Hostelworld Guide for Kuala Lumpur

The Essentials
Getting There
By plane: Flights from international destinations
touch down in Kuala Lumpur International Airport
which is 55km from the city. It is connected to the
city centre via the KLIA Ekspres train.
Flights on budget airlines arrive in the nearby LCCT
(Low Cost Carrier Terminal) which is connected to
the main terminal via shuttle bus.

Climate
According to inhabitants of the Malaysian capital,
Kuala Lumpur has three climates - hot, hotter and
hottest. This city has a year-round tropical climate
and it can get extremely humid at times. It also rains
regularly all year round, and the wettest periods are
from March to April and then again from October to
December. During this time it experiences
particularly heavy downpours.

By train: KL's modern Kuala Lumpur Sentral is the

main train station and opened in 2001. It is located
just 1.5km from the city centre.
By bus: Located right beside Chinatown, Puduraya
Station is the city's main bus hub.

Getting Around
Kuala Lumpur has all the trademarks of a South-East Asian capital. The shopping is cheap, the weather is
hot, the traffic is chaotic and the food and drink is plentiful. Commonly abbreviated to KL, it is also the
cultural, political and commercial centre of Malaysia. During a visit one can witness the hectic lives the
locals lead in its distinctive neighbourhoods, see the buildings where the country is run, and marvel at
some of the most famous skyscrapers on the planet.

On foot: While Kuala Lumpur is a big city, you can

walk to and from different parts of the city such as
Chinatown and the Golden Triangle.
By LRT (Light Rail Transit): The city's LRT
network operates three lines. They are an efficient
and cheap way of getting around the city.
By monorail: Kuala Lumpur's monorail is like no
other type of public transport in South-East Asia.

In this Guide...
Useful Information
After Dark
Places to Eat
Top Attractions
Budget Tips
Where to Shop

There's only one line in operation but it's quick and

also cheap. It is particularly convenient for those
staying in the Golden Triangle.

Good to know...
Language: Malay, English widely spoken
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Electricity: 240V 50Hz. 2/3-pin plug.
Telephone Codes: +60 (Malaysia), 03 (Kuala
Lumpur)
Emergency Codes: Police 999 / Ambulance
999 / Fire 994
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time, GMT +8
Central Post Office: Dayabumi Complex, Jalan
Hishamuddin
Main Tourist Office: Kuala Lumpur Tourist
Information Centre, Jalan Parlimen

Kuala Lumpur facts

Name: Kuala Lumpur, which is the capital city
of Malaysia, is also known simply as KL.
Population: Almost 2 million people live in
Kuala Lumpur.
Location: This, the largest city in Malaysia, is
situated in the west of Peninsular Malaysia.
Area: The city covers an area of around 245
square kilometres.

Embassies
USA: +60 (0)3 2168 5000
UK: +60 (0)3 2170 2200*
Canada: +60 (0)3 2718 3333*
Australia: +60 (0)3 2146 5555*
South Africa: +60 (0)3 2170 2412*
Ireland: +60 (0)3 2161 2963
Germany: +60 (0)3 2170 9666
Spain: +60 (0)3 2148 4868
Italy: +60 (0)3 4256 5122
New Zealand: +60 (0)3 2078 2533*
France: +60 (0)3 2053 5500
* High Commissions

Hostelworld Guide for Kuala Lumpur

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Cheap Eats
Meng Kee Grill, 39 Jalan Alor, Golden Triangle
It's hard to walk down Jalan Alor without being
approached by at least one hawker. If those working
here coax you inside you won't be disappointed. The
speciality here is grilled fish, and you can choose
from swordfish, stingray and others. There are meat
and veggie options too. Open Wed-Mon 6pm-3am.

Street eats

After Dark
Luna, Menara PanGlobal, Jalan Punchak,
Golden Triangle While this bar is extremely swish
and stylish, it boasts one of the most breathtaking
views in Asia thanks to its location on the 34th floor
of the Pacific Regency Hotel Apartments. You won't
need to worry about what to talk about as you gaze
at the Petronas Towers lit up in all their glory. Open
daily from 6pm-1am (until 3am at weekends).
The Green Man, 40 Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Golden Triangle Marketing itself as an English bar,
yet at the same time emphasizing the fact that you
can buy Guinness and other Irish beers here, The
Green Man seems a confused man. Nevertheless,
this bar is popular with expats and is a good place
to catch up with friends. Open daily from
11am-1am.

