Despite the fast-paced development, Kuala Lumpur has drawn a delicate consonance of multi-story buildings, skyscrapers and historical sites amidst lush greenery. The garden city image of KL during the city tour can prove to be fascinating.
The tour takes in Kuala Lumpur's main sites, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the National Monument and the National Museum.
The focus is on the distinction between the new, the old and the many different styles of architecture that are to be found in the city. You will also visit bustling Chinatown and Independence Square.
Finally, you will see the Istana Negara or King's Palace. The palace is located on a hilltop just outside the city centre. It is now the venue for official functions and ceremonies and even the changing of the guard!
King's Palace (Istana Negara)
Istana Negara is Malaysia’s National Palace. Built in 1928, it is located along Jalan Istana, and the 13-acre castle used to be the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia. In June 2011, it was replaced by a new, extravagant RM800 million palace near Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.
National Monument (Tugu Negara)
The National Monument, also known as Tugu Negara in Malay, is a magnificent bronze sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960.
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Spread across 13 acres, the National Mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 people and is reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, featuring abstract shapes and geometric lattice integrated into its roofing and ironworks. The Grand Hall is undoubtedly the most intricate part of the mosque, with verses from the Koran decorating the walls.
Independent Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square, is a historic site that has a special place in the heart of every citizen of Malaysia. On your visit to Kuala Lumpur, you are bound to visit Independence Square, for some historic landmarks and prominent buildings surround it.
Petronas Twin Towers
Petronas Twin Towers, pair of skyscraper office buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are among the world's tallest buildings. The Twin Towers, built to house the headquarters of Petronas, the national petroleum company of Malaysia, were designed by the Argentine-born American architect Cesar Pelli; they were completed in 1998. The plan for each tower is identical. A two-story sky bridge links the two towers between the 41st and 42nd stories.
Mariamman Temple
It might not have occurred to you that a house of worship could be both cultural and attention-grabbing at the same time. The Sri Mahamariamman temple in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most famous temples among worshippers and visitors. The temple was built in 1873 by K. Thamboosamy Pillai but was only opened to the public in the 1920s. Today, with more than a century of history, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest and the richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.
Royal Selangor Pewter
Royal Selangor is one of the world's largest pewter manufacturers, founded in 1885 at the start of Malaysia's Tin Rush by a young Chinese immigrant named Yong Koon. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers insight into Malaysia's cultural heritage with a museum, store, factory tours, and hands-on pewter workshops.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves, a complex of limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. The caves are one of the country's biggest tourist attractions and pilgrimage for Tamil Hindus. They are named for the Sungai Batu (Batu River), which flows nearby, and are located 7 miles (13 km) north of Kuala Lumpur.
Batik Centre
Batik is a traditional technique using wax and dyeing and printing of classic handmade patterns on fabric, and the method was introduced to Malaysia in the 1920s. Then Batik Center strongly believes in preserving the Malaysian unique heritage and identity of producing quality batik and handicrafts. Only by visiting Batik Center you can admire original and high-quality batik and handicrafts and clearly understand the heart and soul of Malaysian artistry and culture.
National Museum (Muzium Negara)
The National Museum, a striking building characteristic of traditional Malay architecture, stands proud in the heart of Kuala Lumpur as a repository for the country's rich historical heritage. After its recent upgrade in 2008, the Museum has become a more exciting and interactive venue for visitors, taking them on an exploration of Malaysia's history beginning from the prehistory period to Malaysia today.
Perdana Botanical Garden
The Perdana Botanical Gardens, set within the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, contain the most extensive flower gardens and animal parks in the Kuala Lumpur city centre. Also called Lake Gardens, this located recreational park is best visited during the weekends, when it's packed with locals enjoying various activities on the main square and along its many lakefront trails and landscaped hills.
China Town
Chinatown is also a well-known bargain hunter's paradise, where you can find all sorts of stuff, from Chinese herbs to imitation goods. Petaling Street's primary market area at night transforms into a lively and vibrant night market. It is filled with hundreds of stalls offering all kinds of goods at dirt-cheap prices, and the best thing is, the costs can be brought lower still as haggling is the way of life here