Kuala Lumpur holidays

Kuala Lumpur (or ‘KL’ to locals) has come a long way since beginnings as a tin mining town, the name actually means ‘muddy estuary’ in Malay. The city of Kuala Lumpur is a cultural melting pot which is today experiencing a renaissance with many new buildings, restaurants, excellent shopping and vibrant streets.

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Top things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Ancient and modern Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or 'KL' to locals, has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a tin mining town; the name actually means 'muddy estuary' in Malay. It is the largest and fastest growing city in the country, and the huge Petronas Towers twin skyscrapers that dominate the skyline demonstrate the city's ambition. The Central Market is at the heart of the city, a famous landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage. Built in 1888 it originally functioned as a wet market, but today tourists visit for its stalls selling handicrafts, art, songket fabric, batik cloth and souvenirs. The National Monument, the Sultan Abdul Samad government buildings, Independence Square, the Selangor Club and Istana Negara (the King’s Palace) all give a glimpse into the city's past. For a more contemporary take on the city, the Annexe Gallery, located at the back of Central Market, is a popular venue for events such as film screenings and art exhibitions.

Discover the Batu Caves

A short drive north from Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves encompass three large caves and a few smaller ones, set in a limestone cliff face. The largest, known as Cathedral Cave, is reached by a climb up 272 steps, and features a significant Hindu shrine. The caves attract many tourists from Kuala Lumpur, but are also an important pilgrimage site for the Hindu community, and the centre for the annual Thaipusam festival.

Visit the elephant conservation centre

Located outside Kuala Lumpur in Krau Wildlife Game Reserve, the National Elephant Conservation Centre at Kuala Gandah was founded in 1989 and takes its name from the Kuala Gandah stream within the reserve. Prior to this, the staff operated a mobile team with a temporary base at the Jengka Pusat plantation. Today, the centre aims to ensure the protection and management of the elephants and their habitat, enhance the public's knowledge, awareness and support for elephant conservation, and manage the centre for research, education and eco-tourism. Come into close contact with these magnificent animals, and learn more about the conservation programme and its objectives. There are opportunities to feed the elephants under the supervision of the local rangers, who are also on hand to explain more about the protection and conservation of the Asian elephant.