Kuala Lumpur is a city of tantalising contrasts, with seemingly no end to the list of things to do, see – and taste.
Packed with gleaming skyscrapers, large malls and bustling markets, Malaysia’s capital is a magnet for shopping and nightlife, but also a fusion of ancient cultures. Malay, Chinese, Indian, Tamil and Thai people have lived side by side here for generations – a melting pot that’s best appreciated through the local cuisine.
Follow your nose to Petaling Street in Chinatown, and try recipes like ‘Chili pan mee’, a noodle stir-fry of fried onions, fresh scallions, crushed peanuts, shredded pork and a poached egg. Or, head over to Brickfields (Little India) for spicy chicken curry, dosa pancakes and as many banana fritters as you can manage. Take a map to make sure you don’t get lost between these crowded districts.
But it’s not all about the food. The futuristic Petronas Towers define the Kuala Lumpur skyline, while the Islamic Arts Museum and National Museum offer a glimpse into the city’s short history. You can escape the hustle in the verdant Botanical Gardens, or the Batu Caves – a series of spectacular, Hindu shrine-filled chambers beneath a limestone hill, just half an hour north of the city.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport offers direct flights to Singapore and other world-wide destinations.