Malaysia is one of those states where modern trends miraculously coexist with centuries-old traditions, the incongruous is perfectly combined, and Asian flavor keeps up with the times and amazes with its diversity and uniqueness. The capital Kuala Lumpur fully meets all these requirements. Occupying the southwestern territory of the Malay Peninsula at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the city is as contrasting and mysterious as possible. Majestic skyscrapers here border on slums, industrialization coexists with poverty, and the population is contradictory and heterogeneous. Nevertheless, today it is the largest metropolis in all of Southeast Asia. The local population calls it short and clear - Key El or simply KL.
Tin story
Translated from the local dialect, Kuala Lumpur means a dirty mouth or, alternatively, a muddy confluence. And not for the reason that not everything is going smoothly with the environment. Everything is much simpler: silt in the Gombak Riveroversaturated with tin compounds, therefore it is distinguished by a dirty gray tint. When it, thanks to the current, rises to the surface, it makes the water as cloudy as possible. That's the whole secret.
Surprisingly, the very origin of the capital is directly connected with tin. At the end of the 18th century, members of the ruling Selangor clan sent hundreds of Chinese mercenaries to search for tin ore in the impenetrable jungle. Those, in turn, carried out the order at the cost of their own lives: almost the entire group died of malaria. But the anticipation of money did not stop the rulers: in 1857 they ordered the establishment of a fishing workers' settlement in these places. Huts with thatched roofs and miserable shacks with no means of subsistence - the workers had no right to count on more.
Driven into brutal living and working conditions, the workers gather their strength and declare civil war on the offenders. The Selangor dispute over the ownership of natural property did not subside for several years, until, finally, Britain intervened, whose colony these places were at that time. For Kuala Lumpur, everything ended as tragically as possible: the fire completely destroyed the settlement. But the recovery was not long in coming. It was decided to surround the mining village with farms, which had the best effect on the development of industry and trade.
Becoming a city, Kuala Lumpur prospered and even became the capital of the Principality of Selangora, until one day it again fell victim to another severe fire. And again, the inhabitants had to work for restoration, attracting workers from nearby countries and cities. Wooden shacks have now given way to stone buildings, and most of the foreign helpers, mostly Indian, have settled on these lands forever. The Second World War made its own adjustments: four years under the oppression of the enemy significantly weakened the interethnic relations of the population, popular unrest began. This continued almost until 1957, when Malaysia finally achieved its own independence. And once a small mining village became the capital of a new state.
Such a different capital
The city of Kuala Lumpur and its environs cover an area of 243 square kilometers. The population density here is extremely high, and the ethnic composition of one and a half million residents is heterogeneous: there are Malays, Indians, and Chinese. Often there are immigrants from Japan, Singapore and Thailand.
The capital consists of many districts. There are only six main ones. Central - the heart of the metropolis. It contains all economically and politically important objects. The area of the so-called "golden triangle" is the concentration of tourism and entertainment areas. Seputeh has many educational institutions, and Bukit Bintang is an unspoken recreation area, parks, squares and shopping centers. Chinatown - as you might guess - Chinatown. Brickfields is India in miniature. All these territories peacefully coexist with each other.
Double interpretation of laws
The official language is Malay, but Chinese, English, Indian and Tamil are widely spoken. We must pay tribute to the Indians: by choosingMalaysia as a place of residence, they brought a number of customs and traditional beliefs not only from local Islam, but also from Hinduism. All this gradually had a significant impact on the formation of culture.
As for religion, everything is ambiguous here. There are many adherents of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Confucianism. Some even adhere to Christianity. However, most of the inhabitants are Muslims. That is why there is a pair system of laws: for professing Islam and for everyone else. It must be said that this approach is as tolerant as possible, since it does not provoke conflicts on religious grounds and gives certain freedom to representatives of different nationalities.
Ringgits instead of dollars
Malaysia's form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The country is divided into 13 states. Kuala Lumpur has the status of a federal territory. Monetary unit - ringgit, equal to an average of thirty cents. But this ratio is very arbitrary, because the country does not accept any other currency than its own. It is not possible to pay in dollars or euros even in the tourism sector. So you have to look for exchangers. Thankfully, it's not difficult. The only important thing is that on weekdays banks are open only until 4 pm, on Saturday - until noon, and on Sunday they are completely closed. Rubles are, of course, not in use here, so they will have to be converted into another currency in advance. Withdrawing money from the card is not very profitable due to the too high commission. But you can pay with plastic everywhere.