Gay / Lesbian Kuala Lumpur

Street stalls You'll never starve in South-East

Asian cities due to the amount of food stalls on
the streets. These are usually loaded with
chicken skewers, noodles, pancakes and other
snacks. In KL, the best places to feast on streets
are Jalan Alor in the Golden Triangle, and all
over Chinatown and Little India. Food sometimes
may not look the most enticing, but it can be
devilishly tasty sometimes, and frightfully cheap.
Chinatown Pavillion, 25-27 Jalan Hang Lekir,
Chinatown This busy restaurant is located at a lively
intersection in Kuala Lumpur's Chinese quarter and,
with seating inside and out, is popular with both
locals and tourists. After you've perused the menu
that's packed with staple dishes like noodles and
rice, watch life go by in one of the city's most
exciting areas. Open daily from 6.30am-1am.
ABC Food's Corner, 1009 Jalan Masjid India,
Little India Standing for 'Always Best Choice', the
name might sound a bit tacky but when you see the
number of local Indian inhabitants eating here you
might give it a chance. Choose from set menus, or
separate dishes, and don't forget the naan bread to
wipe up the sauces. Open daily 24 hours.
Estana Curry House, Jalan Nagansari, Golden
Triangle Curries or noodles are what you should try
here. If you want a typically Malaysian dish opt for
'nasi goreng kampung' - fried rice with prawns, egg
and chicken. Open daily from 12 noon-midnight.
Hostelworld Guide for Kuala Lumpur

KL's gay scene is widespread but still largely

underground due to British colonial law and
Muslim attitudes. Most gay bars and nights are
found in bars and clubs around the Golden
Triangle. The city's (and country's) oldest gay
club is Blue Boy (54 Jalan Sultan Ismail), while
nearby Frangipani (25 Jalan Changkat Bukit
Bintang) hosts gay nights on Fridays. Liquid
(Central Market Annexe) is one of the city's
most popular gay clubs.
Zouk, 113 Jalan Ampang, Golden Triangle 15
years after opening its flagship club in Singapore in
1991, Zouk moved to Kuala Lumpur. Now firmly
established as the Malaysian capital's number one
club, it regularly attracts the world's top DJs for
one-off events. There is also a separate 'Velvet
Underground' section which isn't so full on. Open
Thurs-Sat 9pm-3am; admission charge.
Beach Club Caf, 97 Jalan P Ramlee, Golden
Triangle Located on one of the city's most vibrant
strips, the Beach Club Caf does everything in its
power to ensure you feel close to the sea and by
the beach. It's an outdoor bar in beach-hut style,
there are palm trees galore and lots and lots of
cocktails being sipped. Open daily from 6pm-3am.
Bangsar Avenue, 18 Jalan Liku, Bangsar
Bangsar Avenue is in KL's other part of town
popular after dark - Bangsar, so no prizes for
guessing how they came up with the name. This
large establishment has something to suit all tastes.
There's an outdoor terrace for some al fresco
socialising, a pool table for some activity, and a club
for some dancing. Open daily from 11am-3am.

Don't Miss
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre,
Golden Triangle KL's iconic twin towers are
something of an emblem for the Malaysian capital
and are remarkably pleasing on the eye. Some
would argue they are the city's most beautiful
structures. Visit them twice - once in the day and
again at night when they are even more spectacular.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, 163 Jalan Tun HS
Lee, Chinatown Founded in 1873, this is the oldest
practising Hindu Temple in Malaysia. Its faade is
fascinating, as is its main prayer hall, which houses
the famous 'silver chariot' which is marched to the
Batu Caves during the Thaipusam festival. Open
daily from 6am-9pm; admission free.
Massage in the Golden Triangle All around the
Golden Triangle are places offering all types of
massages. Head, feet, full...the list goes on. They
are cheap in comparison to similar massages in the
western world and are perfect for unwinding.

The climb to the caves

Mark Your Calendar

January - Thaipusam Every year, more than a
million devotees gather at the Batu Caves, one of
Malaysia's natural wonders, to celebrate the Hindu
festival of Thaipusam. The sheer amount of people
and the beauty of the landscape means this can't
be missed.
February - City Day Parades, fireworks displays,
cultural shows and a general carnival atmosphere is
the order of the day throughout the city every 1st of
February.
March - Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair
The KLIBF is attended by over 1 million people
each year. Held at the Putra World Trade Centre,
this festival includes book launches, conventions
and plenty more, and is a must for book lovers.
June - Starlight Cinema The annual Starlight
Cinema festival is the largest outdoor film festival in
Asia and is staged in Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Kiara
Country Resort. On the grounds there's also a food
village meaning you can really make a night of it.
July - Flora Festival & Parade For this week-long
festival in July flower sales and exhibitions are held
in various locations throughout the city, while the
highlight is the parade at the end of the week.
August - KL International Tower Jump After Aziz
Ahmad asked for permission to jump off Kuala
Lumpur's tallest building in 1999, this festival was
born, and is now held once a year, usually in
August.

Batu Caves These caves 13km from KL's city

centre shouldn't be missed. Guarded by the
world's largest statue of Hindu god Murugan and
a spate of monkeys, they were discovered in
1878 by American Naturalist, William Hornaday.
To get to the caves you have to climb a grand
272 steps. Once inside, the noise of Hindu music
and dripping water, along with the sight of the
numerous shrines, make this a truly unique
experience. Open daily from 7am-9pm; return
taxi from central Kuala Lumpur RM40.
Menara KL, 2 Jalan Punchak, Golden Triangle
Better known as KL Tower, this is Kuala Lumpur's
other skyscraper. While it isn't as famous as its
counterpart, it boasts the city's highest viewing deck
and the views from the top are unrivalled. Open daily
from 9am-10pm; admission RM38.

August - National Day The country celebrates its

independence on 31st of August with parades and
shows, and Kuala Lumpur is the focal point for the
celebrations.
September - Malaysia Fest Also known as
'Colours of Malaysia', the two-week long Malaysia
Fest is a huge event and is celebrated all over
Malaysia and celebrates the culture, cuisine and
handicrafts of the country's thirteen states.
October - Mega Shopping Carnival Held annually
in October, there are bargains galore at every
shopping venue in Kuala Lumpur during this annual
two-week shopping extravaganza.
November - Deepavali Also known as the 'Festival
of Lights', this event is a Hindu celebration. During
the festival you can expect to see even more lights
shining across the city.

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Neighbourhood Watch
Chinatown Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown dates back
to the mid-19th century and is best-known for its
shopping along Jalan Petaling. Rather than shop, it's
sometimes better to soak up the atmosphere along
the less hectic Jalan Tun Hs Lee and Jalan Sultan
which run parallel to it. It's a good place to eat out
and there are lots of temples to visit also.
Kampung Baru Founded in 1899, Kampung Baru is
the oldest Malay residential area of Kuala Lumpur.
Walking around its streets you can still see the
wooden houses that are standing since the
neighbourhood first existed. Its main attractions are
the Kampung Baru Mosque and the 'Sunday Market'
which actually begins on Saturday evenings at 6pm.

Retail Therapy
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Golden
Triangle Located at the base of the Petronas
Towers and covering a staggering 1.5 million square
feet, this enormous shopping centre is the city's
flagship shopping mall. Here you will come across
stores belonging to Levi's, Zara, GAP and FCUK to
name but a few. If you're not in the position to shop
you may find yourself visiting for the air-conditioning
alone. Open daily from 10am-10pm.

Bargains galore

A piece of India in KL

Budget Tips
Visit the National History Museum Conveniently
located on Merdeka Square, this museum is the only
museum in Malaysia dedicated to the country's
history from its early age until today. Some of the
galleries include 'The Advent of Islam', 'Malay
States', 'Japan Occupation' and 'Formation of
Malaysia'. Open daily 9am-6pm; admission free.
Don't get scammed! More a warning than a
money-saving tip, make sure not to get scammed
when in Kuala Lumpur. Taxi men are notorious for
overcharging, but the prices they overcharge tourists
aren't exactly extortionate. Instead be more wary of
a scam carried out around the Petronas Towers.
Tried by over-friendly locals, they will ask you where
you are from, then tell you their sibling is studying
there. Once they tell you that, stop talking to them as
they're trying to scam you!
Check out the National Art Gallery Opened 50
years ago in 1958, Kuala Lumpur's National Art
Gallery on Jalan Temerloh (off Jalan Tun Razak)
houses five different galleries and over 2,500
separate works of art. Open daily from 10am-6pm,
admission free.

