the most sophisticated passenger facilities in the region. It is positioned to be the preferred regional hub and transit point linking the world to the rest of Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific. KLIA is able to manage 7,130 passengers, both domestic and international, at peak hour.

The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang serves a few domestic and regional airlines. Other major international airports which serves as entry points are Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.

By Road
Malaysian roads are among the best in this region. Driving is an interesting mode of seeing the country. An overland journey to Malaysia from Thailand and Singapore can be made easily by driving through the North-South Expressway on the West coast and East-West highway to the East coast. Car rental services are easily available. Buses, taxis and coaches, both interstate and local ply between various destinations. Maximum speed limit on the highway is 110 km/h.

By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) or Malayan Railways has an impressive rail network that connects all the major towns in the peninsula. It stretches all the way into Singapore in the south and on into Thailand in the north. The KTM Railpass has all the benefits of first-class travel, but at economy rates. Railpass holders are allowed unlimited travel on any passenger train in Malaysia and Singapore for the duration of the railpass.

The price of adults is US$55 for 10 days and US120 for 30 days. For children between 4 and 12 years old, the Railpass is US28 (10 days) and US60 (30 days). A luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental Express, which is modelled after the world renowed Orient Express, is available too.The 41-hour round-trip journey makes its route from Singapore, through Kuala Lumpur before going up north to Bangkok and then back again.

TAXI. - The city has an efficient transportation network tha enables visitors to move around conveniently and economically. Taxi services in the City taxis operate by meter. The current rate is RM2 for the first 5km and 10sen for each subsequent 200m. Radio taxis charge an additional RM1 for phone bookings. Taxis may be hired from taxi stands, hailed at the roadsides or through a radio-phone paging system.

TRAINS - The classic Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is air-conditioned and allows travellers to purchase tickets to almost anywhere in the Peninsula. The flexibility and convenience of traveling by train has now been reinforced by anew service -the KTM Komuter. It offers a speedy electric train service plying from Kuala Lumpur to as far as Port Klang, Rawang and Seremban. With 40 stops by the KTM Komuter and the normal express and mail trains spanning the peninsular, travellers now have a choice of an alternative mode of transport for both short and long distance journeys. (KTM Komuter Tel: 03 - 272 2828

BUS SERVCES - City buses in Kuala Lumpur operate services both within the city as well as to numerous points within the Klang Valley. generally, these buses provide air-conditioned comfort and are equipped with coin and card-operated automatic ticket dispensing machines.
The following are the major bus stations in the city:

Klang Bus Station To Petaling Jaya, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, Shah Alam and Port Klang
Jalan Sultan Mohamad Bus Station To Bangsar, Petaling Jaya (Old Town), Kelana Jaya and Bukit Pantai Damansara.
Bangkok Bank Bus Stand To Selayang Baru, Segambut Dalam and Batu Caves
Kota Raya Shopping Complex/Menara Maybank To Jalan Cheras, Sri Petaling, Serdang lama, Taman Goodwood, Salak South, Sungei Besi, Kmapung Pandan, Bandar Tun Razak and Taman Maluri
Pudu Bus Station To Sri Kembangan, Sungei Besi Camp, Balakong, Taman Seri Serdang, Kajang
Lebuh Ampang Bus Stand To Taman Greenwood, Kampung Air Panas, Sri Gombak, Taman Setapak and Batu 12 Gombak
Chow Kit Bus Stand To Kampung Datuk keramat, Ulu Kelang, bangsar, Gombak and Jalan Genting Kelang

LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)
This is about the best mode of transportation when you want to move about in Kuala Lumpur city. The price is cheap & best of all, you are not caught in the usual chaotic traffic jams, which gets so very bad when it rains. Phase 1 of the LRT system (STAR) was completed in 1996. It covers a distance of 12 km and consist of 13 stations. Daily operating hours are between 6.00am to 12.00 midnight. The LRT system forms an integral part of the overall integrated urban tranportation system planned for Kuala Lumpur. Honestly, the best way to move around the city.

Bukit Bintang Street - Bukit Bintang is indisputably one of the city's foremost shopping districts offering a multitude of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. The cities major shopping outlets are located in this area namely Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, lmbi Plaza, Lot 10, Starhill Plaza and Kuala Lumpur Plaza.

Bukit Bintang Plaza
One of KL's oldest shopping centres, Bukit Bintang Plaza still attracts the crowds with its offerings of local and international goods comprising clothes, fashion accessories, footwear, sports goods, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical products, computers and furniture.

Sungei Wang Plaza
Integrated with the adjacent Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza is a magnet for all shoppers in the city. This perennially popular shopping centre houses many retail outlets offering an incredible assortment of goods catering for all tastes and budgets.

lmbi Plaza
Located beside Sungei Wang Plaza along Jalan lmbi, this is the place for those who are interested in computer hardware and software. Take your time to check out the latest computer products at the numerous shops here.

Lot 10
This huge shopping mall with its distinctive green and blue striped facade caters to upmarket shoppers. Shoppers will have no problem finding their favourite branded designer items. lsetan is the anchor tenant.

