Heritage buildings, colonial structures, ancient ruins, colorful streets and beautiful canals perfectly portray the image of the city. The walls of the old buildings in Malacca bear the traces of the Portuguese, Dutch and British domination. The old forts and churches, the high towers and the lovely fountains are the traces of a bygone era.

Once you get to the Dutch Square, you will feel the special vibe of Malacca in everything that surrounds you. From colorful trishaws and walls to beautifully decorated green areas, everything seems to be a festival of colors in Malacca. There are a lot of places you can visit in this city, but in my opinion you should definitely not miss the following ones:

1.Christ Church is considered one of the most beautiful religious edifices in the city. The church was built by the Dutch, after they took control of the city which was under Portuguese domination at that time. Made of red brick and embellished with a huge white cross, Christ Church is one of the most important tourist attractions in Malacca.

2.Situated a few steps away from Christ Church, the Stadthuys is another beautiful building which should be on your trip list. Made of red brick, this building is considered the oldest Dutch building that still stands today. The Stadthuys was used as the official residence of the Dutch governors and officers and also as the town hall of the city. Nowadays, this complex shelters a few small museums where you can find out a lot of details about the history of Malacca.

3.You shouldn’t leave Malacca without taking a walk in Jonker Street, which is considered the artistic center of the city. If you take a walk in this area you will have the chance to see a lot of stalls with all kind of goods and street food. There are also many art galleries and antique shops here. This is the most vibrant part of the city.

4.The Taming Sari Tower or the Menara Taming Sari is the first gyro tower built in Malaysia. Measuring 110 meters, the tower was officially open for business purposes in the 18^th century. Nowadays, this revolving observation tower has a moving platform which offers a lovely panoramic view over the entire city.

5.The Maritime Museum or the Flora de Lamar is a really interesting and unique museum and for good reason. The museum is sheltered by a replica of a Portuguese ship which sank near the coast of Malacca. The Maritime Museum displays a collection of navigational instruments, paintings and other exhibits such as porcelain, silk, textiles and spices. An interesting area of the museum showcases moments from the different eras that Malacca has gone through.

6.A’Famosa which means “The Famous”, in Portuguese, was a military fortress which used to house the entire Portuguese administration, including hospitals, churches and towers. The only ruin standing today is the Porta de Santiago which is a tiny gate and the last remains of what used to be a great fortress.

7.St. Paul’s Church is a historic church situated very close to A’Famosa. Originally built as a chapel and called the Chapel of Mother of God, this church is considered the oldest church in the country. Even though only a few ruins are still standing today, St. Paul’s Church is still considered an important tourist attraction in the city.

8.Malacca Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka) is a lovely mosque situated on the shores of the Strait of Malacca. This gorgeous mosque is a must-see because when the tide is at the right height, it looks like it is floating on the ocean. Near the mosque, there is a 30-meter-high minaret, which functions as a lighthouse and a reference point for boats, ships and aircrafts. The massive golden dome of the mosque which is situated above its main prayer hall can be seen from a long distance.

These are in my opinion the places you should definitely visit in Malacca, but the city has a lot more to offer. In order to discover what I’m talking about, you should plan a trip to this beautiful Malaysian city.

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Despite the fact that the culture, the tourist attractions and the vibe of a country are aspects which determine the quality of a trip, I believe that a suitable accommodation is also very important. For example during my trip to Kuala Lumpur, the Parkroyal Hotel was the icing on the cake which perfectly completed the successful travel experience I lived in the capital of Malaysia. This elegant hotel was my oasis of comfort after visiting all the tourist attractions Kuala Lumpur has to offer and also the place from where I admired a perfect scenery surrounded by skyscrapers.

The beautiful reception impressed me from the very moment I set foot in this hotel. A huge space decorated with modern furniture and sophisticated accessories immediately gave me the feeling of comfort and relaxation.

Accommodation

Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur is a five-star hotel which delights its guests with six types of rooms. Whether you opt to enjoy a perfect scenery in one of its Superior Rooms or to treat yourself in one of its elegant Orchid Club Suites, your stay there will definitely be a relaxing one. All the rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated with modern and comfortable furnishings and equipped with all the necessary amenities.

In case you are a more sophisticated guest, you can choose the Orchid Club Experience which includes special accommodation conditions. The Orchid Club guestrooms offer exclusive privileges and benefits, including priority check-in, a delicious and extremely diversified breakfast and the possibility to spend relaxing moments in the Orchid Club Lounge.

Culinary experience

When it comes to food, Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur hosts a few restaurants and bars where you can try a variety of local and international specialties.  At the Chatz Brasserie you can serve popular dishes made from fresh products and quality ingredients and cooked in an authentic style. An interesting detail is the fact that the open kitchen of this restaurant will give you the chance to actually see the whole cooking process of what you order.

In case you want to relax in a great atmosphere while having a unique culinary experience, the Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant is another perfect option. In this restaurant you can taste one of the finest and sophisticated local dishes seasoned with a cup of delicious Chinese tea, in a luxurious and elegant oriental setting.

