Kuala Lumpur/Brickfields and Bangsar

In the late 1800s, Kuala Lumpur experienced a huge flood and fire that destroyed the many wooden and thatched houses that were common at the time. To prevent such a disaster reoccurring, Sir Frank Swettenham, the British resident of Selangor, ordered that all new structure be made of bricks within Kuala Lumpur. As the area now known as Brickfields was a clay-rich area it was chosen as the site for brick-making. As a result Kuala Lumpur was rebuilt and the area was named Brickfields.
The area of Brickfields was also home to the main depot of the Malayan Railways during British rule. The benefit of having rail transport at Brickfields was that bricks could then be carted to the depot for transport to Kuala Lumpur, or to the Klang river for transport by barge. To maintain the locomotives and the depot, the British brought people from Sri Lanka and South India. Many workers were housed in the area, which is why to this day the Indian community is so prominent in Brickfields.
Whilst it used to be a less savoury area, today Brickfields has undergone a makeover with the construction of KL Sentral, the modern transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur that was built over the old railway depot. The KL Sentral area has a collection of tall office towers surrounding KL Sentral railway station. In 2009, Brickfields officially became the new Little India of Kuala Lumpur, taking the title from the area around Jalan Masjid India in the Tuanku Abdul Rahman district. This decision was made as the area is considered a pioneering Indian settlement that helped Kuala Lumpur become what it is today. Both neighbourhoods have significant Indian influence and are worth a visit if you have the time.

Brickfields

The area south of the city centre is fairly easy to reach from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur as the main transportation hub, , is here. Multiple train and bus services pass through KL Sentral and are the cheaper options, whilst those who can afford it will find a plethora of taxis available.

By train

Almost all train lines, except the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines, pass through KL Sentral in Brickfields. The LRT Kelana Jaya line passes directly through KL Sentral in Brickfields and can be reached from the Golden Triangle area at KLCC station, Kampung Baru and Dang Wangi stations for the Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Chow Kit districts and Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek stations for Chinatown, the Central Markets and the Old City area. If near the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines it is possible to connect to KL Sentral by transferring to the Kelana Jaya line at Masjid Jamek.
Another option is to take the , which terminates at KL Sentral monorail station, about 200 m from the actual KL Sentral complex. To transfer from the monorail station requires you to cross the Nu Sentral mall to reach the KL Sentral complex. The other monorail station in this district is Tun Sambanthan station on the banks of the Klang River behind the shopping area of Brickfields.
The cheapest and arguably the less reliable option is the KTM Komuter service, with two lines passing through KL Sentral. Convenient to use if in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur and from the western side of the Old city area at Bank Negara station and the moreish colonial-style old Kuala Lumpur station.
The Express Rail Link, with train services from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services terminating at KL Sentral. Ekspres services run non-stop to KL Sentral whilst Transit services also stop at Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan stations.
The MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line which is the newest train system in Klang Valley has its stop in this district at .

By bus

Many buses go through Brickfields and Bangsar. The ones going into town terminate at Kota Raya or Klang bus stand. Buses heading out of town serve Mid Valley, Pantai Dalam and some PJ areas. All the Rapid buses now pass through KL Sentral.

Bangsar

By train

Although there is a Bangsar station on the Kelana Jaya Line, it is along Jalan Bangsar and not near the restaurant and drinking area of Bangsar Baru. From the station, you'll have to catch Rapid KL buses to get you to Bangsar Baru. This bus also goes past Mid Valley.

Mid Valley

The easiest way to get to Mid Valley is to catch a KTM Komuter train to Mid Valley komuter station. The station is linked to the mall via a covered walkway with escalators. The other alternative is to catch an LRT to Bangsar station and transfer onto a Mid Valley free shuttle bus (which runs every half hour) or RapidKL bus No U87/U85/B105/B110 (which runs every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours).

By bus

Buses go from KL to Mid Valley via either Brickfields or Federal Highway.

