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YOUR FREE KUALA LUMPUR GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
www.asiawebdirect.com
WEATHER
The citys average temperatures range between 29C 35C during the day and 26C 29C at night, although it may get colder after periods of heavy rainfall. As it is shielded by mountainous terrain, KL is relatively cooler than most places in Malaysia while being one of the least affected by monsoon winds coming from the east or west. Occasional rainfall results in humid yet cooler temperatures than average and the citys temperate weather makes travelling here all year round a pleasure.
http://www.kualalumpur.ws/practicalinfo/weather.htm
The capital of an Islamic nation that has enthusiastically embraced the 21st century, Kuala Lumpur strives to copy and compete with some of Asias celebrated megabuck cities. Home to over 1.4 million inhabitants, KL plays host to the worlds tallest twin buildings (Petronas Twin Towers), colonial edifices such as Dataran Merdeka and plenty of innercity greenery. Though youll frequently hear the adhan (call to prayer) coming from mosques, its easy to forget KLs Muslim roots until you hit the citys nittygritty sights. It is these spots thriving hawker centres, prewar shophouses and a colourful jumble of street markets that define KL and draw in visitors every year. From Petaling Streets faux label laden avenue and Little Indias colourful, culturerich wares to the view from the Twin Towers Skybridge and a variety of temples, KL has something for everyone.
CURRENCY
Malaysia coinage is known as the Ringgit Malaysia (MYR). USD$1 roughly converts into MYR 3.00 youll find uptodate conversion rates at the top banner of kualalumpur.ws website.
TIME ZONE
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT (the same as China, Hong Kong and Singapore), 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
GETTING AROUND
KL has three train lines the KL Monorail loops through the Golden Triangle, the KTM Komuter makes trips to the outer northern, southern & western suburbs and the Putra Light Rail Transit line goes from Kelana Jaya to Gombak. Fares start from RM1.20 but for the sake of convenience, purchase an RM10 Touch 'n Go card which can be used on all lines. Low frequencies and the lack of signage make the citys public buses a poor option for the casual visitor a convenient alternative is to use the KL HopOn, HopOff service. These doubledecker buses stop at over 42 sightseeing spots an allday pass can be purchased for RM38 at http://www.visitmalaysia.com/kltours/klhopon.htm. Consider using KLs ubiquitous taxi service but beware that though theyre required to use a meter there are many errant cabbies that do not adhere to this rule.
http://www.kualalumpur.ws/gettingaround.htm
ELECTRICITY
Main voltage in Malaysia is 220 volts. Connect to the reliable electricity supply (220V240V, 50 cycles) with a UKtype three squarepin or twoparallelflatpin (British BS1363) plugs.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
All transport to downtown KL is found on the third floor of KLIA. The fastest way is the KLIA Ekspress a 28minute shuttle service that travels to KL Sentral and costs RM35. Additionally, you can hire either an airport limo coupons are available from the Airport Limo counter or you can book an airport transfer service in advance at http://www.visit malaysia.com/kltransfer.htm rates vary according to destination zones. Easier on the pocket but just as fast, is the Airport Limo registered taxi service they also utilise a coupon system. Alternatively, running set routes to KL Sentral are the hourly KLIA coach buses a trip downtown will cost you RM10. Another alternative is to hire a car you can book a vehicle ahead of time at http://www.kualalumpur.ws/hawk/
http://www.kualalumpur.ws/airport/
KUALALUMPURGUIDE
YOURFREEKUALALUMPURGUIDE FROMTHEASIATRAVELSPECIALISTS
KUALALUMPURAREAGUIDES
Coveringanareaof243sqkm,greaterKualaLumpurhasanestimatedpopulationof7.2million.HometothetallesttwinskyscrapersinSoutheastAsiaaswell asplentyofinnercitygreeneryandtemples,KLisfollowinginthefootstepsofbigcityneighbourslikeHongKongandslowlybecomingacelebratedtourist destination.Ifyoureafirst-timevisitoritcanbehardtolocatethebestofKLsofferings,sobesuretogetoureasy-to-printAreaGuides!
