Shangri-la Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the most elegant hotel in the city, is an oasis of sophisticated luxury and discreet service. Superbly located in the heart of the city and nestling amidst lush gardens, this newly renovated award-winning Hotel is just 45 minutes from the international airport and 5 minutes from the business and shopping districts. Elegance, meticulous attention to detail and the ultimate in comfort and convenience are the hallmarks of the Shangri-La's 701 guestrooms and suites. The Shangri-La also boasts of an impressive choice of cosmopolitan cuisines from its award winning restaurants.

Shangri-la Hotel
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Telephone: +603-20322388
Fax: +603-2070 1514
Email: slkl@shangri-la.com
Website: http://shangri-la.com



 General Information: Malaysia

 Malaysia is one of Asia's safest countries, boasting a vibrant and colourful fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. Over the recent years, Kuala Lumpur has transformed into a thriving cosmopolitan city and emerged as a major transportation hub for the region. Fondly known as 'KL', it has become a modern, bustling city of 2.3 million people and is one of the region's most prosperous capitals. KL boasts an intriguing mix of architecture throughout the city with elegant colonial building set amidst soaring modern edifices such as the Petronas Twin Towers. Combine this with the hustle and bustle of the city's numerous street markets and you will find KL a veritable treasure trove.

General information
Full country name: Federation of Malaysia
Area: 329,750 sq km
Population: 23 million
People: 50% Malay, 33% Chinese, 9% Indian, plus indigenous tribes such as Orang Asli and Iban
Language: Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) and English
Government: constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Yang di-pertuan agong (King) Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail
Head of Government: Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

VISA
No visas required for the following: Commonwealth citizens (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and Citizens of ASEAN (for stays of less than 1 month)

Visas are required for visitors from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, People Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam.

Please contact the nearest Malaysian Embassy for a tourist visa or if you have any inquires regarding your visa requirement

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for travellers over the age of one year if arriving from Yellow Fever endemic zones. Please take the necessary action if you are from one of these nations. For further information, please log on to here.

Urban and coastal areas of Malaysia are Malaria free. If travelling to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, precautions against Malaria should be taken. Please consult your local clinic for the latest travel advice and vaccination requirements.

Time Zone
Malaysian time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electricity
Voltage in Malaysian is 240V

Weights & measures
Metric

Weather & Clothing
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 89.6°F (32°C) during the day to 71.6°F (22°C) during the night. Visitors are generally advised to wear cool cottons instead of synthetics

Currency & Banking
The Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is divided into 100 sen .Coins are in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. Exchange rate is about RM3.8 to 1 US dollar.

Currency exchange and travelers cheques :There are many banks in Kuala Lumpur (both international and local). They typically charge around US$2-3 for foreign exchange transactions. Moneychangers do not charge a commission but their rates vary. For cash, you'll generally get a better rate at a moneychanger than a bank. Travelers' cheques can be exchanged at all commercial banks and authorized money changer

All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. If you have a credit card with a personal identification number (PIN) attached, you can obtain cash advances from ATMs. Banks in Malaysia are linking to international banking networks, which allow you to withdraw money from overseas savings accounts through ATMs.

Business Hours
Shops are generally open between the hours of 10.00 - 22.00. Banking hours are between the hours of 09.30 - 16.00. Government offices are closed on Saturday and Sundays.

Emergencies
Police and Ambulance - 999
Fire Department - 994
KL Tourist Police Enquiries - +60321496593



 In and Around Kuala Lumpur

 Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is centrally located at the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 243 sq km, it lies approximately 35km from the coast.

It started as a mining settlement in the late 1800s with the discovery of tin at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Although the Kuala Lumpur tin trade has since declined, the growth of the city has remained unabated. Today, with a population of more than 1.5 million, it is the pulse of the nation.

Today, Kuala Lumpur leads the country’s fast-paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism.

Here are a few places of interest:
Menara KL
This structure, the tallest tower in South East Asia and currently the fourth tallest in the world, rises 1,380 feet (421 meters) above Bukit Nanas. The tower head houses a revolving restaurant and an observation platform that gives a bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur. The Bukit Nanas nature park nearby is worth a visit.

