Malaysia is divided into two regions - Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia - with Kuala Lumpur in Selangor province near the west coast of the peninsula. The traditional heart of the city is Merdeka Square, easily spotted because of the 95m (312ft) flag pole - reputedly the world's tallest. KL is a relatively easy city to navigate, with major north-south thoroughfares assisting in the speedy movement of people. At peak hour, however, the city resembles most other industrialised cities in the world, and the air - already dripping with humidity - gets thick with smog. Travelling around the city on foot can be a frustrating experience. New multi-lane highways and overhead bridges divide the city with little thought to pedestrian traffic.

Southeast of Merdeka Square, the banking district merges into hectic Chinatown, where travellers can find a wealth of accommodation and restaurant options. Due south of the square, past the main post office, is the historic KL train station, while further west is the 'green belt', where you'll find the Lake Gardens, National Museum and Monument and the Malaysian Parliament.

Southeast of the old KL station is KL Sentral (Central Station), the new hub of Malaysia's national railway system. Puduraya bus station is on the eastern edge of Chinatown. The international airport, KLIA, is located some 75km (47mi) south of the city centre.

Puduraya is between Chinatown and the Golden Triangle, KL's premier business, shopping and entertainment district. Crowded with mid-range and luxury hotels, the Golden Triangle has long since expanded from its original boundaries of Jln Imbi, Jln Raja Chulan and Jln Sultan Ismail and now stretches north to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) development anchored by the Petronas Towers.

The public transport system within KL is speedy, comfortable and uncomplicated. The city has made significant improvements to expressways and the rail network to reduce traffic congestion. While buses and city trains move huge numbers of people, travellers will probably find most joy with the fast and frequent Light Rail (LRT) and monorail.