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Kuala Lumpur: A Guide to the Sites, Sounds and Flavors of a City Steeped in Multi-Culturalism

Local experts weigh in on the hidden gems of the Malaysian capital

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Crowds heading up steps to Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site, where every year more than 800,000 people flock for a celebration of the Thaipusam festival in January.

Anders Blomqvist / Getty Images
Crowds heading up steps to Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site, where every year more than 800,000 people flock for a celebration of the Thaipusam festival in January.
Anders Blomqvist / Getty Images

Soaring skyscrapers and sacred mosques. Luxury malls and street-side markets. Kuala Lumpur is a living, breathing juxtaposition of old and new.

The bustling capital of Malaysia is home to 1.8 million people, who comprise a melting pot of nations—namely Malay, Chinese and Indian. These varied influences make this vibrant city rich in color, flavor and diversity.

More:No Shortage of High-End Developments Coming to Malaysia

Situated on the west coast of Malaysia between Thailand and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur translates to "muddy confluence," signifying its location at the junction of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

Kuala Lumpur was discovered in 1857 by a member of the Malaysian royal family who came to the region along with 87 Chinese miners to find tin ore. Over the years, this once small mining town grew to a thriving commercial hub, and today it’s one of the liveliest cities in the world.

Architecture

Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Ng Hock How / Getty Images

"KL" as the area is known to locals, is a study in contrasts. Architectural styles here mix modern and postmodern towers, ornate Moorish buildings, columned colonial structures, Malay stilt homes, and Indian temples.

"We are a multiracial nation," said architect Wen Hsia Ang, partner WHBC Architects in Kuala Lumpur. "We also have a rich background of different colonial eras from Portuguese and Dutch to British, so there are many influences in architecture from indigenous and Chinese to Portuguese, Dutch, and British," Ms. Ang said.

While modern and postmodern styles define the skyline with futuristic high-rises, Ms. Ang noted, there isn’t one style that dominates the city. "For example, at the KLCC area (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), which carries a modern Islamic language, there is Kampung Bahru, an old town of the Malay community with surviving Malay houses. Just around the corner, we have Chinese pre-war shophouses, classical buildings with Moorish architecture, and the British ‘Raj’ style, a combination of the principles of Gothic design with the decorative features of Muslim, Indian, and Middle Eastern architecture; I think that is what makes our city interesting," Ms. Ang said.

British rule in the early 20th century brought with it colonial influence in several forms, including Moorish, Tudor and Neo-Classical designs. Many of the Moorish and Moghul-style buildings, replete with domes and Gothic arches, were designed in the late 1800s and early 1900s by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback, who wanted to reflect the Islamic faith of the Malay people. He drew inspiration from Northern India in his designs. Two of the most prominent examples include the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and Hubback’s redesign of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which today houses the Supreme and High Courts.

The Royal Selangor Club, a sporting and social club constructed in 1884, and the Selangor Chinese Club, a recreational club built in 1929, exemplify Tudor style with their half-timbered facades and wood-beamed ceilings. Neo-Classical buildings include the Municipal Council building in Penang circa 1879 and the former Police Contingent Building in Klang built in 1910. These plaster-crafted designs showcase the classically proportioned columns that are a hallmark of the style.

One of the best examples of Indian-style design is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1873, the elaborately carved structure comprises precious stone, tiling and gold depicting Hindu idols and scenes throughout history.

"After independence was achieved in 1957, KL became the capital, and with that some of KL's best modernist buildings were built," said design expert Jennifer Choo, former editor of Form and Room magazines. These include the Parliament building, Angkasapuri (headquarters for Radio and Television Malaysia), and the National Mosque," Ms. Choo said.

"The boom times of the ’80s saw skyscrapers populate the skyline and mega projects including the Petronas Twin Towers," she added. "This trend continues today with ‘mixed-used developments’ being the norm."

