The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is the shopping, entertainment and commercial hub of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. The Triangle is defined by three arterial roads – Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan. Besides being a shopping destination, the place is also a great location for indulging in food, and the area has numerous entertainment avenues as well. Here are the top 10 things that you should be doing if you happen to find yourself in the Golden Triangle.
Bukit Bintang Street
Thanks to its central location, Bukit Bitang street is the hub of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping and entertainment, with sleek shopping centers, all-day restaurants and nightclubs all vying for attention alongside five-star hotels. Connectivity from anywhere across the city is very good. Pavilion LK is a premium shopping destination housing many of the well-known European brands like Versace, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and many more. Restaurants abound in the area, and nightlife is varied an interesting with live music, open-air rooftop bars and posh clubs spread across the area.
Petronas Towers
A landmark and symbol of Malaysia, the twin Petronas Towers dominate the landscape of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. The buildings became the world’s tallest structure at 452 meters when built in 1998 and held the title until 2004, when they were upstaged by the Taipei 101, which was again topped by the Bhurj Khalifa in 2010. The Petronas Towers still remain the world’s tallest twin structures, and are accessible to visitors, though only a limited number of passes are issued each day.
Suria KLCC
Shopping Mall
Situated at the foot of the Twin Towers, Suria KLCC is part of the same Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) complex that houses the towers. It is a six-storey structure that encompasses entertainment, shopping and exhibition centers. The complex is divided into three malls, Ampang, Park and Ramlee, and contains over 320 high-end international and local retailers, including Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Banana Republic.
Menara KL Tower
Restaurant
Besides the Petronas Towers, the Menara KL Tower is the largest free standing structure in Kuala Lumpur, and is easily recognized. The observation deck of the 421 meter tower is in fact 100 meters higher than that of the Petronas Towers, giving an even more spectacular view of the city. Sitting atop Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill), the tower reflects Malaysia’s Islamic heritage. It also has a revolving restaurant at the top, where international and local cuisine is served.
Petrosains
Museum
Located in a 7,000 square meter area within Suria KLCC, the Petrosains is a science exhibition center dedicated to the history of hydrocarbons. A treat for children and grown-ups alike, the interactive exhibits here make for great story telling and are updated regularly. The museum is run by Petronas, the Malaysian oil company and their Sauber Petronas F1 racing car is also on display here. With two IMAX 3D cinemas and an iWerks theatre, the center is a good source of information and entertainment.
Aquaria KLCC
At the concourse level, the KLCC Aquaria covers nearly half a million square meters, with over 150 species of marine life. While some dismiss it as just a tourist destination, the exhibitions are definitely worth a look and locals love them to. They take visitors through a variety of landscapes, all filled with a variety of fish and sea-life, including tiger sharks, stingrays and more.
Lake Gardens
Park
An oasis in the city, Lake Gardens is spread around the Tasik Perdana or Lake Perdana, and includes places worthy of a visit, such as the Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Bird Park, Butterfly House and the National Monument, not to mention the Parliament House. The park’s landscaping has been made spectacular over the last 20 years, and is truly a place worthy of spending time.
Jalan P Ramlee
Like the Bukit Bitang, Jalan P Ramlee is host to a vibrant night life. Listen to local bands, enjoy indie rock and stroll through the various restaurants and bars present along this stretch. Food is available in various cuisines and the variety will leave you spell-bound. There are all the ubiquitous holes-in-the-wall, along with plenty of lively open-air beer joints to enjoy.
El Cerdo
Restaurant, Malaysian, European
Dedicated to the consumption of pork and other meat products from the animal, El Cerdo (The Pig) is a restaurant that you will enjoy if you love your bacon! Though the menu has other items besides pork, the focus is on the weiner, and has a selection of mouth-watering options from across different cuisines. They also have a great selection of wines, beers and cocktails.
Jalan Alor
Bar, Restaurant, Malaysian
The hub of local cuisine in the city, Jalan Alor just off Bukit Bintang is the most famous destination for hawker fare. A string of air-conditioned Chinese restaurants sit in the background, while the locals sample a variety of cuisine spanning the various ethnic groups that make up the country. The tantalizing aroma of chicken and beef skewers, the clang of woks and the sight of an array of noodles, sides and desserts are sure to get the taste buds tingling!