Kuala Lumpur, the national capital city, is a major metropolis in the country with a sizable population. It has achieved this status in a relatively shorter time span as compared to most major cities elsewhere in the world. It is renowned everywhere for great avenues for shopping, eating, world renowned buildings and cheapest 5-star hotels one may find anywhere.
Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1857 and it gradually grew up as the national capital in 1896. The declaration of Malaysian independence was made at historic Independence Stadium here in 1957. Since then, it has risen exponentially and developed into a major world city, full of skyscrapers, major economic centers and places of tourist interest.
The City Center houses some of the major places of tourist attraction. Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) was the place where independence of Malaysia from Britain was declared and national flag was unfurled for the first time. Dataran Merdeka hosts Independence Day celebrations every year which are worth witnessing.
A number of prominent buildings of colonial era are worth visiting. The most important one among such buildings is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It has an impressive architecture and an interesting history as well. Most of such buildings of historical importance are concentrated in and around the City Center.
Kuala Lumpur is home to a number of important museums as well. These museums include National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum, Police Museum and a mini museum at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Exhibitions at National Museum trace history of the country from pre-historic times up to independence of the country. Islamic Arts Museum houses numerous interesting pieces of art worth watching.
The Golden Triangle is another popular region of the city and houses some important buildings. The world renowned Petronas Twin Towers are situated here. These towers used to be tallest towers in the world in recent past. These towers house a number of restaurants, shopping avenues and other places of tourist interest.
There are a couple of places worth visiting for families. These include Aquaria KLCC, Batu Caves, National Zoo and KL Bird Park. Aquaria KLCC is home to over five thousand exotic varieties of fish. Visit KL Bird Park (an aviary) for catching a glimpse of Asian birds in semi-wild habitat.
Batu Caves, located in Northern Suburbs of Kuala Lumpur are renowned for a number of reasons. These cave consist of fascinating limestone over-crop and host popular Thaipusam Festival, held in February every year.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for being home to numerous avenues of shopping and eating. Prominent avenues to enjoy shopping in this city include Suriya KLCC at Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang shopping district, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Times Square, Low Yat Plaza, MidValley Megamall, The Gardens and so on.
Kuala Lumpur is a great place to enjoy local cuisine as well. Numerous restaurants, hotels and cafes offer unlimited opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, Chinese, Indian and other major cuisines from around the world.
