Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavours and culinary styles offering the uninitiated an endless gastronomic adventure. It comprises three main groups- Malay, Chinese and Indian with each having its own distinct style of cooking. There are also cuisines that have evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities.
Western cuisine, especially Continental and Mediterranean fare, are also available in the major cities. Indeed, Malaysia as a meeting place of both eastern and western cultures, has produced a most diverse culinary melting pot.
For the visitor who is interested in dining out, Kuala Lumpur will prove to be a unique experience both in terms of the array of culinary delights as well as in the wide choice of settings. You can dine out as posh hotel restaurants, elegant chaim restaurants, chic sidewalk cafes, delicatessens or eat out at the many hawker stalls till the wee hours of the morning.
Malay Cuisine- Malay cuisine is rich and spicy arising from the use of hard spices and wet spice mixture of rempah and coconut milk. Malay cuisine varies from region to region. Kelantanese cuisine, akin to Thai cooking for example, has a sweetish taste due to liberal use of coconut milk and sugar in cooking. On the other hand, the cuisine of Kedah is spicier due to the influence of Indians who arrived here centuries ago during the spice trade.
For the adventurous, there is an array of popular Malay dishes to tantalise their taste buds. A favourite with Malaysians is nasi lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk served with anchovies, squid, eggs, cucumber and sambal (chili paste). An East Coast favourite is nasi dagang, fragrant unpolished glutinous rice steamed with coconut milk and served with tuna fish curry.
Nasi Kerabu, another rice-based dish native to Kelantan, is served with local herbs and salted fish. A Malay banquet would not be complete without the ever popular satay, skewered chicken or beef marinated in spices, then grilled over charcoal fire. It is served with peanut gravy, rice cubes, cucumber and onions.
Chinese Cuisine- A wide variety of Chinese cuisine is available in Kuala Lumpur. Among the popular styles of cooking are those of the Cantonese, Hokkien, Hainanese, Hakka and Szechuan communities. Generally, Chinese is mild in flavour but local influence has given it a slightly spicier taste. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are elevenses where dim sum (steamed snacks) is served. Apart from hotel outlets and large chain reataurants, Chinese food is also available in most coffe shops around KL.
Nyonya Cuisine- Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine evolved out of a unique blend of Mlaay and Chinese cooking styles. It is characterised by sweet, sour, spicy and pungent flavours. Typical dishes include otak-otak (fish meat marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) and itik tim (duck with salted vegetables). The cuisines is best tried in Nyonya restaurants which have become popular in recent years.
Indian Cuisine- Contrary to popular perception, Indian cuisine need not be searingly hot. Various spice blends are used in Indian cuisine to give a robust flavour to food but yoghurt almost always accompanies a meal at the end to cool down the tastebuds. Milder on the tastebuds are dishes such as kurma (mild meat curry) and tandoori chicken (chicken baked in clay oven).
Generally, Southern Indian cuisine is hotter than iys Northern Indian and Moghul counterparts and is characterised by the heavy use of cream, meat-based dishes and naan breads. Indian-Muslim cuisine is another local favourite one ought to try while in KL. Popular dishes include fish-head curry, murtabak (pancake with spiced meat mixture) and mee goreng (fried noodles).
International Cuisine- Foreign visitors will be pleasantly surprised to discover the abundance of international cuisine available in KL. Restaurants serving international cuisine can usually be found in major hotels as well as in the vicinity of Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang and Bangsar where there is a sizeable expatriate community.
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12. Shopping
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur promises variety, value and convenience. There is a bewildering range of shopping establishments catering for every taste and budget, which includes modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, hypermarkets, shopping arcades, specialty stores, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and nightmarkets. Among the items high on the shopping list of tourists are pewter, batik, duty-free items, electrical products, pret-a-porter attire, sportswear and handicrafts.
A novel experience for overseas visitors is the night markets or ‘pasar malam’ which begin their trading activities in the late afternoon. These open-air markets feature hawker stalls that sell a variety of local produce, foodstuff, clothing and cakes. Haggling is a common practice. Street artists and traditional medicine vendors are an entertaining sight here.
