Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors. 

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Malls, Malls, Malls - Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

KL has an incredible density of big shopping centres. It seems like every other year a new mall is opening trying to outdo the others in size or design. Here's a list of the favourites among locals and tourists with more information and pictures of each shopping centre.

2008 Bejing Olympic Torch run in Kuala Lumpur

The olympic torch run which caused some protests from Tibetan activists in other cities which be held on Monday, April 21st in Kuala Lumpur. So expect heavy security forces and obstacles to go sight-seeing along the route of the torch run. The run covers a 16.5km route, starting at 2.25pm from Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) and ending at the KLCC at 6.15pm. Click more to see a map.

Interview with long-term hostel guest John Mansfield

Automotive consultant John Mansfield from England has been a guest of Red Palm Hostel in Kuala Lumpur since August 2006, on and off. I sat down with him to talk about his vision to set up a Motorsports University at the Sepang F1 Circuit, what he likes about Malaysia, travelling the country and his outlook to the upcoming Grand Prix.

Malaysian GP (Formula 1 in Sepang)

It's F1 time again in Malaysia and KL is already dressing up for the Grand Prix. The Malaysian GP will take place for the 10th time already from 21st-23rd of march (this upcoming weekend) at the Sepang track, about 1h south of Kuala Lumpur. What will happen at the 2nd race of the season after the dominant win of Hamilton and the knock-out of the two Ferraris?

How to get from the airport to kuala lumpur

Find all the different means (Bus, Train, Taxi) to get to this area in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

how to get from KL to KLIA / LCCT Airport

The Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is about 45km south of KL. The LCCT is the low cost carrier terminal for budget airlines like Air Asia. It's locally at the same complex but there is no direct connection between the 2 terminals at the moment. There are various ways to get there from KL and to get to KL from there. It takes about 1h by taxi (plus or minus depending on traffic), around 1h15min by bus and 28min by KLIA Express (KLIA - KL Sentral) to get to the Airport / to KL. Read the details...

Day trip to Chiling Waterfall (north of Kuala Lumpur)

A recommended day trip to the Chiling Waterfall north of Kuala Lumpur with the nature guide Happy Yen. Including visit of Buddhist Temple, Lunch, jungle trek to waterfall, hot spring and dinner

Kuala Lumpur - chaos and harmony

A story by german traveller Chris about the crazy KL traffic and the day where all cars disappeared miraculously. And a story where they escaped from the heavy in a chinese tea shop. Read the original german story here.

Kuala Lumpur - everything fake or what?

a story by Andreas (Germany) written down at Red Palm Hostel in November 2004 about fake DVDs and watches and the art of negotiation. The original story and many more stories and picture on the german website MoveTivation.net Internetseite