Malaysia

If there is one city in the world which can give you a glimpse of many cities at once, that is Kuala Lumpur. The capital city of Malaysia has a mix of different cultures, such as India, Malaysia, China and even Western countries, and although a bit expensive, a visit to Kuala Lumpur is a must on your bucket list if you plan to visit Malaysia.  At first glance, one finds it hard to believe that this cosmopolitan city of glittering malls and iconic skyscrapers was actually a disease-infested swamp in the early 1850s. Kuala Lumpur, in this relatively short period of time, has seen many a foreign invader come and go, as have a large number of migrants from different communities. These dramatic changes have left their mark on the heritage and culture of the place, which is clearly reflected in the cuisine and architecture of the city. As a result, travellers seeking quality time in a modern metropolis, full of vibrance and flair, are certain to get their money’s worth when embarking on a trip to Kuala Lumpur. Here, I have compiled a comprehensive guide for you which will go a long way in making your visit to the ‘muddy confluence’ city a fruitful one. Everything you need to know, from places to visit in Kuala Lumpur to things to see in Kuala Lumpur, to enjoy your trip, is jotted down here from my own experience.  The weather in Kuala Lumpur remains constantly warm throughout the year, going above 30 degrees Celsius. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected from February to May and then, again, from September to December. The appropriate time to visit Kuala Lumpur is therefore outside these months when the humidity is low and making outdoor activities more enjoyable. You would not want your perfect day to be ruined by rain when you are trying to cover those beautiful Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions.  Kuala Lumpur is well connected by air with Europe, Asia and Australia, with Malaysian Airlines offering extensive domestic and international flights. If one wishes to travel by road, the North-South highway extends from Singapore and touches the border of Thailand via Kuala Lumpur. Roads are well-maintained, and driving standards are high in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has efficient and fast train connections to major cities in Peninsular Malaysia, including Johor Bahru and Singapore. One can opt to travel in style in the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express trains from Singapore to Bangkok with various sightseeing opportunities en route. Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the gateway of Malaysia. The two terminals, KLIA T1 and KLIA T2, handle an estimated 90 million passengers annually. Depending on the mode of transport, the transfer time between the two terminals ranges from 1 to 10 minutes. The Aerotrain from KLIA is complimentary and takes under two minutes to complete the trip. A shuttle bus takes 10 minutes and is also free of charge, while the express Rail Link charges Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 2 and takes four minutes. You can book an airport coach online as well. Train: The airport and the city centre are connected by train. The KLIA Ekspres is a direct non-stop service between the airport (both terminals) and KL Sentral. The journey time is thirty minutes and offers a wonderful option to reach the city quickly by avoiding the heavy traffic. The frequency is every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak hours. The trains run from 5:00 AM until 12:10 AM. You can book the tickets from their official site.  Another high-speed train, KLIA Transit, also runs between the airport and KLCAT but makes frequent stops. The journey time is forty minutes here. Most of the travellers opt for online KLIA transit ticket booking. Public transport: Public transport, like buses and taxis, is also available. While the taxis can be found right outside the arrival area, express buses depart from the KL Sentral station. This is also the cheapest option but takes around 60 – 75 minutes, depending on the traffic.  Airport taxis, on the other hand, can be booked through the Grab app, but it is the most expensive option among all that I have mentioned. You can also book a prepaid taxi at the airport taxi counter at KLIA/KLIA2. Planning to explore Kota Kinabalu? Check out 10 things to do in Kota Kinabalu  Kuala Lumpur has an extremely efficient public transport system in place, which includes buses, trains, and the Rapid KL. The MyRapid card can be used, which is a seamless, reloadable travel card that integrates all modes of travel under its scheme. Apart from the RapidKL service, KTM offers train services to the suburbs, while buses run by Metro Bus and RAPIDKL supplement the train network. Taxi stands exist in fixed locations, and taxis can also be flagged down in the street. Taxis operate on meters, but drivers usually charge their own fares. If you don’t want to haggle, pre-book a cab through the Grab app or AirAsia Ride. There are plenty of international car hire companies like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz in case you prefer to self-drive. It is advisable to hold an International Driving License. Explore the Jungle Templer’s Park in the north of the city is home to an unspoiled rainforest where one can see waterfalls, go hiking and just relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the Crystal Waters Some of the best dives can be experienced in the scenic islands of Perhentian and Pulau Tioman. Dive shops in Kuala Lumpur will recommend any course and gear you may need. Cook Like a Local Malaysian food is inspired by countries like China, Thailand, and India, and learning to make some of the Rendang curries is a great source of pleasure. Shopping in Kuala Lumpur  Kuala Lumpur is a shopper’s paradise. The markets and departmental stores simply overflow with local crafts and international brands. Prices are low, and bargaining is the order of the day. The key shopping places