Rising 88 stories above street level, the Petronas Twin Towers, which house the Petronas Oil and Gas Company as well as floors of shops and restaurants, are an iconic feature of the city. Completed in 1996 by architect Cesar Pelli, the steel-and-glass buildings were designed in the Islamic style with geometric forms creating pointed stars that rise into the sky.

Shopping

The colorful neo-classical shophouses on Jalan Hang Kasturi by the Central Market

Stuart Dee / Getty Images

Known as a luxury-shopping destination (although there are many markets and bazaars full of local goods, too), KL boasts some serious mega-malls.

The area known as Bukit Bintang, a stretch of swanky hotels and malls, has arguably the best selection of high-end shops. Sleek, multi-level malls like the seven-story Pavilion and the Starhill Gallery are ripe with labels the likes of St. Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Maserati, Hermes and Valentino. Starhill even has an entire floor dedicated to wristwatch shops. Nearby Suria KLCC, occupying the bottom six floors of the Petronas Twin Towers has quite the luxe chops with a roster including Alexander McQueen, Dior, Chanel and Giorgio Armani.

While not as luxurious, Berjaya Times Square boasts over 1,000 shops as well as an indoor theme park with a roller coaster.

For local crafts and collectibles, Central Market, housed in an Art Deco building on Jalan Hang Kasturi, has myriad antiques, works of local artisans, textiles, and apparel to peruse. "Built in 1888 by the British colony as a wet market, this heritage site is now one of the best places to visit for intricate local handicrafts, souvenirs, and batik (hand-dyed fabrics) items," said Rico Herman, Chief Concierge of InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. "Remember to barter down the price when you spot something you like, as this is all part of the fun," Mr. Herman said.

Food

A street food buffet at the Ramadan Bazaar in Kota Kinabalu

Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images

Styles of cuisines are as varied as the cultural influences here, most of which are dominated by Malay, Chinese and Indian. You’ll find everything from a thriving street food scene to molecular gastronomy establishments.

The street food culture is a mainstay in KL. For a taste of traditional Malay cuisine, head to Kampung Baru a foodie village in the heart of the city center. Here you’ll find stall after stall of local dishes like Nasi Lemak (coconut-milk infused rice steamed with leaves), Roti Canai (flying bread), and Banana Leaf Rice (rice served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curries and other dishes). If you’re craving Chinese, head to Petaling Street, KL’s Chinatown.

"The advantage of visiting this bustling area in the afternoon is that you beat the evening tourist crowd," Mr. Herman said. Here, you’ll find Chinese street food set within pre-war shop houses. Must tries include Mian Jian Kueh, a delicious Asian-style pancake that’s crispy on the outside and filled with either peanut or red-bean; and Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee (wok-fried egg noodles with prawn, pork, squid and bean sprouts).

If you’re yearning for a fine-dining experience, Dewakan, located outside the city center in KDU University’s Shah Alam campus, is not to be missed. Here chef Darren Teoh, a molecular gastronomy lecturer at the college, offers five- or 10-course tasting menus with some of the most beautifully prepared creative Malay cuisine imaginable. Each tiny presentation is equal part art and food.

Manja located on Raja Chulan Street an old-world colonial luxury dining destination, serves Malaysian fusion cuisines that pays homage to local ingredients. Bijan at Jalan Ceylon offers a modern presentation with wholesome flavor, Mr. Herman said. "Traditional Malay cuisine is taken out of hawker stalls and buffet lines, and served against a lush backdrop," he said.

Situated on the lower ground floor of the Starhill Gallery is Enak KL, which specializes in age-old family recipes, said Mohd Nawawi, Chief Concierge for the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. "These recipes go generations back, featuring dishes from Malay childhood that have sadly been forgotten," Mr. Nawawi said. "Using only the freshest of herbs and spices, the flavors of Enak KL are just as it would have been when great-grandma cooked for her family," he said.