Star Hill Plaza
Adjacent to JW Marriot Hotel, Starriill Plaza is a stylish building with marble flooring and gilded banisters. It has six floors of retail outlets, mostly exclusive boutiques with the Tangs Department Store as the anchor tenant.

Kuala Lumpur Plaza
Sandwiched between Lot 10 and Starhill Plaza, KL Plaza is a good place to shop for exclusive watches, travelling bags, designer shoes and jewellery. Tower Records the huge music retail outlet located here is a treasure trove of audio-visual items for music buffs.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman Street
This stretch of road is flanked on both sides by pre-war buildings whose interesting facades have been preserved and re-adapted for modern businesses, mostly retailing. Walk through the archways of these shops for an immersion into a shopping and cultural experience that goes back several decades. Major shopping centres within this area are:

Sogo
A major landmark along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Sogo Department Store is modern and well patronised for its quality goods. The selective tenant mix includes fashion boutiques, house-hold furnishing, shoes stores, travel agencies, gift shops, cosmetic counters, jewellers and restaurants.
Pertama Complex
One of the earlier shopping complexes in the city, it has mid to budget priced items such as sportswear, shoes, handbags, watches, photographic equipment and electronic goods. One of the older shopping centres in town, this complex caters to those looking for budget priced items.

Globe Silk Store, Kamdar and Tang Ling
These stores, located along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, offer affordable shopping for those on a budget. Popular items are adults apparel, children's clothes, textiles, furnishing and bric-a-brac.

Nightmarkets
Lorong Tuanku Abdui Rahman is closed to traffic between 5pm - 10pm every Saturday and transforms into a night market where petty traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods In-the open air. The night market offers visitors an interesting place to walk through and perhaps pick up some casual attire, local products, clothing as well as sample some local delicacies.

Jalan Masjid India
Running parallel to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, this street is lined by shops selling Indian items such as sarees, sandlewood oil, bangles, silver anklets, gold jewellery, brassware and Indian silver tableware. Other items include religious materials, handicrafts, herbs and perfumed oils.

Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavours and culinary styles offering the uninitiated an endless gastronomic adventure. It comprises three main groups - Malay, Chinese and Indian with each having its own distinct style of cooking. There are also cuisines that have evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities.

For the visitor who is interested in dining out, Kuala Lumpur will prove to be a unique experience both in terms of the array of culinary delights as well as in the wide choice of settings. You can dine out at posh hotel restaurants, elegant chain restaurants, chic sidewalk cafes, delicatessens or eat out at the many hawker stalls till the wee hours of the morning. The are many fast food chains such as A&W, McDonalds, KFC & other westen & eastern eateries and restaurants.

MALAY  FOOD

Malay cuisine is rich and spicy arising from the use of hard spices and a wet spice mixture of rempah and coconut milk. Malay cuisine varies from region to region. Kelantanese cuisine, akin to Thai cooking for example, has a sweetish taste due to liberal use of coconut milk and sugar in cooking. On the other hand, the cuisine of Kedah is spicier due to the influence of Indians who arrived here centuries ago during the spice trade.
For the adventurous, there is an array of popular Malay dishes to tantalise their buds. A favourite with Malaysians is nasi lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk served with anchovies, squids, eggs, cucumber and sambal (chili paste). An East Coast favourite is nasi dagang, fragrant unpolished glutinous rice steamed with coconut milk and served with tuna fish curry. Nasi kerabu, another rice-based dish native to Kelantan, is served with local herbs and salted fish A Malay banquet would not be complete without the ever popular satay, skewered chicken or beef marinated in spices, the grilled over charcoal fire. It is served with peanut gravy, rice cubes, cucumber and onions..

WESTERN FOOD

Foreign visitors will be pleasantly surprised to discover the abundance of international cuisine available in KL. Restaurants serving international cuisine can usually be found in major hotels as well as in the vicinity of Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang and Bnagsar where thre is a sizeable expatriate community

 CHINESE  FOOD

A wide variety of Chinese cuisine is available in Kuala Lumpur. Among the popular styles of cooking are those of the Cantonese, Hokkien, Hainanese, Hakka and Szechuan communities. Generally, Chinese is mild in flavour but local influence has given it a slightly spicies taste.
In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are elenvenses where dim sum (steamed snacks) is served. Apart from the hotel outlets and large chain restaurants, Chinese food is also available in most coffee shops around KL.

INDIAN FOOD

Indian cuisine is rich and spicy arising from the use of hard spices and a wet spice mixture of rempah or curry powder. Indian ciusine in Asia are usually very potent and can be very hard on the tum. It's not like what you get down town in Portsmouth or Manchester. Indian food in Malaysia can be quite unforgiving on the stomach for first timer 'non-hard core' curried cuisine novices. So, take heed be forewarn. Indian food can easily be found at most street stalls and hotels. If you are brave enough, we suggest you try the Indian cuisine within the hotel, where the potentcy can be a little forgiving on the tummy and are much more decently prepared.

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