The Many Flavors of Kuala Lumpur - Sensations For The Palate

South East Asia is the place where East meets West, and this is definitely true when we look into culinary affairs. All cultures unite in kitchens around this region. For all means we can place Kuala Lumpur In the center of this dining universe.

Whether one is looking for cheap and inexpensive dishes or in search of fine dining adventures, Kuala Lumpur offers the best of all worlds. Prices are reasonable for the quality and services offered. Tips are not expected.

Malaysia’s Food Obsession

Malaysia is truly obsessed with food, it is a food culture and the whole nation evolves around food. In this country one will never go hungry and the variety offered is enormous.

Malaysians love to eat outside, either in well air-conditioned restaurants, mamak stalls, food courts or road side hawkers.

Lets look at the basics first, most Malaysians love to feed themselves on a high carbo based breakfast, which are mostly taken between 8.00 am and 10.00 am. Most favorite dishes are; nasi lemak which is a form of sticky rice with mild to hot sambal, roti Chennai little fluffy pancakes eaten with a curry or Mee Goreng which is a noodle dish. Most people arrive first at work and then go for their breakfast.

Lunch is taken at 1.00 pm, the moment the whole nation goes for lunch, we advise to avoid this time for lunch, unless one loves crowds and waiting in line. Nasi Champur (rice with mixed dishes) is definitely a most favorable dish.

High tea and a coffee break at 4pm, is part of the working day routine. Most people will consume their beloved Kuih, a variety of sweet or deep fried snacks and wash it down with a Tea-O or Kopi the local variety of milky tea or coffee.

For dinner there is no set time, and Malaysians love supper, a last meal of the day around midnight shared with friends preferable at a local coffee shop

Food Paradise Jalan Alor

When talking about food in Kuala Lumpur the first thing that comes to mind is Jalan Alor. Jalan Alor is a bustling side street of Jalan Bukit Bintang during the day, but a 400 meter long stretch of outdoor food festival during the night. A wide array of local and international dishes can be found here; sitting at plastic tables and chairs does not sound very romantic but is an absolute must to have done once in a lifetime. It’s an exciting street with lots of activity and sublime mouth watering bites.

China Town and Petaling Street

Petaling street food paradise is smaller in scale than Jalan Alor but definitely worth a visit, a semi open air food paradise with savory delights from all regions of Mainland China.

Kuala Lumpur Restaurants

Kuala Lumpur has one of the finest arrangements of restaurants to be found anywhere. All countries and cooking styles from around the globe can be found in the heart of K.L. The Middle Eastern influence can be felt, as Malaysia is becoming a more popular travel destination for this region. Culinary food establishments are spread out all over the Golden Triangle, but the main concentrations can be found at

Starhill Gallery – The cluster of restaurants in the basements breaths a welcoming atmosphere once decending down the escalator. Up class dining in a candle light ambiance with soft live jazz music in the back ground, a great place to unwind the day.

Pavilion Shopping Complex – More than fifty high end and mid class restaurants can be found at The Pavilion. The up class food court in the basement is a real treat. The Pavilion is a true paradise for the palate, and a fabulous venue to start the day or evening.

KLCC Suria – On all floors of this immense mall in between the Petronas towers, nourishment for the inner body can be found, a wide range from fast food and budget restaurants to seriously chic establishments can be found here. A visit to the food courts are good value for money.

Berjaya Times Square – In this ten floor shopping arena, restaurants can be found on all floors, the main food court is at the tenth floor, and the main restaurant area at the second and third floor surrounding the entrance of the indoor theme park. Time Square for long and timeless dining.

All 5 star Kuala Lumpur hotels offer multiple fine dining and lunch accommodations which are available to non resident visitors.

Fast Food in Malaysia

All the world renowned fast food brands are found on any corner in the city and on every floor of every mall. Malaysia loves fast food. And the wide variety of chains and franchises are here to tickle the fast food taste buds and truly will not disappoint you.

Outside of Kuala Lumpur fine dining can be found in areas like Ampang, Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Damansara Utama and Bandar Sunway.

Art Galleries in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Because of its historical past Malaysia is rich in art, dance, theatre, music and culture in general. The many cultures living in this abundant city reflect on the art they brought along. Art is not immediately visible when traveling around Kuala Lumpur, but when visitors to the city search, they definitely can find some fine cultural experiences.

