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Saifuddin Ismailji - caricatureVisit Malaysia Year 2026 will bring together Malaysia Truly Asia’s impressions, colours and features on a mosaic of multi-racial communities, closely knit and laced together in harmony.

In a recent campaign, Malaysia revamped its commitment to tourism as a global halal hub.

Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur (KL), made it to the list of top ten tourism cities in the world for 2024 (released by Euro Monitor International). KL recorded 16.5 million international tourist arrivals in the yearend 2024.

Standing tall, Merdeka 118, meaning independence, boasts the 2nd highest building in the world.

The 118-story building rises 678.9 meters, spans 19 acres of land, and comprises 400,000 square meters of commercial, hotel, residential, and public space.

The Den Caprilicious - Copyright e-Travelers Club

The Den Caprilicious – Copyright e-Travelers Club

I began to explore the capital with its iconic attractions – not-to-miss the historic Jamik masjid, KL Railway station in the old district, KLCC with its fashionable shopping complexes, and Golden Triangle. Still, due to time constraints, I didn’t make it to a much-anticipated visit to Bird Park.

Experiences in KL will never be complete without a walk along the fountains at the base of the Petronas Twin-Towers; Merdeka Place, Petaling Street leading into Central Market, a walk in the narrow lanes of Little India, China Town and Kampung Baru – the latter, a Malay village attired in pastel-hued wooden houses on stilt garlanded by bougainvillea.

At the KLCC exit, I see a fountain garden at the base of the imposing 88-stories Petronas Twin-towers (451.9 meters). As if the whole world is here, I see happy visitors joyously taking selfies and group photos, framing them with this iconic marvel of KL. Next, I visited the Masjid Jamek, derived from the Arabic word jame, meaning a community gathering for solar. This is one of the oldest masjids (mosques) in KL.

A culinary rendezvous for connoisseurs, the capital city offers luxury, innovative restaurants at world-brand hotels, food courts, shopping malls, and independent restaurants and cafes. I tried and tasted it, but Gula Cakery’s petite bakery-café is worth trying. They bake delicious chocolate cupcakes at the Concourse level KLCC MRT station (+60-386795416).

Nawab’s restaurant (Jalan Berangan opposite Ramada Suites by Wyndham) is the talk of the town halal dining venue, serving a variety of Pakistani and Indian Mughlai cuisines. The venue is quite popular with tourist groups for buffet dinners. A creative menu comprises its signature Biryani, BBQ chicken and mutton, daal (lentil), a variety of naan (bread), vegetarian, salad, and dessert.

The Den on floor 40M at Chic Capri by Fraser is a #seriouslysocial place for gourmands. Designed in contemporary contrast, giving a relaxed atmosphere, there couldn’t be a better venue to dine on international cuisines while feasting on the views of imposing KL’s skyline—the buffet breakfast brims with a wide variety of food, including juices and seasonal fruits. There is a salad corner, egg noodle station, breakfast bites, hot servings, cold cuts, best-brand beverages and more.

The restaurant is connected with spiral stairs, one floor down, offering a digital jukebox, snooker table and a bar for social evenings.

KL offers various accommodations ranging from 5-star luxury to basic guest houses. Some hotels I experienced first-hand and am happy to endorse include Capri by Fraser Bukit Bintang and Ramada Suites by Wyndham KLCC.

#kualalampur #VisitMalaysia2026 #malaysiatrulyasia

Visit to search more KL’s attractions: www.malaysia.travel.

 

 

 

Written and Pictures by: Saifuddin Ismailji

 

 

BIO:
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of e-Travelers Club International, with over 25 years of expertise in travel and tourism. A former lecturer at UCI’s Tourism & Hospitality faculty. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the PATA Gold Award, ASEANTA Excellence Award, Valaisan International Media Award (Switzerland), Army Heritage Foundation Award, PTDC Best Performance Award, and Etisalat UAE Award. We are proud to collaborate with NTOs, service providers, and global events like PATA, ASEANTA, WTM, ITB, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

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