Kuala Lumpur (called KL by the locals), is Malaysia's capital and a melting pot of cultures, customs, and cuisines from all over the world. Home to the second-tallest building in the world, Kuala Lumpur is a great place for tourists to explore old ethnic pockets like Little India, see colonial bungalows amidst towering sky scrapers, enjoy great food, and shop at some of the world's biggest and best shopping centers. Short Term Stay Kuala Lumpur wants to help you choose the right location for your stay in one of our short term rentals in Kuala Lumpur, so the overview of KL neighborhoods below may be something you should read through.
KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre):
Though Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is largely a professional district, there are also a number of tourist attractions in this neighborhood as well as a number of great housing locations. Aside from visiting the famous Petronas Twin Towers, you can enjoy a water ballet on the Symphony Lake or hit up one of the many shopping malls. If you want to be in the center of the action, you should try looking at some of our Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments in one of KLCC's many beautiful apartment complexes.
Golden Triangle:
The Golden Triangle complements KLCC as one of Kuala Lumpur's main shopping districts. This district is called the Golden Triangle because there are three main roads - Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Raja Chulan - forming a triangle around the area. Though this is the city's main business district, it also houses endless shopping and entertainment options. Visit the Golden Triangle to glimpse Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, swanky hotels, and trendy restaurants.
Bukit Bintang:
Not far from the Golden Triangle district is Bukit Bintang, the hub of Kuala Lumpur's trendiest shopping and nightlife. You will not be at a loss for things to do here; when you tire of shopping, stop in at a cafe or bar for some refreshment. Bukit Bintang plays host to a variety of tourists and young people and is busy at all hours of the day and night, and many major annual events take place here as well, such as the New Year's countdown and the Malaysia International Fashion Week (M-IFW). With its central location and the convenience of some of the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment spots, this area is one of the most popular choices among people seeking short term rentals in Kuala Lumpur.
Bangsar:
Like Bukit Bintang, Bangsar is a popular nightlife spot and also happens to be one of Kuala Lumpur's oldest expat neighborhoods. This area was once a British-owned rubber plantation; now it is one of the wealthiest residential areas of the city, which you can see from the trendy young people and expats frequenting Bangsar's malls, bars, and cafes. If you are interested in high-end serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur located close to public transport (KL Sentral is just five minutes away), Bangsar may be a good place for you to live.
Mont Kiara:
Another popular area for expat families to live is Mont Kiara, thanks in part to the two international schools in the district. This district is more suburban than city, so there is a lot of space for mid- to high-end offices and condos; if you want to live quietly and away from all the touristy things, consider one of our short term rentals Kuala Lumpur in Mont Kiara.
Jalan Ampang/Embassy District:
Many foreign embassies are located in the Jalan Ampang district, which is just east of the Golden Triangle area. For this reason, many expats live here, and you'll have lots of good housing options to choose from if you like this location. You will also find great Korean food around Jalan Ampang, as it is the home of Kuala Lumpur's Little Korea.
Mid Valley City:
Another popular shopping and entertainment destination is Mid Valley City; this is where you can find the Mid Valley Megamall and its 400-plus shops. Those not interested in shopping can visit the King's Palace (Istana Negara), where the king rotates every five years. You can also visit Tasik Perdana Park's nature-based attractions or one of the area's museums. For a slightly quieter and more historical feel not far from the city center, consider staying in one of our serviced apartments Kuala Lumpur in Mid Valley City.
Sri Hartamas:
For an even quieter area than Mid Valley City, try Sri Hartamas, which is set away from the city center's hustle and bustle. This district is known for its affordable and delicious selection of international food. It is also a popular spot for divers to convene; the dive shops here can organize a day trip to some of the best diving areas.
Chinatown:
Like many big cities, Kuala Lumpur has a Chinatown, which is located on Petaling Street in the middle of the city. Though it is touristy, this Chinatown is also authentic and a great place to shop for Chinese crafts at the night market or bargain finds at one of the shopping centers. Of course, you can find great Chinese food here; stop at a hawker center for an authentic and affordable lunch.
Petaling Jaya:
Once a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya has evolved into a separate city of just two square kilometers. You can easily get here on public transport; just get off at the LRT Train Station. Though small, Petaling Jaya has a youthful energy and some nice restaurants.
Damansara Perdana:
Damansara Perdana brushes up against Petaling Jaya and the state of Selangor. It is an upper-middle-class suburb of Kuala Lumpur and has some great restaurants, bars, and clubs in a quieter area than the city center. It is considered an upper class neighborhood, and has become very popular among the wealthy in recent years.
Kuala Lumpur grew as it absorbed outlying villages and towns; therefore, the network of streets is not as straightforward as in a place designed to be a city. Walking is a convenient and pleasant way to get around the city center, but be careful of the heat and watch out for motorbikes driving on the sidewalks. Hop-on, hop-off tourist buses are one of the city's gems and are a great way to see KL while traveling to and from your serviced apartment in Kuala Lumpur.
