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Street market in Jalan Petaling, the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Center's Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur's City Center is the tradition heart of Malaysia's capital city, both in terms of administration as well as trade and commerce.

The City Center comprises the former colonial administrative district just west of the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River, where Kuala Lumpur was founded. At the heart of the colonial district is Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) where Malaysia's independence was declared. Many other colonial-era building surround the square. To the west of the square lies the pretty Lake Gardens while to the south, you'll find the National Mosque, KL's Moorish-style old railway station, and several museums including the Islamic Arts Museum and the National Museum.

KL's traditional commercial district lies to the east of the Klang River. The area's narrow streets are lined with traditional Chinese shops, markets and eateries, and is now commonly referred to as KL's Chinatown. Although the old pre-World War Two shophouses are quickly disappearing and being replaced with modern buildings, the area is still fascinating enough for a wonder. Chinatown is also where you can find budget accommodation.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

The easiest way to get to the City Center is by rail, whether by light rail transit or the KTM Komuter. The monorail does not serve the City Center.

The main stations of the Kelana Jaya LRT line are Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek while the stations of the Ampang LRT Line in this district are Plaza Rakyat and Masjid Jamek. Take the Kelana Jaya Line to the City Center if you are coming from the KL Sentral transportation hub in Brickfields.

If you are coming from the suburbs of KL, catch the KTM Komuter. The main stations in the district are Kuala Lumpur (often referred to as the Old KL Station as opposed to KL Sentral), and Bank Negara, although there will be a fair bit of walking from both stations to get to any attraction.

[edit] By bus

Almost all bus routes start and end in the City Center. The main bus terminals are Pasaraman Kota (or the Klang Bus Station), Terminal Sultan Mohamed or Pasar Seni (opposite Pasarama Kota), Kotaraya (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), Bangkok Bank (Jalan Tun H.S. Lee), Sinar Kota (Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, formerly Jalan Silang) and Puduraya.

Some routes, especially those by RapidKL, may end at the outskirts of the City, such as at KL Sentral or Titiwangsa. You'll be able to catch connecting City Shuttles from this terminal into the City Center. See Kuala Lumpur's Get Around section for route details.

[edit] By road

[edit] See

Colonial district

• Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) - Merdeka Square has a special place in the hearts of all Malaysian as it was here that the Union Jack was lowered for last time in 1957 and Malaysia gained her independence. Standing tall here is also one of the tallest flag poles in the world, measuring in at 100m. Surrounding the area are host of historical structures like Sultan Abdul Samad building (see below) and the Old City Hall. The Royal Selangor Club and St. Mary's Cathedral are two famous landmarks nearby.

• Sultan Abdul Samad Building - Originally the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, they later served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. Built in 1848 by British architects, A C Norman and A B Hubback, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 40-metre high clock tower is a popular gathering-point for New Year and National Day countdown celebrations and parades.

• Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek) - Located at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers is the stately Masjid Jamek, one of the oldest mosques in the city since its construction in 1909. Inspired by the Mogul mosque in North India, this building's notable features are three elegant domes which dominated the KL skyline long before the popularity of skyscrapers.

• National Monument (Tugu Negara), Jalan Tugu Off Jalan Parlimen - This immense bronze structure was built as a memorial to the soldiers who gave up their lives for their country. This sculpture depicts seven soldiers holding the Malaysian flag, each symbolising one of seven qualities; unity, strength, leadership, sacrifice, courage, suffering and vigilance. It was sculpted by Felix de Weldon, who sculpted the famed Iwo Jima Memorial statue in Virginia, United States.

• Masjid Negara (National Mosque), Jalan Perdana - The Masjid Negara is unique in that it incorporates Malay-Islamic rather than the usual Arabic-Islamic architecture. It is known for its conspicuous turquoise umbrella-like roof. A yellow umbrella is usually part of the royal regalia of the sultans of Malay kingdoms.

• <see name="National Museum" alt="Muzium Negara" address="Jalan Damansara" directions="" phone="603-2282-6255" email="info@museum.gov.my" fax="603-2282-6434" url="http://www.museum.gov.my" hours="9AM-6PM" price="RM2">Contains exhibits on traditional life among the various ethnic communities of Malaysia, numerous well-explained artifacts including fine clothing and shadow puppets, and a sizeable natural history section showing the range of flora and fauna native to the country. A visit to this museum can help you to understand more about Malaysian history, culture, and nature.</see>

• Islamic Arts Museum (Muzium Kesenian Islam), Jalan Lembah Perdana, [1] - One of the most interesting museums in KL, the Islamic Arts Museum houses both modern and traditional Malaysia as part of the larger Islamic world and, through exhibitions of objects of religious and aesthetic significance, shows both the connection of Malaysian Islamic culture to the Muslim lands to its west and its uniqueness. Open Daily: 10.00am to 6.00pm.

