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Looking for a quick guide for places of interest in Kuala Lumpur (the Garden City of Lights), the capital city of Malaysia? Then there is no need to look any further than this article. Please read on for 6 places that are “hot in Kuala Lumpur!

* Petronas Towers
If you are to visit Kuala Lumpur then its very difficult to avoid seeing the Petronas Towers. So the Petronas Towers are a “must-see” purely because you can’t avoid seeing them. Seriously though, its possible to go up to the 41st floor for a look, and it is worth a look because you can see so much of Kuala Lumpur. At a height of 452 meters, the Towers were until fairly recently the tallest buildings in the world, although that accolade has recently gone to Burj Dubai, which is a whopping 828 meters high!

* Kuala Lumpur Tower
Menara Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur Tower was built in 1995 and is situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It stands at 421 meters high and is the 6th tallest tower in the world. If you feel like having a fantastic view of all of Kuala Lumpur then you will find inside the tower a revolving restaurant, which would be a marvellous experience for any tourist to have.

* The National Museum
Malaysias National Museum – Museum Negara – lies close to Perdana Lake Gardens. The museum is located at the top of a hill at Jalan Travers and is an excellent place for an introduction to the culture and history of Malaysia.

* The National Palace
The National Palace or Istana Negara is where the King of Malaysia resides. Between 1945 (after the Japanese occupation of Malaysia ended) and 1957 it was home to the SUltan of Selangor but then the Federal Government acquired it for the King.

* Malaysian National Mosque
The National Mosque is so large that it can easily accommodate up to 15 thousand people at any one time. It is the main feature of 13 acres of lovely gardens and the main features include a 73 meter high minaret and a star design for the main roof area. The gardens are dotted with various water features throughout.

* The Central Market
This was the main fish market of the city and is also known as Pasar Seni. However, now the main offerings are antiques and paintings, arts and crafts, clothes and souvenirs for the traveler. The building is designed in the old British colonnial style.

For more on Sarawak, Kuching and Kuching hotels please click on the link where you can also learn more about the beautiful Damai.

If you happen to find yourself in Malaysia in January, make sure to stick around for the amazing Hindu Festival, Thaipusam. People travel from all over the world to Kuala Lumpur to pay homage to the Lord Murugan. It is certainly an event that is not to be missed.

Thaipusam takes place at the Batu Caves. An ancient and sacred setting that is the perfect location for such an event. Millions of people take part in the festivities. Some simply watch or help a loved one with their ordeal, while others go to extremes. Devotees range from carrying pots of milk on their heads to the caves, while others drive spikes through their cheeks or insert hooks into their backs. They pull chariots or carry heavy cages as the walk the long walk to their destination.

There are different reasons as to why people choose attend Thaipusam. Some are seeking help with an answer to their prayers, others are looking to make amends for a past sin while others are giving thanks. It is not an easy task to prepare for their ordeal, they must fast, meditate and become mentally prepared to take on the pain and suffering. And what suffering they face.

The festival starts at midnight in downtown Kuala Lumpur. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is located near China Town and that is where the thousands of worshippers and onlookers gather to begin the festivities. It is another 15 km of walking behind the Silver Chariot before they will reach the Batu Caves.

It is a spectacular sight. A neon lit midway and Ferris wheel are set up at the base of the high cliffs. Vendors line the path of the procession as thousands of people make their way to the steps of the Batu Cave. The modern lights are a strange contrast to the ancient ceremony. Drums beat as people chant Vel Vel in the never ending chain of bodies.

All day and all night the celebrations continue for three days. It is a different experience to see in the sunlight. Most people seem oblivious to the heat and pain, but some succumb to the weight of their Kevadi’s or feel the pain of their spikes.

Their journey ends at the top of 272 steps inside the giant chamber of the Batu Caves. It is calm and relaxed inside as people recover in the cool air. Monkeys play as people leave their offerings for the Lord. Once they have finished the hooks and spikes are removed by high priests and unbelievably, very few bleed.

In a roped off area, each person awakes from their trance. Some people faint, some people wail and scream, while others remain silent and still. Their ordeal is over and burdens are lifted. The cave is now quiet and calm, a contrast to the enormous energy and excitement of outside. It seems odd to watch people talking casually and laughing with each other after witnessing such a shocking event.

The festival has come to an end and the only thing left is the long procession back to Kuala Lumpur where the Silver Chariot will return to it’s home until next years ceremony. People will resume their lives as bankers or students, fathers and sisters feeling cleansed of their sins, released of their burdens and grateful for the opportunity to thank their Lord for a wish that he has granted.

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If you have not been to Malaysia, or at least, have not toured around the beautiful spots in this country, then most likely you have missed out on the national parks of Sarawak. Located on the eastern side, Sarawak is considered the largest state, and is situated along the northwest coast of Borneo.

From lush vegetation which serves as sanctuary for endangered species, to magnificent landscapes and natural architecture, to diverse and colourful land and sea creatures, to areas for recreation and relaxation, Sarawak national parks has something for every tourist or nature lover.

Cave systems are a feast for the eyes because of its natural and prehistoric architecture and landscape. The Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for its large limestone cave systems. This park also houses other different cave systems which hold several records for being the largest cave passage in the form of the Deer Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia in the form of the Clearwater Cave and the worlds largest natural chamber in the form the Sarawak Chamber.

Moreover, you will find in Gunung Mulu the longest cave in this side of the Asian region which is the Clearwater Cave, as well as the cave with the largest passage, the Deer Cave. In Gunung Mulu National Park, you will be treated to breathtaking sites with sparkling streams, rainforest and a rich wildlife.

Colourful and lush forests house several rare and endangered species and are a treat for environmentalists and animal lovers alike. The Bako National Park and the Talang Satang National Park are both known for its abundant wildlife and prolific forests which are a pleasure for environmental and animal photographers or even for simple observers.

It has always been suggested that at dawn or dusk is the best time to come to the Bako National Park to be able to view the flora and fauna in its most vivid form and colour. For marine life enthusiasts, you will surely love to come over and over again at the Talang Satang National Park because of its magnificent aquatic landscape and vast marine turtle preservation.

In the Talang Satang National Park lies a vast and colourful marine life and scenery that can be attributed to the strategic location of the Sarawak province. The vibrant background of the sea coupled with copious and diverse aquatic creatures is surely a feast for the eyes of any marine life fanatic, diver, underwater photographer, or artist.

For those with a more active lifestyle and who enjoy recreational sports such as trekking, hiking, rafting or trailing, or for those who would just want to chill from their fast-paced, busy urban lives, the Lambir Hills and Similajau National Parks are very well suited these types of people or tourists.

Both are accessible from the provincial capital which makes these spots popular. Scenic views from waterfalls, to rapids, to clear beaches and adventurous trails await tourists who are into either an active outdoor lifestyle or who just wish to lay back and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Take a break now from work or school, or from your busy lifestyle in the city, and come over to Sarawak, Malaysia to experience all these gifts from nature, all these only in Malaysia.