INTRODUCTION TO KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

The traditional heart of KL is Merdeka Square, near the confluence of the two rivers from which KL takes its name. Its 100m high flagpole clamed to be the world tallest, marks the square, in the heart of the old colonial district.

Southeast across the river, the banking district merges into Chinatown - a bustling area with a range of accommodation and a lively night market. The Masjid Negara (National Mosque) and the historic KL Train Station are south of Merdeka Square, west of which are the peaceful attractions of the Lake Gardens and Malaysian Parliament House.

East of Merdeka Square area is Masjid Jamek, at the intersection of the Star and Putra Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines. Jl Tun Perak, a major trunk road, leads east to the long distance transport hub of the country, the Puduraya bus station.

To the east of Puduraya bus station, around Jl Sultan Ismail and Jl Bukit Bintang, the Golden Triangle is the modern heart of the new KL, crowded with midrange and luxury hotels, shopping centres and office towers.