A good start would be the Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC) at Jalan Ampang in walking distance from the Petronas Twin Towers. Depending in which part of the year K.L. is visited, a variety of cultural festivals will be available. At MATIC the friendly staff will guide and help travelers to all activities around the city. Every Saturday night they host an open air traditional Malaysian music and dance performance at the main entrance of MATIC, starts at 8.30pm and is free for any visitor.

Art Galleries

Art galleries most of the time are small in scale but will make plenty of work from local artists available, most art galleries offer worldwide shipping options.

The Malaysian National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara) has a permanent collection of work by contemporary Malaysian artists and rotating exhibitions of Asian and international artists. The 7 exhibition halls, total 13.500 square meters and offer hours of cultural pleasure. The permanent collection consists of over 4,000 pieces of artwork, including many

historical pieces, indigenous art and sculptures from all over the Peninsular as also from Sabah and Sarawak. The gallery lays a little outside the city center, but easy to reach by public transport, The exhibitions are free to visit and the gallery can be found next to Istana Budaya at Jalan Temerloh off Jalan Tun Razak.

Petronas Art Gallery

This gallery is located at Jalan Ampang on the third floor of the Suria KLCC, probably the city’s most sophisticated art gallery. The gallery helps and promotes the development of art in Malaysia. It’s an avenue for both Malaysian and foreign artists alike. This multi-purpose venue measures close to 1,500 square meters of exhibition floor space including rooms for workshops and a small lecture rooms. The Petronas art gallery has a full agenda for the year ahead.

Pavilion Shopping Center

Some commercial art galleries can be found in the newly erected Mall at Jalan Bukit Bintang The Pavilion, on the 5^th and 6^th floor the visitor finds a home and lifestyle department, where some art galleries have nestled. Work from local artist is brought on display in this eloquent accommodation.

Starhill Gallery

Starhill Gallery, other then its name would suspect is the name of the whole shopping center but offers on their top floor some smaller art galleries. Which give Starhill the finesse it deserves.

Central Market

Central Market is a marvelous place to see local artists at work, a wide array of styles can be found in this art filled establishment. Artists will be creating work while visitors watch them at what they do best. Central Market is located close to China Town within the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur.

Other Art Galleries and Areas

The National Islam Museum is definitely worth a visit. Another good area to visit is Bangsar, an up-market part of the city, where scattered around The Bangsar Village a shopping complex a few art galleries have grounded on their roots. Collectors Gallery, Pelita Hati House of Art and Valentine Willie Fine Art are established names in this part of the city..

Some small scale art galleries can be found at the Sri Hartmas area close to Mont Kiara.

However scattered over the city, Kuala Lumpur offers some great art expositions, and any art loving traveler will be pleasantly triggered here.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur malaysia, Malaysian Aladdin’s Cave

When visiting Kuala Lumpur bring your wonder lamp, because in this city all your shopping wishes can come true. Looking for low end or high end goods, Kuala Lumpur is a kaleidoscope for anyone who loves to shop.

The Kuala Lumpur Shopping Experience

Probably the number one sport in Malaysia is called shopping, and the retailers provide the answers to all demands. Wares from all over the world flood the Malaysia marketplaces. Most shopping malls open their doors from 10.00am till 10.00pm, and during these times you can shop till you drop in a welcoming air conditioned atmosphere. The heart of the city is called the Golden Triangle and here are all the main shopping complexes and Kuala Lumpur hotels located.

Main Shopping Malls and Centers in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

Avenue K at Jalan Ampang

Can be found opposite of KLCC Suria and offers a wider array of top brands and branded goods. Fairly new shopping complex with a luxury feel to it.

BB Plaza & Sungei Wang at Jalan Bukit Bintang

BB Plaza and Sungei Wang are two malls attached to each other, catering for the low end market, but tons of fun to shop there, hundreds of small and tiny boutiques with lots of nif nafs, paradise for bargains. The shopping center forms the heart of Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Berjaya Times Square at Jalan Imbi

Times Square is huge ten floor shopping mall, includes an indoor theme park, theaters, convention center and hotel can be found at Jalan Imbi or at the Imbi Monorail station. The weekends can be extremely busy, as lots of activities are organized in and around the shopping complex.

Central Market

Central Market is not so much of a mall, but more a cultural heart of the city with lots of little stalls selling arts and handy crafts, great place for traditional Asian souvenirs. Situated close to Petaling street at Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Imbi Plaza at Jalan Imbi

Imbi Plaza is the low end electronics mall in Kuala Lumpur, great deals can be found in this little electrical paradise. Located just behind Sungei Wang at Jalan Imbi

KLCC Suria at the Petronas Towers

KLCC Suria endless shopping, floor after floor showing the most international luxury brands Malaysia has to offer.

