Starting out as a small mining town at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, Kuala Lumpur has grown into a bustling metropolis that sees around three million people living and working within this space and passing through its streets.

Initially a part of the state of Selangor, it later became the country’s capital, and was made a Federal Territory on 1 February 1974. The date still marks the celebration for Federal Territory Day, despite the inclusion of the island of Labuan, off the coast of Sabah, in April of 1984. Meanwhile, the administrative capital of Putrajaya, which was also part of Selangor, was made a Federal Territory on 1 February 2001.

With a history dating back to only 1857, KL can be considered a very young city within the region and in a global context. Nevertheless, it is the multiple facets of the land and its people, braided together within that short period, that make this an incomparable place to live in or visit.

With architecture spanning the years and multiple influences standing side by side with modern skyscrapers; a population made up dozens of ethnicities, including the merging of locals and various peoples such as the Portuguese, Bugis, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Westerners (and the resulting spread of cuisines!); and the lifestyle that melds current trends with cultural pursuits, there is much to see and discover about KL.

And no matter where you are staying, each corner of KL has its own charm, along with all the other things – dining, shopping, entertainment, attractions, events – that will ensure you will not want to return to your room until you absolutely have to. Why, a browse through this website will already give you insights into all the happenings in town and where you can go for a good time. So do take this opportunity, as KL celebrates 38 years as a Federal Territory, to immerse yourself in everything that is fabulous, fun, flirty and fascinating about this city.

Federal Territory Day
When: 1 February
Where: KL, Labuan and Putrajaya
Web: www.kwpkb.gov.my