Travel guide – kuala lumpur
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Overview
Kuala Lumpur is the bustling capital city of Malaysia and its showpiece of prosperity and grandeur. Kuala Lumpur means 'muddy estuary', a name coined by the original tin prospectors who arrived at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers in 1860. Kuala Lumpur has progressed considerably since then as can be witnessed in the reflections of the glittering skyscrapers elegantly rising between the well-preserved colonial buildings of yesteryear.
This blend of old and new worlds, interspersed with the diverse influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural lifestyles, makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets. An orientation of Kuala Lumpur is best begun from Merdeka Square, the heart of the city. To the southeast of the square is the modern business centre and the bustling streets of Chinatown. The picturesque National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and impressive Railway Station can be located to the south and beyond them to the west is the city's green belt. The tranquil and lush Lake Gardens provides some respite from the frenetic activity of the city. The National Museum (Muzim Negara), the National Monument and the Malaysian Parliament are also found on this stretch.
Climate
Kuala Lumpur has a hot, tropical climate with heavy rain storms occuring throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings. Day time temperatures can reach the mid-30s.
Health
Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, which has no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is an all-year risk. Since April 2005 there has been a severe outbreak of typhoid in Kelantan. Dysentery and travellers' diarrhoea afflict travellers in Malaysia; visitors should stick to bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. There were outbreaks of bird flu in 2004 in poultry in the Kelantan State, but no human infections have been reported. Although the risk is very low, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. An outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in 2006 has spread across Sarawak and Sabah; children are particularly susceptible and several schools and day care centres have been closed. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
The basics
Getting Around
The hot and humid streets of Kuala Lumpur are usually jammed with traffic, even on the pavements. The easiest way to get around, therefore, is on the five different commuter train routes, each operated by a different company. The KL Monorail is the one that serves the main shopping and hotel districts, while the Putra LRT serves Chinatown. Fares are reasonable and the trains are very frequent on all routes, which operate from about 5.30am to midnight. City buses are hot, crowded and totally unreliable. Taxis can be hailed at the roadside or found at most obvious locations outside hotels, shopping centres and the like. Metered fares rise steeply between midnight and 6am, and drivers sometimes raise the price during peak hour or in bad weather.
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