How to Get There
By Car
Transportation from primary airport (KLIA) to hotel is available 24 hours via taxi at RM80 per way and hotel limousine at RM250 per way (subject to prior arrangement with hotel and additional 50% charge from midnight to 7am). The hotel is 45mins to an hour away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) Airport is one hour away from the hotel. Buses run the route from KL Sentral to LCCT at RM9. Taxis to LCCT will cost RM90 minimum. Puduraya Bus Station covers southern states of Malaysia and is 3km southeast of the hotel. Putra Bus Station at 8km northeast covers northern states).
By Rail
KLIA Express Rail Link takes 30 minutes from the airport to KL Sentral at RM35. Guests can get on the feeder bus to the nearest light rail transit station. Via rail or subway, the KTM Train Station is located 5km southeast of the hotel. The KL Light Rail Transit (Huang Tuah Station) is located 2km northwest
Near by Attraction
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur – is the perfect starting point to explore the city's sights and sounds. Many places of interest are within walking distance.
A tour of KL will unveil a fascinating mix of cross-cultural influences reflecting KL's history, where heritage buildings and colonial old-world charms blend aesthetically with the sophistication of the city's modern architectural icons. Only landmarks within walking distance are listed here.
Chinatown at Petaling Street
KL's famous Chinatown – a stroll away about 20-minutes walk –is a must-see. The colourful lantern-lined streets are homes to shops, restaurants and stalls selling a gamut of all-things Chinese: from tea merchants, Chinese herbal medicines to dry spices, preserved delicacies, fresh fruits and flower-vendors and hawker fare. It's also a bargain haven for apparels, electronic items, bags and shoes. Visit this place by day or night.
Little India (in Jalan Masjid India)
A thriving enclave populated by chettiars and Indian retail traders plying a colourful array of intrinsic Indian ware, ranging from clothing materials and sarees to perfumes, incenses, spices, jewellery and silverware.
Central Market (Pasar Seni)
Located adjacent to Chinatown , it was once KL's biggest wet market and is today the foremost centre for souvenirs, arts and crafts. Cultural shows are staged at the riverside amphitheatre every weekend. The neighbouring pre-war shophouses (circa-1930s) adjoining the Central Market have been refurbished with neo-classical designs behind well-preserved original facades.
Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower)
Located a stone's throw (500m) from Hotel Istana, Menara KL is the world's fourth tallest telecommunications tower, standing at 421m tall. One of KL's most recognisable land-marks, you can take in a bird's-eye view of the entire city from the Observation Deck (at the 276m point) or dine at the stylish Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant – the highest restaurant in Malaysia at 282m.
Bukit Nanas Forest
Reserve A side road leading from Menara KL brings you to the Bukit Nanas (colloquially translated, Pineapple Hill) Forest Reserve – the oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country. It has a small, narrow trail for nature lovers; however, certain parts of Bukit Nanas are out-of-bounds for security reasons.
Petronas Twin Towers
Located a 10-minutes' walk away, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is an iconic symbol of Malaysia 's achievements and aspirations. A winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, with a unique sky bridge link at the 41st and 42nd floors, the towers house the corporate headquarters of the national petroleum corporation, Petronas, besides other offices. The entire area is known as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and includes the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the world- class Petronas Philharmonic Concert Hall and the Suria KLCC shopping mall. The entire complex is set within sprawling landscaped park with a fountain pool, wading pool, sculptures and jogging track.
TEMPLES, MOSQUES & CHURCHES
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Jalan Tun H.S. Lee)
Located round the street corner from Chinatown, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the foremost Indian temple in the city, with images of intricately carved Hindu gods and deities embellished in gold and precious stones. The temple is also the starting point for the annual Thaipusam procession. Located about 20-minutes walk from Grand Millennium.
Sze Ya Temple (Jalan Tun H. S. Lee)
The oldest Taoist temple in KL, it is believed that Yap Ah Loy (a founding father of KL central) built this temple in honour of the deities Sin Sze Ya, who had been his source of guidance and inspiration. Its courtyard features sculptures of dragonsand phoenixes while giant aromatic incense coils are hung from the ceiling within the compound.
Pulliyar Court Malai Hindu temple (off Jalan Perak)
A quaint Hindu temple at the foot of the former Court Hill (now occupied by Menara Maybank), colourful rituals are performed by Hindu devotees every morning and evening. Especially on Fridays, it is fascinating to watch devotees break coconuts as an act of devotion. Located about 20-minutes walk from Hotel Istana.
Masjid Jamek
The oldest mosques in the city, it is located at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers – the birth-point of Kuala Lumpur . Built in 1909, it has distinct Mogul architecture featuring domes, minarets and arches.
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Jalan Raja Chulan)
This 1918 church has a unique old-world façade, set amidst palm trees and green vegetation. It is popularly known as the “international church” of Kuala Lumpur . Located about 10-minutes walk from Hotel Istana.
St Mary's Cathedral (Jalan Raja)
One of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaysia , the neo-Gothic styled church was built in 1893. Its wood-and-bricks architecture lends it appeal as a countryside church, in stark contrast with its neighbouring modern buildings. Located about 30-minutes walk from Hotel Istana.
MUSEUMS
Telekom Museum (Jalan Gereja)
A neo-classical Greek-styled 1928 building, its historical gallery traces over 120 years of world telecommunications history. On display is a set of the first type of telephone to be used in the country. (Distance: 15-minutes walking distance from Hotel Istana).
Maybank Numismatic Museum (Jalan Tun Perak)
Housed in Menara Maybank – one of KL's pioneering modern skyscraper buildings and headquarters of banking giant, Maybank – the museum features a fascinating display of Malaysia's currency, dating back to the Malay Sultanate era. (Distance: 20-minutes walking distance from Hotel Istana).
PARK and GREEN LUNG
Taman Tasik Perdana
Located just a short drive away (or approx. 15-minutes walk from Dataran Merdeka) is a beautifully-landscaped oasis of greenery. Known as Kuala Lumpur 's Lake Gardens , it is a popular jogging spot among KL-ites. Clustered within this 200-acre vicinity are the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park , the Orchid Garden , Hibiscus Garden , Deer Park and Butterfly Park , the ASEAN Sculpture Garden , the National Planetarium, Parliament House and the National Monument.
WORLD'S LONGEST WALL MURAL
The perimeter walls of the former Pudu Prison, which was closed down in end 1996, has an impressive mural of tropical scenes painted by one of its inmates, with the assistance of other prisoners. Touted as one of the world's longest wall murals, it took over a year to complete.
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