Kuala Lumpur -people often refer to it as simply KL- is the capital city of Malaysia. Moreover, it is the largest city in Malaysia with an estimated population of 1.73 million as of 2016. KL is likewise the country´s cultural, financial, and economic center. It is also one of the leading cities in the world for tourism and shopping. KL ranked 6th most-visited city in the world as of 2019. Malaysia prides itself on its tropical rainforests and serene beaches and its harmonious mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic influences. The country´s capital Kuala Lumpur houses busy commercial areas, including high-rise buildings, colonial sites, and skyscrapers like the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers or the Petronas Twin Towers, in Malay: Menara Petronas, or Menara Berkembar. Petronas undoubtedly, makes the pride of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. They took the name of the Malaysian oil and gas company of the same name Petronas.
The Twin Towers are 452 meters high, spread over 88 floors, and count not less than 76 elevators. A sky bridge connects the twin towers to each other at the levels of the 41st and 42nd floors. The upper floors host offices for several renowned international companies. While the lower floors accommodate over 300 department and retail stores. On top, are recreation and entertainment spaces, prayer service premises, as well as a concert hall. And, naturally, cafes, restaurants, and food stalls.
Outside the buildings, is the KLCC Park, which includes jogging trails and a playground. Petronas was the tallest building in the world from 1998 before Taipei 101 surpassed them in 2004. They remain however the tallest “twin towers” in the world and the tallest buildings in Malaysia. Petronas Twin Towers are one of the major landmarks of Kuala Lumpur, along with the nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower, and are visible from many places across the city.
Thaipusam Temple, Selangor, Malaysia
Batu Caves is a Hindu holy site in Gombak, Selangor; about 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Its name originates from the Malay word “batu”, which means rock. The site was first known as “Kapal Tanggang”. Which in turn took its name from the local legend of Si Tanggang.
The holy site consists of several caves, formed by limestone rock and corridors connecting them. Many tend to believe they are about 400 million years old. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of the Tamil festival Thaipusam in Malaysia.
The main cave is also known as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. At its front, stands a reinforced concrete made, gold painted about 43-meter-high sculpture dedicated to Murugan. Behind the sculpture, a staircase with 272 steps leads to the temple. Nowadays, the site is one of the most popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur. The area is also houses a huge number of macaques, which steal everything from tourists in the hope of food.
Malacca City, Melaka/Malacca
Malacca (Malay: Melaka) is also called “The Historic State”; Malay: “Bandar Raya Bersejarah”. It occupies the land between Negeri Sembilan to the north and west and Johor to the south. The state´s capital is Malacca City. At around 148 km southeast of Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur. UNESCO listed the city´s historical center as a World Heritage Site in 2008. Until the conquest of the city by the Portuguese in 1511, the Sultan led Malacca.
Nowadays, a Governor instead heads the state. The economy of Malacca City is largely based on tourism. Furthermore, the city, being located along the Maritime benefits from the Silk Road that China initiated in 2013. This refers to the “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) initiative which Chinese President Xi Jinping launched at the time. Nowadays, Malacca is famous for its unique history and is one of the major tourist destinations in Malaysia. Some of the main tourist attractions in Malacca City are Porta de Santiago, Jonker Walk, Little India, Portuguese Settlement, Christ Church, Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, and Taming Sari Tower.
