CNNGo TV in Kuala Lumpur: stylish, cultural, culinary center of Malaysian life
Petronas Towers? Done. What's next? We'll show you, in this episode of CNNGo TV.
From Southeast Asia's largest Islamic Art Museum to the majestic Chinese Thean Hou Temple; from a fine restaurant for authentic Malaysian food to a retro-salon in Chinatown, these are six of the places that no KL visitor would want to miss.
A salon that recalls the 1940s moment when it opened.
Stylo Barber Shop
The Stylo Hair Dressing Saloon (we're not sure if this is an intended misspell) is hard to miss.
Located in Chinatown, the retro-front door with colorful strips and check patterns is a reminder that the shop is more than 70 years old.
Kedai Gunting Rambut Stylo, junction of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. Haircuts cost RM8-10
Maysaa scarf modeled by the designer.
Designer Hana Tajima
Islam is the most practiced religion in Malaysia, but that doesn't compromise the country's passion for fashion.
Maysaa by designer Hana Tajima is a stylish brand selling Islam-friendly clothing like maxi-dresses and scarves.
Born and raised in Britain, Tajima converted to Islam a few years ago and is currently based in Kuala Lumpur.
You can relax or even meditate in the Lake Gardens after touring the Islamic Art Museum.
Islamic Art Museum
The Islamic Art Museum is the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia. It houses artworks from small jewelry to a model of Mecca's Masjid al-Haram.
Surrounded by the nature of central Kuala Lumpur's Lake Garden, it's also a great spot for some tranquility.
Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; tickets RM6-12, free admission for under-sevens; Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; +603 2274 2020; www.iamm.org.my
You'll find plenty of colonial ambiance.
Carcosa Seri Negara
This elegant heritage hotel sits quietly in Lake Gardens. It was the residence of the highest British official in the Malay States from 1904 to 1941.
Enjoying English afternoon tea on the veranda is one of the best experiences in Kuala Lumpur.
Taman Tasik Perdana, Persiaran Mahameru; from RM990 per night; +603 2295 0888; www.shr.my
Thean Hou Temple -- one of KL's most photogenic sites.
Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. It's often lit up with thousands of red lanterns during major events.
It's located on top of Robson Hill, providing a great view of Malaysia's capital.
Thean Hou Temple, Robson Hill, off Jalayan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur; open daily, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Authentic local food is not exclusive to hawker stalls.
Bijan Restaurant
Although it doesn't look as local as a street stall, Bijan Restaurant serves authentic local cuisine, minus the sweat and chaos.
Recommended dishes include rusuk panggang and sago gula melaka. (Our insider guide has more recommendations.)
3 Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon; +603 2031 3575; www.bijanrestaurant.com
