You may not want to leave

In addition to its prime location, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur adds another draw — refreshed guest rooms and dining outlets. writes

LOCATED in the middle of the city centre, the location of Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur is great for those who love to explore on their own. Though it is not near Petronas Twin Towers, the five-star hotel is just a stone’s throw from Jalan Ampang or a 10-minute of walk. Or take the Light Rail Transit from the Dang Wangi station, which is just a fiveminute walk from the hotel, to KLCC, two stations away.

If you want to be in the heart of Bukit Bintang shopping district, the KL Monorail station will take you right to its doorstep. From Dang Wangi LRT Station, follow the sign and walk across to Bukit Nenas Monorail Station on the opposite side of the road. Alight at Bukit Bintang station and you’re there.

But if you want a sight-seeing tour, take the KL Hop On Hop Off bus, which has a station in front of the hotel.

The location of the hotel near the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Abdullah puts it at the heart of the older part of Kuala Lumpur — the Malay village known as Kampung Baru famous for its delicious food and busy Chow Kit Road, the shopping haven on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

A 10-minute walk along Jalan Raja Abdullah brings you to Kampung Baru, which turns into a food paradise when the sun comes down. There are guided tours which you can sign up for near the village.

From Kampung Baru, just cross the road to Chow Kit Road, home to a wellstocked wet market, bundle shops and where remnants of old KL can still be seen here. Arguably the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur, it is where you can find fresh produce and spices. Walk past a long row of stalls selling fruit, vegetables and meat, you’ll come across sundry shops selling pots and pans, and other kitchen paraphernalia.

Once you’re done with shopping at Chow Kit Market, head to Sogo departmental store at the intersection of Jalan Dang Wangi and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Jalan Dang Wangi or Campbell Road was once a shopping hub. Built in 1973, Campbell Complex is the first modern multi-storey shopping mall in the city. Think of it as Mid Valley Megamall of the 1970s.

Named after the first Yang Di-pertuan Agong, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is one of the older streets of KL. Here, like Chow Kit Road, you can find a mix of prewar shoplots among towering modern CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: buildings. Every Saturday between 5pm and 10pm, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to vehicles to make room for a night market. Here, you can get fabrics at affordable prices, street food, snacks and more.

Back at the hotel, you’ll find The Row, a row of pre-war shophouses turned into F&B outlets near the hotel carpark. Stepping into a quaint cafe, I treat myself to a cuppa before heading back to my room.