Kuala Lumpur, the capital city is situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers. It is approximately 35 km from the coast and sits at the centre of the Peninsula's extensive and modern transportation network. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies midway along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur represents the heartbeat of Malaysia, serving as its cultural, commercial and transportation centre.

Kuala Lumpur is easily the largest city in the nation, possessing a population of over1.3 million people drawn from all of Malaysia's many ethnic group. More popularly known by the acronym, K.L., this fast developing city has a certain charm with its majestic buildings and cultural heritage.

K.L. has also become one of the most popular shopping haunts in the region, offering an extensive selection of items to suit all budgets. Where else can you shop in the morning, have a spa treatment in the afternoon, a cultural dinner in the evening and party all night long, all within a 1 km radius.

Kuala Lumpur History

The name "Kuala Lumpur” which means "Muddy Confluence" in Malay was given to the city by group 87 Chinese miners who were send by member of Selangor Royal Family, Raja Abdullah, to prospect for tin in the upper valley of Malaysia. At that time, tin was in huge demand, especially by America and the British Empire, which needed the durable, lightweight metal to help fuel their industrial revolutions. Strategically commanding both river valleys, the community flourished as a tin-collecting center despite its malarial jungle location. These Chinese groups made a settlement camp in Ampang near the center of Kuala Lumpur, where the Klang and Gombak rivers flow quietly together forming a broad delta .

Kuala Lumpur was founded in turbulent times, when fierce rivalries over mining claims and water rights led to civil wars. Gang clashes, feuds and murders went hand-in-hand. The continuous fighting amongst the people worried the headmen so much they elected a kapitan Cina (Chinese Captain), the most famous of whom is Yap Ah Loy, to establish peace and order. He played a major role during the civil wars and continued to direct the affairs of the town until his death in 1885. He's known as the founding father of Kuala Lumpur.

The Malay Civil War involved local sultans fighting for the throne of Perak; the state to the north of where KL was in the state of Selangor. Swept up in conflict, KL burnt to the ground. The merchants of the Straits Settlements, concerned that the war would ruin their prosperity, asked Britain to intervene. Fearing the loss of its tin interests, the British sent Governor Andrew Clarke to appraise the situation. Clarke gathered the feuding princes and convinced them to sign the Pangkor Agreement in 1874. The Agreement ended the war, established a new Sultan of Perak, and - most significantly - called for the presence of a British Resident. This was the beginning of a dramatically increased British involvement in Malaya that spanned through 130 years until Malaysia declared independence in 1957. During World War II, the city was occupied (1942–45) by Japanese forces. In 1957 Kuala Lumpur became the capital of the newly independent Federation of Malaya and remained the national capital when Malaysia was founded in 1963.

Kuala Lumpur Fact Files

Kuala Lumpur Access

By Air : Getting to kuala lumpur is easy with over 40 international airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, serving the city's new state-of - the art KL international Airport ( KLIA) at Sepang, which is about 55km from the city centre. Domestic routes are served by Air Asia , Pelangi Air, Singapore Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines, in addition to Malaysia Airlines. There are a few options for travel to the city centre by public transport.

By Road: Malaysia is also accessible overland from Thailand in the north, and Singapore in the south, via Keratapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) which connects most of the principal towns in Peninsular Malaysia.

By Sea: The main port-of-call for cruise liners to Malaysia is Port Klang, situated 41km from KL.

Kuala Lumpur Getting Around

By Taxis

There are two kinds of taxis in KL - metered and non-metered. Non-metered taxis usually charge a higher fare than metered taxis. The fare is RM 2 for the first 2km and 10 sen for every 200 metres thereon. A surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 6:00 Am.

By Car

Travelling by car gives more flexibility to visit places that are out of the city centre. Many of the international car rental agencies have counters at the airport. Hotels can also help arrange for car rentals. An international driving permit or a recognised valid driving license is required to drive in Kuala Lumpur.

By Bus

Most of the city's main areas are served by a fairly reliable bus service. There are a few bus operators in the city and they serve various routes. Almost all buses are air-conditioned. Travelling times on buses can vary depending on the time of day.

By Train

Kuala Lumpur has a comprehensive and efficient rail transport system that links all the major parts of the city. There are four different rail lines operating here, Putra LRT, Star LRT, KTM Komuter and KL Monorail. All trains, except Star LRT, pass through the KL Sentral station. Trains are a great way to go about the city as they usually run on time and are not affected by rush hour traffic. All train stations are complemented by bus services that serve the surrounding.

• Commuter Trains : KTM Komuter operates speedy electric train services from the KL railway station to designated points within the city as well as to Port Klang, Seremban, Kajang and Rawang.
  
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) : There are 2 LRT lines - STAR and PUTRA. Daily operating hours are 6:00am - 12:00pm. Stored value tickets can be purchased at any LRT station. Saver passes are also available with durations of one week up to one year.