Due to its capacity as a primary gateway to the APAC region, the enigmatic city of Kuala Lumpur has long been perceived as a layover city. In fact, even the most seasoned business traveller visiting Kuala Lumpur might never have spent more than a few hours in this perplexing metropolis so rich with bold cultural contradictions.
Famed for its towering skyscrapers like the world-renowned Petronas Towers, it is actually their stark juxtaposition with the pockets of jungle dotted around the city that often leave explorers in a state of curious awe. Indeed, this bustling city is a fascinating fusion of modern metropolitanism, idiosyncratic British colonialism and magical Malaysian mysticism.
Boasting one of the healthiest economies in Southeast Asia, the Garden City of Lights’ colonial core of commerce, shopping and entertainment – the Golden Triangle – is a hugely popular area for those exploring Kuala Lumpur. Three roads border the Golden Triangle, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan – framing the city’s most lively and vibrant zone.
More than just the de facto Kuala Lumpur CBD, the Golden Triangle has a host of attractions for any business traveller visiting Kuala Lumpur, ranging from spectacular landmarks to sprawling shopping centres. Your definitive SilverDoor guide to visiting Kuala Lumpur takes you through the very best of what the city has to offer.
Jalan Alor
For those seeking an authentically Malaysian dining experience, Jalan Alor offers a veritable smorgasbord of top quality local cuisines and so much more. With street food spanning Kuala Lumpur’s almost incomparably diverse cultural spectrum, Jalan Alor deservedly dons the title of best hawker food in the city. A particular favourite of our SilverDoor team are the traditional Malaysian lok-lok carts. These offer delicious vegetable and meat skewers in a wide variety of sauces - perfect for eating on the go while exploring Kuala Lumpur.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Housing over 450 stores, Pavilion KL is a high-end, multi-award-winning mall of gigantic proportions located at the heart of the famous shopping area, Bukit Bintang. Visitors can immerse themselves in retail therapy to shake off any jetlag, relax in the spa, browse the local art exhibitions or sing their hearts out at the various karaoke bars within the complex. Alternatively, those visiting the Kuala Lumpur CBD will certainly enjoy the stunning decorations which adorn the interior of the mall during major holiday celebrations; especially during Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Petronas Twin Towers
While actually positioned just outside the Golden Triangle, the formidable Petronas Twin Towers are Kuala Lumpur’s defining landmarks. Standing at 1,483 feet tall the skyscrapers are the tallest twin structures in the world, and even held the outright record as the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. Perhaps their most striking feature is the two-story sky-bridge which connects the two at the 41st and 42nd floors. These buildings are an impressive representation of the city’s expedited urbanisation in recent years – a landmark not to be missed right in the Kuala Lumpur CBD.
Aquaria KLCC
Spanning 60,000 sq ft, Aquaria KLCC is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia and an attraction not to be missed. Supporting over 150 species of marine life – including sharks, turtles, rays and tropical fish – the hugely popular attraction takes those visiting Kuala Lumpur on a journey through Malaysia’s diverse marine fauna. Connecting the various spectacular viewing areas is the aquarium’s pièce de résistance, an unforgettable 90-metre underwater tunnel, where visitors can watch the feeding of stunning Sand Tiger Sharks and many more marine creatures.
Menara KL
The second-tallest building in Kuala Lumpur behind the Petronas Towers, Menara Kuala Lumpur (commonly known as the Kuala Lumpur Tower) is certainly the more aesthetically impressive landmark and arguably the more recognisable. Providing the ideal vantage point for those planning to explore Kuala Lumpur, the 900-foot high sky deck provides spectacular views of the entire city. Business travellers would be remiss not to pay a visit to the revolving Atmosphere 360 restaurant – the ideal spot to impress a prospective client. Visiting Kuala Lumpur on business? Check out our blog on business in Kuala Lumpur.
The economy in the Malaysian capital continues to soar, but Kuala Lumpur is much more than just a hive of commerce. Check out our extensive portfolio of serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur and visit this wonderful city in style.
