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Things about Bukit Bintang-Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:35:30 +0000

Bukit Bintang is Kuala Lumpur’s ultimate shopping district as well as a fantastic place for entertainment and family recreation. Located in the Golden Triangle, Bukit Bintang can easily be reached by bus, taxi or elevated high-speed trains dubbed the Monorail system. The area is also a commercial centre with many offices and businesses operating in Bukit Bintang. On weekends, Bukit Bintang is packed to the brim with people from morning to night, making this one lively place not to be missed out!
Alternatively you can find hotels by price, hotels by location or hotels on a map. See also our Last Minute Hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

What to do in Bukit Bintang

The Bukit Bintang area is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most well-known areas for entertainment and shopping. It attracts all walks of life daily from three-year-old toddlers accompanied by their budding parents to young, street-smart hipsters and white-collar professionals looking for fine dining to middle-aged urban dwellers in need of a shopping fix.

However, there are also plenty of other pursuits to indulge in, such as the area’s trademark foot massages!

Shopping in Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is most famous for its shopping opportunities. This area is so popular simply because it caters to almost every taste and budget when it comes to shopping. A variety of malls, specialising in different products, are found within walking distance of each other in the area.

Don’t miss out on the great deals and bargain-bin prices of fashion clothing, merchandise, electrical goods and other fantastic stuff on sale here!

Dining & Restaurants in Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang has plenty of places to eat which cater to a whole range of budgets. You can feast on local favourites that will not hurt your wallet, sample fruits and drinks or dine in high-class restaurants attached to hotels and malls in the area.

The variety of dining opportunities is what adds to the excitement of being in Bukit Bintang. Below are some of the popular areas for dining.

Nightlife in Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is a hotbed for nightlife entertainment and recreation. The most prominent area for nightlife is Bintang Walk, which starts from one end of Lot 10 shopping mall and stretches all the way to the Marriot Resort on the other.

Also check out the bars and clubs along the nearby streets of Bukit Bintang, which offer exciting night time activities
What to Do in Bukit Bintang

Massages, Spas, Cinema, Theme Park


The Bukit Bintang area is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most well-known areas for entertainment and shopping. It attracts all walks of life daily from three-year-old toddlers accompanied by their budding parents to young, street-smart hipsters and white-collar professionals looking for fine dining to middle-aged urban dwellers in need of a shopping fix. Such is the diversity of Bukit Bintang; from the people that compose it to the choice of activities in the area.



Cinema

Bukit Bintang has other activities you can indulge in besides shopping. The only cinema in the area is located in Times Square shopping mall on nearby Imbi Street. This is a special cinema, called an IMAX Theatre which has an extremely large digital screen to enhance the cinematic viewing experience of the latest movies.



Indoor Theme Park

Also check out the Cosmo’s World Indoor Theme Park also inside Times Square. Families can bring their children for roller coaster rides and other excitements in this theme park conveniently located within the city. There’s also a mini arcade in Sungei Wang Plaza located on the second floor which attracts many young people drawn to its racing simulators and shoot-them-up games.



Massages & Health Spas

Fancy having a relaxing time in Bukit Bintang, one of the city’s busiest places? Yes, you can at one of the many massage parlours and health spas located within the many hotels that line the street. There are also a few massage and health spas on the streets within their own premises, but the best ones come from the big hotels in Bukit Bintang. They offer the whole gamut of health and relaxation treatments such as facial, masking, pedicure, manicure, aromatherapy and much more.



Reflexology (Foot Massage)

There is one more health-related attraction that Bukit Bintang is most famous for; foot massages. Many shops along the Bukit Bintang Street offer exotic foot treatments. These incorporate reflexology, which stimulates pressure points on the foot through massage. Among the claimed benefits of foot massages are a better blood circulation, cures to certain ailments and a balanced, detoxified body.

In these shops, patrons sit on reclining long chairs and spend up to an hour or more getting their feet treated to a thorough massage. Charges go by the time spent and how complex or wide the area which the massages cover. The shops are usually open till late night, which is when they get the most customers who come in after a tired day of work.