The shopping carnival, an annual sale held in October/ November in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia is an opportune time to pick up great bargains.
There are several principal shopping precincts in the city. The most popular is the area bounded by Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi in the vicinity of the hotel belt. Other popular areas are Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Cheng Lock, Petaling Street, Jalan H.S. Lee and Bangsar.
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13. Jalan Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is indisputably one of the city’s foremost shopping districts offering a multitude of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. The cities major shopping outlets are located in this area namely Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Lot 10, Starhill Plaza and Kuala Lumpur Plaza.
• Bukit Bintang Plaza One of KL’s oldest shopping centres, Bukit Bintang Plaza still attracts the crowds with its offering of local and international goods comprising clothes, fashion and of local and international goods comprising clothes, fashion accessories, footwear, sports goods, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical products, computers and furniture.
• Sungei Wang Plaza. Integrated with the adjacent Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza is a magnet for all shoppers in the city. This perennially popular shopping centre houses many retail outlets offering an incredible assortment of goods catering for all tastes and budgets.
• Low Yat Plaza Shopping Centre. A stylish and well-integrated shopping mall, Low Yat Plaza jons the cream of favourite retail and entertainment establishments in the heart of Bukit Bintang offering a spectrum of fashion, food and family recreation as well as thematic concepts. The conceptual themes encompasses BB Chinatown and Computer City which offers the latest in computer paraphernalias. Alongside Low Yat Plaza is the reintroduction of BB Park which brings to life the wonderful yester-years and fond memories. BB Park features an outdoor beer garden, pizzaria, a food village, a tantalizing menu of local and international cuisines, local handicraft stalls and a potpourri of cultural performances nightly!.
• Imbi Plaza. Located beside Sungei Wang Plaza along Jalan Imbi, this is the place for those who are interested in computer hardware and software. Take your time to check out the latest computer products at the numerous shops here.
• Lot 10. This huge shopping mall with its distinctive green and blue striped façade caters to upmarket shoppers. Shoppers will have no problem finding their favourite branded designer items. Isetan is the anchor tenant.
• Starhill Plaza Adjacent to JW Marriot Hotel, Starhill Plaza is a stylish building with marble flooring and gilded banisters. It has six floors of retail outlets, mostly exclusive boutiques with the Tangs Department Store as the anchor tenant.
• Kuala Lumpur Plaza Sandwiched between Lot 10 and Starhill Plaza, KL Plaza is a good place to shop for exclusive watches, travelling bags, designer shoes and jewellery. Tower Records the huge music retail outlet located here is a treasure trove of audio-visual items for music buffs.
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14. Jalan Raja Chulan/ Jalan Conlay
Close to KL Tower, the Weld is known for its fashionable boutiques, optical shops, textile retail outlets and perfumeries.
.Complex Budaya Kraf
A handicraft complex at Jalan Conlay, it houses top names in local handicrafts. Here, you can look out for that chic batik outfit, ponder over the variety of home décor items, or delight in finding the perfect gift to bring back home! On the ground floor of the complex, you can dabble in some paints and wax to create your own batik piece. At the far end of the landscaped grounds is the artists’ colony where you can see artists at work or buy their paintings. The complex is equipped with visitor facillities, including telephone booths and a restaurant.
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15. Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
This stretch of road is flanked on both sides by pre-war buildings whose interesting facades have been preserved and re-adapted for modern businesses, mostly retailing. Walk through the archways of these shops for an immersion into a shopping and cultural experience that goes back several decades. Major shopping centres within this area are:
• Sogo
A major landmark along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Sogo Department Store is modern and well patronised for its quality goods. The selective tenant mix includes fashion boutiques, house-hold furnishing, shoes stores, travel agencies, gift shops, cosmetic counters, jewellers and restaurants.
• Nightmarkets
Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic between 5pm-10pm every Saturday and transforms into a night market where petty traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods in the open air. The nightmarket offers visitors an interesting place to walk through and perhaps pick up some casual attire, local products, clothing as well as sample some local delicacies.
• Jalan Masjid India Running parallel to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, this street is lined by shops selling Indian items such as sarees, sandlewood oil, bangles, silver anklets, gold jewellery, brassware and Indian silver tableware. Other items include religious materials, handicrafts, herbs and perfumed oils.
