Know 11 incredible things about Malaysia's capital city!
Deepa Kartha
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the largest city of the country. A metropolitan hub, it is also the financial capital of Malaysia. The city with its rich history, diverse culture and amazing architecture attracts millions of tourists from across the world, every year.
Fact 01: Humble Beginnings
Dating back to 1857, the city was found not by the ethnic Malaysians but the tin miners from China.
The city was under Japanese rule (1942-1945) during World War II. When the Japanese surrendered, Kuala Lumpur just like other parts of Malaysia came under British rule. It was declared independent in 1957.
Fact 02: Colonized History
Fact 03: History behind the Name
The name Kuala Lumpur means muddy confluence. The city was named so as it is located in the confluence of Klang River and Gombak River, and because the muddy waters of the river flood the city during monsoon.
Kuala Lumpur has a diverse culture, and the population of the city is made of Malays, Chinese and Indians. The citizens of the city are known as KLites.
Fact 04: Diverse Cultures
Fact 05: Petronas: Pride of the City
Kuala Lumpur has several architectural wonders. However, the most significant is the Petronas Towers. Right from the time of its completion in 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Towers were the tallest towers in the world.
Today, they are still the tallest twin towers in the world. One of the highlights is that the two towers are connected to each other by bridges on the 41st and 42nd floors.
The Petronas Towers is not the only building in Malaysia with a world record. The Kuala Lumpur or KL Tower is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
Fact 06: KL Tower
It is a telecommunications tower, which also has a pedestrian mall, souvenir shops, a revolving restaurant and an observation platform, offering a breathtaking view of the city.
Kuala Lumpur is home to Istana Negara, the official residence of Malaysia's elected monarch (King Yang di-Pertuan Agong). The palatial residence is an architectural wonder and a tourist spot.
Fact 07: Royal Home
The temples built in the 400 million years old limestone Batu Caves capture the awe of everyone who visits the place.
Fact 08: Historical Temples
The huge gold statue of Lord Murugan is the highlight of the place. You have to climb 272 steps to reach the caves.
With more than 66 shopping malls, Kuala Lumpur is one of the biggest retail and shopping hub in the world. Three of the 10 largest malls in the world are located in KL.
Fact 09: Haven for Shopoholics
The malls are not only huge but have unique aesthetics too. Apart from this, the city is also popular for street shopping.
Kuala Lumpur may look like a concrete jungle. However, the fact is that it is home to a 6.9 hectares of KLCC Park, surrounded by lush greenery.
Fact 10: Nature within the City
The KLCC Park has a children's playground, walking and jogging paths, a fountain (a light show) and wading pools.
Fact 11: Unique Restrictions
It would be surprising to know that women are banned from using excessive or dark lipstick since 1996. The then government believed that too much lipstick was the cause of illicit sex related issues in the city.