Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur

Little India

Kuala Lumpur's own Little India is found along Masjid India Street which is near Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. A short stretch of Indian shops are the trademark of this place, retailing traditional Indian goods such as milk, breads, flower garlands and Bollywood music.

While Indian music blasts away on the street, visitors can soak in the colourful sights on the street. For those who want to wet their taste buds; there are many eateries along the street for you to choose from, which enable you to try authentic Indian food and sip some 'Teh Tarik', a local tea that is popular with all races.

A riot of colours, from the saris hanging from shops to the snacks and sweetmeats on sale from roadside stalls. Little India is a treasure house of sights, sounds and aromas, Find fresh milk, various Indian breads and delicious mouth-watering fare from the numerous eateries. What better opportunity to sample Indian cuisine at really affordable prices.

KL's Little India is to be found in the older section of the city on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Jalan Masjid India is the main street of Little India and the whole place is delightfully reminiscent of a Middle Eastern bazaar with the arrangement of its shops and items on sale.

National Museum

The National Museum or Muzium Negara is located just outside the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, and is Malaysia's main museum. The building itself is a mix of traditional Malay and modern architecture, built in 1963. Outside, a restored old railway train greets visitors along with other old transportation vehicles such as the very first Proton Saga car, bullock carts and a vintage automobile.

The museum consists of two wings that house a variety of exhibits, dioramas and galleries which include historical relics and artifacts, cultural items, arts and handicrafts, flora and fauna, weapons and currencies. From time to time, there are special theme exhibitions to educate and enthrall visitors.

National Library

The National Library in Jalan Tun Razak is a repository for locally-written and international books of an academic nature. The library is most often used by avid readers, students and researchers as a resource centre. The library, which has several floors, divides its collection of more than 6,500 books into Malaysiana, Rare Collection, Manuscripts, Serials, General, Media Resources, United Nations and National Collections. Other facilities include a photographic studio and web browsing stations.

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery located along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin was established in the former Majestic hotel, which itself is a historical building built in 1932. It houses a number of galleries that range from permanent exhibits to temporary ones. The permanent collection amounts to over 2,500 art pieces, featuring the work of local and international artists. From time to time, educational programmes, workshops, competitions and seminars are organised.

Royal Selangor

The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is located in Setapak where visitors can see how pewter is manufactured and turned into intricate handicrafts. Established more than a century ago, Selangor Pewter is world-renowned for its beautifully-crafted pewter items that have won several international awards. At the centre, you can also glimpse how fine jewelry is made in the factory besides pewter products.

National Mosque

The National Mosque is located near the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. Opened in 1965, the mosque is elegantly designed with contemporary interpretations of traditional Islamic art and calligraphy. Its unique feature is the umbrella-like roof which is cast in a blue hue. Visitors are required to remove their shoes as well as dress appropriately before entering.

Addition Note: Only Muslims are allowed in the main prayer hall. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Modest dressing is a must for all visitor - no shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops allowed. Women are advised to cover their heads with a veil when entering the mosque. The mosque is busy at prayers times, particularly during Friday prayers when the mosque is packed to the the brim, so visitors are advised to plan their visits around these prayer times.

Kampung Baru

The oldest Malay residential area in Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Bahru is about ten minutes away from Chow Kit Market. Founded in 1899 there are still authentic traditional Malay wooden houses there, a sharp contrast to the concrete houses and high-rise apartments of Kuala Lumpur. On Saturday evenings, one section of Kampung Bahru is a hive of activity with the Pasar Minggu, or Sunday Market. Starts from 6 p.m. on Saturday evenings and ends in the wee hours of Sunday morning at 1 a.m

This market has a totally Malay feel to it, and this is obvious in the style of jewellery and clothes, the fabrics, the handicrafts and aromas of Malay cooking