Kuala Lumpur
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Kuala Lumpur is the largest city of Malaysia. Though no longer the administrative centre (that being Putrajaya) it is still the nation's legislative and national capital.
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Getting There and Away
By Air
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main hub for flights in and out of Malaysia. Malaysia's main carrier, Malaysia Airlines services international as well as domestic flights in and around the country.
Air Asia, Malaysia's low cost carrier, services routes domestically as well as regional flights to most South East Asian countries and is located at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) connected by shuttle buses from KLIA. To get from the LCCT to Kuala Lumpur, take the shuttle bus to KLIA, then the KLIA Express (MYR35 one way; takes 28 minutes from airport to city) and alight at KL Sentral where several transit trains connecting within and outside KL are available (Please see below). Alternatively, if you're on a budget, take the MYR 8 bus from LCCT direct into KL Sentral.
By Bus
There are numerous interstate buses available at affordable prices. Puduraya, located in the city centre close to Chinatown, is the biggest and most crowded bus terminal with the major bus companies making it their base of operations.
Most buses east-bound use the Putra Bus Terminal, located north of the city, opposite the Putra World Trade Centre on Jalan Putra.
Some north-bound buses use the Duta Bus Terminal, located west of the city, on Jalan Duta.
Transportation Within KL
RapidKL/ Kelana Jaya Rail Line (previously known as PUTRA) LRT (Light Rapid Transit) & Ampang Rail Line (previously known as STAR) LRT runs from the suburbs outside into the city. The monorail runs within the city with stops in major shopping areas.
Transit Map comprising the above HERE
RapidKL also runs and extensive bus service in and around the city, in addition to other bus companies, where most converge at or around Puduraya, the biggest bus terminal in KL.
Public Holidays
Public holidays in Malaysia vary from state to state. They also vary in dates on a yearly basis. Below is a list of public holidays in 2008 for KL:
- 1 January - New Year’s Day
- 10 January - Awal Muharam 1429 Hijrah
- 1 February - Thaipusam / Federal Territory Day (For KL, Labuan, and Putrajaya)
- 7-8 February - Chinese New Year
- 20 March - Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- 1 May - Labour Day
- 19 May - Wesak Day
- 7 June - Birthday of SPB Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
- 31 August - National Day
- 1-2 October^ - Hari Raya Puasa / Eid ul Fitr
- 28 October^ - Deepavali / Diwali
- 8 December - Hari Raya Haji / Eid ul Adha
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- 29 December - Awal Muharam 1430 Hijrah
^Subject to change
Places of interest
This map : http://www.backpackingmalaysia.com/map/kuala-lumpur is an interactive map which marks most hostels available if you can't couchsurf, as well as places interests (from bar hopping at Heritage Row to shopping at Suria KLCC), place to eat & major LRT stops.
- Central Market (Pasar Seni)- A place to procure local handicraft and souvenirs.
- Petaling Street aka Chinatown - Bargains galore. Try your bargaining skills on clothes (mostly brand rip-offs), leather and other such goods common across SE Asia. Starts at 3 pm into the night with fruits and food stalls setting up from the late afternoon.
- KL Tower - Get a 360 degree view of the city and its surrounding suburbs. Come on a good clear day or you won't be able to capture the full sprawl of the Klang Valley.
- Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve - Smack right in the centre of the city, this forest reserve is the only remaining tropical forest in the city and is located near the Bukit Nanas Monorail station (right by the KL Tower)
- Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur City Centre - KLCC) - Free tickets up to the sky bridge (limited daily so do come early to queue for them)
- Aquaria - Opposite the Twin Towers accessible through underground walkways via the shopping mall Suria KLCC, Lower Ground floor.
- Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - Designed by AB Hubback and completed 1910, the railway station was a major train hub in KL before the use of cars was widespread. Though all intercity rail traffic has since been diverted to KL Sentral, the KL Railway Station remains an major historic landmark and is used as a KTM Komuter (intracity rail) station.
- Masjid Jamek - Designed by AB Hubback, and completed in 1909, the Masjid Jamek (or Friday Mosque) was built where the Klang and Gombak River meet. The atmosphere of reverent peace is a stark contrast to its location in the busy heart of the city. Please be aware that you will need to dress conservatively if you wish to visit the premises.
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building - Designed by AC Norman and completed in 1895, it was used as a government building by the British colonial administration and housed the Federal Court, after independence. It is now home to the Commercial Division of the High Court.
- The Lake Gardens & National Monument (Parliment House area) - Your usual parks (Orchid farm, Butterfly & Bird parks) for a chilled out day for picnics and such; National Monument across Parliment Road was designed by Felix de Weldon, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington. The 15.54 metre high bronze monument depicts seven soldiers symbolising the seven qualities of leadership.
- Batu Caves - 272 steps lead up to a limestone Temple cave situation 13 kilometres north of KL. It is the focal point of kavadi procession during Thaipusam in February beginning from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown (oldest Hindu temple in KL built in 1873).
Other information
- Hostels- an affordable alternative when Couchsurfing is not practical
- Couchsurfing Events in Kuala Lumpur - Check out what's happening before you come