For a lively taste of Malay culture, head to Saloma Theatre Restaurant. "For 45-minutes, the 18-member Saloma Dancers will present a selection of Asia’s rich cultural heritage," said Chandira "Segar" Segaran chief concierge at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. "The style in which the food is served is Malaysian showcasing the flavors and cooking methods from the uniquely different flavored 13 Malaysian states," Mr. Segaran said.

To experience food with a view, "Cantaloupe Sky Dining, Kuala Lumpur’s latest dining destination, has opened at the iconic Norman Foster building, The Troika," Mr Nawawi said. "Overlooking the KLCC Park and the Twin Towers, Cantaloupe’s stunning dining room by Melbourne interior designer Hecker Guthrie, offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline; chef Christian Bauer presents a menu of beautiful dishes made with invention and integrity," he said.

For cocktails, Mr. Nawawi recommends Marini’s on 57, "Malaysia’s highest rooftop bar, restaurant and lounge." It’s located close to the Petronas Twin Towers, and offers the best 360-degree panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur City skyline, Mr. Nawawi said. "Perched on the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3, the venue comprises three distinct spaces, each encapsulating different moods designed to enthrall all five senses," he said.

Culture

The Batu Caves

Rob Ball / Getty Images

Towering over the National Art Gallery on Jalan Tun Razak, a main street, is Istana Budaya, Malaysia’s national theater. It’s the country’s main venue for local and international music, dance and drama performances, including operettas, classical concerts and more. "Istana Budaya is also the first theater in Asia with state-of-the-art stage equipment and rated as one of the world’s top 10 most sophisticated theaters," Mr. Herman said.

Located just outside the city center are the Batu Caves. These 400 million-year-old limestone caves are also a sacred Hindu site, where every year more than 800,000 people flock for a celebration of the Thaipusam festival in January. Best to visit this unique site when you have energy though, since it requires a bit of a hike. "Be prepared to scale 272 flights of steps to reach natural wonder," Mr. Segaran said.

Home to Southeast Asia’s largest collection of Islamic art, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a must-see. The massive structure has 12 galleries and covers Islamic arts from around the world including clothes, jewelry, weapons and also mosque designs, Mr. Segaran said.

UK architect Howard Ashley and Malaysians Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim decided to break away from traditional dome tops and instead give Masjid Negara, the National Mosque, a 16-pointed star concrete roof resembling an open umbrella. "Its modern façade was strangely never repeated in the construction of other major mosques here, making Masjid Negara a one-of-a-kind gem," said Mr. Nawawi.

Recreation

The view of the Petronas Towers from the park below.

Patrick Foto / Getty Images

It’s hard not to miss the Petronas Twin Towers rising high above the city, and the view from within them is equally awe-inspiring. "Most tourists get there in the morning, but the best time to take in the breathtaking views of the city is at night from nearly 1,500 feet above ground when the city center lights up," Mr. Herman said.

To get a bit of nature, witness over 3,000 birds take flight including Crowned pigeons, Yellow-billed storks, doves, and egrets at the tranquil KL Bird Park."The world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary is around 10 minutes away from the city center and houses approximately 200 local and foreign species," Mr. Herman said.

The Jadi Batek Gallery gives visitors a hands-on experience learning the craft of Batik making. Batik making classes facilitated by expert guides can be arranged at the centre. You can also purchase these unique designs from their collection of ready-to-wear batik for men, women and children. "Aside from apparels, other local handicrafts like carved wood, pewter ware, basketry and silverware are also available at the gallery, making it a one-stop centre for experiencing and purchasing Malaysian handicraft," Mr. Nawawi said.

To see city the city from a different vantage point, take a ride with Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, where you’ll cruise by over 20 landmarks including the iconic Putra Mosque, Seri Wawasan Bridge and Perdana Putra (Prime Minister’s office), said Mr. Nawawi. Tours are offered aboard traditional handcrafted perahus (gondolas) as well as air-conditioned cruise boats with dining options. Private boat charters are also available.

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