1.BukitBintang
Thepulseofthecity,BukitBintangisoneofKualaLumpurstrendiestshoppingandentertainmentdistricts. Extremely popular, the area plays host to everything from shopping centres tonightclubs.Combining historicalcharmwithcontemporarychic,theareaisone-thirdoftheGoldenTriangledistrictazonewhich encompasses Bukit Bintangs retail offerings such as Pavilion and Lot 10, theofficetowersofJalanRaja Chulan,thefive-starhotelstripofJalanSultanIsmail,theJalanP.RamleepartystreetandKLCC.Duetoits central location, it is fairly easy to get to Bukit Bintang from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur via public transportation.
2.KLCC-KualaLumpurCityCentre
Justasitsnamesuggests,thereisonlyonewaytodescribeKLCC:theheartofKualaLumpur.Atoncean entertainment,commercialandbusinessfocalpoint,KLCCishometosomeofthemostpopularlandmarksin Malaysia such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Dewan Filharmonik Orkestraconcerthall,theKLCCPark andSuriaKLCC,makingitapopulartouristdestination.Withahostofoptionstochoosefromdining,arts, culture, recreation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment you wont be stuck for ideas onwhattodo aroundhere.
3.ChinatownPetalingStreet
At the heart of Kuala Lumpur is an area which never sleeps, and far more colourful and bustlingthanits bigger and more glamourous neighbours. Chinatown, based in Petaling Street, is alsoknownas'Chee Cheong Kai' (Starch Factory Street), a reference to its roots as a tapioca-producing district.Deeply immersedinOrientalculture,heritageandhistory,Chinatownisundoubtedlyoneofthemostpopulartourist spotsinMalaysia.Awell-knownbargainhuntersparadise,aplacewhereyoucanfindallsortsofstufffrom Chineseherbstoimitationgoods,atnightitsmainmarketarea,PetalingStreet,transformsintoalivelyand vibrant street bazaar, filled with hundreds of stalls offering all kinds of goods atdirt-cheapprices,andthe bestthingis,thepricescanbebroughtlowerstillashagglingisawayoflifehere.
4.PetalingJaya
Startingasasmall,humbletowninthe50smeasuringonly2.12sqkm,PetalingJayahasdevelopedintoone of the most important cities in Malaysia. Also known as the twin sisterofMalaysiascapital,KualaLumpur, Petaling Jaya is the countrys first planned town. Consisting of numerous commercial,residentialand business districts, the satellite city is now a metropolis of 500,000 inhabitants. Duetoitscloseproximityto Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya remains a popular choice amongst city dwellersandvisitorsalike.Asidefrom beingextremelyconvenienttogettothecitycentrefromhere,PetalingJayasshoppinganddiningareasare alsopopularamongstardentshopaholicsanddedicatedfoodies.
5.Bangsar
Bangsar is one of Kuala Lumpur's most popular night time entertainment districts.ThestreetsofBangsar, mainly in Telawi and Maarof, are sprinkled with nightclubs, pubs and bistros, makingitonebigpartyarea. Bangsarisalsoalargeresidentialarea(mainlyfortheaffluent)butresidentshavegrownaccustomedtothe hive of activity that Bangsar generates during the night. As Bangsar is hometomanyofKualaLumpur's upper crust of society and expatriates, there are many fine dining and international restaurantslocated around the shopping areas. Bangsar Shopping Centre and Bangsar Village are twoprominentshopping malls in Bangsar but most residents flock to Mid-Valley Mall, which is just a stone's throw away alongthe FederalHighway.
6.Putrajaya
Putrajaya is Malaysia's third and latest Federal Territory. Builtonexpansivemarshlandandformeroilpalm estate in Selangor, the city spans an area of almost 5,000 hectares and lies 25km fromKualaLumpur. PutrajayatakesovertheadministrativefunctionsofthecapitalandispartoftheMultimediaSuperCorridor projectoftheMalaysiangovernment.Thecityiswellworthavisit.Theresavarietyofsightseeingattractions andthearchitecture,particularlythepinkPutraMosqueandthePerdanaPutra(officeofthePrimeMinister) isoutstanding.