Brickfields is one area of KL that needs to be explored on foot. Moreover, there is a walking route from here via Sentral railway station to the National Museum, then via the Lake Gardens to the Islamic Arts Museum, the Bird Park and the Butterfly Park.
The commercial district of Bangsar with all the shops and restaurants is around 1.5 km northeast of the train station.

Brickfields

• Little IndiaBeautifully restored street with all types of Indian shops and restaurants.

• Buddhist Maha Vihara

  phone: +60 3 2274 1141
  address: 123 Jalan Berhala
  Founded in 1894 by the Sinhalese to provide a place of worship for their Sri Lankan Theravada tradition, this beautiful temple with echos of colonialism in the architecture sill supports an active Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur.

• Sri Kandaswamy Kovil

  phone: +603 2274 2987
  address: Lorong Scott 3
  Opened in 1890 this Tamil temple is in at the eastern end of Jalan Scott. Photography and videography is no allowed within the temple.

• Muzium Diraja

  address: Jalan Istana
  The former palace of the electoral king of Malaysia, complete with all the royal splendor one might expect.

• Taman Dusun Bandar

  address: Lorong Bellamy
  An urban orchard park, near Muzium Diraja

Seputeh

• Thean Hou Temple

  phone: +60 3 2274 7088
  address: 65 Persiaran Endah
  One of the largest and most ornate Chinese temples in the region. The six-tiered temple was built by the Hainanese community and is dedicated to Tian Hou, or the Heavenly Mother. But, as an example of the syncreticism of Chinese religion, also houses two other altars, one for Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the Goddess of the Waterfront and another for Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Its grand architecture and fantastic view of the Valley make it a tourist favourite.

Bukit Persekutuan

• Galeria Sri Perdana

  phone: +60 32072 0033
  The building, where this museum is housed, was the official residence of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. Artefacts and personal collection of Dr. Mahathir are exhibited here.

• Cycle or hike on SWBCIf you need a break from the city hustle and bustle then try this: Walk or cycle on the Mid Valley-Dataran Merdeka Bike Lane, which was inaugurated in 2015. You can venture either towards the Mid Valley shopping mall (the largest in KL) or to Merdeka Square. As of late 2017 the track towards Merdeka square is closed due to constructions for the River of Life project.

It's one extreme or the other. Brickfields' new shopping centre, Nu Sentral, is a glitzy multi-story affair adjoining the railway station - many familiar Western chains are here. Altogether more fun however are the outside, selling everything from saris and other textiles to spice and jewellery.
It wouldn't be KL, if there weren't more malls in this area though:

• Megamall & The Gardens

  phone: +60 32938 3333
  This really is "mega" with over 430 shops crammed into what claims to be one of South-East Asia's largest shopping malls. Anchor tenants include hypermarket AEON Big (Malaysian branch of AEON Japan), local store Metrojaya. If you need to change money, the lower ground floor has several money changers. The Megamall is connected to the upmarket The Gardens at Mid Valley. (KTM Komuter: Mid-Valley)

• Bangsar Village II

  address: 1, Jalan Telawi 3
  This is another favourite with those staying around Bangsar & Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Bangsar Village 2 is linked to the original Bangsar Village by a covered pedestrian bridge.

• Bangsar Shopping Centre

  address: Jalan Maarof
  Better known as BSC, this mini shopping centre is a favourite among expats and the locals staying around the Bangsar & Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Plenty of cafes & restaurants - a good spot to meet up with friends. BSC also features speciality stores plus Jasons Supermarket.