How to get there
Given the considerable distance fromRussia, there is no other way to get to Kuala Lumpur, except by air. But here the main problem awaits: there are no direct flights to these parts. A transplant, or even two, or even three, is what you need to be prepared for when planning a trip. Kuala Lumpur International Airport - small, modern and very busy - is located fifty kilometers from the city.
From Asian countries, flights will be fast and inexpensive. They arrive directly at Kuala Lumpur Airport. As a rule, Air Asia is responsible for them. Directions Singapore-Kuala Lumpur (as well as Indonesia or Thailand) can be overcome by train or even by bus. It will come out even cheaper, but will add more than one hour to the journey. For example, a Phuket-Kuala Lumpur trip will not be expensive, but long.
You can get to any district of the capital by taxi or public transport. A transfer that has not been agreed in advance will cost around two thousand - in terms of Russian rubles.
In general, the public transport network is very well developed. Represented by buses, metro and monorails. You can take a taxi, but remember that at night you will have to pay twice as much.
Monorail runs only in the center of Kuala Lumpur, making it very convenient for a sightseeing tour. For the outskirts and suburbs, you will need an electric train that runs every half hour.
Kuala Lumpur underground metro. It is represented by two lines, tickets for which do not match. You need to present a ticket in the Kuala Lumpur metro at the exit too. This, as tourists note, causes somebewilderment.
Kuala Lumpur sightseeing buses are usually double-decker and are called Hop-On-Hop-Of. They cover more than forty city attractions and are maximally adapted to the needs of tourists. Once you have bought a ticket, you can drive around on it during the current day, get off at any stop, explore the surroundings, and then get back on the same marked bus and continue your journey. Quite affordable service - car rental. It is allowed to be driven by persons from 23 to 60 years old who have an international driver's license.
Visa regime
The country belongs to the category of partially free entry. Those traveling here for a week or two do not need a visa. It is necessary to fill out a migration card, have with you the amount of $ 500, a return air ticket and a passport valid for six months in advance. This free regime is limited to thirty days of stay. Those planning to stay in Malaysia for a longer time will have to obtain a visa from the embassy. A single document is issued for two months. If necessary, it can be extended later. Processing time - up to a week, consular fee - ten dollars.
Work and student visas to Kuala Lumpur are somewhat more complicated. They will have to be opened exclusively in the host country. Entry is allowed on tourist grounds, but with an invitation to study or work.
To live is not to grieve
Since the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed, it will not be difficult to find housing. The peculiarity of most Malaysian hotels is that when checking in from tourists, a cash deposit is required - as a sign that the property will remain safe and sound. If all conditions are met, the money will be returned in full. The best recognized hotels in Kuala Lumpur in the area of the "golden triangle" and the central zone. You can call Star Points, Sheraton Imperial, Prescott Medan. The most budget housing is located in the Chinatown area. Many tourists in their reviews note that when visiting the city, it is worth considering the fact that in a number of hotels breakfast is not included in the price, and alcoholic drinks may not be on the menu at all. And one more thing: during the rainy season, prices drop significantly, if not catastrophically.
Summer all year round
The country is located in the equatorial belt, which explains the hot and moderately humid climate. Year-round air temperature is around plus 28 degrees. The main part of the rains falls in the spring (from February to May) and in the autumn months (mainly October - December). True, they are quite short-lived and usually occur at night. Moreover, even if you get wet through, you won’t be able to freeze and catch a cold here.
The weather has no bad nature
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is surrounded on almost all sides by centuries-old tropical forests. That is why the local flora and fauna are rich and diverse. Exotic trees and plants grow here in huge quantities: nyatoh, kapur, chengal, merbau, various palm trees and lianas. A rafflesia flower isone of the largest on the planet: its diameter can reach one meter.
Rhinoceros and elephants, deer and monkeys, gaura and sambar bulls, unique clouded leopards and tapirs are found in the surrounding forests. And there are no more than five hundred individuals left on earth at all.
