Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Activities
Kuala Lumpur Culture
Over the last few years, traditional arts and culture have made a comeback in Kuala Lumpur. All over the city, small-scale performances are rubbing shoulders with the more slick events at theaters. Despite this renaissance in local culture, western cinema and music still dominate, especially among the younger generation.
The monthly Vision KL Magazine (www.visionkl.com) gives listings on events and performances taking place in the city. It is available free of charge from 4 and 5-star hotels and in some bars. There is no umbrella ticketing agency for cultural events in Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are purchased direct from the venue.
Music
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
For classical music concerts, the main venue in town is Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, in the Petronas Twin Towers complex. Malaysia's first classical concert hall, it is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and also hosts other major classical concerts as well as cultural performances.
Tel: (03) 2051 7007.
Website: www.dfpmpo.com
Theater
Istana Budaya Theater
The move of Malaysia's Panggung Negara (National Theater) to the massive Istana Budaya Theater has revolutionised Kuala Lumpur's theater scene. With seating for almost 1,500 people, the state-of-the-art venue is amongst the best in the world.
Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: (03) 4025 5932.
Website: www.istanabudaya.gov.my
Actor's Studio Theater
On a smaller scale, the Actor's Studio Theater is a flexible space with all sorts of performances and even some comedy.
Bangsar Shopping Center
tel: (03) 2094 0400.
Website: www.theactorsstudio.com.my
Dance
Central Market
Traditional dance, such as Menora (all masked men) or Mak Yong (all masked women), is sometimes performed. However, there is no one venue or organization taking charge of this. Some hotels and the Central Market also stage visiting regional dancers.
Kuala Lumpur Tours
WalkingTours
Although it is possible to walk around specific areas of Kuala Lumpur, such as China Town or Masjid Little India, the busy main roads that crisscross the city can make any attempt at a comprehensive walking tour daunting. It is much safer to use one of the many available public transport options to travel between sights. Tour East offers an evening stroll and dinner tour. The tours commence with a walk around the Central Market, culminating with a trip to the Menara Tower for a dinner at the revolving restaurant. Pick-up and drop-off at city hotels is included.
Tel: (03) 2710 0108.
Website: www.toureast.net
BusTours
Reliance Travel offers Kuala Lumpur city tours, with free pick-ups from numerous hotels throughout the city. Stops include a handicraft center, the Golden Triangle, the National Museum, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Masjid Jamek, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Mosque. Reliance can also arrange airport transport and onward travel, as well as tours to Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
Tel: (03) 2148 6022.
Website: www.reliancetravel.com
Cultural Tours
Cacinjo Holidays offers a variety of tours in and around Kuala Lumpur. The four-hour ‘Cultural Night Tour' takes in Little India, China Town, Central Market, Merdeka Square, the KLCC Twin Towers, the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and the Restoran Sri Melayu, where diners are treated to a traditional performance of Malaysian dance.
Tel: (03) 2770 1750.
Website: www.cacinjoholidays.com
