Off the Beaten Track

Just 13km (8mi) north of the city, the huge Batu Caves are among K.L.'s best known tourist attractions. Now used for Hindu festivals and pilgrimages, the caves also form an intense backdrop to the spectacularly masochistic feats performed annually by Thaipusam devotees. The main cave, a vast open space known as the Temple Cave--is reached by a 272-step climb. Beyond the stairs is the main temple. There are several other smaller caves in the same formation, including one with elaborately painted Hindu figures. The caves can be reached by either the 11D bus (from the Central Market) or bus 69 from Jalan Pudu. The trip takes about half an hour.

Originally developed as a dormitory town to Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya--or PJ as it's inevitably called--has quickly established itself as a major industrial center in its own right. Many engineering industries have their base in PJ, and it is also home to Malaysia's emerging high-tech industries. On the way from K.L., the University of Malaya is worth a look. Once in PJ, there is a wealth of shopping and dining options. The biggest attraction for lovers of good times is the Sunway Lagoon, a huge theme park with large waterslides and the world's biggest surf-wave pool. Petaling Jaya is 11km (7mi) south-west of K.L. and easily accessed by bus from Kelang bus station.

North of the city, Templer Park was established during the colonial period. The 500 hectare (1235 acre) park is a tract of primary jungle featuring marked jungle paths, swimming lagoons and several waterfalls. Just north of the park is a 350m (1150ft) limestone formation known as Bukit Takun. The park is one hour by bus 66 from the Puduraya Bus Station near the center of Kuala Lumpur.