Malays pay special attention to National parks. For example, in the Central Park of the capital, you can count up to sixty types of palm trees. And the Lake Park is an untouched virgin jungle. Zoo "Negara" is known far beyond the borders of the country. And the capital itself, despite globalization and industrialization, is buried in greenery and flowers.
Skyscrapers, mosques and the Garden of Light
What to see in Kuala Lumpur? The city plays a huge role in the cultural life of the whole country. It not only houses leading scientific and educational institutions, but also has many cultural institutions - museums, libraries, galleries. And there are many other sights of Kuala Lumpur that are simply breathtaking. Let's talk about some of them.
The skyscrapers of Petronas in Kuala Lumpur are a vivid confirmation of this. Being the tallest buildings in the world until the beginning of the 2000s, they stagger the imagination. Built in the style of postmodernism, as conceived by the architects, the Kuala Lumpur towers express the philosophy of the East. Inside there are scientific centers, galleries, an oceanarium and a philharmonic society. At a height of two hundred meters between the floors, there is a glass bridge that serves as an observation deck.
Within walking distance is the Palace of Sultan Abdul-Samad. The pompous building connectstwo architectural styles - Moorish and Victorian. Its greatness is very often mentioned by tourists in their positive reviews. It is no coincidence that the Ministry of Culture is located inside.
Independence Square - the concentration of cultural and administrative buildings. A huge landscaped field is intended for solemn meetings, parades and demonstrations in honor of the country's independence from British rule. It was at this place that the Malaysian flag was first raised to a height.
Another observation deck is located in the Menara TV tower. Thanks to the bright night illumination, the TV tower has earned the nickname "Garden of Light".
The mosques of Jamek and Negara are symbols of Islamic culture, charming in appearance.
The Royal Palace is the visiting card of the capital and the official residence of the king. Magnificent architecture and unique landscapes on an area of nine hectares attract many tourists to it. You can take a look at how the foot and horse guards of honor at the front gate are replaced every day at noon. Inside, of course, entry is prohibited.
Also worth seeing are Tien Hou and Sri Mahamariamman Temples, Vilayat Persecutuan Mosque, Parliament Building and National Museum.
Dance of the Fireflies and Butterfly Farm
As tourists note in their reviews of Kuala Lumpur, there are many natural attractions in the city and its environs. One of the most important - the Batu caves - the most famous Hindu world shrine. Limestone sculptures date back to four hundred thousand years. The temple complex consists of thirty caves, of which only four are recognized as the main ones - Ramayana, Light, Dark and Villa. Tourists from all over the world always come here to touch the shrine, as many beliefs and legends are associated with this attraction.
Bujang Valley is one of the ancient archaeological sites. The finds of recent decades indicate that once a large shopping center was located in these places. Scattered everywhere are the ruins of Buddhist and Hindu temples - Kandi. There are more than fifty of them, each of which is a spiritual symbol of these places.
As already mentioned, the National Parks are the pride of the capital. There are more than a dozen of them: a park of deer, birds, butterflies, orchids and even fireflies. The latter, according to tourists, is a unique local phenomenon. The fireflies have taken to the mangroves in the Selangor River valley, putting on a magnificent light show in the evening and even perched on their hands.
Shopping Mania
The city of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) has a well-developed market network. Markets are both daytime and evening, trading until the morning. The abundance of goods on them is beyond words - you can buy anything! It is especially worth noting the markets of Chinatown - the best place to buy unusual souvenirs and taste a wide range of street food.
Besides them, there are many shops and shopping centers. Suria KLCC is one of the most fashionable and expensive. Pavillion KL is included in the middle price segment and, along with luxury brands, offersitems from local producers. Berjaya Times Square is one of the top world's largest trading platforms. Low Yat Plaza is famous for inexpensive appliances, and Karyaneka for handicrafts and memorabilia.
Sales in Malaysia are comparable to those in Europe - you just need to catch them in time. Some stores have discounts of up to seventy percent.
Memorial souvenir
Many tourists always want to take a lot of memorable photos and buy various souvenirs during trips to other countries in order to give them to relatives and friends and leave them as a memory of the trip. What to bring from Malaysia? Various knick-knacks and folk art goods with the symbols of the country - pens, magnets, mugs, plates and T-shirts. Wooden objects - spoons, ashtrays, animal figurines, masks. It is impossible to pass by figurines and utensils made of tin - after all, thanks to him, the city arose. But, if you want something unusual and original, you should pay attention to fabrics and especially batik. Hand painting on fabric is extremely common here. It can be found both on home and formal clothes, scarves and shawls, tablecloths and napkins, as well as on larger items, such as bed linen. Spices and aromatic oils are popular.