Brickfields

As Brickfields is the Little India of Kuala Lumpur there is one thing you can easily find, Indian food. One particular speciality found throughout Brickfields is the South Indian banana leaf rice, where white rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of curries, vegetables, pickles and papadums. Although traditionally eaten with your hands do not hesitate to ask for cutlery if you prefer and you may even be offered them without having to ask. Banana leaf rice is a very cheap, extremely filling meal and a must try experience in Brickfields. To show appreciation after a satisfied meal, fold the banana leaf towards yourself to signify that you enjoyed the meal.
There are also several Chinese coffee shops offering the usual types of food. There are also the usual fast food suspects to be found within Brickfields. At KL Sentral you can find KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, and coffeeshops such as Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Secret Recipe. One the top floor of KL Sentral there is also a food court. There is also a separate KFC in the streets of Brickfields. At the other end of the budget, KL Sentral's two five-star hotels have international-standard restaurants where you can dine in style in their many restaurants and establishments.

Budget

• Jaya

  phone: +603 2274 2625
  address: Jalan Thambipillay 51
  Great selection of Indian dishes. Very fresh ingredients. Especially the lunch buffet is highly recommended.

• Peter's Pork Noodle

  phone: +60 13 336 3953
  address: 7, Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4
  This food stall in the well hidden Money's corner food court is considered one of the best pork noodle places in whole Kuala Lumpur. You can choose between a big (RM 7.50) or small (RM 6.50) bowl, 3 different types of noodles and with or without (-RM 0.50) an egg on top. Try to avoid the peak hours (weekdays from 11:30 to 13:30). During those times it is hard to find a table due to large groups of office workers having their lunch here.

• Annalakshmi Vegetarian Restaurant

  phone: +60 3 2274 3799
  address: 116 Jl Berhala
  Famous vegetarian restaurant at the Temple of Fine Arts, with occasional cultural shows. Food was previously priced based on a pay-as-you-wish model, but the restaurant now charges set prices for food. Menu consists of buffet lunch, rotis for breakfast/tea and ala carte for dinner. Dress code: No shorts/slippers.

• Chat Masala

  phone: +60 3 2260 3244
  address: 259G Jl Tun Sambanthan
  This vegetarian restaurant serves mock meat. Go for the "mutton" or "chicken" briyani, tea-time specials like pani puri or bhel puri, then wash it down with filter coffee.

• Kaveri

  address: Jl Padang Belia
  Open fronted restaurant with friendly staff. Serves a variety of Indian foods, plenty of meat dishes, as well as a number of vegetarian options.

• Restoran Nagas

  address: 3339 Jl Tun Sambanthan
  A self-serve modern mamak that serves Indian and Malay food including roti, nasi lemak, tandoori, curries and Indian sweets.

• Saravanaa Bhavan

  phone: +60 3 2260 3755
  address: 196 Jl Tun Sambanthan
  Clean restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine. All food is vegetarian.

• Vindya Curry HouseAuthentic Indian curry of every variety.

• Vishalatchi Food Catering

  address: 18 Jl Scott
  Specialises in authentic Chettinad cuisine served on banana leaf. Try the idli or puri for breakfast.

Splurge

• Al Nafourah

  phone: +60 3 2263 7888
  address: 8th Floor, 2 Jl Stesen Sentral
  The restaurant decor is Middle Eastern with large brass ornaments adorning the entrance and walls, colourful floor tiles and Moorish architecture. Lebanese cuisine, Middle Eastern belly dancer moves to sultry music. Tagine and kebab dishes, buffet with array of cold presentations, hummus, Middle-Eastern salads, condiments, soups, breads and roast lamb. The main dish comes with a selection of kebabs served with saffron ghee rice or grilled vegetables.

• Chynna

  phone: +60 3 2264 2264
  address: 5th Floor, 3 Jl Stesen Sentral
  Wonderfully over-the-top modern Chinese restaurant that looks like it just stepped out of a kung-fu movie, with waitresses in thigh-slit cheongsams and plaited houseboys serving herbal tea from a pot with a meter-long spout. The menu is equally eclectic: try the pumpkin and shrimp dumplings or the chicken feet in black bean sauce, then finish off with coconut ice cream in avocado sauce. Lunchtime dim sum dishes a reasonable RM8-11 each, but dinner is far more expensive.

Bangsar

Bangsar has a wide range of restaurants.

