ABOUT KUALA LUMPUR Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. From its centralised position which spans 243.6 sq. kilometres, this ultra-modern nerve centre of Malaysia expands outwards to embrace the world. Discovering KL (as locals affectionately call it) is like travelling through a time tunnel. Here, vivid traces of history continue to influence and inspire a country set on becoming a fully industrialised nation by the year 2020. You will see ultra-modern skysrapers standing magnificently next to rows and rows of quaint old shophouses. Haute cuisine beside hawker stalls. To the avid shopper KL, is paradise. From world-renowned designer labels and brands to exquisite made-in-Malaysia items, the highly competitive environment that exists among traders is a blessing in disguise to shoppers. While department retail establishments or at any one of KL's famous night markets. KL will enthrall you. It will capture your heart and mind in a way no other city will. Kuala Lumpur had its origin as a shanty mining outpost for the tin trade in the 1800s at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang River. Today, KL as it is popularly known, is a bustling metropolis, the federal capital of Malaysia and the principal centre of commerce, politic, entertainment and international activities. The city skyline is rapidly changing and presently boast the world's tallest building, the magnificient Petronas Twin Tower at 452 meters. Another architectural wonder is the world's forth tallest communication tower, the Menara Kuala Lumpur. Despite all the urbanization process actively dominating the city, Kuala Lumpur has managed to still retain its old world charm depicted in the majestic buildings of the colonial era and the quaint pre-war shophouses. GETTING TO KUALA LUMPUR The city has an efficient transport network that enables visitors to move around conveniently and economically. The national air carrier is Malaysia Airlines. Most international airlines also has direct flight into the KL International Airport. From the airport various mode of transportation are available including Limo Service, Coach Service and city taxis. By middle of 2002, passenger will be able to use the ERL which connect the airport with KL Sentral right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur includes light rail services (PUTRA LRT, KTM Komuter and STAR LRT), buses (Intrakota, Citiliner, MetroBus) and the easily available red & white city taxis. |