Traveling in Kuala Lumpur: What to Do and Where to Go on Your Kuala Lumpur Vacation

Overview
While parts of Kuala Lumpur have recently been overrun with modernization, other parts of the city remain virtually untouched. The effect of this scattered modernization is a city that is appealing for both its modern attractions and its historical and cultural appeal. Kuala Lumpur's history and culture are apparent it its open air markets and Chinese and Hindu temples. Visitors can take a walk through Merdeka Square, the field where Malaysian independence was first declared, spend an evening at Jamek Mosque to experience an aspect of Islamic life, or spend a day shopping and dining in the Chow Kit Market, the largest market in the city where silks, spices, and fresh fish are sold by friendly local vendors. For a more exciting and tourist-oriented experience, visitors to Kuala Lumpur should experience Cosmo's World, Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, indulge in the view from the sky bridge that extends between the Petronas Twin Towers, and listen to the international music at the Backroom, Malaysia's largest dance club that frequently features internationally-known DJs. Best of all, Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the least expensive five-star hotels in the world.

Outdoor Attractions
Just outside of the city's center is Lake Gardens, a serene garden where visitors can watch some of Malaysia's exotic birds in their natural environment, take a boat ride down Lake Perdana, or simply take a romantic stroll with a loved one. Adventure-seeking tourists may choose to scale the steep limestone routes at Batu Caves.

Sightseeing Attractions
Animal enthusiasts and traveling families will want to make a stop at Aquaria, Kuala Lumpur's aquarium that houses 5,000 varieties of tropical fishes. Merdeka Square features the world's tallest flag pole, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Old City Hall, The Royal Selangor Club, and St. Mary's Cathedral. Kuala Lumpur's national monument to its war dead, Tugu Negara, is an interesting attraction to both history buffs and art enthusiasts. Finally, Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur's national palace and home to Malaysia's constitutional monarch, is a sight worth seeing, and visitors will enjoy watching the changing of guards ceremony daily from the main gate.

Nightlife
The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, is nestled at the base of the Twin Towers. This is an excellent evening destination; however, a strict dress code is enforced. To see a play, Istana Budaya is the place to go. For dining adventures, check out the China Town, Little Indian, and Golden Triangle areas for either samplings of traditional Chinese, North Indian, and Tamil dishes or more worldly cuisine choices. Kuala Lumpur's largest shopping district is the Bukit Bintang area, though, for a cheaper and more original souvenir, you'll want to check out Central Market and Chinatown, but be prepared to haggle.