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16. Jalan Ampang/ Jalan Tun Razak
Located within KL’s diplomatic enclave the Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak area is served by prestigious shopping complexes that boast international names as well as quality local products. Shoppers looking for upmarket merchandise will find numerous outlets here.
• Suria KLCC Located in the ultra-modern Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) the Suria Shopping Complex tops the list as one of the city’s trendiest and classiest shopping complex. Bright and cheery with a stylised logo of the sun from which it gets its name, Suria'’ neighbour is the majestic Petronas TWin Towers, currently the tallest in the world. Within the Suria’s gleaming multi-level floors are specialty shops, department stores, fashion boutiques, designer fashion houses, jewellers and duty-free shops bursting with an enormous range of products.
• Ampang Park Shopping Complex. Situated across the road from City Square and Ampang Plaza, the Ampang Park Shopping Complex is one of KL’s earliest shopping centres. This is reflected in the fine and extensive assortment of goods and services offered, of which photographic items, costume accessories and apparel appeal to its shoppers.
• City Square Comprising a hotel, office building and shopping complex, City Square caters for the varied needs of the modern shopper. The shopping complex is situated at the bustling junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak. Within its 2 milion sq ft of commercial area is a wide range of shops which include beauty salons, art galleries, exclusive boutiques and travel agencies.
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17. Jalan Sultan/ Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
• UDA-Ocean
Located near the Klang Bus Station, it offers a wide range of apparel, shoes, handbags and textiles at reasonable prices.
• S&M Plaza.
Located along the intersection of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Jalan Cheng Lock, this complex is another attraction of KL’s Chinatown with its many little shops offering a variety of goods from hair ornaments to clothing, textiles, shoes and handbags. There are also gift shops, music shops, bookshops and toy stores.
• Sinarkota.
Easily accesible from the Pudu Raya bus station, Sinarkota showcase a full range of quality goods from luggage to household products, children’s paraphernalia, shoes, pharmaceutical products, watches, textiles and accessories.
• Petaling Street (Chinatown) Located at the heart of KL’s bustling Chinatown, Petaling Street is the place to head for those who are interested in experiencing the excitement of bargaining for their purchases. Its popular night market is a daily feature. This is a good place to purchase Chinese artifacts like figurines, incense-holders, paintings, joss-sticks and bric-a-brac. Other interesting items include herbs for traditional remedies and sweetmeats. Aged craftsmen at work in their shophouses can be seen producing goods such as lanterns, tinware and calligraphy items along the streets. Shops here stock a variety of textiles, clothes, shoes and handbags. Petaling Street is also known for its jewellery shops with their fascinating variety of beautifully crafted gold items set with priceless gemstones.
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18. Jalan Cheng Lock/ Jalan Pudu
Within walking distance of the Pudu Raya bus station, the lively Jalan Cheng Lock area has become the focus of shoppers who like to enjoy a mixed range of retail establishments-from shopping complexes to pre-war shophouses. Go there for an absorbing atmosphere as well as for some wonderfull shopping.
• Kota Raya
In the vicinity of Chinatown, Kota Raya has a wide range of shoes, handbags, clothing and textiles.
• Central Market
Formely Kuala Lumpur’s principal ‘wet-market’, this bazaar-style arts and crafts centre offers a wide variety of works on sale by local artists and craftsmen. You can have your potrait sketched or browse through souvenirs on display or visit a traditional medicine shop.
• Shaw Parade
Located at Jalan Changkat Thamby Dollah in Pudu, Shaw Parade attracts a steady stream of shoppers with its range of photographic wquipment, videos, home décor and specialty items.
• Jalan Putra
- The Mall
Strategically located across the street from The Putra World Trade Centre and the Pan Pacific Hotel, its wide concourse and high atrium with a cascading on the fringes-located on the outer limits of the city are several other equally attractive shopping complexes. Among there are:
Alpha Angle: a selection of fashion apparel, shoes, travelling bags and household items.
Pearl Point: sports gear, optical goods, fashion apparel, shoes and travelling bags.