Central Market
Central Market was once the city's biggest fresh produce market. Built in 1928, it now enjoys new life as a popular tourist stop for art and handicraft, restaurants and cultural performances, similar to London's Convent Garden or Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The market only opens daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre
The Kuala Lumpur City Centre is a 100-acre (40 hectare) area conceived as a place where people can work, live, visit, shop and enjoy leisure and cultural activities in a convenient and pleasant working environment. It is here that the monumental Petronas Twin Towers majestically stand. At a height of 1,482.6 feet (452 meters), the towers which are linked by a 190-foot (58 meter) double deck sky bridge standing at 557.6 feet (170 meters) above street level, acknowledged to be the tallest towers in the world.

National Museum
Featuring a classical Malay architecture, the museum houses collections on history, local culture, and customs, natural history as well as outdoor displays of artifacts significant of the country's past

Merdeka Square
In the turf of Merdeka Square, a black marble plaque marks the spot where the Union Jack was lowered at midnight on August 30, 1957, and the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time. The towering flagpole is the tallest in the world. There is also an open air amphitheatre where live entertainment and cultural shows are staged on festive occasions. The Royal Selangor Club and St. Mary's Cathedral, two famous landmarks, are close by.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
A stately, historic building rich in character. It was built in 1897 to house several important government departments during the British administration. This Moorish-inspired building, topped by a shiny copper dome and a 131-foot (40-meter) high clock tower, is a major landmark in the city. It serves as a backdrop for important events such as the National Day parade on August 31 and the ushering in of the New Year. This heritage building is now occupied by the Supreme Court and the Textile Museum

Istana Negara
This is the official residence of the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia---the Agong. Situated on a hillock on the city's fringes, it has a twenty-four hour ceremonial guard manned by the Royal Malay Regiment.

National Monument
The imposing bronze structure was designed by Felix de Weldon, the same man who designed the world-famous Ivo Jima Memorial. This Monument is a tribute to the country's fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars and during the Communist insurgency.

Lake Gardens
Developed in the 1880s, these gardens cover 170 acres (68 hectares) of rolling lawns, gardens and two lakes. The bird, butterfly and deer parks as well as orchid and hibiscus gardens are located within the grounds

Batu Caves
Located about one hour's drive from Shah Alam, Batu Caves is a major tourist spot that never ceases to fascinate. It has history of more than 100 years old and is reputed for its famous Hindu shrine where more than 100,000 worshippers gather annually during the Thaipusam Festival. One has to climb 272 steps to reach the temple where magnificent statues of Hindu deities are erected and monkey and birds roam. Apart from the temple, the cave also houses an art gallery with walls of interesting murals.



 Beyond Kuala Lumpur

Genting Highlands
Located at approximately 2000 meters above sea level. Genting Highland is just from the capital city. Genting Highland is less than an hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. A mere fifteen minutes in Helicopter through the clouds and you will discover this beautiful hill resort. There are many attractions in Genting Highlands. Attractions at this cool mountain weather resort include an artificial lake, a horse ranch which offers equestrian sport, a sixteen lane bowling alley and a heated indoor swimming pool, a cable ride car from 914 meters up to the resort at 1768 meters.

Casino De Genting - Undoubtedly one of the most talked about casinos in the world. A great variety of games that provide non stop action ! At the tables – Bacaret, Black Jack, Roulette, Tao Sai, Money Wheel, French Boule, or at the machines --- Progressive Jack Pot, Royal Ascot, Horse Racing Machines, Sports car jack pot and many more.

Genting Theme Park - Step into this unique world of exciting fun and amusement. There is a multitude of challenging games , spectacular shows as well as cornucopia of food and refreshment at the genting theme park. Have fun in the clouds with our enticing range of breath taking rides. Cameron Highlands The Cameron Highlands, in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia, comprise a series of hill stations at altitudes between 1500 and 1800m (4920 and 5904ft). This fertile area is the centre of Malaysia's tea industry and it's the place where locals and visitors come to escape the heat of the plains. Attractions include jungle walks, waterfalls, tours of tea plantations, beautiful gardens and plenty of wild flowers. The cool weather tempts visitors to exertions normally forgotten at sea level - like golf, tennis, and long walks - but this is really Malaysia's R 'n' R capital par excellence for those who don't like the beach and enjoy a bout of colonial nostalgia. Most of the budget hotels are in the village of Tanah Rata. The more expensive options are scattered between Tanah Rata and Brinchang.



