Kuala Lumpur: August 20-23, 2014
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s most populous and prosperous city, boasting a multi-ethnic population that includes Malay Muslims, Chinese Buddhists and Hindu Indians. To learn more, click the images below.

*Check these pages often for more information on the 2014 Convention as it becomes available.

Kuala Lumpur: August 20-23, 2014

Cultural Scene

One of KL’s greatest charms is its ability to combine the modern with the historical. The city’s steady growth and high-tech flair is underscored by its most famous sight: the 88-story-high Petronas Twin Towers. Yet KL also retains its heritage, as seen in places like the ancient, sacred Batu Caves and the Moorish-style architecture of landmark buildings.

Malay is the principal language spoken in Kuala Lumpur, but most Malay people speak English as well. Diversity is a hallmark of KL, whether it be the city’s mix of ethnic and religious groups or its acclaimed food, which is enlivened by Chinese, Indian and Malay flavors.

KL’s Chinatown features authentic markets, shops and food stalls. Little India offers exotic flower stalls as well as authentic Indian-Muslim and Malay costumes.

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History

Kuala Lumpur came into existence in 1857, when a group of Chinese prospectors arrived in search of tin. They set up camp at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers — and named that spot Kuala Lumpur, meaning “muddy confluence.” It soon emerged as a tin-mining boomtown.

Kuala Lumpur, which was under British rule, grew and eventually became the state capital of Selangor and then the federal capital of Malaysia in 1948. Malaysia gained its independence from Britain in 1957. The city officially became the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur in 1974.

KL has endured civic adversity over the years, but the people are known for their determination to overcome hardship. The city now flourishes as a tourist destination. Most of Kuala Lumpur’s economic prosperity comes from international trade and commerce.

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Things To Do

Shopping is a big attraction in KL. There are deluxe malls, shopping centers, bazaars and night markets. Deals abound, and the stores include everything from international labels to local collectibles. The greatest concentration of shops and malls is in Jalan Bukit Bintang, a colorful civic strolling area.

Indulging in local cuisine is one of the great pleasures in Kuala Lumpur, a city with world-class restaurants. Try some of the popular local dishes, such as Hainanese chicken and steamed chili crabs.

KL also boasts a spirited night life, replete with hip restaurants, cafes and live-music venues.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia.

Sights To See

Batu Caves
This series of limestone caves was discovered in 1892 and forms one of the most sacred Hindu shrines outside of India. If you visit, be prepared for some hearty exercise: You’ll be climbing a 272-step concrete staircase to reach the caves. At the foot of the caves you will find a gallery of clay figurines and wall paintings showing scenes from Hindu mythology.

Islamic Arts Museum
The museum is a premier resource center for Islamic studies, with an impressive collection of Islamic artifacts, including beautiful wood carvings. The architecture of the four-story building is also an attraction: The dome is turquoise and the building’s interior is all white, flooded with natural light.

Jalan Alor
If you are an adventurous foodie, this is the place for you. Jalan Alor is home to an exuberant “street-eat” scene, with food stalls parked along the bustling road. You sample your way through the ambitious offerings, including stingray grilled in banana leaf, satay cooked slowly over red-hot charcoal and bak kut teh (herbal stew simmered for hours in a clay pot).

KL Bird Park
With more than 3,000 birds, this eco-tourism park is billed as “the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary.” Birds are all around you in the open, as you do all types of fun things: run after peacocks, feed the parakeets and pose with parrots on your shoulder.

Lake Gardens Park
This sprawling, leafy oasis, located near Chinatown, is a wonderful place to go for a stroll. Many family-oriented attractions are featured within the grounds, including botanical parks and the KL Bird Park.

Petronas Twin Towers
These stainless-steel, 88-story-high skyscrapers are the signature image of Kuala Lumpur, representing a dramatic example of the city’s high-tech progress. The Petronas buildings, once the tallest towers in the world, offer particularly striking views at night.

Thean Hour Temple
This ornate Chinese temple on a hill borrows from Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions. Visitors say it has a serene feel to it, and the site offers beautiful panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.

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Getting Around

Public transportation in KL is safe, sophisticated, inexpensive and convenient. Most notably, there is a sophisticated railway system that provides visitors with an excellent means of transport throughout the area. That starts when you arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA): From here you can take a high-speed train link directly into the city’s downtown. The KLIA Express Rail Link is efficient, comfortable and fast.

When you are in the city, traveling by train is a great way to avoid traffic jams. The affordable network of trains includes Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter trains (KTM Komuter) and monorail.

In addition to the railway option, there are plenty of buses. Local buses leave from many of the bus stops around the city. Taxis are also prevalent and fares relatively cheap.

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Travel Resources

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a wealth of information on global health matters. For travel tips, particularly in relation to medical matters, visit the WHO website: www.who.int/en/, then click on “Health topics” in the upper-left corner. From the list of topics organized alphabetically, click on Travel and Health. This page provides information on a variety of issues, including traveler vaccinations.

Another website with travel advice is wordtravels.com. From the home page, click on the Country Guides tab. This takes you to a page where you will click on Malaysia (from the “Asia” category list). The Malaysia Travel Guide page provides an overview of Malaysia, and categories to the left include “Travel Health” and “Visa & Passport.” (The former page has information about vaccinations, the latter about passport/visa requirements for travelers from different countries.)

At the bottom of the Passport & Visa Requirements page, a note points out that such requirements are liable to change at short notice. It suggests that travelers check their entry requirements with their country’s embassy or consulate, and it provides a contact page for diplomatic offices.

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