Given the country’s love affair with cars, it should come as no surprise that the biggest sporting event of the year in Malaysia is the Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. Held ever since 1999, it has become one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the F1 World Championship, and attracts hordes … read the full post

Seeing a muay Thai tournament is a popular activity for tourists in Bangkok, but its Malaysian equivalent, tomoi, hardly registers on the radar of most visitors to Kuala Lumpur. This is largely because until relatively recently the sport was barely known in KL, its popularity restricted to its northern (rural Malay) heartland. But that is … read the full post

If I was to say one of the most charming places in the whole Klang Valley is former leper colony, you could be forgiven for thinking I was a bit unhinged. But trust me on this one: what was once the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement is not just a beautiful spot to wander round, it … read the full post

As Kuala Lumpur grows ever upwards, one of the benefits is an increasing number of rooftop bars where you can get spectacular views of the city. For the most part these are based in high end hotels, making for a mixed clientele of well-heeled locals, expats and visitors. The dress code tends towards “smart casual”, … read the full post

Asked in a pub quiz what the capital of Malaysia is, most people would probably plump for Kuala Lumpur, and they would be half-right. That’s because since 1999, the official administrative centre of the country has been Putrajaya, a planned city 25 kilometres to the south. KL remains the national capital, as well as the … read the full post

Kuala Lumpur may not be the most photogenic place in the world, but is has easily enough visual interest to keep most amateur snappers happy. This does not mean though that taking a good picture is necessarily straightforward. Much of the problem is the number of places where taking photos is against the rules. Virtually … read the full post

It may seem strange to visitors from cooler climes, particularly those escaping from the bleakest months of the European or North American winter, but Malaysians spend much of their time trying to avoid the heat. Increasingly, people work, play and sleep in air-con. This is especially true of urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, where temperatures … read the full post

It’s a bit like waiting for a bus: you hang round for ages for a major festival, and then five come along in quick succession. First up is Deepavali, then Christmas, (Western) New Year, Chinese New Year, and last but not least, Thaipusam. The latter may not be well known outside southern India, but for … read the full post

Whatever the tourism authorities would have you believe, Malaysia does not do beach half as well as Thailand, particularly for the independent traveller. But the country does have some very attractive beach destinations, such as tiny Pulau Rawa, part of the same chain of east coast islands as Pulau Tioman. Pulau Rawa is one of the … read the full post

Kuala Lumpur is a pleasingly green city, in terms of public open spaces and abundant foliage, if not in genuine eco-friendliness. But you are never far from the noise and air pollution that comes with modern urban life. Fortunately, KL has a great resource on its doorsteps where it is possible to immerse yourself in … read the full post