Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur

British architect, AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station. Spires, minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. It serves not only as an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station.

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate Malaysia's emergence as South East Asia's commercial and cultural centre. Celebrated as one of the tallest towers in the world, the buildings stand at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and are joined by a skybridge extending 192ft (58m) across. Traditional geometric principles of Islamic architecture have been followed using modern technology, with an inspiring result. The Petronas towers are used as office complexes that form part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Development Park.

Getting There:
Train from Kuala Lumpur Central Station or PUTRA light rail transit to KLCC; bus 176,178,183 or 185 from Jalan Hang Lekiu bus stop

Opening Times:
The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday 9am-7pm, but tickets go on sale at 8:30am.

Admission:
Admission to the Skybridge is free, but tickets are limited per day.

Melaka (Historic City), Kuala Lumpur

The fascinating seaside city of Melaka (Malacca) preserves the historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade with China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Colonial powers wrestled for control, and much of the Portuguese influence from the 1500s is cemented in its architecture. The most notable cultural presence today is predominantly Chinese. Chinese merchants continue to ply their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air markets burst with colourful fruit, vegetable and fish produce. The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng together with the vast Chinese cemetery, support a thriving industry entirely dedicated to the deceased. The merging of Chinese and Malay have produced a unique ethnic group found in Melaka, the Baba-Nyonya. The unique lifestyle of this micro-culture can be explored in a dedicated Baba-Nyonya museum.

Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

The crowded and colourful Chinatown area is a jumble of shops, food, smells and people. The central section of Petaling Street is closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an exciting, brightly lit experience. Vendors spread their wares onto the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in. Merchandise ranges from jewellery to toys and t-shirts and bargaining for the best prices is accepted practice and part of the fun.

Getting There:
Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni stop and walk across to Petaling Street, or a short walk from the central bus station

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka), Kuala Lumpur

The 328-foot (100m) flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is the tallest in the world, and marks the place where Malaysia achieved independence in 1957. The city's colonial past is still very much alive in the architecture of the surrounding buildings and the field still hosts the occasional cricket matches. The Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club rests on one corner of the square, looking onto a large video screen displaying religious messages and advertisements. The Club served as a social centre for Kuala Lumpur's British residents; its doors are now open to anyone who can afford the membership fees. In keeping with die-hard customs women are still not allowed entry to the bar, except by invitation.

National Museum (Muzium Negara), Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's historical artefacts and cultural icons are housed in an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. Shadow play (Wayang kilt) displays reflect the ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional weapons such as daggers (kris) and machetes (parangs) reveal the Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms.

Getting There:
Bangsar LRT station or bus to Jalan Travers

Opening Times:
Daily 9am-6pm.

Admission:
MYR 5 adults; MYR 2 children 6-12

National Mosque (Masjid Negara), Kuala Lumpur

A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in South East Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of the city's Malay office workers congregate here for the Friday afternoon prayers. The impressive 18-point star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.

Getting There:
LRT to Pasar Seni LRT station

Opening Times:
Daily 9am-6pm, except Friday during prayers 2:45pm-6pm.

Admission:
Free

Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

These 60-hectare (148-acre) gardens established in 1888 form the green belt of Kuala Lumpur. The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake. Visitors can take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water (RM4 per hour: Saturdays, 2pm to 5.30pm and Sundays 8am to 5.30pm). The gardens incorporate the National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, with Malaysia's Parliament House situated at the northern end.

Getting There:
Bus 30 from Jalan Sultan Mohamed, or 22 or 38 from Lebuh Pasar Besar

Opening Times:
Butterfly House: daily 9am to 6pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm

Admission:
There's a small admission fee for the Butterfly House, Bird Park, and Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens on weekends, free on weekdays.

Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek), Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Jamek is located where the Gombak River flows into the Klang River and with its palm tress and curved steps leading to the water's edge, it is a haven of peace and tranquillity set amongst the buzz and rush of modern KL. The Mosque is built on a symbolic site dating back to the origins of Kuala Lumpur, being the spot where the founders of the city first set foot. The design was inspired by Mogul mosques in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades. As with all mosques, a visit calls for conservative dress and the removal of shoes, the mosque staff at the entrance also supply women and men with appropriate attire for a mosque visit.

Getting There:
Masjid Jamek LRT station

Opening Times:
Saturday to Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-4pm. Friday 8:30am-11am and 2:30pm-4pm.

Admission:
Free

Taman Negara National Park, Kuala Lumpur

Taman Negara contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land. Its richly diverse fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130 million years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal life is by 'trekking' along the jungle trails. Although seldom seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in places amongst the jungle growth. Besides trekking, the park's other attractions are fishing, river rafting or bird watching and climbers can explore the Peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan at 7,175 fEEt (2,187m). The best time to visit Taman Negara is between March and September.

Admission:
MYR 1 (park permit), MYR 5 (camera licence)

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these impressive limestone caves together with the Hindu shrines that honour their deities. The caves were discovered by the American explorer William Hornaby in 1881 but have since become associated with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three-day religious festival during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to the caves during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of self-flagellation that are fascinating to observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave is reached by climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave - housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious art. There is a clear view from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, set within a large cave that extends for 262 feet (80m). Onsite companies offer rock-climbing opportunities as well.

Getting There:
There are regular trains from Kuala Lumpur Station costing RM 1.50 each way, and buses 11 or 11D leave from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal

Admission:
A small entrance fee is charged