Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, and the old town has many historic buildings from the British colonial period, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The KLCC is the economic and entertainment center of Kuala Lumpur, with high-rise buildings such as the Petronas Twin Towers.
“Kuala Lumpur” means muddy estuary in Malay, which refers to the confluence of the Klang River and the Gombak River, the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur’s Old Town.
Kuala Lumpur is a young city that was under British rule for a long time, and the old town still has many historic buildings from the British colonial period. The Malaysian people never stopped striving for freedom, in August 1957, the flag of Malaysia rose over Merdeka Square (Independence Square) for the first time.
Rise of the Malaysian Banner
Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur was once a cricket green for upper-class gentlemen during the British colonial era, and was named after the first time the national flag was hoisted here in August 1957 when Malaysia became independent. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building on the east side of Merdeka Square is one of the landmarks of Kuala Lumpur.
Old City Skyline
Situated on the east side of Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an important urban landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1897, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a three-towered building built in the Neo-Moorish style and was once the seat of the Supreme Court of Malaysia.
Stories of a Centennial Mosque
Completed in 1909, the Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur and was the highest status mosque in Kuala Lumpur until the National Mosque was built. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Jamek Mosque has an iconic dome and minarets.
Historic Shopping Center
Started in 1888, Central Market Kuala Lumpur was originally a fresh food market. With continuous expansion and renovation, it has now become a commercial center for unique handicrafts, artworks, and ethnic costumes, and many tourists come here to purchase souvenirs.
Historic Chinatown of KL
Petaling Street is a famous shopping street and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, where you can pass through the Chinese Archway at the entrance of the street and see rows of stalls selling bags, clothes, and watches, while the quality of goods varies. The snacks in Petaling Street are mainly Chinese food, and you will always find surprises when you taste them.
Blessed by Two Chinese Heroes
In 1864, the third Kapitan China of Kuala Lumpur, Yap Ah Loy, founded Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, which is dedicated to two deities who help to guide him during the Selangor Civil War. The temple is a center of belief for the local Chinese people.
Leaving the historic old town behind, let’s head for the bustling streets to see the Golden Triangle and KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) areas that set the trend in Kuala Lumpur.
The city skyline of Kuala Lumpur is dominated by a unique skyscraper, the Petronas Twin Towers. These two 452-meter-high skyscrapers soar to the sky and still hold the title of the world’s tallest twin towers. The nearby Golden Triangle area is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular shopping districts, with big shopping malls in every corner of Bukit Bintang Street.
Icon of Modern Malaysia
The KL Petronas Twin Towers, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, consists of two 452-meter tall skyscrapers that were the tallest buildings in the world when completed in 1998. The Suria KLCC Shopping Mall is located at the base of the Twin Towers, with a lush green KLCC park nearby.
Avenues of Luxuriance
Bukit Bintang is the most important leisure and entertainment center of Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Golden Triangle. Bukit Bintang is home to shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, Lot 10, Berjaya Times Square, and the famous food street Alor Street.
The Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly known as Lake Gardens) in western Kuala Lumpur is a resort area with beautiful water, clear mountains and fragrant flowers. It is surrounded by attractions such as the National Museum of Malaysia, the National Planetarium and the Islamic Art Museum.
Largest Mosque in ASEAN
The 5.3-hectare National Mosque of Malaysia, completed in 1965, is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. The National Mosque has a 16-pointed star giant blue roof and a 73-meter-tall minaret, as well as a main gathering hall that can accommodate 8,000 worshippers.
Islamic Treasures Collection
The Museum of Islamic Arts Malaysia has a collection of more than 10,000 Islamic works of art, which are divided into 12 display areas, presenting the beautiful Islamic world to the audience through Islamic architecture, textiles, weapons, the Koran, and other categories.
A Snapshot of the Long History
The National Museum of Malaysia was opened in 1963 and the main building is built in the traditional Malay style. The museum has four thematic exhibitions: Pre History, Malay Kingdoms, Colonial Era and Malaysia Today, as well as an outdoor area with displays of sultan's huts and vehicles.
War Heroes Never Fade
The National Monument of Malaysia is located in the northern part of Lake Gardens and consists of the Heroes Sculpture, the Cenotaph, the Colonnade, and the Fountain. The bronze sculpture of seven brave warriors commemorates Malaysia's national heroes who died in World War I, World War II, and the National Liberation War.