Public Transportation:
Kuala Lumpur has an efficient, if somewhat confusing public transportation network of trains and buses that is overseen by Rapid KL. Commuter trains reach all the way to the suburbs and are a much faster way to travel than street-level transport. The bus routes are harder to figure out than the five main train lines, though you can always ask, as English is widely spoken.
Unless your stay at our short term rentals in Kuala Lumpur will be a short one, you ought to consider purchasing a Touch `n Go card for discounted fares on all public transport lines (except the airport express train).
Taxis:
Though difficult to book during daily rush hour times, taking a taxi in Kuala Lumpur is easy and convenient. Those staying with us in one of our serviced apartments Kuala Lumpur will soon learn that standard taxis can be flagged down from the curb or a taxi stand, while executive taxis - which are cleaner and more comfortable - can be found near hotels and large malls. Fares are metered, and you will be charged extra if you take a taxi between 12 and 6am. Major taxi companies in Kuala Lumpur include Keeganlam Executive Taxi Services, Sunlight Radio Taxi, Eco Transit, Mesra Cab, and Wira Cab.
Driving:
Most people recommend not driving in Kuala Lumpur if you can help it; though the roads are good, traffic is notoriously slow and disorganized. The one-way streets, tunnels, and flyovers are also confusing, and the city offers no free parking. Best if you let the public transport and taxis take you from your short term rental in Kuala Lumpur to your destination.
Airports:
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is affectionately known as "KLIA" and has been rated highly among airports of the world. This airport has flights to and from all major Asian and international destinations. Though the airport is 55 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, there is a KLIA express train that gets you to the city center in less than half an hour.
Kuala Lumpur was only colonized in the middle of the nineteenth century, so much of its growth is recent. Since colonization, Kuala Lumpur has grown in size and has become an ultra-modern, cosmopolitan city. Tourists flock to the city for its mix of colonial architecture and state-of-the-art skyscrapers along with the blossoming arts and culture scene. The Malaysia Tourist Centre (MTC) has information on tours and performances. You can also take a Red Fury Tours, which will introduce you to the major attractions in Kuala Lumpur, such as the Petronas Twin Towers and National Mosque of Malaysia. Many of our Kuala Lumpur short term rentals are located in areas close to the city's best attractions.
Outdoor Activities:
If you like architecture, you must visit the Merdeka Square/Jalan Hishamuddin area close to the city center. This area is encircled by British colonial buildings, such as the Royal Selangor Club, as well as the contrasting Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Masjid Jamek Mosque. The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is also worth a visit, for its hodgepodge of architectural styles and mere grandiosity.
Those who want to experience some of Kuala Lumpur's natural attractions should stay in one of our serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur near Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) across the river. This popular 172-acre park has sculpture gardens, a hibiscus garden, a deer park, and a bird park, among others. Stroll around or rent a boat to glide along the boating lake. The National Zoo of Malaysia is also a popular spot, as are the Batu Caves north of the city. For a more entertaining outdoor experience, spend a day at Sunway Lagoon theme park.
Sport for Spectators:
Not unsurprisingly, British colonial influence in Malaysia means that field hockey and squash are among the most popular spectator sports. In fact, the Malaysian Open Squash Championship takes place annually in Kuala Lumpur. The city also has teams in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation along with professional cricket and basketball leagues. You will find a variety of sports events to watch at Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the National Squash Centre (NSC), and the Malaysia National Hockey Stadium.
If you prefer individual to team sports, spend an afternoon watching auto or motorcycle racing at the Sepang International Circuit, which is just outside the city. This is the location of an annual Formula One SuperGT Championship and the World Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Arts&Culture:
If you stay in one of our short term rentals Kuala Lumpur near the city center, you will be as close to the cultural scene as you can. The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) hosts a diverse array of performances in its two theatres, while the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra) performs traditional classical music as well as interactive childres's shows in a venue near the Twin Towers. Istana Budaya, or the Palace of Culture National Theatre, hosts major theatrical, cultural, and musical performances, while the Actors Studio @ Lot 10 hosts large-scale theatrical productions.
Museum-lovers will also find plenty to do in Kuala Lumpur. Take your kids to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre or the Aquaria KLCC; both are in the vicinity of the Golden Triangle and city center. The National Museum (Muzium Negara) is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Malaysia. If you prefer art, visit the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia to see a wide variety of wood carvings, painting, sculpture, jewelry, and religious manuscripts.
Dining:
Kuala Lumpur offers a wide variety of cuisines, thanks to the city's cultural diversity. "Local food" probably means Malay, Chinese, or Indian food. Local specialties include nasi lemak, mee laksa, roti canai, and kuey teow. You can try a great selection of these foods at one of the city's many hawker centers, food courts, or coffee shops, such as the Jalan Alor Food Street or Feast Village in the Starhill Gallery's basement, KLCC Signatures food court in Suria KLCC Shopping Center, and Jusco Arena food court at 1Utama Shopping Centre. These are all located near the Golden Triangle area, so look for one of our serviced apartments Kuala Lumpur close to the city center for the widest variety of dining choices.
