Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's capital will surprise and delight you with its mix of old and new

Kuala Lumpur

From its humble beginnings as a tin mining town in the 1800s, Kuala Lumpur (KL) has transformed into a vibrant, bustling, cosmopolitan city that is home to more than seven million people.

With so many direct daily flights from Australian capital cities, your Malaysian adventure will almost certainly begin and end in KL. And you'll be very glad it does. In KL you can make the most of the city's luxe hotels, high-end and boutique shopping and sumptuous dining options, while soaking up the invigorating atmosphere.

Five unforgettable experiences in Kuala Lumpur include:

1) Take in a bird's eye view of the city:

Whether at day, or illuminated at night, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is always a major attraction, and they won't disappoint. If you want to visit the Skybridge, make sure you arrive early in the morning.

The KL Tower also offers a fantastic bird's eye view over KL, with an uninterrupted 360 degree view. It is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world, and is an enduring image in the KL skyline. A must for visitors to KL.

For more information and how to get there visit: www.petronastwintowers.com.my; www.menarakl.com.my

2) Shop up a storm around town:

If you're looking to indulge in a spot of retail therapy on your next holiday, then Kuala Lumpur is the place for you! Shopping is a serious pastime in KL - there's every shopping experience imaginable, from exciting street markets to sophisticated luxury brand signature stores.

The main shopping district is Bukit Bintang, located in the Golden Triangle area, which is a 10 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Here you'll find a mix of high-street and designer stores, as well as major shopping complexes, such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, Suria KLCC, and Lot 10 Shopping Centre. These complexes are home to retailers like Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Topshop, and Tiffany and Co.

Outside of Bukit Bintang, in suburban KL, you'll also find great shopping malls, including Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre, Mid-Valley Mega-Mall and One Utama Damansara.

If you're looking to combine a bustling atmosphere, with bargain shopping buys, head to Petaling St and the nearby Central Market, which are located in Chinatown.

While great bargains can be found year-round from June to August, and November to January, two major shopping carnivals run - the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, and the Malaysia Year End Sale.

3) Journey to the mystical Batu Caves

If you're looking to head out of the city, a trip to Batu Caves is a must. Located in Selangor (20 minutes from KL city) Batu Caves is the site of a Hindu temple and shrine, and attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists alike.

On arrival you'll be greeted by monkeys seeking peanuts, and awed by the large statue of the Hindu God Lord Murugan at the entrance. From here you can climb 272 steps to take in the immense Cathedral Caves 100 metre-high ceiling, and the stunning skyline view of KL.

For more information visit: www.tourism.gov.my

How to get there: Batu Caves is accessible by car or taxi as it is situated beside the main highway of MRR2 in Batu Caves area. There is also the KTM Komuter train service from KL Sentral to Batu Caves.

4) Dine out on KL's delicious cuisine

When it's time to eat, you'll find that Malaysians take their food very seriously. That's why the dining options in KL are nothing short of spectacular.

If you're looking for an authentic Malaysian dining experience, make sure you try out some of Kuala Lumpur's famed hawker food. Top picks include Jalan Alor, which is located in the Golden Triangle district; the nearby Pudu Markets in Pudu; or Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Little India, which is located close to the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

For a taste of fine dining try acclaimed restaurants like Neo Tamarind, Restaurant Lafite, Restoran Rebung, Lai Po Heen, or for a range of tasty eateries head to Feast Village at Starhill Gallery. As the perfect complement to your high-end dinner, make sure you finish your evening off with a cocktail at one of Malaysia's stunning rooftop bars, like Skybar at Traders, or View Rooftop Bar.

If you're looking to take home the ultimate gourmet souvenir, you can also try one of the many cooking classes available in KL, where you can pick up tips on the techniques, ingredients and produce that make up Malaysian cuisine. Top picks include Lazat Cooking Class and Bayan Indah.

5) Take a stroll around the beautiful Lake Gardens

Lake Gardens is perfect for both locals and travellers who are looking for a little tranquillity in the middle of the city. The oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur, today its landscaped hills and beautiful trails provide the perfect escape for city dwellers.

The main attraction is the lake surrounded by lush greenery, but many travellers are also found roaming through the aviaries at the Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, or gorgeous Orchid Garden.

For more information visit: www.tourism.gov.my

How to get there: Entry to the Lake Gardens is available through Jalan Parliament, and the park is open daily between 9am-6pm. Admission to the park is free.

Kuala Lumpur

Best time to visit: Kuala Lumpur is a temperate city, and the year-round climate is consistent - making this a great destination to visit year-round

For more information on Kuala Lumpur go to: www.tourism.gov.my or download the Kuala Lumpur information pack.