Kuala Lumpur: a business guide

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant manifestation of Malaysia's recent growth, its glassy skyscrapers rising up all around, with more on the way. As a city with a stable economy, a lower cost of living than neighbouring Singapore, good business infrastructure and a welcoming twinkle, KL is attracting blue chip investors from both east (and Middle East) and west. And its large and busy airport makes it ideally positioned to be a Southeast Asian hub.

Investment in transport infrastructure is set to radically change the shape and size of the city and - if they get it right - radically accelerate that growth. Settled by Chinese tin miners in only 1857, Kuala Lumpur has built up, rather than out, the 21st-century-scale mixed-use office blocks backing incongruously on to old Chinatown, Little India and the Malay area of Kampung Baru. Now the Mass Transit System project (MRT) is extending routes into new areas, integrating the central city with its population of 1.7 million into the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley, encouraging new development, and creating one big united force to be reckoned with.

Discover our cheapest Club fares to Kuala Lumpur >

The best of Asian cuisine is found at street stalls, local cafés or mamaks, and curry houses. The setting is basic, but the flavours and smells are superb. Head to Kampung Baru at lunchtime for chargrilled fish, curries and nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk), or to a banana leaf curry house (try Fierce Curry House, 16 Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar Utama) for fish curry, fried bitter gourd and sambal. At night, visit Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang for fiery Szechuan Chinese and fried flat noodles, char kway teow.

Ceiling fans, starched tablecloths, top service and instant calm define this airily gracious and nostalgic setting. (Majestic Hotel, 5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin; majestickl.com

Fine Italian cuisine and spectacular aerial views in the heart of the city's main business hub. (Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC; marinis57.com

Warm, chic ambience, vast views of the Petronas towers, and a 12-course degustation menu starring local seafood. (Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC; troikaskydining.com

This is a city of malls, among which Starhill Gallery and Suria are the glitziest. You're more likely to find a bargain at the heaving Low Yat, the 'IT lifestyle mall', and cool Malaysian designer clothing along Jalan Maarof, Bangsar.

There are few independent boutique hotels, but what KL lacks in quirky, it makes up for in lofty luxury. Most of the top global brands can be found in a circle around the Petronas towers, or near the shopping and entertainment district, Bukit Bintang, and yet more are slated to open over the next three years. They are well-used by people living and working in the city as well as visitors, with popular public meeting spaces at lobby level, and restaurants and cool bars positioned at giddy heights.

A rare chance to bathe in a sense of KL's colonial past, located in the heritage area.

Book a stay at The Majestic >

Ultra modern and very chic, located in the heart of the KL business hub.

Book a stay at Aloft KL Sentral >

A truly five-star experience, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the famous Petronas Towers.

Book a stay at Gran Hyatt Kuala Lumpur >

Nestled in a spot of lush greenery, this is a quiet spot to unwind and conveniently located a stone’s throw from all the major sights and business districts.

Book a stay at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur >