Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur
 |  | Fact File : Kuala Lumpur |
|
| | | Kuala Lumpur | | Did you know?
The head of state is Tuanku Salehuddin Abdul Aziz Shah ibni al-Marhum Hisamuddin Alam Shah.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language. English is widely understood.
Visas
None required for a stay of less than 60 days.
Getting there
There are daily direct flights from London to Kuala Lumpur. Expect to pay around £550 for a return ticket, although flights may be discounted in the low season.
Flying time from London
12 hours 30 minutes
Getting around
KL has invested heavily in a number of slick new public transport systems, so it is fairly easy to get around despite the congestion. The new Light Rail Transit, or metro, is cheap and easy to use. A monorail was due for completion in late 1999. But for most short trips, taxis are unbeatable value. Just insist that the driver turns on the meter.
Currency
Ringgit (RM)
Costs
Costs tend to vary wildly in Kuala Lumpur - you can live and eat extremely cheaply or pay luxury prices for luxury living. Litre of petrol 20p; can of beer £1.30; moderate restaurant meal £3.30 (under £1 for a meal from a stall); roll of camera film £1.50; four-mile taxi ride £3-£6 are some rough estimates.
Weather
Kuala Lumpur is hot all year round. Temperatures rarely drop below 20C (68F), even at night. The average humidity is 90%. It rains frequently - average around 200mm a month. June and July are the driest months.
Time difference
Eight hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 60
Voltage
220-240V, 50Hz. Power sockets almost always have three square pins as in the UK.
Opening hours
Shops 9.30am-7pm, supermarkets and department stores 10am-10pm (bigger stores open on Sundays). Banks: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9.30am-11.30am Saturday.
Health - Before you go
No compulsory inoculations, except for yellow fever if you have travelled from an infected area. You may wish to consider vaccinations for diptheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, rabies, Japanese B encephalitis, and tuberculosis. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
The water is safe to drink in Kuala Lumpur, and it is generally safe to eat from food stalls. Avoid heatstroke by not rushing about too much and by drinking plenty of fluids.
Warnings
Do not dabble in narcotics in Malaysia. The penalties for the most minor offences are extreme; trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty and even marijuana use can result in a three-year stint at a "rehabilitation centre".
Emergency
The emergency number is 999. British Embassy: 185 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 248 2122.
Customs
Malaysia is a Muslim country; both women and men will get more respect if dressed discreetly. Do not use the left hand to give or receive anything. It is considered rude to point with a forefinger; Malaysians use a thumb.
Pets
Not really an option to take pets, as they would have to go into quarantine.
Tipping
Tipping is not practised in Malaysia. However, the more expensive hotels and restaurants will impose a 10% service charge.
Tourist office
Tourism Malaysia, 57 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DU. Tel: 020 7930 7932.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Kuala Lumpur |
|
| |  | | YTL The Tamarind @ Sentul East
The unit is on the 19th flr fully furnished. Full condo facilities. Internet 24hrs Streamyx, Satellite TV. BOFI kitchen.
|  | | Sarang Galloway Self Catering Home
Ideally located in the city centre. Walking distance to all major attractions. Suitable for groups of up to 12 or those with young children and aged
|  | | Sarang Galloway, Kuala Lumpur
Ideally located in Kuala Lumpur city centre. Suitable for those travelling in groups of up to 12 or those with young children and aged parents.
|  | | Embassy Row Apartment
Luxury 2 bed 2 bathroom fully furnished, fully aircondioned, city centre apartment overlooking KLCC + Petronas Towers. Located in Embassy Enclave,
|  | | Kuala Lumpur Condominium
3 bedrooms condo; Perfect for family, friends, group stay. Escaping the high costs of hotels while enjoying the convenience of a home.
|
Holiday Rentals in Kuala Lumpur |
|
|
|
|
|
|