Bukit Bintang Shopping Guide

Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Low Yat, Times Square


Bukit Bintang is most famous for its shopping opportunities. This area is so popular simply because it caters to almost every taste and budget when it comes to shopping. A variety of malls, specialising in different products, are found within walking distance of each other in the area. The most popular, and well-known of these, is probably Sungei Wang Plaza, a pinkish building that is packed to the brim with small shops.



Sungei Wang Plaza & BB Plaza

Sungei Wang Plaza offers a nice range of products to shop, including branded clothing for teenagers, fashion accessories, DVDs, souvenirs, household decorative items and much more. The ground floor is a good place to shop for cell phones as there are booths which line the balcony that overlooks the lower ground floor, forming a square in the centre of the mall. Here, mobile phone dealers constantly compete to provide the latest hand phones and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Right up at the top on the 6th floor is a series of fashion shops called ‘T-Hop’. This is where you can get Hong-Kong styled fashion clothing for youth, along with some toy shops and restaurants. There is a Parkson’s department store which occupies a side section of the mall, and a local hypermarket on the lower ground floor. Connected directly to Sungei Wang Plaza is the Bukit Bintang Plaza (BB Plaza), which shares the same building. It’s a quieter version of Sungei Wang.

Starhill & Lot 10

For more upmarket shopping, head to Lot 10, just across the street which is a trendy mall that retails branded products, fashion, jewellery, watches and other expensive merchandise. The Japanese department store, Isetan, takes up a portion of the mall’s floors. Here, you can buy all things Japanese from sushi to cushion covers all the way from Japan.

Also check out Starhill, an even higher-class mall located just behind Lot 10. This mall has a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the interior is decorated with glittery lights and wooden trimmings, making it resemble a European shopping avenue. The building stocks a wide range of branded products and fine dining restaurants.



Low Yat & Imbi Plaza

If you’re into Information Technology, look no further than Low Yat Plaza, right behind Sungei Wang. This mall specialises in the latest computer hardware such as motherboards, RAM chips, graphic cards, flash drives, routers, hubs, casings and other peripherals. The second and third floors are dedicated computer zones where you can buy all these stuff as well as branded laptops/notebooks and a wide range of bootleg games for the computer. The neighbouring Imbi Plaza is another small shopping complex for such products though Low Yat remains more popular.



Berjaya Times Square

Finally, check out Times Square shopping mall, which is located on Imbi Street, a stone’s throw away. This is one of the biggest malls in town. The shop carries a mix of outlets that cater to the middle-class of society. Of particular note is the IMAX digital cinema theatre located inside as well as the largest Borders bookstore in Southeast Asia. Other than malls, you can also visit the shops that line the Bukit Bintang Street for all sorts of goods under the sun.

Bukit Bintang Dining & Restaurants

Bintang Walk, Jalan Alor, What to Eat


Bukit Bintang has plenty of places to eat which cater to a whole range of budgets. You can feast on local favourites that will not hurt your wallet, sample fruits and drinks or dine in high-class restaurants attached to hotels and malls in the area. The variety of dining opportunities is what adds to the excitement of being in Bukit Bintang. Below are some of the popular areas for dining.



Bintang Walk

The Bintang Walk is a colourful stretch of street cafes, pubs and restaurants that stretch all the way from Lot 10 Shopping mall to JW Marriot Hotel. While most of the restaurants are open during the day, at night the walk becomes alive with lights, colours and noise as all the shops and establishments open their doors to the crowd. Most of the restaurants and cafes found here focus on an al-fresco dining concept but possess their own indoor areas.

There’s much to eat and drink here; visitors can select fine pastries and bread from bakeries or sip on choice coffee from outlets such as the Coffee Bean, Dome and Starbucks. The Bintang Walk is also a good place to dine on international cuisine such as Spanish, Mediterranean, Japanese and Italian fare while being entertained by live music from jazz bands and such. Also make sure you visit Tai Pai Tong, a hawker square located at the start of Bintang Walk serving both local and international food.