• The National Planetarium, Lot 54, Jalan Perdana, the attractions here include space science and astronomy exhibits, a theatre screening 3-Dimensional movies, a viewing gallery and an observatory. Admission is RM1 for adults and children over 12 (extra charges for all shows). Open Daily : 9:30am to 4:15pm.

• Istana Negara (National Palace), Jalan Istana, [2] - The Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional monarch and paramount ruler of Malaysia, which is a largely ceremonial post. Built in 1928 by a Chinese millionaire and occupied by Japanese officers during the Japanese occupation of Malaya, the palace, which sits on a 11.34 hectare site, was bought by the federal government at independence in 1957 and has since then undergone extensive renovations to become what it is today. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily from the main gate. The palace is not open to the public.

Chinatown

• Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association, Jalan Petaling (Monorail Maharajalela) - The clan house (kongsi) of the Yuen family, this is the largest and oldest in KL, with the present version completed in 1906. Free admission (but donations welcome), open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. If you have trouble finding it, look for the green walled temple near Maharajalela monorail station (there are no English signs).

• Sze Ya Temple, Jalan Tun HS Lee - The oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur built in 1882, it is located behind the old shophouses between Jalan Tun HS Lee and Jalan Hang Kasturi. The temple is dedicated to Shen Kong, worshipped as the guardian deity for the local Chinese miners and houses several other deities, including the deified Yap Ah Loy, third Kapitan Cina of KL. The ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges are typical of religious Chinese architecture and visitors can still see patrons conducting worship to the gods and the ancestors.

• Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Jalan Tun HS Lee - An elaborate Hindu temple known as the starting point of the yearly Thaipusam pilgrimage to the Batu Caves, where Hindu devotees haul portable altars pierced to their skin with 108 lances. Check out the elaborate gopuram above the entrance. Free admission (but donations welcome).

[edit] Do

[edit] Buy

Central Market

• Chinatown, Jalan Petaling and nearby streets - Known as Chi-Chong-Kai (translated as Tapioca Factory Street due to its origins) to the local Chinese. Lots of food and souvenirs stalls here. A mosque known as Masjid Jamek is at walking distance. (Star LRT: Plaza Rakyat or PUTRA LRT: Pasar Seni). Prices are sometimes exorbitant. Haggle furiously.

• Central Market (Pasar Seni), Jalan Hang Kasturi (LRT Pasar Seni). KL's grand old market dates back to 1936, although it may have lost a bit of its charm when refurbished in 1986, complete with air-con inside. Has a particular emphasis on local crafts.

[edit] Eat

You'll be able to find some of the most interesting places to eat at reasonable prices in this district. Chinatown is the place to head to for Chinese food while Lebuh Ampang just north of Chinatown is the place for Indian food. There are also the usual fastfood outlets like McDonalds and KFC.

[edit] Chinese

Budget

• Soong Kee, 3 Jalan Tun Siew Sin (at the intersection with Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin (formerly Jalan Silang) and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee) - This is KL's most famous beef noodle shop, it is said to have started operating since 1945! It serves the noodles "dry" with beef mince while the beef balls are given separately in a bowl of soup.
• Kam Lin Kee (金莲記), (corner of Jalan Petaling and Jalan Hang Lekir, opp Hong Leong Bank) - No English sign, no menu in any language, and a kitchen you really don't want to look into - but it packs the crowds for its famous hokkien mee (fried noodles in dark sauce, RM5). Wash it down with a RM1 mug of cooling liang teh and soak in the busy market ambience.

[edit] Indian

Budget

• Lebuh Ampang banana leaf rice - The street is lined with banana leaf rice shops, just make your pick. One of them is Lakshmi Villas. For purely vegetarian food, you can try Bakti Woodlands.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

You'll be able to find the cheapest beds in KL in this district, most in Chinatown.

[edit] Budget

• Oasis Guest House Upper Floor 125 Jalan Petaling - Across the street from the Petaling Street Market, a brand-new (opened in May 2008) laidback place with free tea, coffee, kitchen and fridge use, rooftop terrace, TV/chill area. Nice place to stay. RM12 for dorm, 20 for single w/fan, 30 for single w/air-con.

• Red Dragon Hostel Chinatown - Clean rooms but showers/toilets a bit grubby. Friendly staff. RM18 for dorm, 35 for single w/fan, 45 for single w/air-con.

• Le Village Tingkat 1 Banguan BSN 99A Jln Tun H.S. Lee - Two lots from the Bangkok Bank, look for the tiny sign on the concrete pillar. Near the pudu raya bus station and sky train stations. Great Atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff. Painting sessions on Thursdays in the attic. Free Tea & Coffee, plus free to use kitchen facilities. Dorms for RM12 Doubles/Twins from RM25 and Triples RM36. As of May 2008, the place was infested with bedbugs though!

[edit] Midrange

• Midah Hotel, 8, Jalan Kampung Attap, Tel: 60-3-2273 9999, [3] - Midah Hotel a Superior Business City Hotel, is located within the commercial and business hub of Kuala Lumpur. 10 mins walking distance to China Town.

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Contact

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