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Kuala Lumpur: The city of colour By Tania
Fernando Thousands of participants performed 'excerpts' from history and legend, danced, sang and displayed glittering costumes of the various races and states, in a parade that went on for about three hours. 'Citrawana' or the Colours of Malaysia festival is held to present a diversified showcase of activities that would attract foreign tourists as well as boost domestic tourism. The celebration of the Citrawana does not stop with the parade but goes on to involve every sector of the tourism industry. It continues for one month with food festivals and other attractions. Malaysia presents an exotic blend of the old and new. In the cities, the signs of modernity and technological progress are evident in the skyscrapers and high-speed urban transportation. Yet, a short drive away, the countryside is at its rustic best. Kuala Lumpur or KL as the capital is popularly known, is a bustling metropolis. KL meaning a muddy river had its origins as a shanty-mining outpost for the tin trade in the 1800s. However, today the city's skyline is rapidly changing and presently boasts of the world's tallest building. Yet, despite its transformation into an ultra modern city, KL still retains its old world charm with many buildings dating back to the colonial era. While my visit was for 'Colours of Malaysia' as part of a group of journalists and travel agents invited by the Government of Malaysia and SriLankan Airlines, a highlight of the tour was our brief stop at the Petronas Twin Towers. Here, although trying to enjoy the view, the only thought running through my mind was September 11. Fortunately for me, visitors to the Petronas Twin Towers are given only 10 minutes to enjoy the view. Standing at a height of 452 metres, this is the tallest building in the world. The two towers are linked by the longest sky-bridge in the world which extends 58.4 m. Having 88 floors it takes only 41 seconds to get to the 41st floor, which is the level visitors are permitted to. At night, the streets of KL are adorned with decorations and the buildings are colourfully lit to give the city a unique dazzle. This, I am told, happens every weekend. The most fascinating corner of KL for me was the famed Chinatown. Noisy and bright at night, it is a shopper's dream to bargain for Gucci, Prada, Swatch and merchandise of every imaginable brand name, including perfumes. While a man sells miniature motorcycles, all cleverly twisted from wire, at one stall, you hear the latest hits blaring from another. In the next stall, a man is selling Chinese food. This place definitely calls for all your bargaining skills. Another place to visit is the Batu Caves, which are a few miles to the north of the city. These large natural limestone caves are reached by 272 steps, and house the Hindu shrine of Lord Subramaniam. Nearby is the Museum Cave where you would find a fascinating display of brightly coloured murals and statues. The National Mosque that was built in 1965 gleams every bit as brightly as any of the skyscrapers. The main dome is moulded in the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central pillars of Islam. The largest pewter factory in the world, which also has the largest pewter tankard, as listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is another must-see place in KL. Despite modern technology, every individual piece from the factory is handcrafted to precise detail, from hand casting and soldering, through to polishing and engraving. Pewter is made of tin and copper. Antimony is added to strengthen it. Meanwhile, you can see a change in horse guards while driving past the official residence of the King. A bronze monument built in 1966 to honour the country's fallen heroes stands 15.54 m high. This is one of the largest freestanding sculptures in the world. A stay in KL
will definitely leave you wishing that you had more time to take
in the sights of this fascinating city. Although we were there for
three days, it was definitely insufficient to see all of KL. So
if you're passing through, take time to enjoy the city that's a
buzz of activity with loads of exciting discoveries to be made. |
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