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RECOMMENDED HOTELS
IN KUALA LUMPUR
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CITITEL MEGA MALL KUALA LUMPUR
(3*) Strategically located in the heart of Klang Valley,
between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Only a doorstep to the
Mid Valley Megamall and the premier Gardens Mall. It is
conveniently located near public transports.
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THE
CORUS HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR (4*) is part of the UK-based Corus hotel
group, is one of the most popular 4 Star Business Hotels in
Kuala Lumpur. Strategically located 5 minutes' walk to the
iconic Petronas Twin Towers & Suria KLCC shopping mall, the
hotel is just next door to the Putra LRT Station for easy access
to the airport & other city attractions.
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BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE HOTEL AND
CONVENTION CENTRE (5*) towers over the Kuala Lumpur skyline with
610 luxuriously appointed suites. A lavish selection of seven
different types of suites ranging from the modestly proportioned
Studio Suite (51 sqm) to the two-bedroom Brooklyn Suite (99.4
sqm).
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PETRONAS
TWIN TOWERS were the
world's tallest twin towers standing adjacent to one of the busiest shopping malls in
Malaysia, Suria KLCC.
KUALA
LUMPUR TOWERS, currently
the world's fifth tallest telecommunication tower, is located on the
Bukit Nanas hill beside Convent Bukit Nanas.
KUALA
LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE
(also known as KLCC) is tje city's premier convention and exhibition
centre, surrounded by 4 major hotels.
LAKE
GARDENS, a 920,000 square
metre manicured garden near the Malaysian Parliament building, was once
home to a British colonial official.
KL
BIRD PARK, South-East Asia's largest Bird Park as well as the Butterfly Park, Deer
Park, Orchid Garden and Hibiscus Garden are part of the Lake Gardens.
MERDEKA
SQUARE (Independence) also known as Dataran Merdeka, was the
site of the lowering of the Union Jack flag and hoisting of the Malayan
flag on Aug 31, 1957.
SULTAN
ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING. architecturally Victorian-Moorish, and the
Royal Selangor Club has historic association with the Merdeka
Square.
THE
TUGU NEGARA
(National Monument)
commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggles for freedom
during the Japanese occupation and Malayan Emergency) |
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More
than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" as it
is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. While the
city's past is still present in the evocative British colonial
buildings of the Dataran Merdeka and the midnight lamps of the
Petaling Street nightmarket, that past is everywhere met with
insistent reminders of KL's present and future.
The city's bustling streets, its
shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project
an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia's
unhesitating leap into the future.
To some, this spirit seems to have
been gained at the loss of ancient cultural traditions, but in
many ways KL marks the continuation rather than the loss of
Malaysia's rich past. Like Malacca five hundred years before,
KL's commercial centre is a grand meeting place for merchants
and travelers from all over the world.
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To know
Malaysia is to love Malaysia. A bubbling, bustling melting pot
of races and religions where Malays, Chinese and Indians and
many other ethnic groups live in peace and harmony.
www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical
paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of
colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and
socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm
and friendly.
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Geographically,
Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the
country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the
northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that
roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
One of Malaysia's
key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down
upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several
metres away from ancient reefs.
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For the perfect
holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the
time is now, the place is Malaysia.
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AREA:
329,758 sq km
POPULATION:
25 million
LANGUAGE:
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely
spoken.
Religion : Islam
is the official religion but all other religions are practiced freely.
TIME :
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
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CLIMATE : Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform
temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 89.6°F
(32°C) during the day to 71.6°F (22°C) during the night. It is
slightly colder in the hill country. Malaysia's seasons follow
the seasonal winds, which splash rains inland from September to
December on the peninsular, only to be overtaken by sunshine
within the hour. Rains arrive later, between October and
February, on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and in Sabah
and Sarawak. Rainfall averages 85.8 inches (220 centimetres) a
year. Average Temp 89.6°F to 71.6°F (32°C to 22°C)
TIPPING : Most hotels and restaurant levy a 10% service
charge and 5% government sales tax on bills and tipping is not
customary. However, should you want to show your appreciation
for good service, a small tip will be suffice.
SHOPPING : All purchases are done in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
Major credit cards are accepted in most dining and retail
outlets. Hypermarkets, supermarkets and most retail outlets have
fixed prices for their goods, which are displayed on the
products. However, bargaining is acceptable at selected retail
outlets and is most common at night markets (pasar malam), or at
bazaars. Shopping centres operate from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm with
extended hours during sales and festive seasons.
DINING
: Most eateries operate until late night. However, selected
eateries are open 24 hours. Most Malaysians enjoy their meals
using their fingers and adventurous visitors may choose to do
so. However, it is perfectly normal to request for cutlery.
INSURANCE : Visitors are strongly advised to obtain adequate
insurance coverage before traveling to Malaysia.
GETTING THERE : Set in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia
is easily accessible from most parts of the world by air,
surface and sea links. The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur
International Airport (KLIA) is the main gateway into the
country. The newly-opened Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is
situated 20km from the main terminal building.
CURRENCY : Exchange rate - the official Malaysian currency
is Ringgit (RM) with the USD rate of exchange is 1 USD = 3.5 RM.
SAFETY
: Malaysia is a relatively safe country. However, visitors are
advised to take certain precautionary measures to ensure their
safety.
ELECTRICITY : Voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per
second.
DRESS
: Lightweight clothing is ideal with sweatshirts for the high
land areas. A shirt, jacket and tie is normal office attire and
is appropriate for business. Shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless
garments for women are not advisable, especially in the rural
areas.
