Kuala Lumpur

Once home to the tallest building in the world, KL is famous for its gleaming skyscrapers and trendy rooftop bars. But like Malaysia as a whole, the capital lays claim to an appetising mix of cultures and attractions, from Chinatown and Little India to colonial gardens and colourful Hindu temples.

Kuala Lumpur is a city where tradition and innovation meet in dazzling harmony. At its heart, the soaring Petronas Twin Towers and the upscale precinct of KLCC speak to the city’s modern aspirations – home to designer boutiques, five-star hotels and some of Asia’s finest dining. While just a few streets away, Jalan Petaling in Chinatown comes alive with lantern-lit markets, traditional apothecaries and the irresistible aroma of hawker stalls.

South of Chinatown, a stroll through the landscaped Lake Gardens provides a slice of serenity as well as access to the KL Bird Park, the world’s largest walk-in aviary. Equally enjoyable on foot are Little India and the charming Malay area of Kampung Baru. A short drive from the city but not to be missed are the dramatic Batu Caves, a Hindu pilgrimage site of temples and shrines set within towering limestone caves reached via a flight of multi-coloured steps.