Travel with taste
Malay cuisine has absorbed elements of Chinese, Indian and Portuguese gastronomy. This is a real cocktail of dishes and recipes. At the heart of each unconditionally lies rice or "nasi", as the Malays themselves call it. It is prepared in a variety of ways - soar,boiled, fried, stewed. Everything that is added after has the prefix lauk, that is, an additive. The locals love spices: tamarind, curry, lemongrass, chili and ginger. Pork is quite rare: do not forget that the vast majority of the inhabitants are Muslims, but seafood is on a special note here.
Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal, so it is the morning menu of gastronomic establishments that impresses with its generosity. “Nasi lemak” is considered traditional - rice stewed in coconut milk with the addition of anchovies, quail eggs and fried peanuts, and “bubur” porridge. Of the soups, it is worth appreciating “laksu” - all the same coconut milk, rice noodles and meat ingredient, “soto ayam” based on curry and “kambing” from goat meat. Banana leaf dishes are popular.
For dessert, you can try rice ice cream, deep-fried bananas - pisang goreng or chestnuts, exotic fruit rojak or sweet grilled shrimp.
Speaking of fruits. They are in abundance in these places. You won’t surprise anyone with bananas, mangoes and coconuts, but rabmbutan, mangosteen and durian are quite.
Tea and coffee are usually drunk with the addition of condensed milk and spices. Local beer is popular, but alcohol is not very welcome here and is served, as a rule, only in expensive restaurants.
Tgs Nasi Kandar, Songket, Ploy and Bijan are among the best gourmet establishments. At Seri Melayu, you can witness a real cooking show, and at the revolving Atmosphere 360° restaurant, you can dine at a height of three hundred meters andadmire the panorama of the city through the glass walls.
Living bright
The city of Kuala Lumpur, despite the seriousness of the capital, has a lot of a wide variety of entertainment. Genting Highlandsee, located on a hill, equipped with a cable car and offers recreation for every taste - from horseback riding and carousels to sledding and snowman making - and this is in the height of summer! And the huge water park "Sunway Lagoon" will not leave indifferent neither children nor adults.
Holidays in Malaysia are celebrated colorfully and brightly. At the beginning of summer, there are widespread celebrations of the King's Birthday, marked by a parade, processions, presentation of prizes and awards to particularly distinguished residents. At the end of August, Independence Day surprises with no less grandiose scale. National dates include the Chinese New Year, the Hindu festival Thaipusam, Holy Friday before Easter, Hari Raya Pussa - the end of the holy Ramadan and Deepavali - the Festival of Lights.
Take note
Given that the country adheres to Islamic traditions, tourists should be prepared for some restrictions. When visiting temples, you are required to take off your shoes. Men are not allowed to wear short shorts. There is a special conversation about women - you will have to give up overly open clothes and miniskirts. You can’t show feelings in public and drink alcohol in public, even if it’s beer. Do not indulge in a discussion of religious topics, stroke someone on the head or point a finger at a person - it will be perceived as a personal insult. Byfor the same reason, you should not take food with your left hand, and even more so, pass something to someone.
Pink carriages in transport are only for the female population. A man who accidentally or unknowingly falls into them will be ridiculed and even fined.
About household: it is better to drink bottled water, wash your hands with soap, often and thoroughly, and do not neglect vaccinations against hepatitis and malaria. Medicine in the country is excellently developed, but all services are quite expensive.
It is forbidden to import weapons, goods with Israeli symbols and things with quotes from the Koran. For the export of plants or animals, gold bars and antiques, you can get a hefty fine. Distribution of drugs is punishable by death.
In general, the country, like the capital, has a low crime rate and friendly locals.
In a word, Kuala Lumpur is a city that is definitely worth seeing. It is not for nothing that he regularly gets into the top of the best Asian cities for business, investment, shopping and recreation. Everyone who has ever been here is overwhelmed with impressions and positive emotions. Tourists say that if the opportunity presents itself, they will definitely come to Kuala Lumpur again.
