Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It’s the nation biggest city with a population of 1.5 million people. Kuala Lumpur is considered a relatively young city which have transformed from a humble town in the 1850s to a financial powerhouse today. Aside from its modernity which encompasses magnificent skyscrapers, sophisticated restaurant and colorful nightlife, Kuala Lumpur also possess a rich cultural heritage that is revealed in its colonial architecture, temples and mosques as well as its various ethnic backgrounds.

As its name implies, Kuala Lumpur literally means muddy confluence in Malay. The name is derived from its location at the point where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet. History reveals the city was established in the Klang Valley in 1857 which the city back then was a ramshackle trading post for the booming tin mining industry. At that period of time, Kuala Lumpur was constantly plagued by floods, fires and civil wars.

The early population of Kuala Lumpur was mainly Chinese miners and traders who were mostly governed by a Kapitan China or headman. One of the famous Kapitan China was Yap Ah Loy. His popularity was mainly due to his contribution to the early city’s growth.

As industry boom began in 1880 after the British took control of Kuala Lumpur, the city was made the capital of the newly formed Federated Malay States in 1896. The city was soon seeing a large influx of population made up of various ethnic backgrounds. In 1999, Putrajaya became the new administrative capital but Kuala Lumpur remains the country financial and commercial hub.

Even though Kuala Lumpur has been developed into a sophisticated and modern city now, its rich history can be traced back in the 19th-century architecture of the old colonial district and in neighboring Chinatown. The Chinatown is especially attractive with its incense-filled temples and chatter-filled coffee shops. Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisines are the most popular in Kuala Lumpur and can be easily found in places such as Kampung Baru, Little India and Chow Kit. As Kuala Lumpur is rich with culture and history, the modern city is witnessing a blend of the old with the new.

Kuala Lumpur can be best explored at several areas such as the Golden Triangle where it’s the hub of the city nightlife, while the Petronas Twin Towers dominate the business district of KLCC in the northeast. Besides, the tranquil Lake Gardens at the southwest are a perfect escape from the urban clutter. Moreover, you can see Kuala Lumpur’s old colonial core at Merdeka Square which is dominated by elegant colonial buildings.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre Travel Map

Getting To Kuala Lumpur
The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main gateway into the country and services over 45 international airlines. KL is situated about 55km from the airport. A non-stop 28-minute ride on the KLIA Ekspres will connect visitors to the KL Sentral Station in the city.

KL is also easily accessible from Port Klang, the country’s largest seaport. An excellent road and rail network links KL to various parts of the country, including Thailand, the northern neighbor, and Singapore to the south.