Kuala Lumpur, as it is locally known, is Malaysia’s hub; a huge, bustling, cosmopolitan city that is the business heart of the nation. Its very ethnic diversity is part of the attraction with Malays, Chinese, Indian and European cultures melting together on the tropical streets.

Often overlooked by many tourists, KL has a wealth of attractions, with the voluminous Petronas Twin Towers, at a height of 436m (1453ft), amongst the tallest buildings in the world. From the viewing level of the Towers the city unfolds with its old mosques and ramshackle buildings, contrasting with the gleaming skyscrapers that have sprouted as Malaysia has become one of the regional economic powerhouses. The Menara Kuala Lumpur is the tallest telecommunication tower in South-East Asia and the fourth-tallest in the world. Merdeka Square is at the very heart of old Malaysia, with the stunning highlight, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which bizarrely blends Victorian and Moorish architectural styles. The Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens are one of the city’s best known natural landmarks, a popular spot for picnics and walking. Within the gardens are Parliament House and the National Monument. The National Monument, an impressive brass sculpture, is one of the world’s largest free-standing sculptures.

Close by is the National Museum, which houses many historical exhibits. The building incorporates various different Malaysian architectural styles and craftwork from different parts of the nation, making it an embodiment of many aspects of the nation. Near the railway station is the National Mosque surrounded by lawns ornamented with fountains. This modern mosque, built in 1965, gleams every bit as brightly 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. Nearby is the old Chinese clan house of Chan See Yuen. Shopping and eating are other key attractions with retail opportunities, including everything from huge air-conditioned malls with bargains on many items, through to local handicrafts sold by the people who make them. KL has a smorgasbord of eating opportunities, with fine dining restaurants through to local eateries that showcase the finest culinary delicacies from all over Malaysia. Then there are the street markets, with food stalls, where some of the best and cheapest food is to be found for the adventurous. The Friday Mosque, situated astride the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers at the point where the first Europeans scrambled ashore, is the most stunning and popular sight 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 amidst the skyscrapers.

The Batu Caves lie a few miles to the north of the city. These large natural caves, reached by 272 steps, house the Hindu shrine of Lord Subramaniam. Nearby is the Museum Cave, a fascinating display of brightly coloured statues and murals from Hindu mythology. Templar Park, 22km (14 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, is a well-preserved tract of primary rainforest, which is rich in scenic beauty. Jungle paths, swimming lagoons and waterfalls all lie within the park boundaries. Malaysia’s latest agricultural park, located at Cherakah in Shah Alam, Selangor, has a large playing area with facilities for skateboarders and rollerskaters. The Forestry Research Institute, 15km northwest of KL, is a genuine example of ecotourism in that it is a stretch of jungle that has been protected and is now being used to study how this unique eco-system works. The centre also looks at ways of sustainable development and at ways of protecting this environment. There are a number of low eco impact trails that visitors can explore.