Kota Raya

Kota Raya is located in China Town and 100% low end mall, but absolute worthwhile the visit, many little shops offer a variety of goods nowhere else to be found in the city.

Lot 10 at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Lot 10 is one of the older malls in K.L. but 2009 was the year of a large facelift for this mall with its own atmosphere, trendsetting and a great shopping arena. The mix of shops is not the standard as found in many other malls. Their Roof Top Garden is definitely worthwhile visiting in the evening. Also the new Food Court in the basement is a must visit

The Mall

The Mall is not a very large mall, but a nice place to visit if your hotel would be in this part of the city, located next to The Legends Hotel at Jalan Putra.

Pavilion Shopping Complex at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Pavilion offers a wide variety of luxury goods, even some high end car dealers have their premises here, immaculate array of food and dining options. Ample evening entertainment can be found here too.

Petaling Street in China Town

Petaling Street is not a mall but a street with a canopy, found in the center of China Town. Full of vendors, often offering counterfeited goods, but great bargains to be found in this bustling little sphere. Just be careful.

Plaza Low Yat

Plaza Low Yat are 6 floors of cameras, telephones, PC’s and laptops, if you can’t find it here, you will not be able to find it anywhere. Low Yat is Malaysia’s largest IT and Lifestyle Mall, Situated next to BB Plaza and Sungei Wang

Kompleks Sogo

Kompleks Sogo caters towards the lower end of the market, very popular with the Malay and Indian community, great bargains and lots of local goods especially fabrics to be found around Sogo, located at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Starhill Gallery at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Star Hill gallery can be found opposite of Pavilion Shopping Complex, probably the most exclusive shopping mall in the whole of Malaysia, an absolute must visit location, fine dining with live jazz background music playing every evening of the week. Don’t forget to visit the 50.000 sq feet spa area on the fifth floor. The top floor offers a small exhibition of local artists.

There are more smaller malls to be found in The Golden Triangle which are all an experience by themselves, enjoy meandering around to discover new shop locations is a pleasure in itself.

Other Shopping Malls Around Kuala Lumpur

Just outside the City center you will find more gigantic shopping complexes.

Mid Valley Mega Mall with The Gardens right next to it, 1-Utama in Petaling Jaya, The Curve in Damansara, Bangsar Village and Bangsar Shopping Center, Sunway Pyramid and IOI Mall in Subang Jaya to list a few.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is a fun and exciting experience, lots of bargains and good selection of local souvenirs can be found all around the city. The shops are never far from hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Clean Up Asia… Recycle or not to recycle?

It’s not unusual to walk along the street in Asia, a car drives past and opens the window and the next plastic bag comes flying past. Or a policeman under a “do not smoke” sign, opens his pack of cigarettes and throws away the plastic wrapping and the remainder of his previous pack of sticks. Kids playing in the field and all of them drinking soft drinks but the empty cans are left behind in the field. The amount of rubbish and trash found even around housing estates is incredible and enormous.

Especially with adults I have the feeling to walk up to them and ask them “do you have kids?” “Yes; fantastic, and in which world do you want them to grow up?” The world you are creating with your plastic bags, your rubbish and your cigarette buds, or a clean and healthy environment. Of course the answer is clear, but people do not seem to care less.

Asia Wake Up and Do Something About It.

It’s not only in and around the cities and housing areas that we see these practices, but when you are on the bus or driving the highways by car, and realize the amount of rubbish left behind by construction companies, its enormous.

What Can We Do About It?

Keeping the environment clean is so simple, and it all starts with you.

Put a small plastic bag in your car, collect your own rubbish and throw it away when you make your next stop at a gas station. Separating your house garbage, in organic, glass, wood, plastics and metals is so simple.

Recycling does not start at the recycle plan, it starts at every home.

One person’s rubbish is another person’s fortune. Every city should have a collection point or call-in center where you can report what you have seen and or found, so that at least it’s reported and action can be taken.

We all should be aware of a healthier and cleaner environment.

We can educate kids in schools by a clean education program.

Worldwide Eco Initiatives

World wide many initiatives are taken towards a healthier and cleaner environment. But Asia stays behind, way behind. And we all can wait until the government starts to take action, or we as individuals can take action.

