Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's capital alpha world city amalgamates a host of cultures within its sprawling landscape. A warren of ambitious architecture, intermittently speckled with Mughal motifs and colonial splendor decorates its rapidly changing skyline, while along its outskirts, Kuala Lumpur flourishes as a natural enclave. Kuala Lumpur's beginnings can be traced back to relatively modest roots, when it started as a tiny tin-mining town, only to be made the capital of Peninsular Malaysia by the British in the 19th Century. Aspects of its colonial occupation still shine through and are most pronounced in its Old Town neighborhood. Northeast of the historic heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Golden Triangle neighborhood is home to the city's financial hub, and is also the place where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers soar high above the city. Like other newly arrived tourist hotspots, Kuala Lumpur also savors a seething passion for good food and shopping, one that manifests in the grand assemblage of designer malls and street food alcoves that dot its vibrant streets. Most of all, Kuala Lumpur is most adored for its lovely contrast of gleaming modernity and soothing nature.