Learn about Kuala Lumpur by reading
Indulge Yourself and Explore Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur by Sandy
Zimmerman, Travel Writer. It features a mini, but thorough tour of
the destination, plus all you'll need to know to plan your trip
including getting there, objective information on places to stay and
eat, and things to do. At the end of the article, we've provided a
summary of the contact information for your easy reference. Enjoy!
Indulge Yourself and Explore Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
by Sandy Zimmerman,
Travel Writer
Malaysia is located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, between
the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. You will enjoy the
country’s multi-cultural character in their cuisine, architecture
and people. Experience adventure in the jungles, unbelievable
shopping bargains, an exciting variety of cuisines, historic sites,
the delights of the capital, Kuala Lumpur and beyond to the smaller
towns.
Attractions
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Photo courtesy of Sandy Zimmerman
Standing 905 feet high, the Kuala Lumpur Tower takes you up to the
clouds! This concrete telecommunications Tower is the tallest in
Asia and ranks fourth in the world. The elevator is fast, moving
less than one second per floor. On the Observation Deck, we were
given an audio tour guide.
I stopped at a stunning display of two chairs covered with
embroidered red silk, veiled by a silken canopy, surrounded by giant
bouquets of flowers. It is the setting for a Malaysian wedding
ceremony. Yes, you can arrange a traditional Malaysian wedding
wearing some of the most ornate jeweled gowns. Or just wear the
gowns for a photo opportunity. The Malaysian bride and groom look
like a king and queen in their finery.
At the top of the KL tower, it takes 90 minutes for the Restoran
Berputar Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant to complete the circle.
Downstairs in the lobby, the crystal dome ceiling took 6 months to
complete by cutting and pasting the crystal from mirrors. Stop at
the exhibit of gongs, drums, xylophones, and other ancient musical
instruments in front of the Tower.
The Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel is similar to the
gondola lifts at mountain ski resorts. Enter one of the 42 enclosed,
air-conditioned gondolas (including 1 VIP gondola) and experience a
360-degree panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur during the 12-15 minute
ride that reaches 196 feet high. They even perform weddings during
the ride! The Eye on Malaysia is the tallest portable observation
ferris wheel in the world.
Visitors can take the Petronas Twin Towers tour
for breathtaking views of
Kuala Lumpur. Take the double-decker elevators, which stop at two
floors at the same time. Tickets are free but you have to pick them
up at 8:30 am.
Places To Stay
Relaxing poolside at Berjaya Times Square Hotel
Photo courtesy of Berjaya
The Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Conference Center,
http://www.berjayahotels-resorts.com/ is modeled after New
York’s Times Square with names like Big Apple Restaurant, Broadway
Lounge, Manhattan Ballroom, Central Park, etc. Berjaya has a
shopping complex which features 14 thrill rides in Asia’s largest
indoor theme park, a supermarket, 900 stores, 2 and 3D movie
experience at IMAX theatres, 9 Cineplex’s, a 56- lane bowling alley,
plus 65 food and beverage outlets. Shopping, dining and
entertainment all under one roof! You can even take the elevator up
to catch the monorail. The hotel’s buffets range from Indian, Thai,
International, and pizza to high tea. Berjaya is the only all suites
hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Each suite includes a living room, bedroom,
mini pantry, and bathroom.
The Berjaya’s wedding planner arranges traditional Chinese,
Malayan, Indian and Western weddings. You may wish to wear gowns
from some of these weddings while using a Western setting. There is
a food tasting session to assist you in deciding the menu.
They have 10 meeting rooms and ballroom with a capacity for 2,000
people.
And best of all, the exchange rate is favorable; staying at this
beautiful five-star hotel is reasonable.
The five-star luxury Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Hotel, https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/kuala-lumpur/grand-millennium-hotel-kuala-lumpur is impressive
starting from the outside and going throughout the entire hotel. The
glittering gold leaf decorated lobby welcomes you with a chandelier
hanging from 3 floors above you. The gold leaf infinity overflowing
fountain is a place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. They offer
three restaurants, a nightclub and 15,000 square feet of meeting
space. Their Motto: "You are the center of our world."
Shopping Is an Adventure in Malaysia!
The entrance to the Sunway Mega Shopping Mall
is stunning.
Photo courtesy of Sunway
Imagine a shopping center filled with the five-star Sunway Lagoon
Resort, Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa, four-star Pyramid Tower
tourist hotel, the Sunway Lagoon theme park, an Exhibition and
Convention Center, a medical center, a 48-lane mega lane bowling
alley, indoor archery, an amusement center, the largest indoor ice
skating rink, a 12-screen Cineplex, the Sunway University College,
and Monash University. If you are hungry, choose from 41
restaurants, 18 cafes, 11 fast food outlets, 23 snack stops, and
four ice cream parlors. The five shopping districts include Fashion
Central, Oasis Boulevard, Asian Avenue, Kidz Zone and Marrakesh.
Marrakesh is reminiscent of the exotic bazaars and Souks of
Marrakech, Morocco. You walk on Persian rugs surrounded by Moorish
decor.
The 700 specialty outlets include accessories, shoes, jewelry,
timepieces, music, videos, gifts, souvenirs, leathers, books,
pharmacies, electrical products, home furnishing, wellness, and a
one stop IT center. There is four million square feet of retail
space. In addition to all of this, you can enjoy free live
entertainment and events planned for shoppers. The convention center
offers 100,000 square feet of function space along with indoor and
outdoor choices. With an exchange rate of RM 3.2= $1. U.S.
(December, 2007), the US$ goes further here.
The largest mall in Malaysia and only theme mall in Asia is
Sunway Pyramid, https://www.sunwaypyramid.com. The Egyptian theme welcomes
you as you approach the giant lion statue guarding the entrance.
They call it a shopping kingdom!
Other mega-malls include: the Mid-Valley Mega Mall, with 430 shops, entertainment,
and dining and 1,000 hotel rooms.
The Pavilion Mega Mall,
http://www.pavilion-kl.com/, offers designer labels and the
world’s famous brands.
Kuala Lumpur Details
Getting There
Malaysia Airlines flight attendants wear traditional Malaysian Batik
outfits, the tight fitting, long sleeve blouse with a long
ankle-length sarong-style skirt. Malaysia Airlines covers six
continents and more than 36 local destinations nationally.
800-648-3273, http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en.html.
Tourist Information
Tourism Malaysia contact information,
213-689-9702 and 212-754-1113,http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/.
Entry Requirements
Visitors must have a valid passport or travel document with a
minimum validity for 6 months following the intended visiting
period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or
business visits.
Notice: This information is current as of March 2008. It is
recommended that you contact the numbers, and/or visit the websites
above to determine any changes to the information.
|