Highlights of Kuala Lumpur Walking Tour

Begin this tour at Chinatown (also known as Petaling Street) and watch the place emerge from its slumbers into a bustling area.

Chinatown consists of pre-war shop houses and rows of stalls selling fake branded handbags, wallets, belts, watches, sunglasses and more. Apparel such as T-shirts and shorts are available in a wide variety too. Don't forget to bargain hard.

Other things in Chinatown are stalls selling refreshing mata kuching drinks, roasted chestnuts (berangan in the local language) and local fruits. There are also many eateries selling Asian food and sweets. Don't forget to look out for the row of wholesale flower shops selling fresh flowers at dirt cheap prices.

If you're looking for a religious encounter, the southern end of Chinatown has a century-old Chan See Shu Yuen Buddhist temple and a Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple built in 1873.

Central Market is a hub for Malaysian art and handicraft. The myriad of local artefacts available here includes batik and songket products, antiques, woven goods made from materials found in local forests, handiworks made by the orang asli (indgenous people) and even portrait paintings.

Central Market boasts 650 sq metres of zoned shopping areas, kiosks and stalls. The zoned areas are divided into sections that reflect the diversity of Malaysia - Lorong Melayu (Malay Lane), Lorong Cina (Chinese Lane) and Lorong India (Indian Lane). There are also other zones such as Lorong Kelapa selling Malay snacks and Malacca Jonker Street which is modelled after the one in Malacca.

If you get hungry, there is a food court on the mezzanine floor and other eateries serving Malaysian food, of course.

There is some activity on everyday of the week including cultural dancers from Mondays to Thursdays, and a martial arts performance on Sundays.

Central Market was built in 1888 and used to be an open wet market. Later when the market started expanding, a permanent structure was built to house all vendors. Towards the late 70s, the Malaysian Heritage Society preserved Central Market under its heritage programme with funding from the Federal Government. Central Market's long history is intricately connected to the old and new generations of Kuala Lumpur. It is a testament that old buildings could be preserved and transformed to make them relevant with present times.

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station was built in 1892 and began operations in 1909. The architecture of this building reflects Moorish influence which incorporates domes, arches and pillars in its design. This building was designed by the Public Works Department of India during the British Colonial period in Malaya.

As the oldest railway station in West Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is the hub for railway services serving trains in Peninsular Malaysia running north to Bangkok, Thailand and south to Singapore.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of Kuala Lumpur's iconic landmarks, apart from the Petronas Twin Towers, that is.

Located on Jalan Raja and in front of Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), this building was used to house government departments during the British Colonial period in Malaya. Today it houses the Supreme and High courts of Malaysia.

Construction of this historical building began in 1893 and was completed in 1897. It was constructed with red brick and invitation stone dressing with a tiled roof. The exposed red brick with the white-plaster-lined arches and striped courses became known as the blood and bandages style.

The first plans were drawn up by R.A.J. Bidwell under the supervision of the state architect, A.C. Norman. However, their plans based on classical Renaissance style were not suitable for the humid climate of Kuala Lumpur. As a result, the Moorish style--a mixture of European function and Islamic form--was selected for the exterior of the building. This style was later adopted for the design of most public buildings in Kuala Lumpur built in the period that followed.

On important occasions such as National Day, the Sultan Abdul Samad building is decorated with colourful lights, which accentuate its unique architecture.

Built in 1909, Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque) is written in the historical books as the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Its unique location on the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers, which is the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur, makes Masjid Jamek even more significant.

The architecture of this mosque is inspired by Mogul influences and is similar to the mosques in Northern India. The mosque has two main towers, three main domes and is surrounded by coconut trees which gives it a serene feeling in the midst of the bustling city. In 1984, major renovation was completed, allowing more people in the praying hall.

Masjid Jamek was officially declared the National Mosque in 1965. However, despite losing its title to a newer mosque located nearby, Masjid Jamek remains important due to its central location near bazaars, eateries and offices.

Mention Kuala Lumpur and the Petronas Twin Towers immediately come to mind. This iconic structure has carved a name for itself as one of the mega structures of the world and reigns as the world's tallest twin towers. The Petronas Twin Towers, also known as KLCC, boasts a diamond-faceted facade built of stainless steel and laminated glass.

This 88-storey gleaming structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli who cleverly incorporated geometric shapes found in Islamic architecture into his design.

Located on the ever busy Jalan Ampang, KLCC offers a host of attractions including the Suria KLCC Shopping Centre, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and also the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where the Aquaria KLCC is located. The renowned Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is also based here.

Stretching out to one side of KLCC is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park where there are jogging tracks and a pool for kids to wade in.

Any time is a good time to visit KLCC. If you visit in the morning, don't forget to visit the Skybridge for panoramic views of the city. Tickets are sold from 8.30am onwards and available on a first come first served basis. So get there early.

If you visit KLCC at night, stand in front of the Public Bank building opposite, look up and be awed by this architectural wonder when it is illuminated.

Bukit Bintang is a heaven for all shopping aficionados. Located in the area are malls and shops selling almost everything under the sun for every budget. The favourites are Sungai Wang Plaza (literally translates to River of Money Plaza), BB Plaza, Lot 10, Pavilion, Fahrenheit 88 and Starhill Gallery.

Berjaya Times Square and Low Yat Plaza (the place for IT products) are also located nearby. Both places are accessible by Monorail. Get off at the Imbi Station which is one stop away from the Bukit Bintang station.