About Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia beckons all -- the seasoned traveler as well as the uninitiated seeking to discover for the first time its much-publicized charms. "Selamat Datang!" means "welcome" in Bahasa Melayu, the national language. This greeting is written on the faces, expressed in the gestures, and exhibited in the unrestrained friendliness of its people and reflects the heartwarming charm and genuine hospitality of Malaysia.

Malaysia is a fascinating tropical paradise located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Here you will be able to experience not one, but a diversity of Asian cultures in a single destination. From its people to its food to its sights and sound...
Malaysia is indeed a unique showcase of diversity.

Visitors will discover a delightful fusion of three of Asia's oldest civilizations: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. This geo-cultural mix is made even more interesting by the assimilation of other cultures into the fabric of its society, including the indigenous cultures of the Kadazans, Ibans, and other ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the influence of the British, Portuguese, Dutch, and Thais. Malays make up about 57 percent of the population of Malaysia. Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups make up the balance. Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language of Malaysia, but English is widely spoken. The other ethnic groups of Malaysia also speak various languages and dialects.

The capital city and main gateway to Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, a clean, compact, modern metropolis of more than 2 million people. Visitors to Kuala Lumpur can take advantage of world-class accommodation, inexpensive transportation, mouth-watering food, excellent shopping, and a variety of places to see and things to do. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is popularly known, is the hub of commerce, entertainment, and international activities.

The rapidly changing skyline of Kuala Lumpur boasts the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers, standing at 452 meters, as well as the Menara Kuala Lumpur, one of the world's tallest telecommunication structures. Despite its transformation into an ultra-modern city, Kuala Lumpur is also known for preserving its heritage buildings. The many beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, as well as streets adorned with trees and shrubs colorfully lit by night, have earned Kuala Lumpur its reputation as the "Garden City of Lights."

In Kuala Lumpur, culinary pleasures can be enjoyed almost everywhere. Hawker centers offer the unique experience of open-air dining at very economical prices. Food courts, found in many shopping malls, serve a variety of local and continental food in air-conditioned comfort. Sidewalk cafes and fine dining restaurants boast ambiance and impeccable service with delicious fare. In addition to Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, it is also easy to find Continental, American, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Korean restaurants.