Jalan Alor

Jalan Alor is an entire street dedicated to hawker stalls that serve up local delights ranging from Chinese, Indian, Malay and even fusion food. Located right next to Bukit Bintang road, Jalan Alor is extremely popular with the locals for offering delicious food served in a traditional open-air atmosphere, with chairs and tables on the curbs and road-side.

This is one place that is busy both during the day and night, catering to working people during lunch time and tourists in the evenings. You’ll be spoilt for choice as countless hawkers operate from one end of the street to the other. The stalls are mostly erected on the kerbs of the streets, but some restaurants also operate from shop lot premises behind the kerb.

Meals are cooked on the spot upon ordering and diners sit on plastic chairs and eat their food on collapsible tables placed along the road-side. Although the road is actually open and meant for traffic, the tables and chairs will occupy so much of the space that cars tend to avoid travelling through the narrow lane that is created. A good way to enjoy this place is to walk the whole lane of stalls and then decide on what appeals to you best for dinner or lunch.

Some of the great stuff you can eat here include Malaysian-styled Chinese food, where you can order dishes from a menu and eat them along with a bowl of rice; traditional Malay delights such as ‘Ikan Bakar’; grilled fish and ‘Satay’; meat kebabs, Indian hawker fare such as ‘Rojak’, assortment of fried vegetarian food items with a bit of egg and squid; various local drinks and savoury desert items such as ‘Cendol’; green long beans served in a glass of thick, sweet coconut milk and ‘Lolo’, a Chinese desert using shaved iced mixed with fruits and syrup.

Shopping Malls and Hotels

The malls and shopping centres around Bukit Bintang also have good dining opportunities. Low Yat Plaza has some nice fusion Chinese restaurants on the ground and lower ground floor that cater to a young crowd. These places serve unique Hong Kong-styled drinks that incorporate fruit juices with ice and beans. They also serve a wide variety of local food in a funky environment with pop music and colourful décor.

Fast food outlets are aplenty and you get the usual places like McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Sungei Wang Plaza. There are also some nice cafes and a Hong Kong restaurant located at the front of Sungei Wang’s building on the ground floor along the street. Upstairs at the 4th floor is where a budget food court lies serving local Chinese, Malay and Indian food while further up on the 6th floor you get more funky Chinese cafes and restaurants.

For fine dining and international food, look inside the many hotels within Bukit Bintang. From 5-star to mid-range executive hotels, you can get a variety of gourmet food within an attractive and cosy dining area complete with privacy and style. Star Hill Plaza, on the other side of Lot 10, has several upmarket restaurants that combine luxury and international food with personalised service.

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Getting Around Kuala Lumpur

admin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:30:45 +0000

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By Taxi, Bus, Train It is easy to get around Kuala Lumpur, which has a large network of buses, light commuter trains and fleet taxis. However, the traffic jams, which happen regularly, are legendary. This makes travelling by commuter trains the best option if you plan to explore the city sights during peak traffic periods. Stay away from taxis and buses during the early morning rush hours from 7.30-9pm and late evening crawl from as early as 5 till as late as 7.30pm.

Taxi

Cabs, which are coloured red and white, can be flagged down from almost every point in the city. There are the normal taxis, which use cars like Proton Wiras, Iswaras and Sagas, and premier taxis, which uses Renault MPVs. Taxis are required to use a meter to charge passengers, but you will find that in KL, not many cabbies adhere to the rule. The premier taxis, on the other hand, do stick to the correct meter charges. Hence, be aware of overcharging and insist on the cabbie using the meter. Irresponsible cab drivers can be reported to the authorities by taking down their personal details, which is stamped in bold on their car’s left side of the dashboard; a requirement for taxis by law.

