Self-Guided Tour: Kuala Lumpur City Center

Tourists who were lucky enough to get acquainted with the most interesting city of Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur – were certainly able to appreciate all its advantages. It simultaneously combines the advanced achievements of civilization, and carries some unique aura preserved from ancient times. Here you can meet skyscraper high-rise buildings, visit amazing sights and even relax in the shade of landscaped green park areas.

Jamek Mosque and St. Mary's Cathedral

We propose to start our walk with an acquaintance with the oldest of the mosques located in Kula Lumpur, which was created in 1909 on the idea of ​​a brilliant native of Great Britain A. Hubback. It is located in a symbolic place where the rivers Klang and Gombak merge together. The place was not chosen by chance, because according to historical information, it was here that the first settlement existed, which was destined to soon become the capital of the state.

For those who understand the directions of architecture, it will be obvious that the building is made in the Moorish style, its colors are dominated by red and white tones. The complex includes several towers, minarets and three domes. And the role of the background is played by perennial plantations of coconut palms. It is not surprising that the remains of the most prominent figures of the city and the country are stored here, under the tombs of which a considerable area is allotted. For a long time, this particular mosque was the main one throughout the country, until in 1965 the more modern Negara was awarded this honor.

The second striking reminder of the long presence in Malaysia of colonial Britain is the Cathedral of St. Mary. Built in 1898, this grandiose cathedral is a true example of the Gothic architecture of an early European island state. In his features, everything is concise and there is not a single superfluous detail. This is how, according to the architects, a holy place for communion with God should look like. But the most interesting tourists are waiting inside. In the center of the hall is the main pride of the cathedral – the old organ, which was created by the recognized genius of his time, Henry Willis, whose inventions adorn the best cathedrals in London.

The interior of the premises is designed in the usual style: the walls are lined with white stone, and the figured windows are decorated with multi-colored stained-glass windows. The rays of the sun passing through them create a unique play of colors and a unique color illusion. It is worth agreeing that the creators managed to achieve the main goal – to create an atmosphere of solemnity and peace. By the way, not so long ago, only the British were allowed into these halls, who were the main participants in the ceremonies of worship. Today, in the cathedral you can meet parishioners from various ethnic classes.

Golf Club

Not far from the cathedral is the Royal Selangor Golf Club, where the British are used to spending their free time after morning worship. It is not difficult to guess who came up with the idea to create the first golf club in Malaysia. After all, the British have long been famous for their addiction to this measured sporting event. In 1893, an advertisement appeared in the newspaper, according to which everyone could take part in the first golf tournament, which was to be held on the local hill of Petaling.

As soon as the local rich of English origin hit the ball, it was decided to create the first golf course on this hill. The players liked the mixed terrain and natural water obstacles.

Despite the fact that the Royal Selangor club in its early years had only a few members and only one small field, a century later it has become one of the most prestigious clubs of our time. Nowadays, on its territory there are already three golf courses of different sizes, tennis courts, swimming pools and gyms, and even a real school for learning martial arts! Accordingly, in order to feed club members and visitors, it was necessary to think over a network of eating establishments. Today, guests and members of the club are served by several restaurants and cafes, where you can taste not only local dishes, but also appreciate recognizable recipes of European and Asian cuisine.

Although the club is designed for professional players, for whom large-scale competitions are held, beginners will be able to learn the skill of stick handling and hitting technique from experienced masters and instructors.

main square

Independence Square was once a common cricket ground for the British. Perhaps that is why she received such a name, which seems to “scream” about the cherished freedom that Malaysia received after the departure of the British colonialists. In 1957, the flag of an independent state was raised here for the first time. The Malaysians were so eager to gain freedom that to raise the banner they decided to create a huge flagpole, which reaches a height of 95 meters and is still a real record holder.

By the way, the most interesting sights of the city are located on the territory of the square, the main of which is the palace of Sultan Abdul-Samad. It was erected back in 1897 by another British representative, Arthur Norman. According to sources, the author drew his inspiration from the state of the Great Moghuls, who treated their rulers with special trepidation and in every possible way wanted to emphasize their high status by building marvelous palaces for them.

The main decoration of the building is a high chapel, the top of which is decorated with an exquisite dome covered with gilding. The chapel, however, like the cathedral itself, combines two directions in architecture at once – Moorish and Victorian. The author managed to perfectly combine the different notes of these trends, and the result exceeded even the wildest expectations. Tourists can spend hours enjoying marvelous arches, minarets and domes, which are very similar in shape to bulbs.

Not surprisingly, Malaysians compare the chapel to the English “Big Ben”. Well, if you get into the vicinity of the castle in the evening, you get the impression that you are in a real oriental fairy tale – hundreds of multi-colored lanterns generously pour rays on the walls of the castle and its towers.

Textile Museum

If you love history, be sure to check out the National Textile Museum, in the halls of which you can trace the entire history of Malaysia. It houses a large collection of samples of fabrics, national clothes, festive and everyday clothes and colorful patterns. It was from these drawings that it was possible to distinguish people who belonged to different class groups.

Gallery visitors will learn about the technique of fabric production, how and with what techniques patterns were applied to clothes. To make it easier for guests to navigate, the galleries are divided into four main expositions, each of which contains enough information and samples of fabrics, mechanisms that were used in different historical eras. One of the galleries contains thousands of unique jewelry, hairpins and brooches that were typical for different regions of Malaysia.

In fairness, it is worth noting the building of the history repository itself, which also represents a vivid example of neo-Moorish architecture. The facade is generously decorated with towers, carved arches and tall spiers.

Market and Chinatown

The main market of Kuala Lumpur is far from the last place in our daily guide. Here you can always find something for the soul, finally buying original souvenirs for relatives and friends. Initially, it was conceived as a market for the sale of seafood and spices. Today, it looks more like a huge pavilion, which contains all kinds of goods in a comfortable room for visitors. Dozens of air conditioners are responsible for the internal atmosphere. The prices here are more than affordable.

Do not forget about Chinatown, which in Kuala Lumpur has its own characteristics. The quality of goods here, although not high, but the prices will become a real “balm for the souls” of numerous shopaholics. Well, for those who have long dreamed of clothes or accessories from a well-known manufacturer, they will offer an excellent copy at a bargain price.