Luxury holidays in Kuala Lumpur

From the observation floors of KL’s own wonder of the modern world, the Petronas Twin Towers, you can see the city unfurl like a giant concrete map, splashed with colour by elegant mosques and Hindu temples. With more than one and a half million people living, working and playing here, it’s mainland Malaysia’s most dynamic destination and, of course, its capital. Despite its global renown as one of Asia’s high-rise commercial heavyweights, there’s a lot more going on under the smooth, executive surface. Gourmets and gluttons alike thrill at the vibrant cuisine scene – from mouth-watering street-eats to upmarket fine-dining – and hardcore boutique-browsers will revel in the wallet-draining shopping hub, the ‘Golden Triangle’.

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When to go

Kuala Lumpur’s equatorial climate keeps the city warm, sunny and humid all year round, but the occasional evening storms get more intense between September and April. In summer, ‘the haze’– a dense dusty fug created by Sumatran forest fires – often comes to town and stays for one or two weeks.

Getting there

  • Planes

    International flights touch down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA; www.klia.com.my). The main carriers plying these routes include Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com), AirAsia (www.airasia.com) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com). It's worth noting that AirAsia flights land at a second airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the main hub.
  • Trains

    The non-stop, high-speed KLIA Ekspres service (www.kliaekspres.com) whooshes from KLIA to KL Sentral Station. It’s zippy (faster than a taxi at any time, let alone rush hour), air-conditioned and reliable. When you leave, do it in style: check-in alongside savvy jet-setters at the Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KL CAT) inside KL Sentral Station before getting on the KLIA Ekspres.
  • Automobiles

    If you prefer to catch a cab from the airport, don’t bother negotiating a fare with a random cabbie outside: buy a fixed-price taxi ticket to ensure that you arrive at your hotel without a case of haggle-induced stress.
  • Taxis

    To get around town, taxis are a cheaper option than in many capitals. Insist on paying for a metered fare, or negotiate a price before getting in. Although you should be able to hail a taxi easily, keep an eye out for taxi ranks, usually in front of shopping malls.

Villa Samadhi

Villa Samadhi

Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for journey, Villa Samadhi boutique hotel offers a luxurious departure from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. Located in the Malaysian capital's leafy embassy district, this Thai-styled temptress will seduce with lantern-lit paths, a curvaceous central pool and ultra-private rooms.

Find out more about Villa Samadhi