The Largest Building In The World Is Here. Review on Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is between Singapore and Thailand. The people who live here are  English, Malay, Chinese and east Indian. Over 1 ½ million people live in Kuala Lumper.

We were in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. Kuala Lumpur is situated half way along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula at the center of the Klang and Gombek rivers.

Our Hotel:

We stayed at the Swiss Garden Hotel because it was only cost$55.00 USD while the other hotels in the center of the city cost much more.

It is a small hotel with over 330 rooms. In the lobby there is a large curved staircase.

The rooms are furnished like luxurious homes and include coves, wing arm chairs, bow fronted chests and a selection of amenities. It was clean and the staff were friendly.

Every morning we had a buffet breakfast in the Executive Lounge. One night we had a cocktail in the Blue Chip Lounge and went to dinner on the Garden Terrace.

The hotel has an outdoor pool that has a sundeck that has a booth that serves fresh fruit juices. We didn't use the  fitness center.

The hotel is in the Cultural district of the city and that is a nice place to be.

The Tour:

We booked the tour from our hotel and paid$15.00 USD, (per person),  to Viator Tours for that the full day tour on an air conditioned coach, a guide, lunch, entrance fees.

Along the way I noticed that some buildings had a Moorish design while others had modern architecture.

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station has air-conditioned waiting halls, snack kiosks, money changing booths, souvenir shops, restaurants and one of the tourist information booth.

Fifty years ago this site was occupied by a wet market. Today the art-deco structure of the Central Market is a center for the display and development of Malaysian culture, arts and crafts. There are performances, demonstrations, and activities given here. They including batik painting, fortune telling, shadow puppet plays, glass blowing, dance classes, art classes.etc.

We went to see the Royal Palace, National Museum, (the collection included historical Malaysian artifacts & replicas are on display), and Jamek Mosque, (the most important Mosque here).

The Petronas Twin Towers, (are tallest in the world), Chinatown and the Craft Cultural Complex.

Then we drove along Ambassadors row on Ampang Road to see some rural houses.

We stopped at a Batik Factory to see how they make Batik.

I notice that Malay houses are designed to protect the interior from heat and humidity. They are built on stilts, have tiny holes in the walls and high peaked roofs. Even the slightest breeze will help cool the interior of the house.

We stopped at the Kuala Lumpur Tower and took an elevator to the top to Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant for buffet lunch.

I climbed the almost 300 stairs to see the Batu Caves. They are a large limestone outcrop and its cavernous interior is home to Hindu deities. I went to a shop that make pewter items and bought a few things.

The tour ended at the center of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. Petaling Street has kept much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors spread their wares out on the street.

.Shopping:

I liked to go to the night markets because this is where I can buy great things at bargain prices.

Food:

Local dishes are usually found in the street stalls and small independent restaurants.

When we saw Schlotzsky's Deli we had to go in to try Jewish food, (corned beef and pastrami on home made rye bread. They also have home made pizzas, salads and a large selection of cheese from the State of Wisconsin.

We ate at the Hokkien Noodles, (Chinese food), on Petaling Street

At Chef Loong Cuisine we had dim sum one evening. It is in the Harpers Trading building in the factory area.

One evening we went to a night club on Bintang Walk.

What you should know:

When you are entering a holy place please make sure your head and arms are covered.

A good place to begin any visit to Kuala Lumpur is the one-stop information center.

We were advised to be cautious and not go to if you travel to not go to eastern Sabah and should not go to the islands off Sabah's east coast, (including Sipadan and Pandanan), because there is a risk of being kidnaped.  They  target mostly foreigners.

My Thoughts:

I would go back again if I could travel that far.

Thanks for reading my review.to be continued.

©Lyla 2007