Kuala Lumpur is the bustling capital city of Malaysia and its showpiece of prosperity and grandeur. Kuala Lumpur means 'muddy estuary', a name coined by the original tin prospectors who arrived at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers in 1860. Kuala Lumpur has progressed considerably since then as can be witnessed in the reflections of the glittering skyscrapers elegantly rising between the well-preserved colonial buildings of yesteryear.

This blend of old and new worlds, interspersed with the diverse influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural lifestyles, makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets. An orientation of Kuala Lumpur is best begun from Merdeka Square, the heart of the city. To the southeast of the square is the modern business centre and the bustling streets of Chinatown. The picturesque National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and impressive Railway Station can be located to the south and beyond them to the west is the city's green belt. The tranquil and lush Lake Gardens provides some respite from the frenetic activity of the city. The National Museum (Muzim Negara), the National Monument and the Malaysian Parliament are also found on this stretch.

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Chinatown

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers

Address: City centre. Ticket Booth: Tower 2, Concourse Level Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Admission to the Skybridge is free, but tickets are limited per day. The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday 9am-7pm, but tickets go on sale at 8:30am.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2051 1320 or (0)3 2051 1744

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Address: Jalan Hishamuddin Kuala Lumpur

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2267 1200

Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

Address: Jalan Tun Perak Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Free Saturday to Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-4pm. Friday 8:30am-11am and 2:30pm-4pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2691 2829

Lake Gardens

Address: Jalan Perdana Kuala Lumpur

Admission: There's a small admission fee for the Butterfly House, Bird Park, and Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens on weekends, free on weekdays. Butterfly House: daily 9am to 6pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2691 6011

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Free Daily 9am-6pm, except Friday during prayers 2:45pm-6pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2693 7784

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Address: Jalan Damansara Kuala Lumpur

Admission: MYR 5 adults; MYR 2 children 6-12 Daily 9am-6pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2282 6255

Batu Caves

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Admission: A small entrance fee is charged

Taman Negara National Park

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Admission: MYR 1 (park permit), MYR 5 (camera licence)

Telephone: +60 (0)3 905 2872 (National Parks Board KL)

Melaka (Historic City)

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Telephone: +60 (0)6 233 3333 or (0)6 281 4803 or (0)6 293 3913 (tourist information)

Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump

Where: Menara Kuala Lumpur,Kuala Lumpur

When: September and October 2012 TBA

Thaipusam

Where: Batu Caves, about seven miles north of Kuala Lumpur,Kuala Lumpur

When: 7 February 2012

Malaysian F1 Grand Prix

Where: Sepang Circuit,Kuala Lumpur

When: 23 - 25 March 2012

Bon Ton

Address: R1 & R2 Lower Ground Floor Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Asian

Bombay Palace

Address: 215 Jalan Tun Razak Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Indian

Eest

Address: Westin Hotel, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Asian

Pacifica Grill and Bar

Address: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Seafood

Seri Melayu

Address: 1 Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Local