HEALTH
: Travellers have little to worry about in a country where the
health standards are ranked among the highest in Asia. Water in
cities is generally safe for drinking but it is safest to drink
it boiled. Bottled drinks and mineral water are also widely
available. Ensure that food is well cooked. Tap water in the
hotel is potable and if desired, may be boiled prior to
consumption using the facilities provided in-room
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KUALA
LUMPUR RAILWAY STATION,
a Victorian Moorish railway station, completed in 1911, and
superseded by KL Sentral, a commuter train station.
THE
MUZIUM NEGARA (National
Museum) incorporates neo traditionalism into its
architectural design.
THE
MASJID NEGARA (National
Mosque), a post modernist mosque, and the Heroes Mausoleum, the mausoleum of Malaysian
leaders.
STADIUM
MERDEKA (Independence
Stadium), was initially erected for the country's declaration
of independence on August 31, 1957.
BUKIT
NANAS FOREST RESERVE, a gazetted small
tropical forest located on the centre of Kuala Lumpur City.
SURIA KLCC,
houses mostly luxury and fashionable shops, as well as cafes,
restaurants, a cinema, a
concert hall, an art gallery, over 6
floors.
THE
ISTANA NEGARA, official
residence of Their Majesties the King and Queen. The National Science
Centre, located in Bukit Damansara.
CHINATOWN, Petaling Street, has recently undergone a
makeover; the most notable feature is the new covered walkway.
MID
VALLEY MEGAMALL is one of the largest shopping mall in the city of
Kuala Lumpur with over 430 retail shops. It is easily accessible by KTM
Komuter trains, buses and taxis.
PUTRA
WORLD TRADE CENTRE (PWTC)
is the first convention and exhibition centre in Malaysia. Check out the
many trade and consumer exhibitions in Malaysia.
KL
CENTRAL MARKET
offers an assortment of arts and
craft merchandise, antiques and paintings to souvenirs and clothing. A
truly cultural extravaganza.
DISCOS
& NIGHTCLUBS,
such as Hard Rock Cafe, Zouk and Thai Club are located around Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sultan Ismail
& Jalan Ampang.
HINDU
TEMPLES
a popular tourist attraction such as Sri
Mahamariamman temple near Central Market and Sri Kandaswamy Kovil in
Brickfields.
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BUKIT
BINTANG (aka Bintang Walk), a popular
shopping and entertainment experience in the Golden Triangle. and
happening place in the evening.
LITTLE
INDIA
showing Indian presence is in Brickfields, Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh
Ampang. One can find an array of saris and everything Indian here.
THEAN
HOU TEMPLE on Robson Hill is
the venue for celebrations of many Chinese cultural
festivals. Many Chinese couples make their marriage vows here too.
ISTANA
BUDAYA, is Malaysia's main venue for musical theater, operetta,
classical concert and opera from local and international performances.
PARLIAMENT
HOUSE, a Malaysian
federal government legislative building. The structure is located next
to the Malaysian national monument, the Tugu Negara.
DAYABUMI a major landmark
located near Masjid Negara. It is an office building. Kuala Lumpur The
General Post Office is located next to Dayabumi.
BANGSAR
is a residential suburb which has a wide array of cuisine from local
street food to pub food, seafood restaurants to fine dining. It is the
happening hub to chill out.
AQUARIA
KLCC is located in KLCC. It is a world-class aquarium that showcases
animals and various types of colorful marine life species from Malaysia
& around the world.
THE
MASJID JAMEK, the oldest mosque in KL is situated, where both rivers
the Sungei Klang and the Sungei Gombak meet. It is the oldest mosque in
KL. |
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The country has a
well-developed and efficient and public transportation system served by
buses, taxis and trains.
In Kuala Lumpur,
the Putra and STAR Light Rail Transit (LRT), KL Monorail and KTM Komuter
trains (www.kiat.net/malaysia/KL/transit.html) provide regular and
hassle-free accessibility within the city as well as to several outlying
towns. The KL Sentral Station, situated 1.5km from the city center, is a
modern transportation hub which converges various modes of
transportation. Car rental agencies can be found in most cities around
the country.
• TAXIS :
In Kuala Lumpur, taxi fares are based on a metered rate and are
available 24 hours a day. The flag-off rate is RM2.00 and 10 cents is
charged for every subsequent 150 metres. Extra charges apply for
services after midnight or for services booked by phone.
• BUSES :
In Kuala Lumpur, bus services such as RapidKL, City Liner and Metrobus
ply a network of routes. Feeder buses are available from LRT stations to
designated surrounding areas. There is also an airport coach service
which connects KLIA to the Jalan Duta Bus Terminal and Chan Sow Lin LRT
Station in Kuala Lumpur.
The main bus
depot is the Puduraya Bus Station.
• HIRE & DRIVE:
Upon arrival at the Airport waiting area, you will find a number of car
rental companies. They offer competitive car rental services both on
short and long term.
• KTM RAIL
SERVICES : The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway offers
a well-connected rail network to all states in Peninsular Malaysia as
well as neighbouring countries. Tickets can be purchased at KL Sentral.
• KLIA EKSPRES
and KLIA TRANSIT : The KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit are the fastest
modes of transport that ply between the Kuala Lumpur International
Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, and the city. A non-stop
28-minute ride on the KLIA Ekspres will connect you from the airport to
the KL City Air Terminal (KLCAT) at the KL Sentral Station. This
state-of-the-art transportation hub offers flight and baggage check in
services for Malaysia Airlines.
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