Viewing the City from the Sheraton Kuala Lumpur

Nightfall in Kuala Lumpur only takes a few minutes. The sun disappears behind the countless skyscrapers of the metropolis and tinges the building in a warm orange glow, and then, suddenly, the sky is completely dark. The plain white illumination of the Petronas Towers comes alive, and the city’s typical landmark shines through the skyscraper landscape of the Kuala Lumpur’s financial district, the Golden Triangle. A few remaining lights shine from a handful of offices, and these colorful points of light form a patchwork pattern across the office buildings. There is still work on the ground as well. Powerful floodlights illuminate huge construction sites. The metropolis of Kuala Lumpur is visibly growing.

The panorama from my room’s window in the 35th floor of the Sheraton Hotels is constantly shifting. Here, there are the bright yellow fluorescent tubes that form a multi-story, grinning camel; over there are the blinking lights of a large and colorful advertisement. The elevated railway crisscrosses the city, and from up here, it looks like a toy train. I keep the drapes of my hotel room open until late at night since I can’t get enough of this nightly panorama of city that never seems to sleep.

“Our city is well known for its eclectic cuisine,” Cindy Yoong, the marketing manager tells me, while passing me a dumpling. Today’s menu is Dim Sum, a selection of steamed or fried Chinese meals. It is served with a rose tea, which has a very intense taste despite its watery appearance.”Our guests can already try what they like to eat at the breakfast buffet,” she reports proudly. In addition to traditional Chinese soups, there are Indian curry dishes and Malaysian mees next to traditionally Western buns and scrambled eggs.

For an evening with an unforgettable atmosphere, Mrs. Yoong has recommended me a trip to the Jalan Alor, an amusement lane with many, predominantly Chinese restaurants and cookshops. Visiting this place is like a trip back in time to the old Kuala Lumpur of yesteryear, in the days prior to air-conditioning and climate control units. Her personal advice for local specialties and traditional Malaysian dishes is the White Coffee at the Central Market.

Near the base of the Petronas Towers lies the Suria KLCC, a luxurious shopping mall with more than 250 different shops and restaurants. Those who want to cross the Tower’s skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floor have to come early, though: The limited number of tickets are sold in the morning and always have a fixed time stamp. “You have a better view from the TV-tower,” recommends Mrs. Yoon. “From there, you can directly look at the landmark.”

For those who haven’t found the exact thing they are looking for at the Suria Mall, can walk through the gardens of the KLCC, pass the city’s Aquarium and enter the Bukit Bintang, the most popular shopping district of Kuala Lumpur. Labels from Gucci to Prada can be found here at the KL pavilion, which opened in 2007.

My taxi driver gave me another recommendation. “If you are looking for a beautiful, authentic souvenir, go to the Central Market.” The old market hall was built in 1888 and is vibrant with artworks, traditional Malaysian clothing, colourful scarves and cloths and a plethora of decorative articles. It is a great place to look for a unique gift or keepsake.