Albiston Isabel - Lonely Planet Kuala Lumpur, Melaka & Penang

It won't take you long to realise that, despite the heat, this is a city best explored on foot. Walk and you can catch all the action and save yourself the frustration of becoming entangled in one of KL's all-too-frequent traffic jams. What's more, you'll be sure to come across some of the city's best dining spots: the hawker stalls and traditional neighborhood kopitiam (coffee shops) that beckon you over with the aroma of freshly cooked food. Despite the city's relentless march towards modernity, parts of KL retain the laid-back ambience and jungle lushness of the kampung (village) it once was.

By Isabel Albiston, Writer

For such a frenetic city, KL has an uncanny way of charming its visitors. Of course, the food helps: the sheer variety of delicious dining options that reflect the very best of Malaysian cuisine. But it's more than that. It's the way the city has embraced modernity with its towering skyscrapers and technological connectivity, all while retaining a deeply entrenched adherence to the traditional customs and religions of its residents. Beyond the traffic and malls there is a complex cultural patchwork formed of distinct, coexisting communities, united by the warm welcome extended to guests.