"Selamat Detang” — Welcome to Malaysia — the words bring in a pleasent smile to your face as you enter Kuala Lumpur. Now more often referred to as KL - the city of bustling streets with its shining modern office towers, and a cosmopolitan look reflects the spirit of progress and Malaysia’s leap into the future.

Malaysia has fervently embraced modern technology, it boasts of two of the world's tallest skyscrapers, yet it still  retains its old world charm and therein lies its uniquness as a holiday destination. KL’s  the past and present intermingle to present a delightful medly of contrasts.
The city's past is present in the British colonial buildings of the Dataran Merdeka and the midnight lamps of the Petaling Street. The site of the original settlement draws a steady stream of tourists largely to the adjacent Sultan Abdul Samad building and Merdeka Square where the British flag was lowered for the last time on August 31,1957, and replaced by the new Malaysian flag. With its colourful potpourri of races and cultures KL is a kaleidoscope of fascinating  sights and sounds. A visitor is all likely to be soon  engrossed in its abundance of attractions — exciting theme parks, world class sporting events, an entertaining night life and enjoyment of nature’s bounty.
The City’s skyline is rapidly changing and presently boasts of the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers acclaimed as the highest twin towers in the World, standing at 452 metres, as well as the Menara Kuala Lumpur, the world’s fourth tallest. The city boasts of modern transportation that includes the Light Rail Transit monorail system and a Rapid Transit monorail system, currently under construction. The city is networked with rapid transport system, but of course it can be best explored by foot partly and then metered taxis, can be negotiated for a day long ride. A seven hour ride can be negotiated within the city at Dh140.
The warmth and affection displayed by KL is symbolic of the soul of the city. English is widely spoken throughout Malaysia and the locals are typically obliging when approached by tourists looking for directions.

Places of Interest

In the bird park of the Lake Garden one gets a glimpse of unsurpassed beauty and variety of lovely plants and animals. In the bustling Central Market, music crafts, and cultural practices from Kelantan to Sarawak can be explored and experienced. In the National Museum the  cultural history of Malaysia comes into focus.
The ‘China Town’ is a veritable shopper’s paradise for value shopping and a ride up the Petronas  Tower, “The highest Twin Towers in the world” as Malaysians proudly state gives you a breath taking view of the dizzying heights of progress achieved in Malaysia.
Places to visit besides Museums and Merdeka square are the KL Lake Gardens. Visiting Butterfly Park and Deer Park is a must. These are all  within  the Lake Garden, almost 2500 birds of over a hundred of species fly freely in a natural environment. The park also has a choice of regular activities such as Hornbill and Ostrich feeding. Also in the vicinity is the Orchid Garden with 800 species of exotic Malaysian orchids.

Shop and Eat

The cuisine is very international, and it caters to every taste, whether it is Continental, Indian or Chineese. The sea food is mouth watering, and the roadside eateries add to a gourmet’s delight. From the Five Star luxury to roadside eating joints for foodies KL can be a mouthwatering experience. The best on offer could be Malaysian favourite Nasi Lemak-rice cooked in coconut milk, eaten with poached eggs and a thick meat gravvy. The traditional Chicken Rice or roti canal are also favourites with the tourists. A lot of Arabic food  is avaialble too.

In love with Nature

KL unlike many other bustling megapolis lives in a harmony with the nature. Within the outskirts of the city the visitor can go to some places of interest with self organised tours. Putrajaya 25 km to the South of KL is the nation’s new administrative capital. Attractions here include, Putrajaya Lake, Botanical Gardens and Putrajaya Wetlands.
Kuala Selangor is located about an hour's drive away from Kuala Lumpur along a muddy coastline fringed with mangrove swamps. What makes this place spectacular is the oppurtunity to witness fireflies lighting up the river at night. The seafood is also very popular.
Known to locals as “kelipkelip,” which means twinkle in Malay, the fireflies are actually long slender beetles from the Lamyridae species. These fireflies produce a cool green glow in their lower abdomen and the reason of their incadescence is the probably for mating or social purposes.
The best place to view them is Belimbing, Kampung Kuantan, which is just a short distance away from the main Kuala Selangor town. There are two spots, one is operated by villagers who will paddle the visitors two at a time on a thin sampan (wooden boat) located further upriver. The other is more frequently visited spot, located near the river mouth and operated by a resort.
The Forest Research Institue of Malaysia or FRIM for short,is yet naother place for nature lovers within stone throw from KL. It allows visitors to learn more about Malayasia’s natural heritage. On the park grounds you will find educational centres, galleries and laboratories, that highlight the local speicies of trees.
There are ponds and waterfalls, that meanders through the park. Visitors can explore the many trails in the forest, the main four being the Keruing Trail,Rover track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh trail. Don’t miss out on opportunity to walk on the canopy bridge, a set of wooden and streel bribges suspended 30 metre above the grounds, among towering trees. While crossing you vou can gaze and marvel at the green sorroundings below.
Batu-Caves, the famous destination draws people from all over. In the state of Selangor bounded by KL and Putrajaya this place with its capital Shah Alam is also the venue of world class sporting events such as the ‘Petronas F1 Grand Prix.’
Genting Highlands, the city of entertainment is yet another cool highland resort, were Casinos, food courts and entertainment parks along with the 18 holes Golf Resort invitingly lures the visitors. It does get slightly cold here in evenings so a bit of warm clothing in the bag does help in providing warm comforts while the spirits soar high..
For stressed out lot, KL offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The city abounds in health spas, where one can pamper the body. A traditional Malay massage or the time honoured  Balenese and Thai health rituals are all available in KL. Most spas in KL are set within lush greenery and are aesthetically designed to provide perfect ambience to destress. KL is also fast gaining recognition as regional centre for healthcare. The many modern private hospitals provide 24 hour medical facilities.
The Gateway to Malaysia KL is only a beginning of the Malaysia experience. As it  unfurls its rich inherent natural beauty beyond KL into the peninsular Malaysia or the coastal sea areas as followed by its highland & golf resorts a week or two in Malaysia gives a peep into the country.