The Klix Lounge will give you the opportunity to combine the pleasure of tasting a glass of wine or a cocktail with the excitement of enjoying an amazing sunset, which can be admired through the tall windows of the bar.

The Hot Gossip is a stylish café where the pleasure of sipping a cup of coffee can be combined with a few culinary options such as cakes, burgers, sandwiches, salads or pastries.

Kurata Japanese Fine Dining in another restaurant where you can serve an authentic Japanese dish in a modern and relaxing atmosphere.

Last but not least, in case you want to relax by the pool all day long, you could try the Pool Bar, a great place where you will have the chance to choose from a variety of local drinks and dishes.

Other facilities

You can relax your mind, body and spirit at St. Gregory, the lovely SPA situated inside the hotel. You can opt for a traditional healing therapy, a specialized facial treatment, a relaxing massage or a warm bath with milk, ginger or other plants. All these relaxing experiences are perfectly completed by a modern and welcoming atmosphere.

Fully equipped with all you might need, the Indoor Gym of the hotel is waiting for you in case you want to work out and keep in shape or stay in shape.

The Business Center is simply perfect in case you have to solve some urgent work issues. This specially designed business area is equipped with all the necessary office facilities. From meeting rooms to office equipments, everything you might need can be found in this space.

Last but not least, the outdoor pool is the perfect place to spend a few moments of relaxation and serve a drink or a snack at the lovely Pool Bar.

The staff

A dedicated and very well-trained staff will be at your service in order to meet all your accommodation demands. Their friendly and positive attitude will make your days there even more pleasant.

How to get there

In case you are traveling by plane and you don’t have an agency to take care of your transport, you can simply take a cab from the airport to the hotel. Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur is situated in the heart of the city, in Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250. Thanks to its great location it will be very easy to visit the main tourist attractions in the city.

In case you love shopping, you should know that the hotel is situated really close to Bintang Walk, an area full of malls and night markets. Chinatown or Petaling Street is also situated nearby. If you want to get to other parts of the city, you don’t have to worry about the public transportation because you can find a monorail station in the area.

All things considered, you should definitely take into account Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur in case you plan a trip to the capital of Malaysia. As I have already said, details are really important when it comes to a successful travel experience and Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur is one of those hotels that can really make the difference.

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Located in the heart of the city, near the Lake Gardens, this complex might be the perfect place to relax for a few hours. You will have the chance to admire a lovely scenery and also plunge into Malaysia’s history, geography, art, culture and even economy.

Built on three floors, the complex shelters a few galleries and small museums such as the Gallery of Modern History, the Orang Asli Craft Museum and the Museum of Malay World Ethnology.

From collections of artworks and traditional weapons to stuffed animals and traditional Malacca Baba houses, the museum has a lot to offer. Don’t take my words for granted, just look at the following pictures and decide whether this place is worth visiting or not.

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Two hours later I got to the beautiful KLCC Park and I tried to capture the most beautiful view of the towers. It was dark outside and the image of the twin towers left me speechless. I was completely astonished by the multitude of lights that were twinkling in front of my eyes.

The bridge that connected the towers also caught my attention. After a few minutes of staring at this masterpiece, I finally managed to move and get closer to them. I realized that the first floors of the towers were sheltering the biggest shopping mall in the country, called Suria KLCC. It was nice to walk inside this mall and combine the pleasure of exploring its stores with the curiosity of discovering every single detail related to its architecture.

I was so impressed by the Petronas Twin Towers that night that I had to come back the next day and admire them in daylight. Besides the headquarters of the Petronas Company, the towers shelter several other offices and this is why only a small area can be visited. It was too early to visit this area, but it goes without saying that I couldn’t miss this experience and I came back again in the evening.

Unfortunately I had to wait in a queue for two hours to buy the tickets, but all things happen for a reason. It was already dark when I started my visit and the panorama was simply breathtaking at night. My first stop was on floors 41-42, where I spent a few minutes admiring the surrounding buildings from the Skybridge, the connecting structure between the towers. My next stop was on floor 86. Once you get here the steel and glass facade of the building allows you to admire the other tower which seems to be incredibly close all of a sudden.

However, if you want to have a pleasant visit, I advise you to plan it at night and book your tickets in advance, in order to avoid waiting in a queue.

Even though I had admired a lot of pictures of the Petronas Towers, I must confess that I hadn’t read much about them until I got to Kuala Lumpur. During my stay in this city I did some research about the towers and I found out their interesting story.

Someone from the management of Petronas, a Malaysian oil mega-company, came up with the idea of building an imposing headquarter to prove the economic power of the Malaysian state. This is why the architect Cesar Pelli was hired to build the 452-meter tall twin towers which used to be the tallest buildings in the world until the construction of Taipei 101. Nowadays, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, but the Petronas Twin Towers are still the tallest twin towers in the world.