Melaka
Melaka is an interesting blend of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and is considered Malaysia's most historic city. It was once the most important trading port in the region, but is now little more than a sleepy backwater. Ancient-looking junks still sail up the river, imbuing the waterfront with a timeless charm, and the city remains full of intriguing Chinese streets, antique shops, temples and nostalgic reminders of the now-departed European colonial powers. The most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka is the massive pink town hall, Stadthuys, built between 1641 and 1660. It's believed to be the oldest Dutch building in Asia and displays all the characteristic features of Dutch colonial architecture (read incredibly weighty doors and pleasant louvred windows). The building houses government offices and an excellent Ethnographic Museum, which highlights aspects of local history and culture. The imposing ruins of St Paul's Church, built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, stand in a beautiful setting atop St Paul's Hill. It was regularly visited by St Francis Xavier, who was buried here for a short period before being transferred to Goa in India. The church fell into disuse when the Dutch arrived, but is still surrounded by old Dutch tombstones. The Brits, with great sensitivity, used the church as a gunpowder store. For those who prefer their religious architecture to be a little more colourful, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in the old part of the city is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. It was founded in 1646, and all of the materials and all of the artisans who built it were imported from China. The old part of Melaka is a fascinating area to wander around, and this is where you'll find many of Melaka's famous antique shops; a stroll along Jalan Hang Jebat will pass the best of them.



Tioman Island
This picture-postcard island lies off the eastern coast of Peninsula Malaysia in the South China Sea. It boasts beautiful beaches, clear, coral-filled water, technicolour marine life, virtually unpopulated jungle highlands, crystal-clear streams, and the dramatic peaks of Batu Sirau and Nenek Semukut. Tioman has been blessed with exotic place names like 'Palm-Frond Hill' and 'Village of Doubt' and is generally quoted as the setting for the mythical Bali Hai in the film South Pacific. The permanent population on Tioman is low, and locals are usually outnumbered by tourists. June and August are the peak tourist months, but during the heavy November to January monsoon the island is almost deserted. The island's west coast is dotted with villages and is home to a classy resort. Pulau Tioman is the most popular travellers' destination, while Kampung Nipah is the place to go if you really want to get away from it all. You can get to Tioman by boat from Mersing and Singapore. The island's largest village, Kampung Tekek, has an airstrip.



Kuala Selangor
Kuala Selangor lies just 75 kilometres north-west of Kuala Lumpur, near the mouth of the Selangor River. In addition to it’s small-town charms there are many nearby attractions to suit the nature lover, including the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and the colonies of fireflies living along tributaries of the Selangor River.

Kuala Selangor Nature Park - During the migration season, between September and March, the lakes and ponds teem with shorebirds such as plovers, Greenshank, Redshank, the endangered Milky Stork and various species of sandpiper travelling the migration route of the East-Asian Flyway. Kuala Selangor Nature Park has over 200-hectares of immature secondary forest. Easy walks are possible along the well worn trails; where the sun streams through breaks in the canopy keep an eye open for lizards and skinks warming themselves, especially the Common Sun Skink. Familiar forest birds such as Woodpeckers, Bulbuls, Sunbirds and Malkohas can also be seen.

Fireflies - Along the Selangor River are a series of narrower tributaries lined with healthy stands of Beremban or Sonneratia Caseolaris. In these quiet, backwaters survive Pteroptyx tener, the firefly species which makes S. Caseolaris their home. At twilight, the fireflies, or "kelip-kelip" as they are locally known, put on a dazzling light show with thousands of these insects flashing on and off two or three times a second, some stationary, others circle around. In some trees a whole colony of fireflies will flash in absolute unison, hour after hour, in the manner of the lights on a Christmas tree. The fireflies can be easily viewed at Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing, both a short taxi ride from Kuala Selangor town.

