Our neighbor Malaysia offers something that many serious travelers seek a lively, multicultural atmosphere.
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| RELAXING IN FRONT OF THE GARDENS |
KUALA LUMPUR AND PUTRAJAYA are two cities that constantly attract tourists attention. This is because neither city ever sleeps they're steadily doing things to protect the nation's self esteem through rapid physical development. These cities are the main points where most visitors gain satisfaction from the prestigious new buildings, as well as the culture, which is constantly developing by itself.
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are about 40 minutes apart there are roughly seven possible routes one can take, most of them modern, efficient toll roads.
The functions of the two cities have been allocated prudently. Kuala Lumpur is the business corridor, while Putrajaya is the center of government. Both are looking quite impressive these days.
The modern city, as Putrajaya is called, has grown rapidly over the past five years, with a variety of remarkable architectural styles. Multimedia technology has been widely applied throughout, in line with the government's initiative to promote greater interaction and communication between the government, the business community, and the general public.
Though it is an administrative center, Putrajaya which is also just 15 minutes from the Sepang International Circuit has commercial and residental facilities and recreational areas, in distinct precincts.
One of the best recreational options in Putrajaya is the fantastic lake cruises, available both day and night. Tourists can cruise the manmade lake on a comfortable 76 seat ferry with many windows that enable passengers to see everything very clearly smaller groups can go by gondola, for a more "up close" experience. These cruises take visitors around for a minimum of 20 minutes, starting from Dataran Putra and passing many unusual structures bridges in futuristic style, unusual government buildings, and a prestigious lodging owned by a French based hotel chain, the Pullman Putrajaya.
Dataran Putra is directly opposite a striking building, Mesjid Putrajaya, which has a pink dome with a roseate pattern. This mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. The main level resembles the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, while the minaret was inspired by the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116 meters, this is one of the highest minarets in Malaysia.
The cruise boats can also take visitors through Wetlands Park, which is divided into two areas of 138 and 1977 hectares respectively, and to the 92 hectare Botanical Gardens, with 700 plant species from the Asia Pacific region and even Africa.
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| THE MAJESTIC TWIN TOWERS PETRONAS |
Within the Botanical Gardens are a research center, a Visitors Interpretative Center (VIC), an oil palm plantation, and various attractions to learn about plants.
On one side of a high hill stands the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) This eye catching structure in precinct five, with its unsual roof, is an impressive local landmark.
Tourists will also be impressed by the 435 meter Putrajaya Bridge, which is designed to accommodate motor vehicles, pedestrians, and a monorail. It has a strong Islamic ambience, as it was modeled after the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran.
For real tourist satisfaction, head for Kuala Lumpur. The capital city is teeming with interesting attractions you'll see Malays, Chinese and Indians living together in harmony and sharing the best of one another's cultures.
As a start, visit Batu Caves, 13 kilometers or half an hour's drive north of the city center. This is a must for any visitor to Kuala Lumpur, so naturally you'll see a few foreign tourists. Batu Caves, known more formally as Sri Subramaniar Swamy, is a karst and limestone zone that is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Malaysia.
"Beautiful", "stupendous" are typical comments from tourists. The limestone rocks combine with massive statues of Hindu gods and representations of myths to create an enchanting experience. The temple area is also full of birds and monkeys, as if there to welcome visitors. But be careful some of the monkeys can be a bit aggressive.
The most memorable feature of Batu Caves is the enormous Murugan statue at the entrance to the complex. Its gold coating contrasts with the pale limestone and green trees that cover much of the area, and at 42.7 meters (130 feet), it's the largest statue of Lord Murugan in the world.
To reach the main worship area, the Cathedral Cave, visitors have to climb 272 stairs, with a splendid panorama of the city. It's quite a hike, but well worth it for what you get to see and experience.
Resonating bells and the voices of priests guide the worshippers through their rites. The moment is especially delightful because of the amazing design of the cave's interior. with natural forms that have long been the focus of attention from ecologists and geologists.
Every year in January or February, Batu Caves is the venue for a major Hindu festival, Thaipusam, which draws worshippers from many countries. Some of them express their devotion and do penance by piercing parts of their bodies with wires and other sharp objects.
For an entirely different side of Kuala Lumpur. visit China Town, an area of small shops centered along Jalan Petaling. As well as bargain seeking tourists, you'll also see local Chinese residents burning incense and worshipping at old temples, including the Guan Di temple built in 1888 by the Kwong Siew Association and the Sze Si Ya temple built by Chinese "Captain" Yap Ah Loy in 1864.
And as the capital of a country with a Muslim majority population, Kuala Lumpur is full of mosques. In the heart of the city alone, you'll find Mesjid Negara, Mesjid Jamek, and Mesjid India, where Indians Muslims gather to pray.
All this well managed cultural diversity makes Kuala Lumpur an exciting city full of attractions, but most tourists fell unfulfilled without doing at least some shopping. One popular center for this favorite ativity is the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC), on one side of the Petronas twin towers, where you'll see people willingly paying top prices for prestigious goods.
But KLCC is not the only shopper's paradise in Kuala Lumpur, equally enticing are the largest Ikea outlet in Asia and The Curve, opposite one another near the elite residential area of Damansara.
Another good spot for shopping is Mid Valley and, adjoining it, The Gardens both should be part of your shopping tourism agenda, as very pleasant places to spend time with the family.
And when you've had your fill of the branded goods as these malls, check out the more artistic and ethnic products at the Central Market. This Art Market is teeming with antiques, souvenirs, paintings, T-shirts with strange slogans, and traditional foods and beverages, and is a favourite hangout for young malays.
Finally, don't miss the elite district of Bukit Bintang, which epitomizes the clean, comfortable and elegant shopping experience of Kuala Lumpur.
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