| The city’s traffic system can still be a logistical nightmare for congested rush hour commuters, but it is increasingly handy for tourists with a number of rail and monorail options in the city centre that make navigating the sprawling city much easier. The real pleasure, though, is walking around, savouring the sights and sounds of this colourful city. The heart of Kuala Lumpur is around Datran Merdeka (Independence Square) and this open space makes a good starting point for a city tour. The square is dominated by a towering flagpole, which commemorates the country’s independence from Britain on 31 August 1957 – the day when the new Malaysian flag replaced the Union Jack. Also on the square, the Royal Selangor Club is an excellent example of colonial architecture, while the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (the seat of the high and supreme courts) is an intriguing mix of Victorian and Moorish architecture. Elsewhere around the city, in striking contrast to the British-built architecture, are the stunning Masjid Negara (National Mosque) and Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque). The ornate Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is something of a hybrid of the two, looking more like a dreamy Moorish palace than a transport hub. These days, it no longer functions as an important railway station, giving it a lost, old world feel that definitely merits a visit. |