Travel in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia - Asia - Culture

Malaysia's location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, has made it a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. This fact makes it a multicultural and multiracial country with a population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Malay is the official language, although English is widely spoken, especially in business. The English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. Due to the fact that there are people from so many different ethnic backgrounds, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. The official religion is Islam, but there is a practice of worship freedom. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. This makes Kuala Lumpur a very colorful city.

ATTRACTIONS

Central Market
The art-deco structure of the Central Market is a center for the display and development of Malaysian culture, arts and crafts as well as a haven for local artists and craftsmen. In the shops and stalls of the market you can find a variety of antiques, Asian artifacts, curios, souvenir items and handicrafts. Portrait artists and small-time craftsmen work, under the stares of people who walk around admiring the colorful atmosphere. You can visit the amphitheatre in order to see one of the regular performances of traditional and contemporary dances and musical concerts.

Dataran Merdeka & The Sultan Abdul Samad Building
IMAGE:Dataran Merdeka The Dataran Merdeka (or Independence Square) is where the annual celebration of independence takes place. During the British colonial presence in Malaysia it was the focal point, and cricket green (incl. hockey, tennis, and rugby matches). Appropriately enough, it was on the Dataran Merdeka that at 12:01 am on August 31, 1957, the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted up for the first time to the resounding cries of "Merdeka", signaling Malaysia's independence as a nation. The 100-meter flagpole, the tallest in the world, marks that spot with a flat, round black marble plaque.

IMAGE:Sultan Abdul Samad Building Across the road, you can see the gleaming copper domes and the 130-meter clock tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It is by far the most impressive architecture feature of the Dataran Merdeka. It is a fantastic blend of Moghul, Moorish, Arab and British neoclassical architecture. The bulding designed by architects Norman and Bidwell, took more than two years to build and was completed in 1897. It houses the Judicial Department and Infokraf, a center for Malaysian handicrafts. Once it served as the center of British colonial administration in Malaysia.

Istana Negara
The official residence of the DYMM SPB Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (The King) is located on a hillock at Jalan Istana. The formal grounds, a pleasure to your eyes, enhanced by immaculate green lawns and formal gardens full of blooms. The lily-filled pond contributes to the serene atmosphere. On occasions, you can see the palace and its grounds, gaily lit-up.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
The Station is located at Jalan Hishamuddin, inspired by Moorish architecture. Designed by A.B. Hubback it was built in 1910 and underwent extensive renovations in 1986 which also linked it to the General Post Office at Dayabumi.

Lake Gardens
Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana), the city's most popular park and a green sanctuary nestled deep in the city center. Built around an artificial lake, it encompasses 230 acres of undulating greenery interspersed with flowering shrubs, shady trees, exceptional botanical gardens, flowers, lakes and other notable features.

Tugu Negara means National Monument. It is also located in the Lake Gardens standing as one of the largest freestanding bronze sculptures in the world. The monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle against Communist insurgency in the 1950s.

Parliament House
With a panoramic view of the Lake Gardens the modern Parliament House with its distinctive oval-shaped windows, is situated in one of the greenest and most beautiful areas in KL and is superbly lit at night. Visitors may view Parliamentary sessions by prior arrangement with the authorities, who will advise on protocol and dress code.

National Planetarium
IMAGE:National Planetarium One of KL's latest attractions, the planetarium offers visitors a better insight into mankind's new frontier, outer space. Located atop a hill in the Lake Gardens surrounded by the National Mosque, National Museum and the Bird Park, this center for Space Science Studies is indicative of Malaysia's efforts to create a scientifically and technologically-inclined society. There is also a working observatory equipped with a 14-inch telescope. Don't miss the extraordinary lift ride that will give you a spectacular bird's-eye view of Kuala Lumpur.

IMAGE:National Museum National Museum
The National Museum just outside the Lake Gardens, is a palatial structure built in style of old Malay Architecture. Located atop a hill at Jalan Travers, it provides an interesting introduction to the history and culture of Malaysia. Inside are interestingly laid out displays and exhibits on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts; economic activities; local flora and fauna; weapons and currency.