Moreathttp://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/
2. Menara KL Tower
Standing atop the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the 421 metre-high KL Tower is the worlds sixth tallest structure. Officially known as Menara KL, it has been outshone by the Petronas Twin Towers but remains an important architectural marker and has spectacular views of the city. The viewing deck is at least 100 metres higher than the Petronas Towers Skybridge. Open: 09:00-22:00 - Address: No. 2, Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P. Ramlee How to get there: Taxi
3. Chinatown
Chinatown is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia, and holds its own against its more glamourous neighbours, KLCC & Bukit Bintang. Representing Malaysias multihued multicultural background perfectly, you can find all sorts of stuff, from Chinese herbs to imitation goods in this area. At night, its main vein Petaling Street is transformed into a lively and vibrant night market filled with hundreds of stalls. Train: LRT (Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek station), KTM Komuter (Kuala Lumpur station)
4. Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a limestone hill comprising three main caves and a few smaller ones. Featuring images and statues erected inside the main cave and around it, this temple has limestone formations said to be around 400 million years old. Considered an important religious landmark by Hindus, the most popular cavern in Batu Caves, Cathedral Cave, houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100-metre arched ceiling. Open: 06:00 - 21:00 -How to get there: Take Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu to get to Batu Caves
6. Central Market
In the beginning Central Market also known as Pasar Seni was a simple wet market; today it is a permanent structure that houses all sorts of traders. This landmark is reminiscent of the SoHo flea market, with a variety of shops that retail traditional goods such as batik, embroidery carvings, souvenirs, sculptures, clothes and other interesting items. Divided into different zones namely Lorong Melayu, Straits Chinese and Lorong India. Open: 10:00-22:00 - Location: Just around the corner from Kota Raya Shopping Centre
KUALALUMPURGUIDE
YOURFREEKUALALUMPURGUIDE FROMTHEASIATRAVELSPECIALISTS
WHATTODOINKUALALUMPUR
Hometoanalluringblendofseasideshanties,polishedhighrisesaswellasplentyofoutskirt-attractions,KualaLumpurhas steadily been gaining a reputation as one of Southeast Asias most sought-after destinations. Weve comeupwithalistof toursthatmakeKLsoindeliblyexcitingfromexcursionstoattractionsliketheKualaGandahElephantSanctuarytotoursof thecitysbest-knowntouristsites.
1.Half-DayBatuCavesTour
Tour Duration: 3hrs TheHalf-DayBatuCavesTourwilltakeyouonatriptoseesomeofKualaLumpursbest-knownattractions.Firstcatch a glimpse of some traditional Malay houses, as well as observe the production of fine silkBatikgarmentsatthe Malaysian Batik Cottage. The next stopover on the itinerary is an authentic rubber plantation beforethejourney continues on to the Royal Selangor Pewter factory. The tour concludes with a visit tothewell-knownBatuCavesa Hindushrine,setontheoutskirtsofthecity,bestknownasthesiteoftheannualThaipusamfestivities.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
2.KLHoponHopoffBusTour
Location: Elang Wah Sdn Bhd Lot 1535-1538, Lorong Haji Hussein 1, off Jalan Raja Bot Thistourist-friendlybusisthebestwaytovisitKualaLumpursmostpopularsightseeingattractions.Thebuscoversa circuitthattakesyoutoover40KLtouristsitesandyoucanhoponandoffthisdouble-deckertouristbusasoftenas youlike.Itsthebestwaytoexplorethecitycentreespeciallyifyouwouldliketodosoinair-conditionedcomfort.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
3.KLCulturalNightTour
Tour Duration: 4hrs In a nutshell the Cultural Night Tour is a good way to experience typical Malaysian ethnic traditions inaday.This excitingtourfirsttakesyouonavisittotheChineseculturallyenrichingPetalingStreetapopularstreetmarketwhere you can find bootleg DVDs, fake label designer apparel and more merchandise. Later head out to anauthenticand elaborate Indian temple and afterwards enjoy a traditional Malay cultural performance while you savour atypical Malaysianmeal.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
4.ElephantSanctuaryTour
Pahang Tour Duration: 8hrs ThistourtakesyoutotheKualaGandahElephantOrphanageSanctuarywhereyoucanseeandinteractwithhomeless pachyderms.Theparksmainpurposeistocaptureandrelocatetheseelephantswatchaninformativevideo,andthen observehandlersastheyfeedthebigguysfruit.Lateryoucanseethegentlegiantsastheybatheandalsoswimwith themandgetdumpedintotheriveroffanelephantsback!Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