Little India Kuala Lumpur's Indian quarter is a

colourful district, albeit a small one. Centrally
located, it is just a stone's throw from Chinatown.
Its main thoroughfares are Jalan Masjid India
and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Stroll along
these streets and you will encounter shops
packed with bright saris, others selling traditional
medicines and herbs, and restaurants
specialising in cheap, Indian food.
Golden Triangle Home to both of Kuala Lumpur's
celebrated skyscrapers, the Golden Triangle is also
the city's main shopping and nightlife district. Along
Bukit Bintang shops are plentiful, as are the bars as
this was once the most vibrant part of the city. Today
that accolade belongs to Jalan P Ramlee and Jalan
Sultan Ismail, both in this part of town.
Brickfields Ask a local how to get to Little India and
they may well send you here as Brickfields is also
home to an extremely large Indian population. It is
easy to get thanks to KL Sentral and a monorail
stop. Once there don't miss Sri Kandaswamy Hindu
Temple on Jalan Thambipillay.
Hostelworld Guide for Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Petaling, Chinatown Open from early

morning until late at night every day, Kuala
Lumpur's famous Jalan Petaling doesn't come
alive until the sun sets. Then the hawkers really
let loose, telling you of the 'good price' they can
offer you for their leather handbags, counterfeit
t-shirts, pirated DVDs, shades and so much
more. Open daily from 10am-11pm.

Plaza Low Yat, 7, Jalan Bintang, Golden Triangle

If you're a high-tech buff and you're looking to pick
up a bargain try this shopping mall off Jalan Bukit
Bintang as its second floor is known as 'Computer
City'. Open daily from 10am-10pm.

Begin your day by visiting the 'Skybridge' at

the Petronas Towers. The visit starts with a
3D film before stepping inside the elevator to
go up 42 flights in 42 seconds!
Go from one skyscraper to another and visit
KL Tower. Its viewing deck is higher than
that of the Skybridge and boasts the best
views of the Malaysian capital.
Take the short stroll to Chinatown. This
vibrant neighbourhood is full of temples,
restaurants and is great for shopping.
Afterwards visit Little India. Another colourful
neighbourhood, it is full of shops selling
traditional Indian goods. Grab a bite to eat
either here or back in Chinatown.
Jump in a cab bound for the Batu Caves.
Just 13km from the city, they aren't to be
missed. Watch out for the monkeys on the
way up the 272 steps to the caves.

Ride the monrail Go on a trip on KL's monorail that

zooms about the city centre and you will be treated
to a bird's-eye view of some of the city's sights as
well as city life below. Each journey is a mere
RM2.50 which is less than $1 (US or AUS), 1 or 1.

Different to its counterparts

Chow Kit Market, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,

Kampung Baru One of Kuala Lumpur's 'wet' (food)
markets, the daily Chow Kit market is a colourful
place. Just meters from Chow Kit monrail station, on
the stalls are fruit, vegetables, spices, meat, and all
types of seafood. At night though, clothes and other
products can be bought. Open daily from 8am-8pm.
Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Downtown
KL Specialising in local artwork and antiques, this
shopping mall between Chinatown and Little India is
a great place to go to see Malaysian art and culture.
There are other things available too, such as
pleasant-smelling toiletries and souvenirs. Open
daily from 10am-10pm.

A Day in Kuala Lumpur...

Upon returning to the city centre, go back to

Chinatown to the market on Jalan Petaling. It
is far livelier at night and you'll find
something within your budget.
Situated in the Golden Triangle, Jalan Alor is
peppered with restaurants. After some
shopping make your way here. Try
something Malaysian or some seafood.
Visit the Petronas Towers' 'Skybridge' Unlike
other viewing decks around the world, you don't
have to pay for your ticket to the Petronas
Towers' 'Skybridge'. Instead 1,400 free tickets
are issued daily which permit you to a 15-minute
visit to the bridge. The ticket desk opens at
8.30am and they're given out on a first-come
first-served basis so get there early.

Return to the Petronas Towers. While they

are truly amazing any time of the day, at
night when they are lit up they will really take
your breath away.
Finish the perfect day off in the Malaysian
capital partying the night away in one of the
bars along Jalan P Ramlee or Jalan Sultan
Ismail, the liveliest strips in town.
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