Business Travellers’ Guide

Kuala Lumpur offers rich rewards for the patient visitor

malaysia’s capital is a city of contrasts, where modern structures cosy up to heritage buildings, particularly around Merdeka Square. Islamic, Chinese and Indian places of worship sit in peaceful coexistence, underlining the nation’s rich ethnic diversity. Hawkers ply their trade alongside fine-diners and the bright lights of highend malls provide a glittering backdrop to grittier night markets.

Kuala Lumpur is a place that is charging ahead with the energy of youth. What started as a small settlement for Chinese tin miners in the mid-19th century has grown into an ambitious metropolis. And it continues to expand, with construction sites everywhere (be prepared for the five-minute walk on your map to take longer or for traffic congestion to double driving times). The sparkle of the city’s skyscrapers is a triumph of determination over apparent destiny, as Kuala Lumpur means “muddy confluence” in Malay. While it endures flash floods during downpours, it is generally driest from May to July.

The Golden Triangle, which encompasses the Petronas Twin Towers and the trendy shopping area of Bukit Bintang, is a magnet for international corporate offices and the closest thing that Kuala Lumpur has to a CBD. But a second business district has emerged around KL Sentral railway station, with five-star hotels, shopping malls, cool bars and chic restaurants making it an ideal base, especially on a fly-in, fly-out visit. You’ll need time to navigate the city. It can be disorganised and a little disorientating. Be patient.