THEGUIDE
kuala lumpur
112
FAHTHAI
1 _
WHAT WE
RECOMMEND
To get a taste of the real
KL, sign up for a tour
with Food Tour Malaysia.
“Off the Eaten Track”
takes you on a night-time
exploration of backstreet
foodie hotspots, while the
“Kuala Lumpur Walk Tour”
is a three-hour journey
into culinary heaven.
(foodtourmalaysia.com)
2 _
KNOW THE
NUMBER
1896 – the year Kuala
Lumpur became the
capital of the Federated
Malay States, the
precursor to modern-day
Malaysia.
3 _
PETER HOE
BEYOND
In a move that smacks of
marketing genius, local
style icon Peter Hoe has
no website or even a sign
on his eponymous store,
which houses silverware,
fashion and homeware –
much of it designed by the
man himself. It’s the best
store in town; if you can
find it, that is.
(T: +60 3 (0)2026 9788)
COUNTRY
CODE
+60
EXCHANGE
RATE
MYR1 = THB10
FREQUENCY
1 flight per day
to Samui and
Bangkok (via
Samui)
CALL TO
PRAYER
The
exqusite hall of
Asy-Syakirin
Mosque
S A N C T U A R Y
Top 3
insider
travel tips
Rest Your Head
THE MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA
LUMPUR
Built in 1932, the Hotel
Majestic – as it was known at
the time – was KL's answer to
The Peninsula in Hong Kong or
Singapore's Raffles. Unlike its
fellow
grandes dames
though, it
fell into disrepair before being
reborn in late 2012 as Malaysia's
pre-eminent accommodation.
(majestickl.com)
Top Tables
WONG KEE
Its name might make you giggle,
but the marquee dish at this
hole-in-the-wall is nothing
to laugh about. Roasted by
owner Robert Wong himself
in recycled oil drums, the pork
boasts golden, crisp skin and is
oh-so tender. Be sure to arrive
at 12.30pm sharp.
(T: (0)3 2145 2512)
Bottoms Up
MARINI'S ON 57
The Petronas Towers might
be Malaysia's most popular
tourist attraction, but locals in
the know instead head to this
chic cocktail bar for the views.
Sublime cocktails paired with
stunning vistas (seen through
floor-to-ceiling windows) put
punters on top of the world.
(marinis57.com)
Treat Yourself
TRUEFITT & HILL
Founded in London in 1805,
Truefitt & Hill is the world's
oldest barbershop. There's
a simple reason why it's still
around: it's here you'll get the
best shave you'll ever have.
(truefittandhill.com.my)
Culture Kick
KUALA LUMPUR CITY
GALLERY
This must-visit attraction
occupies a restored, 114-year-
old building at the centre of
town. Though the pictorial
displays on the history of KL are
fascinating, it’s the perfectly to
scale city model that truly wows
visitors. Afterwards, pick up a
souvenir in the shop.
(klcitygallery.com)
Kuala Lumpur
TEXT: SIMON OSTHEIMER
