What to eat, see and do in Kuala Lumpur

Savour a vibrant fusion of Asian and Mexican flavours (think: salmon ceviche with ginger garlic infused soy dressing and yuzu pearls) paired with fine views of the KL skyline at Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar. You can also sample local delights such as prawn sambal and pandan panna cotta surrounded by rotating exhibitions of Malaysian art and photography at Aku Café & Gallery.

At Malaysia Design Archive, trawl through the nation’s graphic design and visual art timeline, from colonial 19th-century Malaya through wartime Japanese occupation, and independence in 1957 to the modern day. Visits are by appointment only. Fashionistas should pop by Eclipse, for sleek ready-to-wear pieces (above) and accessories for women, by Malaysian designer Sonny San. The brand has vaulted from its KL base into Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Repose in a ‘rustic-luxe’ room inspired by Malay culture and chill out by sipping a tropical poolside cocktail at Villa Samadhi, a mini resort amid a landscape of skyscrapers. Or surround yourself with tropical rainforest at the spacious deck terrace of The Tamarind at Tamarind Springs (below). It’s an atmospheric setting to share a memorable South-east Asian family feast accompanied by the sights and sounds of the wild.

Located in a constantly evolving downtown neighbourhood that once housed tin miners, Hotel Stripes offers fabulous city views and rooms adorned with sepia images of historic KL scenes. There’s also Nala Designs, which is housed in an elegantly restored Malay home (below) in Bangsar. Here, choose from beautiful print fabrics, homeware and totes inspired by cultural traditions from across Southeast Asia.

Hunt for one-of-a-kind handicrafts, artworks and souvenirs at Central Market (below), the city’s revamped former wet market constructed in Art Deco style in 1888. If you prefer sky-high views, head to Petronas Twin Towers, where visitors of all ages enjoy the thrill of looking out across the changing capital landscape to the hills and valleys beyond from the 86th floor of the iconic twin towers. 

– TEXT BY GARY BOWERMAN
PHOTOS: NALA DESIGNS, MR CHEW’S CHINO LATINO BAR, ECLIPSE, TAMARIND RESTAURANTS
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.