Langkawi
Langkawi islands consist of a group of 104 islands located in the northernmost tip of Peninsula Malaysia. Those who love tropical island holidays and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their heaven in Langkawi. The outstanding natural landscape of Langkawi proclaims a true tropical paradise. Besides its white sandy beaches and limestone hills, its lush vegetation and exotic flora and fauna attracts nature lovers from around the world.

Penang 'Pearl of the Orient'
One of the most picturesque cities and very rich in Malaysian heritage. Located on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West. Penand has a mixed economy of commerce, indusrty, tourism and agriculture. Its deep-water port links Malaysia to more than 200 ports internationally. Attractions include Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill, Botanical Gardens, Butterly farm, and many more.

Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)
In the state capital of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah enjoy an excursion and walk in the Kinabalu National Park or fly to Sarawak to visit the world's largest cave passage at Mulu National Park. These two states located in the Borneo island offers many adventures through their natural flora and fauna.

Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is the ultimate destination for those wishing to get away from the city and retreat to a cool and temperate climate. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, green hills and tea plantations at your leisure. Cameron Highlands still retains its colonial roots and with Tudor style country houses. For those with a penchant for gold, there is an 18 hole Public Golf Course.

Taman Negara (National Park)
130 million years old, Taman negara is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Your adventure will offer you the rare chance to stand on the shoulders of giants with a canopy walk above the rainforest. Your guide will lead you through the forest to viewpoint offering panoramic views of Peninsular Malaysia's Highest mountain Gunung Tahan. Combine this scenic excursion through the backwaters, a boat trip down the rapids and the opportunity to cool off in a watering hole and you have the complete jungle experience.

*For more info on tourism visit the Tourism Malaysia website.



 Transportation

 From KLIA
By Air:
Malaysia is one of South East Asia's fastest growing air-hubs. Getting to Malaysia is easy with over 40 airlines, including the national carrier Malaysia Airlines, servicing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on a daily basis. From KLIA, visitors may take domestic flights to most of the major cities and towns in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Malaysian Borneo. A variety of transport links to the city centre are available. These include a direct rail-link (better known as Express Rail Link or ERL), express buses, limousines, taxis and car rental services.

By Train/Rail:
approx. travel time, to KL Sentral (20 minutes), to Hotel/City (28 minutes)
The Express Rail Link (ERL) is the fastest way of getting from KLIA to the city centre. It takes a mere 28 minutes to the city centre as compared to 45 by car. Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KLCAT) located at Stesen Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral) serves as an extended airport terminal where check in is available for selected airlines. The check in and ticket counters are on Level 1 of the KL Sentral Station and also at Level 1 of KLIA.

By Taxi and Limo:
approx. travel time, to Hotel/City (45 minutes)
Taxi and Limousine services are available from the airport to the city centre. To hire one, please enquire at taxi counters located right after the Customs Hall, at the Arrival Hall by Door 3 and the Domestic Baggage Reclaim area. Fares are charged according to zones.

By Bus:
approx. travel time, to Duta Coach Terminal (20 minutes), to Hotel/City (1 hour)
There are a variety of bus services from KLIA to the city centre and major towns in Peninsular Malaysia. Please enquire at the appropriate bus counters in the airport.


Within KL
Taxis:
Taxis can be hailed on the street or at designated stands. (Rides between midnight and 6 a.m. are subject to a 50% surcharge)

Buses:
Almost all buses are run by two consortiums, namely Intrakota and Cityliner which are fully air-conditioned and equipped with a one-man operated ticket vending machine. Most of the local buses tend to be overcrowded.

Railways:
The Light Rail Transit and Double Tracked electrified Commuter Trains are also other means of public transportation in Kuala Lumpur. The KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) provide interconnecting services between Singapore, Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur right up to Haadyai. Tickets should be bought one or two days ahead of time.

Renting/Driving:
Cars can be hired with or without drivers. Self driving requires an international license and a minimum age of 23. Traffic keeps to the left. Seat belts are compulsory for the driver as well as the front seat passenger