Plaza Phoenix: family shopping for value-for-money goods.
Leisure Mall: for photographic items, cosmetics, clothings, fabrics, paintings and household equipment.
The Mines Shopping Fair: a venetian inspired complex.
Midvalley Megamall a wide range of shops, department stores and a hypermarket are located here.
Glass roof makes the mall a magnet for shoppers. Its department store and supermarket. Active lifestyle stores, stocks a wide range of products.
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19. Bangsar – Jalan Maarof/ Jalan Telawi
• Bangsar
The affluent suburb of Bangsar has emerged in recent years as a popular shopping centre for its large expatriate community and the local residents. Bangsar is centrally located between the city and the municipality of Petaling Jaya, a mere 15-minute drive from the city centre. There are two modern shopping complexes, boutiques and attractively decorated shops selling a wide range of products such as antiques, furniture, textiles, cosmetics, household items, electrical goods and sports wear. Apart from shopping complexes, Bangsar’s appeal also lies in the wide choice of dining outlets and entertainment spots available, making it a magnet for social gatherings especially in the evening.
• Duty Free Shopping
Duty-free shops are found at most shopping complexes, at the KL International Airport, Sepang and near the National Museum. Best buys are Malaysian batik and handicrafts, chocolates, perfumes, coemetics, jewellery, pocket calculators, hi-fi items, audio equipment, watches, cameras, cigarettes and liquors.
• Hotel Shopping Arcades
A number of international standard hotels house shopping arcades catering to the needs of the discerning business and leisure travellers. These arcades offer a comprehensive selection of the latest designer goods from abroad as well as local designers. Apart from designer wear, custom made clothing and antiques are available. Gift shops, hair salons and travel agencies can also be found within these arcades.
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20. Nightlife
Kuala Lumpur offers exciting nightlife for those looking for relaxation. Besides local band international theatre shows and symphony orchestras, there is a wide variety of entertainment including live bands, jazz bands, strollers, dinner shows, cabaret, disco and karaoke lounges. It is best to refer to the entertainment section of local newspapers and check out the newsstand for entertainment publications for the latest on the nightscene. Entertainment establishments are plentiful along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan P. Ramlee, where there are numerous hotels. Nightlife in the city also thrives with the many pubs, streetcafes and bistros. Entertainment outlets close at 3am and three are stiff laws against drinking and driving.
Discotheques - Discotheques can be found in hotels but there are several independent ones, too. They are usually packed after 10pm and pulsate with activity on Friday, Saturday and even of public holidays.
Pubs and Bistros - Pubs and bistros offer a relaxed mood with live bands, drinks and snacks. Most pubs are open from late afternoon or evening and close at midnight. Barn Thai, Planet Hollywood, Benson & Hedges Bistro, TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) and Hard Rock Café which has been a hit with the locals since it arrived on the Malaysian scene. Bangsar Baru offers numerous choices and even an irish pub.
Cafes - Cafes, both indoor and streetcafes, are popular with the younger set and many trendy ones are found in Bangsar Baru as well as Bintang Walk located in Bukit Bintang.
Theatres - Theatre performances by local and foreign artistes have become popular with urbanites. The local theatre clubs are Dramalab, Actors Studio, Five Arts Centre and Instant Café. Please check the local newspaper for their performances.
Orchestras and Choirs - The National symphony orchestra and National Choir perform regularly at the Experimental Theatre located in Jalan Tun Ismail. Enquiries: 03-4025 2525. Other notable orchestras include the KL Symphony Orchestra and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra which is housed in the Petronas Philharmonic Hall at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Enquiries: 03-207 7007.
Cultural Shows - Cultural shows can be viewed at Central Market. Performances such as Bangsawan (Malay Traditional Theatre), Chinese Opera, Nadagam (Indian Traditional Theatre) start at 7.45 pm during weekends. Enquiries: 03-2274 6542 (10am-10pm). Cultural shows are also available at MATIC and at dinner restaurants such as Seri Melayu and Restoran Sri Putra.