5.GentingHighlandsDayTour
Genting Highland Tour Duration: 8hrs ThistourwillbringyouuptoGentingHighlands,whichisamountainretreatcumcasino6,000feetabovesealeveland located a moderate distance away from the city. Stop at the skyway cable car station forarideuptowhereyoullbe amazed at the magnificent view of mountains and rainforest scenery. Once at the top, you head to the casino fora gameofblackjack,keno,rouletteorothergames.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
6.MalaccaFullDayExcursion
Malacca, Heritage City Tour Duration: 6hrs The Dutch Heritage Trails Tour takes you on a historic journey to experience the heritage, legacy and culture of Malacca.Colonisedbyvariouspowersoveraperiodoffourcenturies,Malacca'slandmarkshaveculturalimprintsfrom thePortuguese,BritishandDutchatripdownitsstreetspromisestobeaculturallyenrichingexperience.Thetourwill take you to visit some of the citys best-known attractions including the St Francis Xavier Church,thesalmon-pink Stadthuys,thePortadeSantiago,andmanymorehistoricsites.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
7.PulauKetam(CrabIsland)tours
Clab Island Tour Duration: 8hrs Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island as it is called, is a unique island that is completely made of mangrove swamps witha villagebuiltonstiltsnestledinsideit.Theislandwasnamedafterthethousandsoftinycrabsthatappearontheshores during low tide. What makes Pulau Ketam fascinating is that a visit hereislikeajourneybackintime,whereChinese traditions,woodenhomesandfishingareverymuchapartoflife.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
8.PutrajayaFullDayTour
Putrajaya Tour Duration: 4hrs Putrajaya the new Federal Government Administration Centre is spread across 4591 hectares oflandissituated approximately25kmfromtheKualaLumpurcitycentre.Asprawlingcitythatplacesgreatemphasisonthepreservation of its eco-culture and environment, Putrajaya is a green city with futuristic high rises that sportMoorishandMalay design.LinkedtoKualaLumpuraswellasKLIAviatheKLIATransit,ahighspeedraillink,thecityisnoteworthyforits beautifularchitecture.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555 Moreathttp://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/tours.htm
WHAT TO EAT
Brimming with races and cultures, Malaysia has a smorgasbord of culinary offerings. Hawker centres, kopitiams (coffee shops) and mamak (Indian Muslim) restaurants mushroom all over the city, offering some of the best fare. Meanwhile KLs cosmopolitan lifestyle means that there are plenty of international finedining eateries where you can still sample ethnic favourites. Here are a number of must-try dishes.
1.Nasi Lemak
A dish so popular, even the Chinese and Indians serve their own similar version. At its very basic, Nasi Lemak is a plate of white rice cooked in coconut milk. Accompanying it on the plate is 'sambal', a chilli paste mixed with salted anchovies or 'ikan bilis'. Then there is an egg served, either boiled or fried, with cucumber slices and a helping of salted anchovies and peanuts. Finally, you may add beef or chicken 'rendang', essentially pieces of meat cooked in rich coconut milk and curry.
3.Roti Canai
A breakfast favourite, Roti Canai is the ultimate in simplicity and taste. It is basically a kind of pancake made by combining wheat flour, oil, ghee, or butter, rolled up into a ball and then swung into the air until it takes a flat, oval shape. It is then fried on a hot iron plate and served with dhal, chicken or fish curry. There are many variations on the same theme that include putting in eggs to make it 'Roti Telur', sardines to make it 'Roti Sardin', bananas to make it 'Roti Pisang' and so on.
4.Satay
Satay is our own version of a kebab, only sweeter and somewhat smaller. Pieces of softened, marinated meat are skewered on a thin stick made of coconut frond. It is then barbecued over a tray of hot steaming charcoals until brown and tenderly moist. A wide range of meat can be used from rabbit to venison but beef and chicken is the most common. Accompanying it is thick peanut gravy and 'ketupat', rice cooked in coconut milk, cut into cubes and wrapped into an attractive weave of coconut leaves.
6.Nyonya Food
The Nyonya food that you can find in Kuala Lumpur is heavily influenced by Malacca's rich Peranakan culture. The Nyonya style of cooking is the result of a fusion between Chinese and Malay ingredients and recipes, the result of Chinese traders in the past settling in Malacca and adopting the Malay way of living. Some of the most common ingredients in Nyonya cuisine are coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, screw pine leaves, chillies and sambal.