Buses

Buses are a cheaper method of travel around the city. There are bus stops located in every nook and cranny of Kuala Lumpur that will take you to a variety of places, including adjoining areas in Selangor state. However, during the morning rush hour and evening exodus, the buses can get cramped to the point that it feels like sardines in a can, so avoid these times where possible.

Rapid KL, a government-sanctioned company, is the main bus service provider in the city. Their buses are coloured white with red stripes and use a slot where you put in coins to get a ticket. Alternatively, you can purchase monthly passes to use Rapid KL buses. Other private companies serving some routes around KL include Metrobus and Setara Jaya. These use the traditional conductor who goes around the bus collecting fares and dispensing tickets according to destination.

Rented Cars

Renting your own car offers you great flexibility and convenience. By paying a deposit, you can take a car to drive around and pay the corresponding rate measured daily. Cars can be rented from various agencies in the city and even in the airport. You also have a wide range to choose from, such as compact cars to luxury sedans and large vans to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Do be warned that the locals dive rather brazenly, so be on your guard at all times.

Trains

Trains are an integral part of the city’s transport system. These are specifically commuter trains that are meant to ferry passengers from one point to another point in the city quickly and efficiently, rather than going to outstation areas. The KTM Komuter is a land-based train that plies railway tracks which cuts though major residential areas in and around Kuala Lumpur.

The Monorail, Putra LRT and Star are, on the other hand, light rail transit systems, which utilise elevated tracks that cuts across and above busy intersections in the city. Putra LRT even has a subway track from half its route onwards. Most of the train systems connect in KL Sentral, Malaysia’s central railway hub located in Brickfields. Station Pasar Seni is close to CHINATOWN, off Klang Bus station point.

The trains systems are explored below.

Sistem Aliran Transit Ringan (STAR)

The STAR Light Rail Transit system is an elevated rapid train that starts from Sentul Timur, in northern KL and heads south, via Masjid Jamek and Pudu. From there, the line splits into two and one continuing south to Sukan Negara and the other going east to Ampang. The train moves across elevated tracks that are built across land, bypassing major roads and vegetation.

Trains depart every 6 to 10 minutes and it operates from 6am till 11.30pm daily. Commuters can purchase tickets from machines or counters located within the stations and swipe the cards into a machine to enter the waiting area.

Putra LRT

The new 16 km elevated monorail, the People-Mover Rapid Transit (PRT), runs south from Jalan Tun Razak near the Jalan Pekelling bus station, to end on the south-western outskirts of the city at Kampung Pasir. Along the way, it passes the Golden Triangle. The monorail is connecting with the Putra LRT as well as the Star LRT at various stations in the city.

Monorail

The Monorail is the latest light rail transit system to be incorporated in Kuala Lumpur. The entire route is only about 9 km-long and the trains are considerably shorter and smaller, consisting of only two cars each. It also rides on thin, dual elevated beams rather than tracks. Its purpose is to serve the busiest routes in the Golden Triangle and provide quick and efficient transport between adjacent commercial areas. The Monorail uses the same ticketing system as STAR and PUTRA. The Monorail starts from Pekeliling and ends in KL Sentral.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM)

The KTM system is a typical railway train that operates on normal railway tracks. Used predominantly to service the large residential areas in the outskirts of the city, KTM has a long history in the development of Malaysia’s railway systems. The KTM railways connect from these outskirts areas to major parts of the city. There are two main tracks; one lies from Seremban to Rawang while the other is from Klang Port to Sentul. The KTM main station is about 10 minutes walk from Hotel Malaya” The Heart Of Chinatown”

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Get mesmerized, visit Kuala Lumpur

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:00:35 +0000

Kuala Lumpur, an exotic mélange of diverse cultures, people, food, and traditions, is undoubtedly one of the most loved tourist spots across the world. This proud capital lies almost in the centre of the West Coast peninsular of Malaysia.