Taking into account their notoriety and their impressive architecture, the Petronas Twin Towers really deserve to be visited. Believe me, it will be a unique experience!

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I must confess that the capital of Malaysia was a lovely surprise which I remember with great pleasure. The modern architecture, the impressive skyscrapers, the high towers and the blend of religions and cultures define the beautiful Kuala Lumpur.

This modern metropolis is home to different nationalities such as Malaysian, Chinese and Indian. A blend between Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism can be felt all over the city. Even if it seems to be in the shadow of other famous Asian cities, Kuala Lumpur has its own special vibe and a lot to offer to the tourists who choose to visit it. In this regard, I made a list of 10 things you could do in this beautiful city:

1.You could let yourself mesmerized by the gorgeous Petronas Twin Towers, which are considered the tallest twin towers in the world. Situated in the beautiful KLCC Park, the image of these 452-meter tall towers is simply breathtaking. It is mandatory to admire them in daylight and also at night, when a multitude of lights will twinkle in front of your eyes.

Even though the towers shelter the headquarters of the Petronas Company and also several other offices, a small area can be visited by tourists. This interesting visit will offer you the chance to get to the 86^th floor and enjoy a beautiful panorama over the entire surrounding area.

You will notice that the basement and the first floors of the towers shelter Suria KLCC Mall, which is one of the most famous shopping malls in the country. Here you can spend a few moments of relaxation walking among the multitude of stores.

2.The Aquaria KLCC is a lovely aquarium which really deserves to be visited. This place is located in a Convention Center and it is connected to Suria KLCC Shopping Center by a gangway. Built on two levels, the aquarium covers an area of about 60000 square feet. About 5000 marine creatures and land animals are exposed in 15 different exhibition areas. It will be a real delight to let yourself fascinated by jellyfish, sea turtles, sharks, corals, octopuses, seahorses, otters and a multitude of fish and other species.

3.The King’s Palace (Istana Negara) is an interesting palace which deserves a few moments of your time. It is the residence of the Malaysian King, Yang di Pertuan Agong and this is why it is not open to the public. The tourists can only admire its interesting facade, take a walk in the yard of the palace and watch the changing of the guards.

4.The War Memorial or the National Monument (Tugu Negara) is another place that should be on your trip list. Considered the tallest freestanding group of bronze sculptures in the world, this monument commemorates the brave soldiers who died fighting for the independence of Malaysia during the Japanese occupation. Taking into account the significance of the monument, the entire area is beautifully decorated and it has a special and interesting vibe.

5.Your trip itinerary will not be complete without a visit to the National Museum, which is an excellent way to plunge into Malaysia’s history, economy, geography, art and culture. From collections of artworks and weapons to stuffed animals and traditional Malacca Baba houses, the museum has a lot to offer. The sweeping and traditional Minangkabau-style roof of the museum and the main entrance flanked by two large murals of Italian glass mosaics are equally interesting.

6.You could admire the interesting architecture of the Moorish Federal Court which is also called the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. An imposing porch, a few interesting arches and curved colonnades topped with copper cupolas and a high clock tower are just a few architectural elements of the building. Elements of the Gothic, Western and Moorish architectural styles can be distinguished in the design of this beautiful building.

The Moorish Federal Court was originally built to serve as the secretariat for the colonial British administration and after that it was used to house the superior courts of Malaysia. Nowadays it is home to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.

7.You could let yourself delighted by the image of the Menara Kuala Lumpur or the Kuala Lumpur Tower. This 421 meter-high telecommunication tower is among the tallest freestanding towers in the world. Arabic inscriptions, Islamic tiles and floral abstract motifs can be noticed on the exterior of the tower.

Acting as the Islamic observatory of the crescent moon, the tower is the highest viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur which is open to the public. The Menara Kuala Lumpur shelters a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while you admire a spectacular view over the entire city. My advice is to visit the Menara Kuala Lumpur at night, because it is beautifully lighted in different colors.

8.You cannot leave Kuala Lumpur without taking a walk in its large streets. You should venture into the streets if you want to feel the authentic vibe of the city. You will be amazed by the impressive skyscrapers which seem to dominate the sky. The contrast between the impressive and modern buildings and the poor and modest ones is simply confusing.

9.You should buy fruit from the local markets because it is the guarantee of an authentic taste. Like in any other Asian city, local fruit are a real treat because they are tasty and savory. It will be a pleasant experience to combine the pleasure of admiring the fruit on the stalls with the pleasure of enjoying their fresh smell.

10.Last but not least, you should spend a few moments of relaxation in the multitude of malls and shops which can be found all over the city. It goes without saying that shopping comes in handy whenever you want to take a break from visiting tourist attractions. A lot of malls and shops in Kuala Lumpur are connected to each other by walkways and underground tunnels.

All things considered, Kuala Lumpur is definitely worth visiting. In my opinion these are the things you should not miss in Kuala Lumpur, but this city has a lot more to offer and I’m sure you could find other places and experiences that deserve your time and attention.

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