Travel to Kuala Lumpur to experience beautiful Asia

Kuala Lumpur is perfect for those looking to explore a diverse and vibrant city, as Naomi Andrews discovered.

When I think about Asian countries I dream about fragrant and exotic foods, unique experiences and sights, friendly and smiling people and an awesome exchange rate with the Aussie dollar. Malaysia’s tourism slogan is “Truly Asia”, which couldn’t be more accurate.

When I visited its capital city Kuala Lumpur in May, I discovered everything I had ever dreamed Asia to be.

From the minute I left my hotel in Bukit Bintang, I entered into the bustle of street-side food stalls selling a variety of local foods and dessert options.

An usual treat was the baked cheese tart which consisted of a warm, gooey savoury cheese filling in a sweet tart shell.

Kuala Lumpur was a shopper’s paradise.

There are a multitude of large-scale shopping centres spread across the city, most of which feature a range of international chain-stores.

However its the open-plan market places, like Chinatown KL’S Petaling Street, where you can really put your bartering skills to the test.

From tourist souvenirs and food, to clothing, jewellery and home decor items, the persuasive chorus of stall holders trying to entice you into their shops is an experience not for the faint-hearted.

Eager to explore other cultural offerings of this vibrant city, I embarked on a half day tour to the Royal Selangor Pewter and Batik Factory, and the incredible Batu Caves.

While the caves are a popular tourist attraction, the crowds in no way diminish the feeling of awe you get when you reach the top of the 272 stairs and walk into the main Cathedral Cave.

Located in the heart of a limestone hill, it houses a number of Hindu shrines under its 100-metre high arched ceiling.

At the base of the staircase is an imposing 42.7 metre tall, gold-painted statue of Lord Muruga —the Hindu deity to which the caves are dedicated.

Finally, no trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers, and they did not disappoint. At 452 metres tall, I highly recommend heading up to the Skybridge and Observation Deck for an unparalleled view of the city.