In Belgium for more than thirty years kids go out once a year and clean up a certain area of the city, until it’s squeaky clean, The next day they all plant a tree, to preserve and give back to the environment. Over a schooling career of ten years plant ten trees each.

In Holland divers get together once a year and dive for rubbish, to clean, ponds, rivers and lakes. Tons and tons of avoidable trash is collected and send to rubbish plants around the country.

Take Action Today

Walk around your neighbor hood, and visually check for rubbish, you will be astounded, about the amounts. It does not take one or two individuals, it takes teams of adults and kids who get together and start taking action.

Nature always wins. Let’s not pollute our own environment. Do something, and start today.

Pick up that broom and start sweeping your own backyard.

You want to lead by example.

Travel Guide Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - Tourist Attractions

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s focal point of tourist activities and tourist attractions. Travelers really love this city. Nature and action, outdoor or indoor activities and just fun and exciting travel tours with the family, Kuala Lumpur offers it all. A lot of tourist attractions can be found within the city center. Transport is easily arranged for activities outside the city center.

A fast way to see an overview of the city is to take the KL Hop-on Hop-off glass roof double deck bus. While riding the bus a good glimpse of the diverse, contrasting and colorful scenes Kuala Lumpur has to offer can be viewed. The ride travels along 44 main attractions of the city. The traveler can hop on or off at any time. The bus stops close to all the main hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Overview of The Main Tourist Attractions of Kuala Lumpur

Jade Museum

This little museum shares the art of Jade, the fruits of nature.. Jewelry, artifacts, weapons and ornamental carvings are all on display

Aquaria KLCC

An ocean of discovery, located inside the KL Convention Center, next to the Petronas Towers. This highly interactive attraction focuses on edu-tainment. Learn more about our seas and marine life while walking through the 90 meter aquatic tunnel. Aquaria KLCC is a must see attraction in Kuala Lumpur, fun for he whole family.

Forestry Research Institute Malaysia

Malaysia’s geographic location offers lush rainforests and FRIM offers a close insight to the forest while still in the city center, even a tree top walk is part of the tour.

Kuala Lumpur Tower – Menara KL

The Menara KL or the KL Tower reaches 421 meters above sea level , the highest building on the peninsular. The panorama deck offers an incredible aerial view of the city. The Sri Angkasa restaurant offers the finest local foods with the best view ever.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are KL’s world wide trademark dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline and overlooking the city like a giant cathedral. Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping centers and is located inbetween the petronas Towers. The park behind the towers offers a brilliant and relaxing walk, with many features and art by local artists. The Malaysian Philharmonic hosts their concerts at the KLCC Towers, and the sky bridge offer a wide angle view of the city.

Petrosains Adventure Science

Petrosains is a hands-on museum focused on the young visitor and their parents. Once inside, a knowledge accumulating transformation will take place; the science of petroleum is fun…!

Batu Caves near Gombak

Batu Caves is a must see attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands religious Hindu pilgrims per year. The Batu Caves should not be missed, The 272 step staircase will lead the visitor to the main cave, surrounded by tranquility the breaths a lot of energy. Nut vendors will offer nuts to the tourist to feed the hundreds of monkeys visiting the site daily.

Petaling Street in China Town

Petaling Street the bustling heart of China Town, teeming with vendors offering their ware, however there is a warning for counterfeiting. Do bargain, before buying. This is the place where shopping is fun. Delicious traditional Chinese cuisine can be found all around this exciting area.

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens or locally know as Taman Tasik Negara are all within walking distance of the city. The traveler can find, The Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park, Deer Park and Hibiscus Garden, a great district to roam around for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts alike. It really takes the toursit away from the big city and daily life, relax and enjoy nature at its best.

Among these main tourist attractions, many more activities can be found in and around the city. The National Museum, Jalan Buklit Bintang, Central Market, Merdeka Square, just to name a few. All around the city, small art galleries and handicraft shops, can be found and are all worthwhile visiting.

Kuala Lumpur will not bore the traveler for a second; a new activity is always around the corner.

Travel Guide to Nightlife at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

This travel guide will show you some of the hotspots in and around Kuala Lumpur’s main city center. Bukit Bintang and Changkat Bukit bintang form part of the Malaysian top party scene.

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur a modern metropolitan city in Asia offers an abundance of nightlife. We will restrict ourselves to the core of the Bukit Bintang, center of K.L.. Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur is in one word abundant. Good food, haute cuisine, lively music, dancing or just plain pubs and chill out lounges, it can all be found in the vibrant city center of Kuala Lumpur.

