With ambitions of becoming a first world country by 2020, Malaysia is doing everything it its power to get there. Kuala Lumpur is where you will see this shining through as a monument of the ingenuity and determination having evolved from a shanty town to a 21st century city metropolis with skyscrapers, international trade and commerce. Along with modern architecture, it’s also very much a cyber-city which is then blended with temples, mosques creating a fascinating and dynamic blend. One of the first things that will stand out on your trip is the cultural diversity with Malays along with expats and migrants from China, India and the British colonials who have all put their own stamp firmly on the city from eating to shopping to nightlife.

For shopping, head to Jalan Bukit Bintang which is the city’s answer to Fifth Avenue in New York or Oxford Street in London and is lined with huge shopping in indulge in with stores including Zara and Sephora. On Jalan Bintang, you will find 500 electronics stores. If you are still craving shopping,  Suria KLCC is another large shopping centre underneath Petronas Twin Towers with luxury shops including Tiffany, Burberry, Coach and Hermès. It is worth paying a visit to the Skybar across from the Petronas Twin Towers at sunset, as it has spectacular panoramic city views. You will also find a lap pool, cocktails, and friendly staff retro tunes.

The culinary scene in Kuala Lumpur is exciting with a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay residents. The biggest collection of roadside restaurants is along Jln Alor from around 17:00 till late every evening where the street transforms into a continuous open-air restaurant, with plastic tables and chairs. It’s incredibly atmospheric with rival caterers shouting out to passers-by to drum up business. Most places serve alcohol and you can sample pretty much every Malay Chinese dish imaginable. The best way to experience the food street is to stroll along looking at the signs and the dishes on the tables to see what takes your fancy.

Malaysia’s first certified green hotel the G Tower is a nice place of rest and worth using your credit card.  Hotel Chinatown is a cheaper option situated on Jalan Petaling’s buzzing night market. The Maytower Hotel is another option, located in Little India, a high-rise with a fantastic view of the city skyline.