Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, strikes a perfect balance between modernity and tradition. Spread across an area of 243.65 square kilometres, it is located on the west coast of the peninsula and is also the largest city of the country.

Though the history of the city goes back to the 1850s, Kuala Lumpur gained prominence in 1880 when it was made the capital of Selangor. During the British invasion and even after the country gained independence, the city retained its capital status.

Enclosed by mountains and land on most sides, Kuala Lumpur enjoys a tropical monsoon climate throughout the year. Due to the heavy rainfall, the city is wet for most part of the year.

The city is a melting pot being inhabited by a wide array of ethnic groups mainly comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli. The food, language, architecture and culture in Kuala Lumpur reflect Malaysia's unique mixture of Chinese, Islamic, Indian, Malay and colonial heritage.

This diverse blend of ethnicities along with the large number of expats who have made Kuala Lumpur their home gives the city a cosmopolitan feel.

Apart from being a famous tourist destination, Kuala Lumpur is also one of the most booming business hubs in Southeast Asia. Due to this unique combination, the capital city plays a pivotal role in the Malaysian economy.

In spite of rapid urbanisation, the city has managed to preserve most of its historical sites. On a visit to Kuala Lumpur, tourists will come across numerous historical monuments coexisting with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. This rare quality, where modernity and tradition strikes a perfect balance might be the reason why this city has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.