Bukit Bintang the area bordering the nearly two kilometer long jalan Bukit Bintang forms part of the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur. Let’s take a tour around the Bukit Bintang area at night time.

Changkat Raja Chulan

If you are looking for dinner and a great neighborhood to begin your party, Changkat is the place to be. Just off Jalan Bukit Bintang close to BB Plaza, Changkat Raja Chulan can be found; important landmark would be The Radius International Hotel cornering Changkat Bukit Bintang. It’s a great place to start your evening, the various clubs, bars and restaurants offer a variety of styles and niches. Both Western and Eastern styles can be found and prices are fair to moderate. The Middle Eastern countries start to have a huge influence on the gastronomic industry in this part of the city. Italian, Spanish, Japanese, German, Moroccan, Lebanese and plain old Fish and Chips to name a few can be found among the favorites in this area. Werner’s Porkielicious Elcerdo, Tapas at Pinchoa, Pizza at CioCio, Grill at Pampas, Indian Curries at Sutraa; your taste buds will not get bored while visiting The Changkat.

The clubs are also found in abundance and attract a large expatriate crowd as well as lots of holiday makers, business travelers and local party people. The Envie Pub, The Social and Finnegan’s Irish Pub supply the more contemporary public, It’s Twenty One where trendy sounds, can be heard. Gypsy Bar and The Green Man take you back to the seventies and eighties and Frangipani caters for gay community.

In short this little row of establishments is upgrading, expanding and attractive, it welcomes you Monday to Sunday from after work till late..

You do not have to leave this stretch to find yourself well In the middle of the night before the last club closes.

Jalan Bukit Bintang

When you leave Changkat Bukit Bintang and take a little stroll along Jalan Bukit Bintang in the far distance you can hear the sounds of drumming Latin beats, passing The Opera and Cligue, walking towards The Pavilion Shopping Mall turn right at and you find Q-Ba where hot and temperamental Latin beats make you move, if you want it or not. The large bar and small dance floor offer a great ambiance and hours of hip-shaking enjoyment.

At the Star Hill gallery, which is by far the most exclusive shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, on the second floor at the entrance we find Star Hill Club M, which maintains its status of most exclusive club in the whole of K.L. When you exit and cross the road toward The Pavilion Shopping Mall, more fine dining and lounges can be found. La Bodega serves wine and tapas, Athena, offers a wide variety of Greek dishes, Michelangelo’s restaurant deli and bar provide Italian fine cuisine, at Carlos Mexican Cantina you can indulge in Mexican styled platters.

Pavilion Shopping Mall also hosts one of the largest cinema’s in town.

Just outside the mall the 6 star Grand Millenium Hotel is located, within it’s premises the Bistro 160 and Pulse Ultra Club can be found.

Outside of the city center there are many areas, where the same quality of nightlife can be found, KLCC, Ampang, Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Sunway Pyramid just to name a few.

Kuala Lumpur, not a wild party scene, but a relaxing fine, sophisticated and safe party city.

Shopping at Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, a World Class Experience

Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall, hotel, convention center, amusement park, it’s a total all-in-one shopping experience. A wonderful paradise for the whole family.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is a sensation by itself, Kuala :Lumpur or K.L as the locals call it, is one of the safest places on earth, and shopping here is exciting and fun. Food and restaurants are abundant. People are genuine friendly, and as a tourist people are welcomed in a thriving Asian culture. Jalan Bukit Bintang is the famous tourist and shopping street and it runs parallel to Jalan Imbi. Berjaya Times Square or BTS is located at Jalan Imbi.

Berjaya Times Square Shopping Center has its own Mono Rail Station, and a large taxi stand and bus station all very close to the main entrance.

Berjaya Times Square is more than just a well air conditioned shopping center. The shopping center is squashed between two huge fortyfour floor towers. The West tower is the apartment building and the East tower is the four star luxury hotel. The two towers are connected by the shopping mall, the convention center and the swimming pool area.

Situated at Jalan Imbi, this total complex has the touch and feel of grandeur, and it is makes its name worth the while. The complete building is covered in beautiful brown marble which make the building shine and stand-out from anything surrounding it. BTS is a distinguished location and definitely part of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Berjaya Shopping Complex

Walking through the main entrance at Jalan Imbi, the shopping complex opens up like the inside of a cathedral. Open space must have been on the mind of the designing architect. Ten floors of endless shopping. Well available throughout the building, elevators and escalators all over the building. to get the visitor from A to B. Beautiful wide railings to make gazing over and inside the “grand cave” easy and an adventure by itself.