This sizzling city has the best of both worlds – traditions adapted from the resident Malays, Chinese, and Indians and fast-paced technology to match and move beyond the rest of the world. Kuala Lumpur or simply KL has a lot to offer the expectant tourists.
A peek in to the city’s history…

Today a modern city flourishing with sky scrappers, Kuala Lumpur was founded only in 1857. As this city that mostly had tin mining started to prosper, it was made capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. KL remained to be the capital even after Malaysia’s independence in 1957.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the city has grown leaps and bounds with a simple start in tin-mining. Even today KL’s pewter holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and the tourists.

Since inception, the city has had a rich blend of cultures. Most of the migration was due to the business that flourished at that time. Even today, more than half of Kuala Lumpur’s population constitutes people of Malaysian and Chinese origin with a percentage of Indians.

The infrastructure
Kuala Lumpur flaunts very well-designed and constructed sky scrappers. From the KL Tower to Suria KLCC, KL boasts of its strength in creating concrete wonders.

Another sign of Kuala Lumpur’s growth is its public transportation system with 3 LRT (Light Rail Transit) lines, the KL Monorail and the KTM Komuter. Apart from these the city also runs affordable cab services and well-equipped bus services.

Walk around the city to find an organized and planned city even in the midst of the chaotic and ever-growing traffic menace.

The city today
Kuala Lumpur visually represents the strong link between the country’s past and the present. Though the city has many a sky scrapper, it has managed to retain the verdant nature of the land. Lush green flora and fauna still embellish the city giving it an obvious edge over the other developed tourist spots. It has a perfect mix of sprawling shopping malls, lakes, gardens, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, as most call, is where most of the city’s shopping malls, five-star hotels and hippest clubs are. The city center houses the Petronas Twin Towers, a must see for the tourists. But the heart of KL is Merdeka Square, the very location where the country claimed its independence.

Kuala Lumpur could be better called as a tourist’s paradise.

To 10 places to visit
Kuala Lumpur is truly a pleasure to look around. Whichever mode of transportation you choose; it’s a mere joy to stroll around the breath-taking and interesting places within the city. Most tourist attractions are crowded during weekends or holidays and quite deserted on weekdays.

• Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC: The second largest building in the world, this spectacular construction is a wonder to visit. You can admire the view of Kuala Lumpur from the suspended Skybridge, which is also one of the world’s highest.

• Aquaria KLCC: This is a well-crafted aquarium that houses about 5,000 varieties of tropical fishes and is a real feast to the eye

• KL Tower: It’s the best way to catch a glimpse of the entire city. You can also hear the commentary of the places you see from that height. A truly amazing sight!

• Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka): A must see for any tourist. This is where the heart of any Malaysian is.

• Batu Caves: This is 13 km north of the city and has amazing caves with well-crafted status of Hindu Gods. There are 273 steps before you get to see the wonder.

• Chinatown: More popularly known as Petaling Street, this shopper’s haven is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The long stretch of bargain shopping offers anything from watches, clothes, to shoes.

• KL Bird Park: A part of the larger Lake Gardens, the Bird Park has more than 3,000 birds and 200 other species including butterflies from all over the world.

• Handicraft center: It is a must see for art lovers. This center displays a wide array of artifacts from the different corners of Malaysia.

• Pewter factory: The Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, which lies just outside of Kuala Lumpur, is the largest single manufacturer of fine pewter in the world, Tourists can look around the factory and can buy the items duty-free.

• Shopping malls: There are numerous interesting shopping malls in and around KL including areas such as Bukit Bintang, Sungai wang, Lot 10, KLCC, Mid Valley, Central Market, and Sunway.

Kuala Lumpur’s wonder is something that one should be experienced in person. A visit to KL will surely get you to feel awe-struck. With its scintillating views and warm people, KL is sure to mesmerize every tourist.

Shop to your heart’s fill – At Petaling Street
If you could shop everything in just a stretch with in not pinching your pockets what would it be like? If you are wondering if this is real, think twice. Petaling Street or better known as China Town is a true shopper’s paradise and the most popular tourist stop. It is the center of Kuala Lumpur and rightfully the center of all tourist attractions too.

