Kuala Lumpur, a multi-ethnic city, can truly be considered as the "melting pot" of varied traditions, cultures and languages. The city is host to some of the best shopping centers and restaurants. Presently, Kuala Lumpur is a favorite jaunt with tourists the world over. A visit to the city requires proper planning and Kuala Lumpur travel tips would immensely benefit travelers to this place. The local flavor is discernible in Kuala Lumpur, as tall skyscrapers co-exist with the unpretentious houses in Chinatown in this city.
Passports, Visa and Credit Cards
Before packing off to Kuala Lumpur, what are the things that one must keep in mind? The visa without which one cannot undertake foreign travel is one of the primary requirements. Tourists need to carry a valid passport with a validity period of up to six months that extends beyond the period of visit. Traveling to Peninsular Malaysia and to the states of Sabah and Sarawak also needs a passport.
American and Japanese citizens as well as residents of West European countries can visit Kuala Lumpur for up to three months without a visa. Residents of ASEAN countries do not require a visa for a one-month stay. Passes are usually issued to persons who are visiting Kuala Lumpur for business purposes. Most of the Malaysian banks maintain a good network with international banking agencies. However, it would be wise to check whether one's ATM card is valid in Kuala Lumpur.
Destination Kuala Lumpur
A host of international airlines provides daily flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which is situated 50 km from the city center of Kuala Lumpur. These are Air Mauritius, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Gulf Air, Air India, Lufthansa, Royal Brunei, Royal Jordanian, Thai Airways and other airlines.
Planning the Itinerary
Kuala Lumpur has a lot of tourist attractions that are not to be missed at any cost. The following places should be included in a visitor's itinerary -
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Batu Caves
- Chinatown
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
- Putrajaya
- National Mosque
- Dataran Merdeka Square
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- National History Museum
- Central Market
- KL Bird Park
- Bukit Bintang
- Royal Palace ( Istana Negara )
- Sunway Lagoon
- National Zoo
- Sri Mahamariammam Indian Temple
- Genting Highlands
- Suria KLCC
- Cultural Crafts Complex
- Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Lodger's Delight
Kuala Lumpur has a number of five star hotels that provide utmost care and dedicated service to the visitors. The choicest options include Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Renaissance KL, Sunway Lagoon, Corus Hotel, Berjaya Time Square, Dorsett Regency, Citrus hotel, Hotel Maya and Swiss Garden. There are also a lot of cheaper options available in Kuala Lumpur, which does not burn a hole in one's pocket. These are Hotel China Town Inn, Hotel Fortuna, Hotel Capitol, Kayangan D Villa, 69 Pugu Lama, Mayview Glory Hotel and the Green Hut Lodge. There are also a lot of other accommodation options strewn throughout the city.
When to Visit?
Kuala Lumpur has hot, sultry weather throughout the year. It is advisable not to visit the place from March to April and from September to November, because they are the rainy months. However, it is a fun-filled city with celebrations and festivals going on almost all the time. So tourists can enjoy their trip, whether the climate remains salubrious or not.
Getting Around
Kuala Lumpur has a number of modes of local transport. There are bus and coach services, which regularly take passengers from one part of the city to another. Kuala Lumpur is well connected by the LRT (Light Train Transit). Taxis can also be hired for local transport. There are a lot of car rental agencies in the city, which offer cars for rent. The KLA Transit, KLIA Ekspres, and the Monorail are also good means of transport. Motorcycling is another option. However, it might prove to be exhausting for long trips. Boats and ferry services are also available.
Kuala Lumpur has much in store for the tourist. The city has progressed rapidly in recent years. Yet, it still retains much of its old charm. It is a city of multifarious diversities, from the gleaming Petronas Towers to the bustling, brightly lit streets of Chinatown.
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