PORTS OF CALL - Asia
Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia
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Bustling Kuala Lumpur rose up from the forbidding jungle terrain to become one of the most fascinating architectural landscapes on earth. A blend of native Malaysian, Chinese Imperial and European influences has created a city that is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is alive with culture. Replete with fine dining, a fertile arts community and plenty of nightlife, Kuala Lumpur has earned a reputation as a must-see world destination.
Don’t Miss
Most of Kuala Lumpur's historic claims can be taken in from the Merdeka Square/Jalan Hishamuddin area. More contemporary charms include the soaring Petronas Towers, the world's second-tallest buildings, Kuala Lumpur Philharmonic and the National Theatre. If it's thrills you seek, look no further than Cosmo's World Theme Park, the world's largest indoor amusement park. Finally, wind down from all that excitement with a visit to the celebrated 93-hectare Lake Gardens.
Sporting Adventures
Centred at the junction of the Gombak and Klang rivers, Kuala Lumpur literally translates to "Muddy Confluence." It's small wonder that canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting have become favourite pastimes here. If you're lucky, you may even get a chance to take in a game of Canoe Polo. If that's neither fast nor furious enough for you, there's always the Malaysian Grand Prix Formula 1. And outside the city's confines await myriad outdoor adventures that include mountain biking and jungle trekking.
Local Flavours
The cuisine in Kuala Lumpur reflects its heritage of European and Chinese colonialism. Swank restaurants dot the city streets with Asian/Pacific Rim delights as well as more unexpected flavours from Middle Eastern to Scandinavian. Whatever you choose, one thing's for sure: you'll be craving for food when you reach the shores of this port city!
Shopping for Bargains
Kuala Lumpur is a shoppers' paradise with vast malls like Suria KLCC that offers everything from designer goods and high-end electronics to arts and crafts. Most of these structures lie in the areas around Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. It's easy to drop more than a few Malaysian ringgits in the teeming Central Market on Jalan Benteng, the epicenter of Malaysian handicrafts.
Currency
Currency exchange shops can be found on many of the city streets in Kuala Lumpur and will usually give the most favourable rate for exchanging U.S. dollars for Malaysian ringgit (MR). Still, if you need money quickly, ATMs are readily available just about everywhere.