Kuala Lumpur, a city covering 243.6 sq. km. and house to a population of 1.3 million people. Situated on the west coast of Peninsular  Malaysia, just about midway between north and     south and approximately 35 kilometres from the coast, it experience rainfall throughout the year, the average being about 220 mm. The days are generally hot and humid but the nights are pleasantly cooler.

Kuala Lumpur, which is also the capital of Malaysia, functions as the centre of Malaysia's political, commercial and social life. It is a city of delightful contrasts - a combination of modern cosmopolitan. Sophistication and lingering old world charm; a juxtaposition of gracious colonial edifices, pre-war shophouses and gleaming copper- domed roofs against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Narrow streets of quaint old shophouses open out to wide open tree-lined avenues. The favourable climate accounts for the lush greenery and profusion of tropical blooms in a riot of colours - a truly fitting background for its happy mix of multi-racial populace of Malaysia, Chinese, Indians and other races. The end result is a unique blend of age-old customs and traditions: colourful festivals, gay songs and dances and a rich variety of foods to tempt the palate. Experience the multi-faceted fascinations of Malaysia - rig here in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1857, a group of tin-miners led by a Bugis chief, Raja Abdullah, landed at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers in search of tin; an event that marked the beginning of a city whose early development was closely tied up with a flourishing tin-trade and the able leadership and foresight of the Chinese chieftain, Yap Ah Loy. It began as a small trading post and meeting place for miners from the newly discovered tin-mines upriver. Soon after, a small town of attap huts grew around the trading post and as the tin trade prospered, the town developed.

Then came British intervention and the formation of the Federated Malay States in 1896. Kuala Lumpur became its capital. As the seat of British administration in the Malay States, Kuala Lumpur inherited from this period in its history, a system of roads and the fine examples of gracious colonial architecture which are still evident today.

When the Federation of Malaya gained its independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur was declared the Federal capital. In 1972, it achieved city status. At the same time, it also remained as the capital of the state of Selangor, a status it attained in 1887.

However, on the 1st of February 1974, it was officially declared a Federal Territory in a colourful ceremony full of pomp and pageantry which also marked the end of Selangor's jurisdiction over Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur as it is known today, bears little resemblance to its humble beginnings. It has emerged from the troubled early years - the disastrous floods, the Japanese occupation and the Emergency - to become the most developed city in the country, setting a fast pace for others to follow. But the endearing old world charm remains within its lush atmosphere of a garden city in full bloom.

On the turf, a flat, round black marble plaque marks the very spot where the Union Jack was lowered at midnight on August 30, 1957 and the Malayan flag hoisted up for the first time to the resounding cries of `Merdeka'.
 

Sultan Abdul Samad B'ldg

Across the road is the famous SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING. Moorish in design, the building, which was completed in 1897 served as a  Government administrative building. It now houses the Supreme and the High Courts. The clock tower, affectionately dubbed `Big Ben' is a favourite with photographers.
 

Memorial Library

At Jalan Raja housed within a the KUALA LUMPUR MEMORIAL LIBRARY. It serves as both a public library and resource centre to provide reference materials and information on the city. Also on display is a permanent exhibition on the city.
 

Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial

The TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA MEMORIAL, located at Jalan Dato' Onn, is dedicated to the memory of Malaysia's first Prime  Minister, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, who is also known as Malaysia's "Father of Independence". Housed in a sprawling complex consisting of three main buildings, the memorial offers visitors a deeper insight into the life of a respected world leader and his legacy that continues to inspire the present generation.
 

