A great number of
Getting Around
The transportation hub of
Buses
Both air-conditioned and regular (non-air-conditioned) buses ply the city streets. Bus stops can be found in Chinatown, Central Market, along the Puduraya area (in downtown
Taxis
There are a lot of metered taxis that can be hailed along the streets of KL, and they are available 24/7. Oftentimes, taxi stations can be found near shopping centers and hotels. The initial taxi rate is RM2.00. An additional rate of 10 sen (cents) is charged for every succeeding 150 meters. Extra charges are imposed after midnight and if booked over the phone. There is, however, a tendency for most taxi drivers to not use the meter after 4:00 PM up to 8:00 PM and charge passengers – especially tourists – twice or thrice the original rate. Tourists are advised to insist to the taxi drivers on using the meter when getting into a taxi. Interstate taxis and those from smaller towns have fixed rates.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Intercity services all the major cities of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also connected to the neighboring countries of
Aside from the KTM Intercity, visitors can also take the rail services offered within the KL Sentral such as the KTM Komuter, KLIA Ekspres, KLIA Transit, and the Kelana Jaya Line.
Places to See
1. National Museum
Standing proudly outside the Lake Gardens along Jalan Damansara in Kuala Lumpur is the National Museum. This sprawling museum was built in traditional Malay architecture and houses many works of art that showcases the cultural and political history of Malaysia. The museum also displays old trains and vintage cars as well as old currencies and weapons.
2. Petronas Twin Towers
Located in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. They stand at 452 meters high with 88 floors. The lower floors house a concert hall, a science museum, several shops, and restaurants. Also situated on the lower floor is the Suria KLCC shopping mall – one the most popular malls in Malaysia. These areas are open to the public and admission is free. The upper floors consist mainly of offices of international companies.
3. Endau Rompin National Park
The park is a tropical rainforest with a rich flora and fauna. Bordering between Pahang and Johor, it is considered as one of the oldest tropical forests in the world. Endau Rompin National Park offers visitors fun activities such as trekking and camping.
4. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
Named after the late Sultan Abu Bakar, this mosque sits on top of a hill on Jalan Abu Bakar in Johor Bahru. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers and is considered as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.
5. Batu Caves
Found in Selangor, the Batu Caves consist of three main caves and several smaller ones. The largest cave is called the Temple Cave, of which a Hindu shrine can be found. Inside the cave are cave fauna and species that exist nowhere else in the world. The second cave is called Dark Cave. The third cave contains statues and wall paintings about Hindu mythology.
6. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah State Mosque
Considered as the largest in Malaysia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia, this state mosque is the most famous landmark of Shah Alam. The prominent blue-and-white dome of the mosque is regarded as one of the largest domes in the world.
Things to Do
- Visit
Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens
This garden boasts of 920,000 square meters of lush greeneries and surrounds an artificial lake. Several places of interests such as The Butterfly Park, The Deer Park, The Orchid Garden, and The Hibiscus Garden are located within the garden.
Menara KL Tower
The Menara KL Tower is one of the tallest communication towers in the world. It stands at 421 meters and has an observation deck wherein the vast city of KL can be viewed. A revolving restaurant serving local and continental cuisines can be found in its tower head.
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Found in Kuala Selangor, this nature park houses a wide variety of birds and wildlife such as storks, egrets, silver-leafed monkeys, and the rare spoon-billed sandpiper. Covering 497 acres of land, the park provides six nature trails and observation hides for visitors who want to go bird watching.
Royal Abu Bakar Museum
Situated within the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) is the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. On display are collections of artworks, treasures, Chinese pottery, furniture, and personal memorabilia that belonged to the royal family of the sultanate of Johor. The museum was founded only in 1990 but the Grand Palace itself was built in 1866.
Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Chaiya Mangalaram)
A gold-plated reclining Buddha measuring 33 meters long is situated within this temple. Located at Burma Lane in Pulau Tikus, the temple was founded in 1845 on a piece of land given by Queen Victoria to the people of Penang. The statue was later built in 1958. The entrance of the temple is decked with magnificent statues of mythical creatures such as seven-headed serpents and dragons.
- Swim/Dive
Cherating Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Malaysia. It is known for its pristine white sand and clear waters. Cherating Beach is the location of the first Club Med (a world-renowned resort chain) in Asia. Several resorts of international class can also be found in this world-renowned beach.
Tioman Island
Famous for its scenic beauty, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear blue waters. It is one of the favorite diving spots of both locals and tourists. Snorkeling is another popular activity in the island. Tioman Island has a rich flora and fauna as well as a diverse marine life.
Kota Tinggi Waterfall
Just 15 kilometers away from the town of Kota Tinggi is the Kota Tinggi Waterfall. It is located at Lombong near a small iron mine. The 36-meter high waterfall is deep enough for swimming and there is a nearby park where visitors can go picnicking.
Air Papan Beach
This scenic beach in Air Papan is one of the popular beaches in Johor. Located 12 kilometers north of Mersing, Air Papan Beach boasts of a long stretch of white sand with crystal clear waters. Visitors can also go on a picnic in this beautiful beach.
Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian or Perhentian Islands consist of two smaller islands – Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar. These islands are world renowned for their crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Located 25 kilometers away from Besut, the islands are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and wind surfing.