8.Roti Jala
Roti Jala is a popular tea-time entre. It literally translates as 'net bread' referring to its thread-like pattern that resembles a fishing net. Essentially a type of crepe, Roti Jala occasionally replaces rice in the Malay home for meals. The batter is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter that gives it a yellow colour. A special cup or mould with small holes is then used to make the lacy crepe which is cooked over a hot griddle. More at http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/food-dining/
1.Baan 26 Restaurant
The bright yellow Baan 26 is a hardtomiss eatery, in the popular Changkat Bukit Bintang area, that wouldnt go amiss on the streets of Bangkok. It looks and feels just like your average Thai restaurant and specialises in fullbodied and satisfying Thai cuisine. Theres a good selection of red and white wines here from Italy, France, Australia, Chile, USA, Argentina, Spain, South Africa and New Zealand. Open: 12:00 15:00 (lunch), 18:00 00:30 Mon Sun; 15:00 00:30 Sun & Public Holidays Address: 26 Changkat Bukit Bintang Tel: +603 2142 8878
5.Mezze
Located in Medan Damansara, the trendy and upscale Mezze is a finedining venture that puts others to shame. Boasting a SpanishandMediterraneaninspired menu, the fare here is superb and utilises only the finest ingredients from around the world. Service is superlative, making you feel like youre feasting like a king; try the Mezze burger, duck and chicken spring rolls, lamb cutlets, chilli shrimp spaghetti, mushroom pizza and duck liver pate. Open: 12:00 late Address: 132, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara Tel: +6032095 0122
6.Ristorante L'Opera
Forming part of Piccolo Hotel, Ristorante LOpera the flagship outlet of the Piccolo Mondo brand is a contemporary chic eatery that is considered to be the crme de la crme of Kuala Lumpurs crop of Italian restaurants. Needing no introduction to city dwellers, the awardwinning eatery has a porkfree menu consisting of classic Italian salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas recipes with contemporary twists. Open: 11:30 01:00 Sun Thurs; 11:30 02:00 Fri Sat Address: Ground Floor, Piccolo Galleria Jalan Bukit Bintang Tel: +603 2144 7808
8.WIP
Occupying a spacious corner lot in Bangsar Shopping Centre, WIP is a popular fusion restobar that serves up local, Western and Northern Indian cuisine. Their best dishes include Caesar salad, chicken vindaloo, beef espetadas and chicken Portobello burger. WIPs woodfired pizzas are also especially tasty and theyve got an extensive range of some pretty mean cocktails. Affable and comprehensive service makes this eatery a mustvisit spot. Open: 12:00 late Address: Lot G111, Ground Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre Tel: +603 2094 1789 / 2789 or +6012 650 5722 More at http://www.kualalumpur.ws/fooddining/
4.Jalan P.Ramlee
When it comes to nightlife, Jalan P. Ramlee is considered one of the citys hottest venues. In comparison to its neighbour (Changkat Bukit Bintang), Jalan P. Ramlee can best be described as a wackier and more eccentric nightspot. There are usually throngs of party-goers club-hopping from one establishment to another and popular watering holes such as Bar Ibiza, Rum Jungle, Passion and Retro Bar frequently see long lines to get into the clubs. Just around the corner are major landmark attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC.
5.Bangsar
Bangsar is famous for its nightlife haunts. A popular expatriate stomping ground, Bangsar is home to a variety of night spots ranging from funky pubs and mini night clubs and to resto-bars and elegant cafs. On the weekends, the streets are crawling with college students, yuppies, tourists and expatriates who come to enjoy the song, dance and drinks. Bangsars fluid nightlife scene means that there are always new joints mushrooming all over but reliable joints such as Ronnie Qs and Finnegans have withstood the test of time and offer some of the best after-dark entertainment in the area.
8.Pasar Malam
Pasar Malams (Malay for night markets) are an incredibly prominent feature in the Malaysian shopping experience. Available in every state throughout the country, these after-dark souks are all the rage because they allow locals to shop for inexpensive household goods. Busy streets within residential neighbourhoods are shut down to traffic (one day only in a week) and stalls are set up as early as 18:00 these booths retail anything from local vegetable produce and poultry to inexpensive apparel, knick knacks and local hawker fare. Bangsar night market: Sunday evenings. (beside the mosque) Connaught night market: Wednesday evenings. (Jalan Cerdas, the longest night market) More at http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/nightlife/
WHERE TO SHOP
Kuala Lumpur has a diverse retail landscape. The air-conditioned shopping complexes in the Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Bangsar and Petaling Jaya area are your best bet if youre after designer merchandise while seeking a reprieve from the humid weather. However, it's KLs street markets that define its shopping experience these bazaars are the best places to find inexpensive apparel and unique knick knacks while you sample local specialties and chat with the locals.
