Early March 2020, we were able to make a quick trip to Kuala Lumpur. Singapore is still months into its lockdown, so this is especially nostalgic for us to reflect back on our last trip.
Singapore’s closest neighbor, Malaysia has a shared history as a British colony. But different to Singapore, with a predominantly Chinese population (75%), Malays are the dominant ethnic group of Malaysia. Islam is the national religion and touches every aspect of the architecture, cuisine, and way of life of the people. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is modern and busy.
Petronas Tower
The main feature of Kuala Lumpur is its modern skyline, which is dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers. The 451-m pair of glass and steel skyscrapers with Islamic motifs were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 until they were surpassed by Taipei 101. Still, the Petronas Twin Towers hold the title as the tallest twin towers in the world. The 88-floor towers offer a public skybridge, observation deck, office space, shopping mall, plus philharmonic orchestra hall.
National Monument (Tugu Negara)
The National Monument is a large bronze sculpture that commemorates the Malaysians who died in their fight against the Japanese occupation during World War II. The Monument is on the northern end of the KL gardens. It can be brutally hot during midday.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Lush and tranquil, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is home to more than 3,000 birds. (monkeys, too! can you spot the monkey behind Keri?) Within its 30-acre compound, the main feature is a “free-flight” aviary which lets you walk among the birds. Hornbills, ostriches, parrots, and crested hawk-eagles are among the highlights, but we found these peacocks particularly striking. A peacock struts along the park, showcasing his dazzling plumes within a backdrop of cascading leavesKelsi, contemplating the nature and capturing the sense of place. Keri, enjoying the tropical setting at KL, which has similar weather and foliage as Singapore.The KL park offers relief from the heat and noise from the busting city. Orchids add color and beauty.Within the Kuala Lumpur bird park lies a Butterfly Park. Though small in scale, the butterfly garden is restful and magical with the multi-hued butterflies dancing around. Gentle waterfalls create a meditative environment.
Street Markets
At Central Market, we practice bargaining at one of the many shops selling ‘Asics’ shoes, ‘Rolex’ watches, and ‘Nike’ shirts.
Malays are 85% Muslim
Malaysia’s National Mosque is the nationwide symbol of Islam. The construction is simple and dignified. It is customary for Malay to wash their feet before prayer. Water spigots line a side of a prayer building. The Malay wear sandals.Muslim prayer buildings dot the city. The curves and rounded structure help blend this prayer site into the KL park’s nature surroundings.
Merdeka Square
One of the most photographed buildings in KL, the Sultan Abdul Samad building is both historical and beautiful with its Moorish architecture and site of Malaysia’s independence on August 31st, 1957.
Cricket Grounds
Remnants of Malay’s colonial period, the vast green space originally served as the British cricket grounds and vegetable farm. Bordering the cricket fields is an enormously tall flagpole, one of the highest in the world (100 meters). The Malaysian flag flies high since Malaysia’s independence in 1957. On the fields of Merdeka Square during our first visit to KL with Dad and Mom.The “Countdown Clock” waterfall has ‘curtains’ that part every so often.
KL Tower (Menara KL)
KL Tower, or Menara KL, is easy to spot with its impressive 421 m high. We went up this tower with Mom and Dad on our first trip in Dec 2018. The top deck has a delicious buffet and offers sweeping views of the city.
Downtown
The KL City Gallery and Tourist Information Center has a nice exhibition about the history of the city and sells a variety of merchandise. Singaporeans are the main tourists to Malaysia. Malaysian map and regional flags. Kuala Lumpur is on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
