Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotels from SG$43

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city, has grown dramatically since its modest beginning as a tiny tin mining settlement. The heart of this sprawling city, however, is still Merdeka Square, the former cricket stadium which was chosen as the site of the first raising of the Malaysian national flag in 1957. Kuala Lumpur city centre is also known as its Old Town because this is where most of the city's colonial landmarks are situated. Hotels in this historic neighbourhood range from luxurious chain establishments like the Westin Kuala Lumpur to Chinatown's far cheaper places to stay.

The Moorish arches and 40m-high clock tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which has stood behind Merdeka Square since the late 19th century, are bathed in light every night. Other notable landmarks in Kuala Lumpur's colonial Old Town include the stately Jamek Mosque, the bronze Tugu Negara National Monument, and the miniature Malaysian rail history museum located in the Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

History buffs may also enjoy touring the Islamic Arts Museum and the National Museum. The National Museum's history section is split into prehistoric, Malay kingdoms, colonial era, and modern Malaysia galleries. The Istana Negara national palace may be closed to the public, but people can enjoy the daily changing of the guards at the main gate.

Nature lovers, on the other hand, may prefer relaxing alongside the Butterfly Park's over 120 butterfly species, the Bird Park's 200 bird species, or the exotic flowers at Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. An observatory, three-dimensional film theatre, viewing gallery, and astronomy exhibits are all part of the Planetarium Negara.

In addition to most major Western fast food chains, visitors can also enjoy Indian food at Lebuh Ampang or Chinese food at Chinatown. Lebuh Ampang is also filled with banana leaf rice shops. Durian puff pastries, beef noodles, and hokkien mee fried noodles are other local delicacies. Colonial-style high tea is served at the elegant Carcosa Seri Negara Hotel every day.

The central market at Jalan Hang Kasturi, one of Kuala Lumpur's oldest markets, dates back to 1936. Today, the interior of this two-floor market has air-conditioning and contains goods from all over Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia. Chinatown is another area filled with unique crafts and souvenirs for sale. However, no other Kuala Lumpur shopping spot is as colourful as Chow Kit, situated between Chinatown and the modern Petronas Twin Towers.