World City Guide

Key Attractions

Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque)
The Friday Mosque, the city’s oldest built in 1909, is situated astride the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers (at the point where the first Europeans scrambled ashore) and is one of the most stunning and popular sights in the city. The best time to visit is at sunset or during the muezzin’s call to prayer, which echoes around the ornate domes and palm trees, lending the mosque an air of calm amongst the skyscrapers. When visiting any of Kuala Lumpur’s mosques, it is essential to dress conservatively and remove footwear.

Jalan Tun Perak
Tel: (03) 2691 2829.
Transport: Masjid Jamek LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1330 and 1430-1800.
Admission: Free.

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
In complete contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque is a modern mosque, built in 1965, which gleams every bit as brilliantly as any of Kuala Lumpur’s skyscrapers. The main dome is moulded in the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central Pillars of Islam. The huge main prayer hall can hold up to 10,000 worshippers, although this section of the mosque is closed to non-worshippers. To the rear is a mausoleum holding the remains of some of Malaysia’s most revered sons.

Jalan Perdana
Tel: (03) 2693 7784.
Transport: Pasar Seni LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1200, 1500-1600 and 1730-1830.
Admission: Free; visitors are not allowed during prayer times.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Veteran train traveller and writer Paul Theroux summed up this unique building when he called it ‘the grandest station in South East Asia’. The 1911 Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is an extraordinary architectural mlange – a kind of Walt Disney meets Moorish British colonialism. The riot of minarets, towers, arches and spires make starting or ending a journey here, or even just visiting the station, a breathtaking pleasure. Sadly, InterCity trains no longer stop at the station, although it is still serving as a refuelling stop and passenger pick-up point for the grand Eastern and Oriental Express. Making a special trip to see this luxurious locomotive pull in, fill its water tanks and ease out again is a memorable experience.

Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
Tel: (03) 2274 7410.
Website: www.keretapi.com/the-kuala-lumpur-railway-station.html
Transport: Pasar Seni LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

Central Market
The blue and pink pastel Art Deco Central Market was built in 1936 and spent many years as the home of the city’s largest fresh produce market. Since 1986, the needs of tourism have taken over and the market has 130 arts and crafts shops with batik, pottery, woodcarvings and basketry amongst the highlights, as well as regular cultural performances on the riverside stage. Mercifully, some authentic Malaysian food outlets have managed to survive alongside the tourist-orientated eateries.

Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: (03) 2274 9966.
Transport: Central Market LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2200.
Admission: Free.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
For those with even a passing interest in Islamic art, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an essential stop. Domestic Islamic architectural styles are well covered across the three floors of museum space and there are also scale models of the Taj Mahal and the Amir Timur Mausoleum. The Ottoman Room contains various artefacts from the days when this powerful Islamic empire threatened the gates of Vienna and the rest of Western Europe. The Al-Quran and Manuscripts Gallery boasts over 200 Islamic manuscripts.

Jalan Lembah Perdana
Tel: (03) 2274 2020. Fax: (03) 2274 0529.
E-mail: info@iamm.org.my
Website: www.iamm.org.my
Transport: Seni LRT.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission: RM8, concessions available.

Petronas Towers
Since their opening in 1997, the Petronas Towers has become one of the city’s main symbols. It is the world’s tallest building, looming into the heavens and often lost in cloud when the afternoon thunderstorms rumble in. Standing 452m (1,483ft) and 88 storeys high, the building (designed by Cesar Pelli) consists of two similarly shaped towers joined by a 58m (192ft) Skybridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, which is open to visitors wanting to survey the city skyline. Petronas have also opened a new Science Discovery Centre packaged as PETROSAINS, which provides a fun and educational way for children to learn about both petroleum science and science in general.

Level 4, Suria KLCC
Tel: (03) 2331 8181.
E-mail: info-petrosains@petronas.com.my
Website: www.petrosains.com
Transport: KLCC LRT station.
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 0930-1730, Sat and Sun 0930-1830 and Fri 1330-1700.
Admission: RM17.

Muzium Negara (National Museum)
Since 1963, the National Museum has been an essential stop for anyone interested in delving beyond the skyscrapers and discovering more about the rich history and culture of Malaysia. The exhibitions present the history of the country, while the building itself incorporates various different Malaysian architectural styles and craftwork from different parts of the nation, making the National Museum an embodiment of the many aspects of Malaysia.

Jalan Damansara
Tel: (03) 2282 6255. Fax: (03) 2282 7294.
E-mail: info@museum.gov.my
Website: www.museum.gov.my
Transport: Bangsar LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800.
Admission: RM1.

Tugu Negara (National Monument)
The National Monument (an impressive brass sculpture designed by an American, cast in Italy and erected in Kuala Lumpur in 1966) is one of the world’s largest free-standing sculptures. The heroic soldiers that it depicts were engaged in ‘The Emergency’ in the 1950s, when Malaysia battled with communist insurgents. The monument is currently under wraps, undergoing a renovation programme, and is due to re-open in 2004.

Jalan Tugu, off Jalan Parlimenn
Transport: Pasar Seni LRT station.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

Menara Kuala Lumpur
The onion-dome topped, needle-like Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world and it offers fantastic 360-degree panoramic views over the city from its 276-metre high observation deck. Built in 1996, the tower stands 421 metres tall and as this landmark sits atop a hill, it affords visitors unique vistas of the soaring Petronas Towers. Other facilities at the tower include a revolving restaurant, cafs and a souvenir shop.

Jalan Punchak
Tel: (03) 2020 5444. Fax: (03) 2034 2609.
E-mail: azhar@menarakl.com.my
Website: www.menarakl.com.my
Opening hours: 0900-2200.
Admission: RM15. Concessions available.