Name a product and you have it here. Right from belts, caps, to dresses, and perfumes, this ever-teeming street has it all. The buzz starts a little late in after noon and stays on till late at night.

The place is known for fake `branded’ goods. Don’t let your jaws drop when you take a look at the almost original-looking Rolex watches. Not just that, even other brand of clothes such as Guess, Gucci, Esprit and the like are sold here. And items such as watches, shoes, and clothes are a good bet for bargainers.

Petaling Street is also known for its jewelry shops with beautiful jewelry crafted in gold and set with priceless gemstones. Apart from trinkets, you also have Chinese pharmacies that sell ginseng and traditional remedies for various ailments.

A walk down the street and you can taste the real flavor of Kuala Lumpur. Interesting eat outs with very authentic Malaysian food plank either sides of the road.

It is a place that any tourist enjoys. A note of caution though is the tiresome walk and brash bargaining shop-keepers.

A total fun experience, Petaling Street or Bargain Bazaar sure will enthrall your senses thoroughly.

Hotel Malaya – The Heart Of Chinatown
Hotel Malaya – the ideal choice hotel for all leisure and business travellers. Conveniently and strategicly located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, with easy access to the city’s Central Business District (CBD)… to the bustling shopping areas… and to major tourist attractions

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Things About Kuala Lumpur

admin — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:03:08 +0000

History
Kuala Lumpur began life in 1857. It was then that a member of Selangor’s royal family, Raja Abdullah, decided to open up an area in the Klang Valley for tin prospectors. Miners from China soon arrived as miners, they thrived, attracting merchants and businesses. The commercial area of tin trading was located in the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers and it was here that Kuala Lumpur was established.
ala Lumpur and its adjoining areas are called the ‘Klang Valley’. Its name literally means ‘muddy capital’ in Malay, because of its establishment in the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It was previously part of Selangor until 1971, when it separated to form Malaysia’s capital under the Federal Government.

Tin Industry
During this time, which was the Brinish colonial period, the tin miners were often embroiled in gang warfare, disrupting the peace and stability of the tin trade. The British authorities decided to appoint a Chinese captain, called ‘Kaptian’ to administer the area and ensure its order. After two Kapitans had finished their appointed period of duties, Yah Ah Loy stepped up to take the mantle. It was this third Kapitan that really changed and prospered Kuala Lumpur. Under his leadership, Kuala Lumpur transformed from a sleepy town into a prominent commercial hub in Selangor.

The City Today

In 1957, Malaysia gained independence from the British and it was announced and declared in Kuala Lumpur, making it a historically-significant city. Finally in 1974, Kuala Lumpur was formally removed from the jurisdiction of Selangor state and made into a Federal Territory, as Malaysia’s booming economic capital. Over time, Kuala Lumpur has progressed into becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent, modern and sophisticated cities, attracting visitors from the across the world.

Kuala Lumpur has seen much development over the past few years and many foreign investors and multi-national corporations have chosen to touch base here. With the presence of international offices comes technological advances, and thus a city is born. Such advances contribute to the development of Kuala Lumpur and eventually the rest of the country follows suit. So if you’re worried about getting a cell phone signal or if you’re someone who can’t live without having to check your emails every hour, you need not fret. Many expatriates have relocated to Kuala Lumpur and because of the hospitality, development and the culture, a number of them eventually call Malaysia home.

Kuala Lumpur has also gained a spot on the map with the presence of the infamous Petronas Twin Towers . This building needs no introduction and is probably Kuala Lumpur ’s most visited location. Some of the other major attractions include K.L Tower , “Chinatown” Petaling Street , Bintang Walk, Istana Budaya, Taman Tasik Perdana, Batu Caves and Central Market. With all the shopping and entertainment options, you’ll find yourself wishing you had more time to fully explore Kuala Lumpur and all it has to offer.

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