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21. Museums
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22. National Museum (Damansara Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Located on the fringed of Taman Tasik Perdana (the Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden), the National Museum is the principal museum in the country. It was set up in 1963 to serve as a repository of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and as the center for imparting knowledge on the country’s historical past. The various galleries housed within the museum provide interesting insights into the country’s development. They are the Historical Gallery, Metalwork and Musical Instruments Gallery and Natural History Gallery. Facilities include a conservation laboratory, a library with more than 6,500 titles catering to researchers, student and individuals in the field of archaeology, ethnology, natural history and other similar disciplines, and a photographic studio containing slides and negatives on various subjects of interest to the museum. Thematic exhibitions are held from time to time. On the museum’s grounds are static displays including old locomotives, vintage cars and a replica of an ancient Malay palace.
Open: 9am-6pm (daily)
Admission: RM1 (adult), free (children below 12 years old)
Tel: 03-238 0255, 238 1067/8
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23. National History Museum (Raja Road, Kuala Lumpur)
A former commercial bank dating back to 1910, the National History Museum enables visitors to discover the wealth of Malaysia’s historical heritage through its permanent exhibition of artifacts and materials. tHe museum carries out museological activities such as research, collection, recording and publication in regard to the nation’s treasures. Exhibits include a 520 milion-year-old metamorphic sandstone, a 40,000-year-old homo sapien skulls and an eight-sided gold coin dating back to the 15th century.
Open: 9am-6pm (daily)
Admission: free
Tel: 03-294 4590/ 294 4591/ 294 4592
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24. Textile Museum (Raja Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Located within the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Textile Museum displays an interesting range of Malaysian-made textiles from various states. The textiles Museum was established to serve as a repository for Malaysia’s textile heritage, it also plays a role in disseminating information to visitors regarding the usage, creativity and foreign influence evident in local Malaysian textiles. Its galleries offer visitors a glimpse into the art of batik printing, Malaysia’s popular handicraft, songket and pua weaving. Among them are batik pelangi which incorporates the tie-resist method of decorating cloth practiced by the Malays during the 18th and 19th century; kain dastar, a native fabric of the Lanun and Bajau tribe and pua kumbu, a prized traditional material of Ibans of Sarawak.
Open: 9am-6pm (daily)
Admission: free
Tel: 03-293 4858
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25. Malaysian Armed Forces Museum (Padang Tembak Road, KL)
Located in the vicinity of the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) complex, the Malaysian Armed Forces was established in 1985 to develop and maintain a national collection of historical material pertaining to Malaysian military history from 1933 to the present. Five galleries are devoted to specific areas designated for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Military technology, heraldry and achievements of military commanders are among the exhibits displayed at the museum.
Open: 10am-5.30pm (daily)
Closed: Friday, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji
Admission: free
Tel: 03-292 1333
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26. Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum (No. 5 Perdana Road, KL)
This museum was established in 1985 for the purpose of storing and displaying various items and records pertaining to the Air Force. Items displayed include photographs, articles, aircrfat models, uniforms, mementos, engines, armament and communication equipment which depict the history and development of the Air Force in Malaysia.
Open: 8am-5pm (daily)
Admmission: free
Tel: 03-241 1133 ext. 4129/ 4198
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27. Royal Malaysian Police Museum (No. 5, Perdana Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Officially opened in 1961, the Royal Malaysian Police Museum displays some 2,500 items pertaining to crime and crime prevention. They include items related to gaming and lotteries, secret societies, lethal weapons, offenses, crime charts, weapons surrendered or captured from communist insurgents, communist documents and photographs of the police force.
Open: 8am-6pm (daily inclusive public holidays)
Closed: Monday
Admission: free
Tel: 03-272 5689/ 272 5690
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28. Biomedical Museum (Pahang Road, Kuala Lumpur)
The Biomedical Museum of the Institute of Medical Research which was established in 1983 records and displays medical research materials undertaken by the institute since its inception in 1990. Materials concerning public health problems in the country, current research activities and those pertaining to teaching, training and research are on display. Collection in the museum include Malaysia fauna of medical significance such as mammals, reptiles, insects and parasites.
