OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Malaysian culture through attractions that present the astounding diversity of local life. The experience will begin by visiting the Chinese temple Kuan Theng Keng, a massive marble statue of Buddha and a traditional house where you will enjoy a cup of herbal tea and snacks. The Royal Gallery offers a glimpse into the elite lifestyle of Malaysia’s monarchs through exhibits of their personal effects, photography and regalia such as a replica of the crown jewels. The building housed the British administrative offices during the colonial era and was a Japanese headquarters during World War II. You will also have the opportunity to browse the stores in Little India, a vibrant community known for its shopping. You will find a profusion of authentic Indian merchandise such as saris, sweetmeats and fragrances. A photo stop at the lavish Alam Shah Palace will add yet another dimension to your understanding of Malaysian life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Appreciate the city’s religious diversity at a Chinese temple and at a statue of Buddha.
• Enjoy tea at a traditional house that offers a glimpse into one aspect of local life.
• Trace the lives of Malaysia’s rulers through fascinating exhibits at the Royal Gallery.
• Shop for authentic Indian merchandise in the community Little India.
• Pause for photos at Alam Shah Palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Selangor.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour is for those who wish to explore the fascinating city of Kuala Lumpur at their own pace. Enjoy an approximately 1 1/2-hour scenic drive to Kuala Lumpur. En route, your guide will be happy to answer your questions while pointing out several points of interest.

You will be dropped off at Lot 10, a modern mall located in the Bukit Bintang area which is within walking distance of some of the city's other main shopping areas. Also close by, is popular Bintang Walk, where you can find an array of restaurants and cafés offering both local and international cuisine. Your guide will recommend a variety of remarkable shopping options ranging from upscale boutiques to bargain markets, as well as direct you to some of the city's most noteworthy landmarks.

After approximately 4 1/2 hours off free time, you'll rejoin your coach back at the designated location at Lot 10 for the return drive back to the ship. Please be on time as there will only be one departure back to the port.

Discover Kuala Lumpur during an informative, full-day tour of this picturesque city. Depart the pier for the drive along the modern highway to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, you will take an orientation tour of the city.

The National Monument, an immense bronze monument built to pay tribute to valiant soldiers who gave their lives defending the country during the communist insurgency in the 1950. Stop for photos at the city’s most photographed landmark, the Old Railway Station and the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur – the National mosque.

Stopping at Independence Square, you will see the 328-foot flagpole, marking the spot where the Malaysian flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 to commemorate the country's independence from British rule. A photo stop will be made at the Petronas Twin Tower, before continuing to the central market. Once a busy wet market, the many shops housed in this heritage building will enchant you with their offerings of kaftans, silverware, glassware, silk batik painting and songket.

Visit the Royal Selangor Visitor Center, Malaysia’s largest and most well-known pewter manufacturer. Tour the factory where you’ll be able to watch the skilled artisans at work and enjoy a visit to the retail gallery where you can purchase pewter work to take home.

During the day, you will stop to enjoy a buffet style lunch at one of the city’s leading restaurants.

This master-planned city was constructed to move the country's administrative functions from Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya, named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, is a landmark complex that stretches over 11,320 acres of which more than 70% is devoted to greenery and bodies of water, including 13 different gardens. Planned to the minutest detail, this intelligent city is devoted to enhancing the goal of the nation in nurturing a caring and progressive society that is also technologically advanced. Architecturally, the city is a blend of both modern and Islamic design, with well-paved roads and residential areas that blend together harmoniously.

Some of the sights you’ll see are Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister's Office Complex, Putra Mosque with its rose-tinted granite, the unique twin-deck Putra Bridge and Putra Square.

Round off the tour with visit the 227-acre Putrajaya Botanical Garden. About 40% of Putrajaya's scenic beauty consists of lush greenery and botanical gardens enhanced by large bodies of water and wetlands. This is the largest botanical garden in Malaysia which provides a peaceful, quiet place for contemplation and reflection, and is divided into three sections: flowers, ornamental plants, and preservation and research.

Kuala Lumpur is often referred to as the Garden City because of its abundance of greenery and beautifully landscaped parks and colorful gardens that have enchanted nature lovers for years. Visitors always come away impressed with the city's lovely tree-shaded streets that are decoratively lined with ornamental plants, shrubs and flowers.

Reputed to have the largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world, Bird Park is home to 3,000 or more birds of 200 local and foreign species. It houses exotic and amazing birds such as the Bird of Paradise, Changeable Hawk, Eagle, Rhinoceros Hornbill and more.

Nearby is the Butterfly Park, home to over 6,000 colorful butterflies. The Park’s tropical rainforest imitates their natural habitat. During your visit, they will delight you as they fly from flower to flower.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon brings you to the magnificent and world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin buildings. Following your photo stop at the Towers, you will have approximately one hour of free time at the Suria KLCC, a modern six-level shopping mall. Here, you can either sit and relax or shop for mementos in the vast array of retail shops available. At the designated time and location, you will rejoin your coach for the return trip back to the ship.

A picturesque drive brings you to your first visits in Kuala Lumpur, the Old Railway Station and the National Mosque. The Old Railway Station is a splendid building in the heart of the city and its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city's most photographed landmarks. Located adjacent is the National Mosque, the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur with a unique stylized, star shaped dome representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam.

Stop for photos at Independence Square, the former playing field of the Royal Selangor Club and where important events are held. You’ll also see the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club and the St. Mary Cathedral before making a brief photo stop at the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin structures.

Make your way to Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown where you’ll find the vibrant Petaling Street. This colorful covered bazaar is a bargain hunter's paradise with a seemingly endless variety of goods where you’ll be provided free time to stroll amongst the various stalls and practice your negotiating skills. Enjoy free time for shopping and lunch on your own at the Suria KLCC, a modern six-level shopping mall.