1.Pavilion
Located at the centre of the uber trendy Bukit Bintang district, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling 127,000sqm complex comprised of three major components a retail mall, an office block and two residential towers. Occupying prime real estate along Jalan Bukit Bintang, the mall was opened in 2007 and is noteworthy as the city centres trendiest and most popular shopping development. Open: 10:00 22:00 Address: 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang How to get there: BB Monorail
3.Mid Valley
One of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia, Mid Valley Megamall is one of Kuala Lumpurs most popular shopping podiums. Located near Bangsar (facing the Federal Highway), the complex spans over 418,000sqm and consists of a mall, office blocks and two hotels. Mid Valley is noteworthy for its wide variety of shopping outlets, entertainment offerings (including a bowling alley, pool club, gaming arcade and an 18-screen theatre) and dining opportunities. Open: 10:00 22:00 Address: Level 31, The Gardens, South Tower, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra How to get there: Mid Valley Komuter station
4.Suria KLCC
An upmarket shopping mall situated between the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC is one of the most tourist-visited malls in the city. A popular stopover for tours, the shopping podium sports a classy atmosphere and carries designer marques such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Herms and more. The six-storey complexs entertainment offerings include a 12-screen theatre, a concert hall, an art gallery, a science discovery centre and a branch of Kinokuniya the Japanese book store. Open: 10:00 22:00 Address: Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur city centre How to get there: KLCC LRT
7.Fahrenheit 88
One of the newest additions to Kuala Lumpurs mallscape, Fahrenheit 88 is a five-storey structure that lays claim to prime real estate along Jalan Bukit Bintang. Opened in 2010, the complex is managed by the same company that handles Pavilion KL, so its no surprise that it sports the same trendy design as its sister venture. Though smaller in size, the 28,000sqm Fahrenheit 88 offers a wide-ranging array of stores that occupy small spaces and have a cute and colourful style. Open: 10:00 22:00 Address: 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang How to get there: Bukit Bintang Monorail.
8.Central Market
Located along Jalan Hang Kasturi, just a few minutes walk from Petaling Street, Central Marke is a major tourist attraction. Offering locally-produced cultural products such as handicrafts and 'antiques', theres so much to see and do here, including street performances and on-the-spot portrait sketches. The Annexe, an exhibition space, is located on the second floor and habitually plays host to art exhibitions, book fairs and book launches. Open: 10:00 22:00 Address: No. 10, 1st-3rd floor, Jalan Hang Kasturi How to get there: Pasar Seni LRT More at http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klshopping/
Gastronomic tips
The countrys staple dish is rice and noodles. Malaysian hawker fare is relatively safe but you should always take care not to dine out in the grungiest shops as their levels of cleanliness are ultimately debatable. When eating with your hands, wash them first and try to use your right hand use utensils to take food from a communal plate, never your fingers. Muslims are forbidden from eating pork and most of them are incredibly strict about this rule so never offer pork to Muslims. Also dont offer Muslims alcohol although there are plenty who do partake in a little liquid indulgence now and again, especially the younger generation.
Measurements
Malaysia uses the metric system for weights and measurements.
Taxi Scammers
There are unscrupulous taxi drivers in the city who love to take advantage of the purse strings of unsuspecting foreigners. These cabbies do not charge fares according to their taxi meters (as they are supposed to do) but charge inflated rates the best way to deal with this is to refuse to pay the inflated price. Inform them that you are aware that theyre supposed to use the meter and demand that they charge you the proper fare. A good rule of thumb is to knock off at least RM5 from the inflated price but be warned that its not a hard-and-fast rule also be sure to take down the info of errant cabbies as you can report them to the authorities.
Women Travellers
Malaysias a fairly liberal nation but rules of propriety still exist. Women are especially subjugated to the laws of convention and female tourists are encouraged to adhere to these standards. Dress modestly and try to blend in with the locals by being respectful, especially in areas of stronger Muslim religious sensibilities, such as the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.