Car Hire Kuala Lumpur - Mini guide to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has grown from nothing to a modern bustling city in less than 130 years, and is now home to two million people. Situated on the convergence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers, KL (as it's almost universally known) retains much of the character and local colour. It has lots of colonial buildings still standing in its centre.

Kuala Lumpur is situated in the Selangor province near the west coast of the Malay Peninsular. The twin Petronas Towers skyscrapers - the tallest building in the world - dominates the city skyline, while in nearby Merdeka Square stands a 95m (312ft) flagpole.

Merdeka Square is a popular tourist attraction, in the heart of downtown KL, and was originally host to the proclamation of independence in 1957. Nearby, and also of historical interest, you will find the Royal Selangor Club for VIP’s, the Victorian Sultan Abdul Samad building, The National History Museum and city library.

KL's Chinatown, about 300m south-east of Merdeka Square, is a vibrant section of the city with many street vendors and night markets. The central section, Jalan Petaling, is a pedestrianised market and is most spectacular at night, when all of the street stalls, food, haggling and lights create a fabulous athmosphere. Little India is also a fun, bustling place to spend a few hours.

The famous Golden Triangle shopping and commerce area, located in the shadows of the Petronas Towers, is almost a small city in itself. This area also contains all the most expensive hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the city.

Kuala Lumphur is hot and humid all year round, rainfall is variable and falls all year round. The driest, and therefore probably most desireable visiting months, months tend to be June and July.

Attractions further afield include the city Green Belt, bird park, trekking and relaxing by the beautiful Tasik Perdana Lake.