Malaysia’s cosmopolitan capital city is located in the Greater Klang Valley area and offers a vibrant mix of cultural, culinary, entertainment, retail and recreational attractions. Known for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, it is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing cities and has excellent transport infrastructure being a gateway for international travel.
As the country’s financial and economic hub, Kuala Lumpur is home to numerous globally renowned firms and companies, along with a diverse international community of expatriates. The city’s bright lights and plentiful job opportunities also draw scores of locals from elsewhere in the country.
Being one of the region’s best shopping destinations, you will find scores of glitzy shopping centres brimming with prominent international labels. Let your inner fashionista rejoice, for designer bags, dresses, suits, shoes and accessories are easily available. Those looking to stretch their buck will not be disappointed either, as there are ample mid-range and affordable options to be found too.
You’ll also find a smorgasbord of world cuisines across the city, affectionately known as just KL. From classic Mediterranean to contemporary European, exotic Asian and everything in between, there is no shortage of delicious delights to tuck into. Recently, a growing trend of fine dining and sky dining has seen establishments embrace the latest global culinary trends in stunning high up venues.
In the suburbs are a plethora of affordable street food vendors and casual neighbourhood dives. The go-to spots for locals, these offer a flavour-packed bang for your buck. Meanwhile, a thriving nightlife scene with bars, bistros and clubs all over the city ensures you’ll have no shortage of options for a fun night out.
Leisure avenues are virtually endless in KL. Catch a movie in the cinemas, have a jog in the many parks, join a sports club, or explore the many craft markets that pop up all over the city. International artistes, theatre troupes, comedic acts and more often have shows here, a boon for arts and culture mavens.
Most condos and residences in the city also come equipped with facilities like swimming pools and Jacuzzi, allowing you to kick back in the comforts of home. Safe to say, living in Kuala Lumpur is much like living in any big Western city – but with the bonus of pleasant warm weather all year long, and lower costs of living.
| Area | Federal Territory and City | 243 km2 (94 sq mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | 2,243.27 km2 (866.13 sq mi) | |
| Population (2017) | Federal Territory and City | 1,790,000 |
| Density | 6,891/km2 (17,310/sq mi) | |
| Metro | 7,200,000 | |
| Metro Density | 6,581/km2 (17,040/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | KL-ite / Kuala Lumpurian | |
| Demographics (2010) | Ethnic composition |
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