Open: 7.30am-4.45pm (Monday-Friday), 7.30-1.15pm (Saturday)
Closed: 12.15pm-2.45pm (Friday)
Admission: free
Tel: 03-298 6033
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29. Islamic Exhibition Center (Malaysia Islamic Centre, Perdana Road, KL)
The ascent of Islam, its rich history and magnificent civilizations has earned it prominence in the history of mankind. The treasures and cultures of these artisans have bestowed upon us an appreciation and understanding of Islamic arts and culture.
The success of the World Islamic Civilization Festival held at the Islamic Center of Kuala Lumpur in 1994, saw the compelling need to establish a permanent center of learning and research to preserve its history, arts and cultural heritage.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) was officially opened on December 12, 1998 (23 Syaaban 1419), as a gift to the people of Malaysia and the international community from the Albukhary Foundation, with the assistance of the Malaysian government and the Islamic Department of the Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM).
Open: 9am-5pm (daily)
Closed: public holidays and Friday (12.15pm-2.45pm)
Admission: free
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30. Asian Art Museum (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur)
Set up in 1973 the Asian Art Museum displays sculptures, collections of textiles originating from various Asian countries. The museum promotes research activities and contains some 2,000 volumes on Asian art films, slides and pictures for research purposes.
Open: 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday), 9am-12.30pm (Saturday)
Closed: 12.15pm-2.45pm (Friday), public holidays
Admission: free
Tel: 03-757 1066/1
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31. Bank Negara Money Museum, Central Bank of Malaysia (Dato’ Onn Road, KL)
Housed within the Central Abnk building, the Bank Negara Money Museum serves as a repository for the country’s numismatic heritage. An important aim of the museum is to disseminate knowledge pertaining to the evolution of Malaysian currency throungh its exhibitions and publicatons. Coins, currency notes, tokens and other artifacts are displayed at the museum.
Open: 9am-4.30 pm (daily), 9am-12pm (Saturday)
Closed: 12pm-1pm (Friday), public holidays
Admission: free
Tel: 03-290 7461/ 290 7575
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32. Maybank Numismatic Museum (100, Tun Perak Road, ist floor, Menara Maybank, Kuala Lumpur)
Situated near Pudu Raya Bus Terminal. Set up in 1988, the Maybank Numismatic Museum houses an impressive collection of coins and notes from the time of early Malaya until the present day. The museum also serves as a center for research into Malaysia’s numismatic history.
Open: 10am-6pm (daily)
Closed: public holidays
Admission: free
Tel: 03-230 8833
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33. Telekom Museum (Church Road, Kuala Lumpur)
A 1928 heritage building, the Telekom Museum houses various equipment related to telecommunications dating to pre-war years, including the first telephone used in Malaya. The building itself is an early prototype of a telephone exchange in old Malaya. Its two floors houses a historical gallery and exhibits of modern telecommunications equipment.
Open: 8.30 am-4.45pm (Monday-Friday), 8.30am-1pm (Saturday)
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Admission: free
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34. MISC Museum (Wisma MISC, 2, Conlay Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Set up by the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation in 1992, the MISC Museum is the first of its kind in Malaysia. Located at the ground floor of Wisma MISC in Jalan Conlay, the museum gives an insight into MISC’s development as the national shipping line since its incorporation in 1968. The museum is divided into 12 sections, each dealing with a particular range of related subjects such as shipbuilding, ships of the world, communications at sea, history of ships in Malaysia, maritime laws and career at sea.
Open: 9am-4.15pm (Monday-Friday), 9am-12.00pm (Saturday)
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Admission: free
Tel: 03-242 8088
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35. Forestry Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Museum (Kepong, Selangor)
Located on the sprawling grounds of the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia at Kepong, 15 km from the city is the FRIM Museum. The arboretum was established in 1952 with the objective of collecting and displaying the different varieties of tree species found in the country. The museum also serves to educate the public on Malaysia’s rich forest heritage and exhibits the different species of wood, their use and products. Guided tours are available by prior appointment.