• Devi's Corner

  phone: +60 12267 6714
  address: 14 Jalan Telawi 4
  Great banana leaf restaurant on the first floor of this mamak stall. It is not as famous as the nearby Nirwana banana leaf restaurant, but cheaper and - according to many locals - has better tasting food.

• La Bodega Deli

  phone: +60322870848
  address: 16 Jalan Telawi 2
  If you crave for English or American breakfast this is the place to go.

Midvalley

• Sage

  phone: +60 3- 2268 1188
  address: Level 6, The Gardens Residences, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur
  Chef Daniel has now exceeded his master Takashi Kimura and taken Sage to new heights. With a combination of Japanese and Italian flavours, he bring fusion food to a new level of delicateness without compromise. Sage has been attracting hordes of customers from his previous restaurant Cilantro's which is closed for renovation. One of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur but expect to spend about RM200-250 per person

Brickfields

• Zeta Bar

  phone: +60 3 2264 2592
  address: 5th Floor, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral
  It feature live bands at night. Great for music lovers and those wanting to experience the club scene.

Bangsar

The commercial area of Bangsar Baru is packed with pubs and bars. Until the mid-2000s there was a vibrant clubbing scene as well, but this has ended for now.

• The Social

  phone: +60 32282 2260
  address: 57-59 Jalan Telawi 3
  Popular bar and restaurant.Can get quite noisy due to the large crowd.

Brickfields contains two extremes of accommodation - sleazy hole-in-the+walls which only rent out rooms on an hourly basis (mostly in the old Brickfields area), and three of KL's best five-star hotels north of KL Sentral.

Budget

• Joy Inn

  phone: +60 32276 3766
  address: Jalan Thambypillai
  Hotel built on top of grocery store. The rooms are small but comparable to other hotels in the area.

• PODs The Backpackers Home

  phone: +60 3 2260 1434
  address: 1-6, no 30 Jalan Thambipillay, 50470 Brickfields
  Comfortable and clean. Free wheelie tours offered weekly and a very interesting open stage event every first Friday of the month. Comes with a free breakfast, bunk beds, single and double pods.

• YMCA Hostel

  phone: +60 3 2274 1439
  address: 95 Jalan Padang Belia
  Like most YMCA Hostels this one feels sterile, It is clean and safe. Make sure to check their website for guest restrictions.

• Flip Bunc KL Sentral

  phone: +60 32273 5433
  address: Jalan Padang Belia 76-1
  Opened in March 2017. Good online ratings.

Mid-range

• Hotel Sentral

  phone: +60 3 2272 6000
  address: 30 Jalan Thambypillai
  Nice and clean hotel with good online ratings.

• My Hotel @ Brickfields

  phone: +60 3 2272 6000
  address: Jalan Padang Belia 68

Splurge

• Hilton

  phone: +60 3 2264 2264
  address: 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral
  This hotel which opened around 2005, is adjacent to the KL Sentral train station and the Le Meridien. The Hilton has rooms with open bathrooms and plasma TVs. Plenty of restaurants and an executive lounge on the 33rd floor. Furthermore there is a gym and maybe the most relaxing spa/pool complex of any hotel in KL. It is truly an oasis in the middle of chaos.

• Le Meridien

  phone: +60 3 2263 7888
  address: 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral
  Adjacent to the KL Sentral train station. Opened in 2004, has a splendid lobby and modern rooms with views of the nearby gardens (or the roof of KL Sentral if you pick the wrong side). Shares spa and pool facilities with the Hilton next door.

• Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

  phone: + 60 3 2723 1188
  address: No 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral
  Consists of 482 rooms & suites, multiple meeting rooms, ballrooms, restaurants. It is a modern property 950 metres away from the Nu Sentral Mall.

• The St. Regis

  phone: +60 32727 1111
  address: 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2
  Opened in 2017; five-star hotel. Many rooms have a beautiful view to the Botanical Garden. The hotel has consistently high online ratings.