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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2014 THIS WEEK 38 Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is the centre of Asia, a melting pot of all Asian cultures in the Malaysian capital. Historic temples and mosques blend in with skyscrapers and shopping malls for a unique experience of old vs new and traditional vs modern. What to do? Once the tallest buildings in the world the Petronas Twin Towers, the 88-storey buildings are joined be- tween the 41st and 42nd floor by a bridge. The Islamic-inspired buildings today house the Petronas company and other offices. The twin buildings are not all about work though, the towers are also host to an art gallery, convention centre and science centre. Stretching out to the side of the tow- ers is the KLCC Park, which features a jogging track, walking paths, a foun- tain and a wading pool for children. The 100-year-old temples of Batu caves are one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur with idols and statues erected inside and around the caves. The Cathedral cave houses Hindu shrines beneath its 100-metre arched ceiling, while at the foot of Batu Hill, two more caves house an art gallery and a mu- seum, with Hindu statues and paint- ings. Watch out for the monkeys as you scale the 272 steps to access the caves. The Chow Kit Market is Kuala Lumpur's most popular market at the northern end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Malaysia's most famous wet market by day where fresh food is sold turns into a second-hand cloth- ing and accessories market by night. However it is not a place for the faint hearted, with vendors who are pushy and it takes a thick skin to get seri- ous bargains here. The other half of the market is the city's unofficial Red Light District. Thean Hou Temple is one of the old- est and largest temples in Southeast Asia. Overlooking the Federal high- way, the six-tiered Buddhist temple is also known as the Temple of the God- dess of Heaven. Dedicated to Tian Hou, a goddess said to protect fishermen, the tem- ple is also a shrine where many come to worship Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Built by Kuala Lumpur's Hainanese community in 1894, it is set on a hill and offers wonderful views of the city. Where to eat? The mix of cultures makes for a wide variety of food fare. Try the re- stobars popular with the young crowd or some of the best Chinese food sold from stalls at the side of the road. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in Kuala Lumpur. Enak KL is one of the city's most famous high-end Malay restaurants specialising in spicy Malay food. Dishes are rich and flavourful with recipes passed on from generation to generation. The chilli levels in the food is adapted for the locals, however visitors need not worry as the chilli factor can be toned down with one simple word to the chef. A section of Jalan Dorasimy gives way to a spectacular row of con- verted colonial buildings named the Asian Heritage Row offering a selec- tion of trendy dining options with elegant and arresting facades that captivate the eye as well as the curios- ity. The once abandoned 80-year-old houses have become one of the city's hotspots with an exciting and vibrant nightlife. Check out the mamak restaurants where Tamil Muslims sell a variety of food on the street. It is a meeting place for young Malaysians who gath- er to watch late-night football games and feast on delicacies sold by street hawkers. Try Devi's Corner, a food court facing the Bangsar Village II mall. The tray curries are excellent, with plenty of fish, prawns and other seafood. You can get dosa, biriyani and great satay here. Where to stay? The Shangri-La Hotel enjoys a cen- tral location in the heart of the city. The Petronas Twin Towers, the bou- tiques of Suria KLCC and the malls, cafés and restaurants of Bukit Bin- tang are just a short walk away. The KL monorail is also readily accessible. Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, this hotel is an oasis of luxury and relaxation. Elegance, tranquility and grandeur are the hallmarks of this hotel. The newly renovated rooms show meticulous attention to detail and provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The Ritz Carlton is a luxury bou- tique hotel offering easy access to the trendy, upscale shopping and en- tertainment hub of Bukit Bintang, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Its décor reflects an enticing fusion of 19th century Europe and the artistic tra- ditions of Asia. This award-winning hotel is the city's first to provide full- butler service for all the rooms. The JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur is located on Bintang Walk, the lively shopping strip with upscale restaurants and entertainment out- lets. Guests can enjoy a multi-ethnic culinary experience at the 13 restau- rants of Feast Village, located on the lowest level of Starhill Gallery, which is integrated with the hotel. How to get there? Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Kuala Lumpur with a stopo- ver in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 13 November 2013 and re- turning on 27 November 2013 were priced at €896.37, including tax, at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 14.5 hours. Truly Asia Once the tallest buildings in the world the Petronas Twin Towers today house the Petronas Company and a number of other offices The Batu Caves house a 100- year old temple with tributes to Hindu gods and idols The Chow Kit market is one of Malaysia's most famous wet markets, selling all kinds of fresh food produce