For a more formal restaurant experience, sit down at Chynna (at Hilton Kuala Lumpur) for a delicious dim sum lunch, or try Malay-Chinese fusion (called Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine) at the Old China Cafe in KL's Chinatown. Al Nafourah (at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur) serves incredible Lebanese cuisine in a romantic, lantern-lit ambiance. Daikanyama Sake Bar & Restaurant serves experimental Japanese cuisine and great drinks, and La Mexicana Kuala Lumpur has food that is authentic and fresh. If you don't have a budget, make a reservation at upscale Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant or Top Hat Restaurant.
Nightlife:
To be near the city's best nightlife, look for a Kuala Lumpur short term rental in Bangsar, Bukit Bintang, or the Golden Triangle, which are the three areas with the most active nightlife scene. Start with a sunset drink at SkyBar at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, or catch the view from Marini's on 57, the highest bar in the city. Head to Clique Lounge Bar @ Piccolo Hotel KL for a relaxed drink in the cushy chairs and low lighting. If you would like to play some backgammon while sipping a drink, stop in at Mezzo Bar & Lounge. For an international feel, visit Reggae Bar in KL's Chinatown, which attracts students, hipsters, and other young people.
In terms of clubs, Kuala Lumpur has plenty. Jambu Lounge Bar in Kuching has two dance floors to choose from, while No Black Tie allows you to sit back and listen to great live jazz. It is hard to beat Pulse Ultra Club at KL Grand Millennium for its energy and live DJs, though Rootz Club also fills up quickly. For a diverse experience with great music, stop in at the Sultan Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Shopping:
Kuala Lumpur, not unlike many other majorAsian cities, has a fantastic shopping scene that ranges from traditional markets to ultra-modern shopping malls. If you prefer the latter, consider renting one of our serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Bintang, where you can find the Fahrenheit 88 Mall as well as low-price, trendy fashion at Sungei Wang Plaza. Electronics fans should visit Low Yat Plaza, which is packed with IT stores. Jalan Ampang is also a good spot for shopping in Kuala Lumpur; go there to visit Ampang Park Shopping Centre, one of Malaysia's first shopping malls, and the hip Lot 10 shopping complex in Bukit Bintang.
For a more traditionally Asian shopping experience, go to Chinatown's Craft Complex (Kompleks Budaya Kraf), or Central Market Kuala Lumpur for Malaysian handicrafts. Don't miss one of the night markets, such as the Bangsar Night Market and the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Night Market, and don't forget to haggle for the best price.
You can guarantee that if your staying at one of our short term rentals Kuala Lumpur, you will be close to some of Kuala Lumpur's many hospitals and healthcare centers, all of which have good infrastructure and modern instruments.
Hospitals:
Schools:
If any of your children will need schooling during your stay, Short Term Stay Kuala Lumpur can find you a great Kuala Lumpur serviced apartment located near some of the city's best international schools. Most of the international schools go from primary through secondary school, though there are a few dedicated grammar schools.
Primary Schools:
Alice Smith International School, Jalan Bellamy
St. Mary's School, Kuala Lumpur
Convent Bukit Nanas
Mutiara International Grammar School
Fairview International School
SMJK Chong Hwa
Mont Kiara International School (M'KIS)
Secondary Schools:
British School, Kuala Lumpur
Garden International School
Royal Military College, Kuala Lumpur
Tenby International School
Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (WMS)
Sri Kuala Lumpur School
Sayfol International School
Alam Shah Science School
SMK Cochrane
Kuala Lumpur also has a diverse collection of higher education institutions, from universities to specialty colleges and institutes. Here is a sampling of what the city has to offer:
Places of Worship:
Churches:
Gospel Hall Kuala Lumpur
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar Lutheran Church
Lutheran Church Malaysia
Muk En Methodist Church
Setapak Methodist Church
Canaan Baptist Church Kuala Lumpur
Petra Gospel Centre
New Covenant Community
St. Mary's Cathedral/SMACC
Buddhist & Hindu Temples:
Dharma Realm Guan Yin Monastery
Thean Hou Temple
Kuan Ti Temple
Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields
Murugan Temple, Jalan Tebing
Arulmigu Kailayanaathar Sivan Temple
Mosques & Islamic Centers:
National Mosque of Malaysia
Federal Territory Mosque
Jamek Mosque
Kampung Baru Mosque
Al Akram Mosque
**Note: For all these areas mentioned above, Short Term Stay Kuala Lumpur will be happy to assist you in finding short term housing in Kuala Lumpur in any of the following rental categories: Temporary housing in Kuala Lumpur, month-to-month rentals in Kuala Lumpur, corporate housing in Kuala Lumpur, short term apartments in Kuala Lumpur, serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur, apartment hotels in Kuala Lumpur, extended stay apartments in Kuala Lumpur, corporate apartments in Kuala Lumpur, short term lease in Kuala Lumpur, monthly rentals in Kuala Lumpur, or corporate rentals in Kuala Lumpur
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