Malaysia's capital makes a top stop for travellers

Long-haul airline passengers are choosing Kuala Lumpur as one of their preferred stopover locations when flying to Australia and New Zealand.

With a wide choice of retail outlets and a good value exchange rate, UK holidaymakers are opting for Kuala Lumpur for a number of reasons.

Sophie Hook of Australia and New Zealand travel specialists, Austravel, said: "Stopovers are proving increasingly popular with travellers and Malaysia is one of the key countries that people enquire most about when travelling Down Under.

"As a result Malaysia is seeing a surge in the number of people enjoying Kuala Lumpur's upbeat city life before travelling on to Australia or New Zealand."

The Malaysian capital's popularity is partly down to the top tourist attraction of the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest building.

At the foot of the towers is the large Suria KLCC shopping centre, which has 12 floors of shops.

It is also where Malaysia’s Philharmonic Orchestra Hall is located, so you could even take in a concert if you visit in the evening.

Another visitor draw is the ‘Golden Triangle’ development, a fashionable commercial and retail district on the east side of the city, home to shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs.

Other malls in the city include the long established Sungei Wang, Lot 10 and KL Plaza on Jalan Bukit Bintang and the SOGO and Pertama Complex at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, which offer a range of mid to upper fashion and designer labels, cosmetics, toys, music, photography and electrical goods.

Imbi Plaza (on Jalan Imbi) is largely dedicated to computers, selling hardware and software products, while Bukit Bintang Plaza has international brands such as the UK's Marks & Spencer among others.

If you like markets, then Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown has one that takes place in the night.

The Petaling Street night market is known for its watches, handbags, luggage, CDs, DVDs and clothes, kitchen appliances and Oriental accessories, though you may need to bargain to get the best prices.

For further information about Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian destinations, see www.malaysiatrulyasia.co.uk.

A number of tour operators offer stopover breaks in Kuala Lumpur, including www.austravel.com, www.worldspantravel.co.uk and www.freedomaustralia.co.uk. XXX