The capital of Malaysia, Kuala
Lumpur, There are capital of an Islamic nation that has enthusiastically
embraced the 21st century, affectionately known as KL by the locals, is Southeast
Asia’s youngest capital but has developed to be one of the region’s most
stunning cities boasting host of colonial architecture, towering skyscrapers, fantastic
shopping , vibrant nightlife and a splendid array of food. The city has an
urban population of 2million (in 2008) .
KL sits in the Klang Valley, and its
name “Kuala Lumpur” means muddy confluence in the Malay Language, is derived from
its location at the point where the Klang & Gombak rivers meet. Established
here in 1857, the city began as a ramshackle trading post for the burgeoning
tin mining industry, and was constantly plagued by floods and fires. Chinese miners
and traders formed a large part of its early population, governed by a Kapitan China,
or headman, the most famous being Yap Ah Loy who was responsible for the city’s
early growth. Building boom began when the British took control in the 1880s,
and in 1896, Kuala Lumpur was made the capital of the newly formed Federated
Malay State. A multiracial population began to settle here, congregating in
ethnic enclaves that remain until today. In 1999, Putrajaya became KL’s new
administrative capital but KL remains as Malaysia’s financial & commercial
center.