Kuala Lumpur, called KL by locals, is Malaysia's federal capital and largest city at 6.5 million (city-proper population of 1.8 million). Kuala Lumpur is a cultural melting pot with some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, impressive shopping districts, food from all parts of the world, and natural wonders within day-trip distance.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling city with residential suburbs that seem to go on forever. The city proper is a 243 km2 (94 sq mi) Federal Territory managed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and comprising eight divisions which are further split into 42 local areas, mainly for administrative purposes. The following districts have been conceptualised for visitors to Kuala Lumpur. The combination of Old City Centre, Botanical Garden, North of City Centre and Kuala Lumpur/North, which has a rich history, is also known as the Diamond Triangle. Beyond the Kuala Lumpur city proper are the adjacent satellite cities of Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Port Klang, Ampang, Puchong, Selayang/Rawan…
As in most of Malaysia’s larger cities, Malaysian Chinese form a majority of the population, at 55%, in Kuala Lumpur. Malays (who form the majority of Malaysia's population, overall), Malaysian Indians and Eurasians (people of mixed European and Asian descent) are also present in large numbers in the city. There is also a substantial number of foreign residents, including more recent immigrants and workers from South and Southeast Asia and expatriates from Western countries and the Middle East. The result is a mix of cultures that meld together to make Kuala Lumpur a modern and cosmopolitan capital. Electricity is 230V using Type G plugs.
Kuala Lumpur's public transport system is fairly efficient and convenient, but much room for improvement lies in its integration. The city suffers from paralysing traffic jams throughout the day. Consider combining various methods of public transport to avoid this. Touch 'n Go is a reloadable smart card that can be used to pay for all public transport throughout the city. The card costs RM10 plus the amount you wish to load. The card can be purchased at all RapidKL ticket counters (lines 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12), some convenience stores (FamilyMart, MyNews), some gas stations, or at the Touch 'n Go service centre in Nu Sentral shopping mall (KL Sentral station).
Individual listings can be found in Kuala Lumpur's district articles When people think of Kuala Lumpur the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Petronas Towers, which is in the Golden Triangle. Whilst they most certainly are an architectural delight (particularly at night), there is much more to be discovered in Kuala Lumpur. Competing with the Petronas Towers is KL Tower (Menara KL), which looks oddly similar to other famous skyscrapers.
Individual listings can be found in Kuala Lumpur's district articles Kuala Lumpur is well known for its wide range of shopping and eating options, which are adequately covered in the Eat and Buy sections of this article and listings within the district articles. Skyscraper Gazing is the obvious option, with glass and steel abound and excellent views available from the Petronas Towers or the KL Tower (Menara KL) viewing decks, both located in the Golden Triangle. Like much of Kuala Lumpur, there is an interesting mix of arts and culture to experience, ranging from traditional Malay to Islamic to modern.
Individual listings can be found in Kuala Lumpur's district articles Malaysian food is amazing, making Kuala Lumpur an excellent place to eat as it hosts cuisine from all around the country and beyond. Most restaurants close by 10PM, but in the city centre, there are always a few 24-hr kedai mamak (curry houses) or fast food places if you get stuck. Delicious food can be very cheap too: just head to the ubiquitous roadside stalls or kedai kopi (literally coffee shop, but these are all about the food). These shops operate like a food court with many stalls selling a variety of food. Some coffee shops have tables and chairs by the roadside.
Individual listings can be found in Kuala Lumpur's district articles Kuala Lumpur has quite a vibrant night-life and the Golden Triangle is the epicentre of most of the partying which goes on in the city. Jalan P. Ramlee, just south of KLCC, is Kuala Lumpur's central clubbing area, while the action also spills onto Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Pinang and Jalan Perak. Nearby Bukit Bintang also throbs with action, and its neon-lit nightclubs, many of them with hostesses, certainly have a more Asian feel to them. Heritage Row, in the Chow Kit district, is fast catching up as a popular nightspot.
Crime is not rampant in Kuala Lumpur. The perception of crime is high, but the Malaysian police have managed to reduce crime significantly in and around urban Kuala Lumpur. Reports of violent crime against foreigners are uncommon but instances of pickpocketing and bag snatching have risen. Kuala Lumpur is generally very safe for travellers (it is locals who are often the targets of crime), but be wary of over-friendly locals trying to con you. Police presence, particularly around tourist areas and at night has increased. Walking in the city is usually fine but, as anywhere, caution must be exercised, especially if alone.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Kuala Lumpur typically sees ~35°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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