National Planetrarium

The NATIONAL PLANETARIUM is located at the Lake Gardens and is surrounded by the National Mosque, National Museum and the Bird Park. Among the attractive facilities that can be found are the Space Theater, Space Science Exhibition, Theatrette, Resource Centre, Viewing Gallery and Ancient Observatory Park. The Space Theater presents two kind of shows, the Space Science Show and Sky Movie. The National Planetarium is closed on Monday, Tue-Friday(10.00 am - 7 pm) Closed on friday from noo to 2.30 pm. irst space show at 11 am

Admission : Space Science Show - RM 3 (A) RM 2(C); Space Movie - RM 6 (A), RM 4 (C); Exhibition - RM 1 adult, children enter free
 

Masjid Jamek

At the confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers, where miners in search of tin first landed at Kuala Lumpur, is the beautiful MASJID JAMEK with its Indian Muslim inspired style of architecture featuring onion shaped domes, numerous arched colonnades and shiny marble floors. Built in 1909, the red-brick structure was designed by A.B.Hubback
 

Kuala Lumpur Textile Museum

Located along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is Textile Museum, an information centre for Malaysia handicraft, housed within a beautifully renovated old Moorish styled building.
The centre provides details on cultural background, current research developments and export potential. The gallery contains a fascinating range of selected items on permanent display. Attractive souvenirs ingeniously fashioned out of local materials are also available for purchase.
 

Dayabumi

The adjoining multi-storey complex towering over the area is DAYABUMI. The massive white modern complex was designed to blend in with the pervading Moorish-Byzantine atmosphere of the earlier establishments providing an excellent example of the marriage between modern technology and ancient cultures. It houses a shopping mall, offices and the General Post Office.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

National Mosque

From the Dayabumi, an underground passage leads to the NATIONAL MOSQUE across the road. Its unique modern design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art calligraphy and ornamentation. Its most striking feature is the multi-fold umbrella like roof which symbolises the aspirations of an independent nation. Also prominently featured is the 73-metre minaret, sleek and stylish against the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
 

Islamic Center

For a fascinating insight into the Islamic religion, walk across to the imposing ISLAMIC CENTER, ingeniously built into a hillside behind the Malayan Railway Administrative Building. The gleaming white structure reflects the successful combination of modern cubist architecture and traditional Islamic design. It serves as a centre for Islamic learning, culture and art. On display is a fine collection of Islamic texts and artifacts, porcelain and weaponry.
 

Malayan Railway Building

The MALAYAN RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING and KUALA LUMPUR RAILWAY STATION  provide further examples of Moorish inspired architecture. Once again architect A.B.Hubback continued to feature arches, domes and minarets with relish, creating what has come to be described as a Byzantine Arabian nights fantasyland. Built in 1910, it underwent extensive renovations in 1986 which also linked it to the General Post Office at Dayabumi. The Station Hotel with its cavernous restaurant, has become something of a legend.
 

Central Market

A bridge across the Sungai Klang links the Dayabumi Complex to the CENTRAL  MARKET. A former wet market turned cultural centre, it is a haven for local artists and craftsmen. The shops and stalls within the extensively renovated building offer a heady  variety of antiques, Asian artifacts, curios, souvenir items and handicrafts. Portrait artists and small-time craftsmen set up shop in various corners and proceed to work, oblivious to the stares of curious onlookers. The riverside amphitheatre outside is the venue for regular performances of traditional and contemporary dances and musical concerts.
 

Central Square

Next door is CENTRAL SQUARE which houses a Cineplex, antique and souvenir shops, fast food outlets and restaurants. The complex is an extension of the development concept embodying the Central Market project and involved the rehabilitation of a row of old pre-war shophouses.
 

Petaling Street

A short distance away is PETALING STREET, the heart of KL's CHINATOWN and one of the premier shopping areas in the city with its distinctly oriental atmosphere. At the end of the street is the CHAN SEE SHU YUEN TEMPLE which dates back to 1906. The interior of this highly stylised building features open courtyards pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. Outside, elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures grace the facade and roof ridges.
 

Sri Mahamarimman Temple

The SRI  MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE at Jalan Tun H.S.Lee, is close to Chinatown. Built in 1873, the temple is said to be the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temple in the country. The design and decorative features include intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious stones and hand-painted motifs. Exquisite Italian and Spanish tiles provide further ornamentation. A silver chariot housed within the premises features prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets.
 

Istana Negara

ISTANA  NEGARA, the official residence of the king is located on a hillock at Jalan Istana. The formal grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and formal gardens ablaze with blooms. A lily- filled pond contributes to the serene atmosphere. The palace is also the venue for official functions and ceremonies.