Kuala Lumpur and surrounds

While we refer to this region as "Kuala Lumpur and surrounds", what we really mean is Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. While the vast majority of visitors will spend the bulk of their time in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor also has its own selection of attractions and places to visit.

Kuala Lumpur (commonly known as KL) became the first federal territory in 1974 and, while in 2001 the administrative functions were shifted to another federal territory (Putrajaya), KL retains its legislative function as the capital of Malaysia. Most embassies have stayed and the city continues to be the economic centre of the country.

It is also with the confines of KL proper that you'll find most of the museums and other points of touristic interest along with the best range of accommodation and affordable eateries.

Abutting the Strait of Melaka, with rivers to the north and south, the state of Selangor encircles the Malaysian capital and is home to points of interest such as the Batu Caves, Templer Park, the Forest Institute of Malaysia, the old state capital of Klang and the quieter Kuala Selangor.

In practice most foreign visitors will visit these destinations, particularly Batu Caves, from Kuala Lumpur so we've covered them within the main Kuala Lumpur section on Travelfish.org.