KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur originated as a shanty-mining outpost for the tin trade in the 1800's at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers. Today, KL, as it is popularly known, is a bustling metropolis. It is the federal capital of Malaysia and is the principal center of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities. Kuala Lumpur serves as the pulse of the nation, with a population of 1.5 million people.

Istana Budaya
Also known as the Palace of Culture, the Istana Budaya is an imposing blue and white building featuring traditional Malay and contemporary elements. It has been hailed as one of Kuala Lumpur's most beautiful modern buildings and has been the site of many international shows and concerts.

Getting there: It is located at Jalan Tun Razak, just outside the city center. The best way to get here is by taxi.

Menara Kuala Lumpur
A short stroll away from the city's major hotels, the Menara KL is the tallest telecommunications tower in South East Asia and the fourth tallest tower in the world.

The ceiling of the lift lobby is decorated using tiny mirrors, an Islamic art form technique. High-speed lifts take visitors to an observation deck that provides a panoramic view of the entire city and beyond. The revolving restaurant above serves a lunch and dinner buffet daily with Hi-tea, as well on weekends.

Facilities on the ground level include a pedestrian mall with a reflecting pool, mini theatre, amphitheatre and a restaurant. A 100 - year old Jelutong tree stands preserved in the compound
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International events that take place here include the annual Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon, X-treme sports performances and a B.A.S.E. Jump.

Getting There: Located at Bukit Nenas, buses and taxis are easily available to its entrance at Jalan Raja Chulan. It's also a short walk away from the major hotels at Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Petaling Street
Almost every country has its own version of Chinatown and Kuala Lumpur's version, Petaling Street (P.S), is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions here. Stocked with leather goods, t-shirts and loads of food, Petaling Street is the right place to make some cheap yet exciting purchases. If you're looking to pick up items like watches, sunglasses, wallets, perfumes and other such accessories, there is no better place. Bargaining is a must on any items you may want to buy. The colorful and lively evening market stays open till midnight.

Getting there: Take the Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni stop and walk over. It is also a short walk from the central bus station in the city.

Petronas Twin Towers
The world's tallest freestanding twin towers are situated in the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC). Both of the 88-story towers soar more than 1,482 feet above the city skyline and are connected by a sky-bridge on the 41st floor. The sky-bridge is open to public from 8:30 am - 5 pm

Admission is free for up to 1,300 visitors per day, so come early to ensure entry.

Built on what used to be a race course, the towers and its adjacent complex hold the:

Petronas Philharmonic Hall
A world class concert hall and home to the 105-member Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Galeri Petronas
An elegant gallery exhibiting traditional, contemporary and modern art with an Experimental Space for young artistic talents. The Art Resource Center here offers information on local artists, while the Galeri Petronas shop sells merchandise.

Petrosains
This high-tech, interactive science center provides each visitor with a hand-held computer that acts as a guide through exhibits. On every Tuesday-Sunday, visitors can take rides that go through rainforests, flight simulators that take visitors to an off-shore oil platform, be entertained by a singing dinosaur, and much more.

KLCC Park
This 0.07 sq mile park, designed by award-winning landscape artist Roberto Burle Max, features a lake, fountain pool, wading pool, sculptures, murals, a jogging path and a children's playground. This city oasis offers a haven in the middle of bustling KL.

Note: Visitors - Don't miss the spectacular fireworks display on New Year's Eve!

Getting There: Located at the city center, taxies and buses service this area from the early hours to late night. The Putra LRT has a station within the building too.

Central Market
This pre-war building was the principle wet market for Kuala Lumpur in the early years. It was extensively renovated in the 1980's into an arts and cultural center. It has become the place for local artists to demonstrate their skills and display their work. There are numerous shops and stalls that sell bric-a-brac, antiques, souvenirs, handicrafts and Asian artifacts. An open-air stage serves as the regular venue for traditional and contemporary dance, as well as musical concerts. The Central Market is just a stone's throw from the Klang Bus Station and is situated immediately behind the Dayabumi building. Hours of operation are from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

Taman Tasik Perdana
Built in the 1880's, Taman Tasik Perdana (KL Lake Gardens) is the city's most popular and accessible park. It covers an area of 0.354 sq. miles and has a children's playground, jogging tracks, exercise stations and a lake with rowing boats. The Pangung Anniversari, set in a valley within the park, is the venue for regular musical and cultural performances.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Kuala Lumpur's most photographed building, designed by British Architect A.C. Norman, was built between 1894 and 1897. It was formerly the Secretariat building for the British Administration. The structure is a beautiful blend of Victorian and Moorish architecture and now holds Malaysia's Supreme Court and the High Court. Just next to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the former City Hall, a similar Moorish-styled building.