Shopping is an experience here and a well sorted array of stores offer their wares. Wellness seems a theme to be found around any corner. From hair salons, nail and facial centers to day spas, its all under one roof.

The latest fashion can be found in many trendy shops, and definitely the young fashion shopper will find the finest and latest funky and hip ensembles.

Ideal Playground for Kids

This is also the ultimate kids place, on the fourth floor you will find a full blown amusement center including a five story high indoor rollercoaster of almost one and half kilometers. Drop the kids and enjoy the shopping experience, as professional entertainers take care of the safety of visiting kids.

The first and second floor have great facilities for any cinema fanatic, movies play here from early morning till well after midnight.

Food and Restaurants Everywhere

Food as anywhere in Malaysia is in abundant, on the third and fourth floor plenty of restaurants are located, from western grill houses, fast food, pizza, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and many more local Asian delicacies. The tenth floor hosts a food court which is a variety of little kitchens cooking all sorts of local cuisine. Prices here are a little more friendly than the restaurants, however if one come from the western part of the world, nothing in Kuala Lumpur is really expensive.

Easy to reach by public transport, and if considering to bring the car, do not worry about parking at Berjaya Times Square, one of the nearly 4000 parking slots will be waiting.

Tourist or business, Times Square is definitely worth the visit.

Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Backpacking & Cheap Hotels

Malaysia’s currency the Ringgit Malaysia for short RM is worth five times more than your Euro, and six times more than your British pound and three and half times the US Dollar. Malaysia offers the opportunity to live on a couple of Dollars a day.

The city can be a bit confusing at times, because of some hills and small mountains in the city center. Kuala Lumpur maps are available from any convenient store.

Inexpensive and Safe Backpackers Country

Food and travel are seriously inexpensive as long as one stays away form the Star B’s, Mac D’s and KayeFCee’s. Malaysia is a true Walhalla for backpackers hiking around the globe, relatively undiscovered and foremost safe. One of the best features of this country is that people leave each other alone. No hassling in the tourist area’s but friendly people who will make time for you for a courteous chat, helpful in directions or with navigating you around the Muddy City. Kuala Lumpur owes its nickname to the valley where the river Klang and Gombak created their muddy shores, it’s a modern well paved capital now.

Areas to Stay as a Backpacker in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur offers a wide area of hotels. Where to stay as a backpacker? There are three main areas where cheap hotels, lodges and guest houses can be found, Chow Kit, China Town and Bukit Bintang. Some backpackers hostels and guest houses are found in China Town, but the majority is located in Tingkat Tong Shin and at the end of Jalan Bukit Bintang cornering with Jalan Pudu.

Tingkat Tong Shin is packed with guest house after guest house, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, many nationalities find a safe haven here. Guest houses will make you feel welcome, most offer internet facilities, a locker and breakfast. But breakfasts can be found all around the area, in easy accessible open restaurants or street food stalls offering local delicacies.

Places to Eat in The City Center

Parallel with Tingkat Tong Shin, Jalan Alor which is a local food paradise stretches over 700 meters. The empty street during the day turns into a hustling and bustling open air food festival in the evenings. Local hawkers offer a wide variety of fresh catch. Choices range from Chinese, Malay, Indian or Thai cuisine it all can be found here. The large variety of fresh seafood delicacies is an amazing and tongue inducing temptation. Most restaurants offer a photo album; only an index finger is needed to point out the different dishes. Always ask portion size for one person, and order a variety of dishes. This will definitely offer a colorful variety of tastes and smells. When ordering fish, request a price first, a guest might end-up paying premium prices for average fish. Prices here are cheap for the quality of food offered.

Traveling In And Out of Kuala Lumpur

Backpacking from the Bukit Bintang and China Town area makes traveling easy. Everything is offered in walking distance. The main bus station Puduraya station can be found at Jalan Pudu and lays in between Jalan Bukit Bintang and China Town. Busses will travel anywhere on the Malaysian Peninsular, busses to Singapore leave every 15 minutes, and comfortable luxury sleepers are available for all corners of the country. Chow Kit is a little further from the city center, but easy to reach as there is a Mono Rail station in the heart of Chow Kit. Chow Kit is a great place to pick up some bargains and deals.

Backpacking and hiking in Kuala Lumpur is safe, fun and easy and above all extremely cheap.