Skyscrapers spring up like weeds in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur, lending to the sense of constant motion the city exudes. Business types in dark suits mingle with youthful tourists, and everyone seems to be in a hurry. No wonder, since the city, founded by a small group of tin miners in the mid-1800s, morphed into one of Southeast Asia’s most important destinations for business travelers.
Fondly called KL by locals, it is more than just a skyscraper-loaded city obsessed with commerce. The varied industries represented — everything from footwear to petroleum, information technology to textiles — mirror the diversity of the city in general. In contrast to the predominant towering multistoried pillars of glass are Chinese shop houses and colonial buildings. And the mix of cultures, most notably Malay, Chinese and Indian, heavily influences the Malaysian approach to business.
In general, Malaysian businesspeople are culturally savvy but observe cultural differences where greetings are concerned. Many Malays and Indians are uncomfortable shaking hands with members of the opposite sex, and the Chinese may look downward when being introduced, as a sign of respect. All three cultures use both professional and honorific titles in business, but the Malays and Indians use these titles with their first name and the Chinese with their surname.
Even if your business agenda is tight, unless you are seriously acrophobic, you shouldn’t miss a walk across the sky bridge to view the city panorama. The 1,483-foot-high Petronas Towers amount to towering twin buildings of glittering glass connected by a sky bridge 558 feet in the air. However, only so many people are allowed on the bridge each day, and elevator time must be booked in advance and in person. All the spots for the day can be gone by 10 a.m., so show up early, get your reservation and then meet a business associate for a cup of coffee or breakfast in the food court at Suria KLCC, a six-story shopping center at the foot of the towers, until your turn.
Located in what is touted as the tallest tower in Southeast Asia, Atmosphere 360 restaurant embraces a spaceship-like theme. Not only does it offer great 360-degree views, but also the starry fiber-optic ceiling lights make you feel like you’re dining among the stars. The lavish buffet offers dishes to suit almost any palate, making it a great venue for an upscale dinner with culturally diverse clients. But this restaurant revolves, so don’t be surprised when you come back from the buffet line only to find your table isn’t where you left it.
If you’re looking for an impressive place to take business associates for a drink, head for the hip and happening Mai Bar. This swanky tiki-themed bar is on the rooftop of the minimalistically sleek and oh-so-modern Aloft Hotel. Sit sipping exotic cocktails in the darkly sexy bar or by the pool. If you dare, try the signature cocktail, the Malaysian Princess Mai Tai. This deceptively lethal concoction starts with silver rum pressed with blueberries and kaffir lime topped with golden rum, pineapple and orange juice; proceed with caution.
Like any major metropolis, Kuala Lumpur boasts a plethora of 5-star hotels in the downtown area. The Grand Millennium, located right on the main shopping avenue of Bukit Bintang, is considered to be among the better KL business hotels. Besides 15,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel offers guests top-notch business services, including a business center and secretarial service.
An alternative to a conventional hotel, especially for extended-stay business travelers, is to book a serviced suite. PARKROYAL offers suites of various sizes and a business center that includes printing, photocopying and scanning, secretarial services and meeting room rental.
Adjacent to China Town and a short walk from Merdeka Square, the Central Market is a KL landmark. Formerly an old “wet market” selling meat, vegetables and other local products, the market has turned into a veritable feast for shoppers. There’s almost no souvenir or handicraft that can’t be found here. Booths and stalls fill the two-story 1928 building selling everything from T-shirts to fine antiques. The building is blissfully air-conditioned, so it makes a good place to meet a client for lunch then shop for gifts to take home.
Getting around the city is fairly easy via LRT (Light Rail Transit), but the lines do not always connect, so you may need to go part way by one of the buses which depart frequently from most LRT stations.
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
March 2024
Mar 27, 2024Udaipur Unveiled: A Walking Tour in Rajasthan’s Most Romantic City Reveals Its Many Layers
Anyone who makes their way to Rajasthan in northern India has likely heard of Udaipur’s allure. The city revered for its lakes and marble palaces is considered by many who know not only the Indian subcontinent but the planet as a whole to be the most spectacularly romantic city on Earth.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Daily
Mar 27, 2024Go Island Hopping in Spain with Meliá Hotels International
It’s time to start planning summer travel. Consider a chic island getaway off the coast of Spain. Spain’s Meliá Hotels International offers a collection of hotels throughout the islands that highlight the Spanish lifestyle.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Relax by the Sea at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Head to Miami Beach and book a stay at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. This oceanfront resort recently debuted its Relax by the Sea offer. Guests enjoy a two-night stay in a suite, K’Alma Spa Rosé eye patches, K’Alma Spa Rosé Dreams massage and a complimentary umbrella.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Celebrate the 3 Z Hotels San Francisco with Limited-Time Offer
Z Hotels SF, a collection of boutique properties in downtown San Francisco, launched a limited-time offer. Whether you opt to stay at Hotel Zelos, Hotel Zetta or Hotel Zeppelin, book The Best Things Comes in Threes offer and receive:
ShareThis