Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Kuala Lumpur has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Hotel Maya’s exclusive wine and cigar lounge (+60 (0)3 2711 8866, ext 258) offers a dramatic view of the city’s skyline. Equally breathtaking is the Traders Hotel’s Sky Bar (+60 (0)3 2332 9888), an open-air pavilion on the rooftop.
- Arts and culture
- The National Art Gallery (+60 (0)3 4025 4990; www.artgallery.gov.my) offers a spectacular introduction to Malaysia’s arts scene with over 2,500 pieces in its permanent collection. But if you’re looking to add to your personal collection, leading local art curator Valentine Willie's gallery, Valentine Willie Fine Art (+60 (0)32284 2348; www.vwfa.net) offers a stellar collection of works by some of Southeast Asia's finest artists. The Malaysian Philharmonic (www.malaysianphilharmonic.com) happens to be one of the region’s best symphony orchestras and its concerts are well worth dressing up for.
- Something for nothing
- Soak up some stunning Islamic architecture at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (+60 (0)3 5159 9988), one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. Often referred to as the Blue Mosque, it has a vast, navy blue central dome (Malaysia’s largest), flanked by four of the world’s tallest minarets.
- Shopping
- Retail is the lifeblood of the city and the pulse beats even harder during the thrice-yearly Mega Sales (March, August, December), when prices drop by up to 70 per cent and the sprawling malls of KLCC and Bukit Bintang in the Golden Triangle swarm with bargain-hunters on the lookout for cut-price couture. If you prefer a more down-to-earth shopping experience, the vigorous haggling of the street traders goes on all year round in Chinatown and the Central Market. For upscale boutique treats, head to the suburb of Bangsar, which is rapidly becoming fashionista-central, or to the eye-catching Lee Rubber Building, where fans have dubbed Peter Hoe Evolution & Beyond (+60 (0)3 2026 9788) the Shanghai Tang of Malaysia.
- Daytripper
- Escape the heat and frenetic city-pace by spending a day at Fraser’s Hill (+60 (0)9 517 7113; www.pahangtourism.com.my), a quaint highlands resort about 100 kilometres from KL, where you can enjoy bird-spotting, jungle trekking or white-water rafting.
- Activities
- Tearing yourself away from the shopping scene can be a Herculean feat, but there’s plenty to do in and around KL that doesn’t involve bargain-hunting. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (+60 (0)3 2272 1010) is one of the world’s largest covered aviaries and is home to a photo-friendly array of feathered folk. To experience Las Vegas, Asia-style, head out to Genting (www.genting.com.my), the colossal casino resort an hour away in the Titiwangsa mountains. If you prefer big wheels to the roulette variety, the crazily colourful Cosmo’s Fun World (www.timessquarekl.com/themepark.html) in the Berjaya Times Square mall is the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia and boasts a stomach-wrecking seven-storey rollercoaster.
Diary
January-February Over a million pilgrims form an eight-hour procession from the city to the Batu Caves to celebrate the Hindu festival of Thaipusam.
April The Malaysian Grand Prix brings the world’s racing fans to town (www.malaysiangp.com.my). May–June Colours of Malaysia is a nationwide, month-long celebration of Malaysian culture, cuisine and craft (www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my). October Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week is a showcase for the country’s most accomplished designers as well as up-and-coming talent (www.kualalumpurfashionweek.com). November The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival places the country’s best chefs under the spotlight as with exclusive menus and special promotions (www.migf.com).
