Kuala Lumpur (also called KL) is Malaysia's showroom to the world. Located in the south-west of Peninsular Malaysia, the country's capital is home to relentless progress and diverse cultural threads, woven together by people of Malay, Chinese, and Indian descent. Petronas Twin Towers are Malaysia's glittering proof that the country has arrived: once the world's tallest buildings and now its tallest twin towers. An impeccable architectural feat, the towers bespeak of the country's rootedness in its Islamic heritage and its unflinching focus on modernity and the future.
Those who want to explore low-key side Kuala Lumpur can proceed to Little India where stores offer both tourists and locals a variety of Indian products, foods, as well as music. The city also has its own Chinatown, more popularly known as Petaling Street. Its various restaurants offer visitors a unique gastronomic experience with fusion cuisine. Another tourist delight is Kampung Baru, located at the heart of the city where wooden houses stand side-by-side with the concrete and modern apartments. The place is popular for the Pasar Minggu (Sunday market) that operates from early evening until the wee hours.
The city center, however, gives KL its exclamation point. Apart from Petronas, KL Tower has also become a tourist site, featuring a revolving restaurant on topmost floor, giving diners a panoramic view of the city. The Aquaria KLCC, on other hand, reveals a rich marine life for the land-bound: a walk through the 90-meter underground tunnel gives the guests a close encounter with sharks, stingrays and gropers. A stroll on the Lake Gardens and Bird Park is a more relaxed alternative in getting to know the city.
Just like the rest of the country, Kuala Lumpur's populace is predominantly Muslim, adhering faithfully to Islamic doctrines. They are, however, progressive in their idea of modernization and tolerance. Islamic Arts Museum offers an opportunity for racial, cultural and religious sensitivity.