Open: 8am-4.15pm (daily), 8am-12.45pm (Saturday)
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Admission: RM3 percar
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36. Natural Rubber Museum (Malay Village, Sungai Buloh, Kuala Lumpur)
The natural Rubber Museum was established in 1992 to serve as a general center on the growth and development of the rubber industry which once contributed significantly to Malaysia’s economy. The museum features the history of the natural rubber industry and traces the development of technology in rubber production. Exhibits include planting equipment, tools for rubber tapping, a diorama of a typical scene in a rubber estate activities such as collecting latex and processing rubber sheets. Visitors to the museum can see rubber processing centers and get first hand experience on life in a rubber estates.
Open: 8am-4.15pm (Monday-Friday), 8am-12.45pm (Saturday)
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Admission: by appointment
Tel: 03-656 1121
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37. Memorials
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38. Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial
This memorial was established in memory of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. The late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj a great leader and statesman was instrumental in achieving independence for the nation from the British. The memorial serves as a permanent custodian for all archival, museum and library materials of the Tunku as he was fondly called by Malaysians. Visitors and researchers are able to view the materials on display and also conduct research into the life and times of this enigmatic statesman. Slide shows are held at the mini theater. The monument, which sits on 7.7 acres of landscaped garden, was the residence cum office of the late Tunku during his tenure as prime minister.
Open: 10am-12.15pm (Tuesday-Sunday), 3pm-5pm (Friday)
Closed: Monday
Admission: free
Tel: 03-294 7277
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39. Tun Abdul Razak Memorial (Sri Taman, Perdana Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Vicinity of Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. This memorial was the official residence of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein until his death in 1976. On display are photographs, materials, film shows on the life and achievements of Malaysia’s ‘Father of Development’.
Open: 10am-5pm (daily)
Closed: 12pm-3pm (Friday) and Monday (except school Holidays and Public Holidays), Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji)
Admission: free
Tel: 03- 291 2111/ 291 2246
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40. P. Ramlee Memorial (22 dedap Road, Taman P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur)
The legacy of Malaysia’s talented and versatile actor, director, singer and composer, P. Ramlee, is well-document for posterity in this memorial. On display are exhibits, audio-visuals on his biography, personal items and achievements.
Open: 10am-5pm (daily)
Closed: Monday, except Public and School Holidays.
Admission: free
Tel: 03-423 1131
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41. Art Galleries
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42. National Art Gallery (Sultan Hishamuddin Road, Kuala Lumpur)
Opposite the Railway Station. The National Art Gallery is housed in a 1932 building which is conserved under the National Heritage Trust. The art gallery showcases the works of artists who display a wide range of styles and a variety of mediums. A permanent collection of works of local and foreign origin are displayed.
Open: 10am-6pm (daily)
Closed: 12.45pm-2.45Pm (Friday)
Admission: free
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43. Other Galleries:
• Art Salon
4, Telawi Road 2, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03-282 2601/2
• Petronas Art Gallery
Dayabumi Complex, Lower Ground Loor, Hishamuddin Road
• Artfolio
Lot T130A+B 3rd floor, Letter Box 172, City Square, Tun Razak Road, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
• ArtCase
Lot T117A+B 3rd floor, Letter Box 172, City Square, Tun Razak Road, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
• Central Market
It remains one of the best places in the city to watch cultural performances. Once the city’s principal wet market, the central market was extensively renovated and reopened in 1986 as a cultural and handicraft center. Cultural performances such as Bangsawan (Malay Traditional Theater), Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play), Chinese Opera, Nadagam (Indian Traditional Theater) are held here. Performances are free and normally start at 7.45pm
Enquires:03-274 6542 (10am-10pm)
45. Craft Centre
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Here we can see traditional items, handicraft making demonstrations such as tekat (gold embroidery), songket (gold brocade) batik, glass blowing, or have your potrait painted by one the many talented artists at the market.
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46. Budaya Craft Complex
Located on Conlay Road. This one-stop handicraft complex sprawls on lush landscaped grounds. It offers export-quality Malaysian handicrafts such as silk kaftan, bathrobes, silverware, pewterware, glassware, pottery, mengkuang products, silk batik paintings, batikwear and songket (brocade material). There are also unusual ethnic items like wooden blowpipes and traditional rattan fish traps which make unusual souvenirs to take home. An artist’ colony occupies a corner of the ground.
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47. Places of Interest
48. KLCC
