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 Malaysia
Tourist Information Complex (MATIC)
A good place to begin any visit to Kuala Lumpur is the one-stop
information centre, which provides a general picture of what the city
and Malaysia have to offer. Audio-visual equipment provides background
information on each state in the country. You can book a tour, arrange
to go on a trishaw ride in the city, change your money, and book air
or bus tickets to various destinations in Malaysia. International calls,
facsimile and telex services are also offered. For your first taste of
Malaysian cuisine, there is a restaurant in
the right wing of the building. Cultural performances are held daily.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Thirteen kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur is the National
Zoo. It contains hundreds of different species of animals, birds, and
reptiles. The aquarium has an extensive collection of marine and freshwater
species. Both the Zoo and Aquarium are open daily from 9am to 6pm.
 Kuala
Lumpur Railway Station
Located at Jalan Hishamuddin, this Moorish-style terminal was
designed by architect A.B. Hubbock, who also designed the Masjid Jam.
Built in 1910, it underwent extensive renovations in 1986. It is equipped
with air-conditioned waiting halls, snack kiosks, money changing booths,
souvenir shops, restaurants and a tourist information counter. Across
the street is the Malayan Railway Administration Building, another
fine example of the British colonial adaptation of Moorish architecture.
It is linked to the station by an underground thoroughfare.
Central Market
Fifty years ago this site was occupied by a wet market. Today, the art-deco structure
of the Central Market is a centre for the display and development of Malaysian culture,
arts and crafts. There are many performances, demonstrations, and activities
offered here, including batik painting, fortune telling, shadow puppet plays,
glass blowing, dance classes, art classes, and many others. The building won
the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953.
National Library
Located at Jalan Tun Razak. The blue-roofed building was inspired
by a tengkolok, the traditional Malay headgear, and songtet, a richly-designed
brocade fabric. The library is a very recent addition to Kuala Lumpur,
having opened only in 1992. The extensive holdings include a collection
of publications on Malaysia by Malaysian authors as well as ancient
Malay manuscripts. Open: 1Oam-5pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Monday.
Petaling Street
 The
center of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. Petaling Street maintains
much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors
spread their wares out on the street. While it is possible to purchase
anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts here, enjoying
the night market is really a matter of just wandering about and enjoying
its sights, sounds, and energy.
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