Cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur city guide

Brief History

Kuala Lumpur (derived from the Malay words for "Muddy River") was founded in 1857 by a group of Chinese tin prospectors. A thriving tin mine was established in the nearby jungle, and Kuala Lumpur became an important port for merchants interested in buying and selling the tin. Malaysia’s independence came in 1957, exactly a hundred years after the founding of its capital city.

Transportation

All flights to Kuala Lumpur, whether domestic or international, come into Kuala Lumpur International Airport which is located about 42 kilometers (27 miles) south of the city. KLIA is a large and very modern-looking structure that is considered one of the best airports in the world. There are several ways that visitors can get into town after their flights to Kuala Lumpur, including trains, buses, and taxis. The trains are usually the most recommended option, as they are much cheaper than taxis and take only 30 minutes to get passengers into the center of the city.

Like many neighboring cities in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is plagued by massive traffic jams. Fortunately, there is a new system of rapid transit that obviates the need for driving. Various systems, including a monorail, light rail, and commuter trains, link the various neighborhoods of the city. These systems are fairly reliable and efficient, and very inexpensive. There is also a hop-on/hop-off bus that takes tourists around to a number of different sites within the city. This is a convenient way to get around to major tourist destinations.

Popular Attractions

• The Kuala Lumpur railway station, often the first thing visitors see upon their arrival, is a beautiful example of an earlier architectural era. It has a kind of timeless elegance that makes it attractive to historically-inclined tourists.
• For many yeas, Petronas Tower, a double high-rise in Kuala Lumpur, was the tallest building in the world from 1998 to 2004. It now offers tours across the famous sky bridge, where you can get beautiful panoramic views of the city.
• The Royal Palace in Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful white-and-gold structure with surrounding gardens.
• The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a great place to see semi-wild birds. They will usually allow you to approach them, so you can get excellent pictures of beautiful exotic Asian birds.

Food

Malaysian culture is extremely proud of its food, and Kuala Lumpur is the best place in the world to get it (with the possible exception of Penang, an area near the border with Thailand). Cheap, authentic Malaysian food can be found at any of the ubiquitous roadside stalls that locals refer to as “Coffeeshops” – despite the fact that almost none actually serve coffee.

Tips for Travelers

• Many of the major tourist attractions, including Petronas Tower and the aquarium, are located in the Golden Circle neighborhood; this district is a great destination for tourists to spend an afternoon or a full day.