Selamat datang ("welcome") to Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. In addition to soaring Petronas Towers, evocative British Colonial buildings and lively street markets, KL is home to a culturally diverse population of 1.4 million. Against this dramatic backdrop, the world-class array of meeting venues in Kuala Lumpur dazzles.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, one of the world's best, is 47 miles south of City Centre. Since KL's traffic jams are legendary during rush hours, the city's excellent train and light rail systems are recommended. (Those who opt for a taxi should make certain the driver uses the meter to avoid being overcharged.)
Major Kuala Lumpur event venues and MICE destinations include the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in the Central Business District, part of KL's ultra-modern, 98-acre "city within a city." Conveniently located near Petronas Towers, the world-class KLCC offers 104,517 square feet, 20 meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, 3 conference halls and cutting-edge technology throughout.
The multi-purpose Putra World Trade Centre encompasses over 1.7 million square feet, a simultaneous six-language interpretation system, VIP facilities, and venues that accommodate 7,500 for dinners or 10,000 for receptions. The 3-story Sime Darby Convention Centre's sophisticated venues include a VIP lounge and a 19,000-square-foot ballroom for 2,600. Additional meeting venues in Kuala Lumpur are the 48,300-square-foot Mid Valley Exhibition Centre's three exhibit halls, and the modern HGH Convention Centre with its 300-seat auditorium and 12,000-square-foot convention hall.
Surprisingly affordable accommodations are available at the city's 4 and 5 Star hotels, and many feature excellent Kuala Lumpur meeting spaces. The 10,000-square-foot grand ballroom at the 620-room Legend Hotel offers Old World European grandeur near Putra WTC. Magnificent park views, dramatic 26-foot ceilings and 551 opulent guest rooms highlight the peerless Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, which has the city's largest unobstructed ballroom (capacity: 1,800). The 560-room Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur connects to KL Convention Center and offers 28 meeting rooms for 1,500 attendees.
The eclectic dining and nightlife scene features its share of Kuala Lumpur venues as well. Stage a press conference at La Bodega for 500. Gather 200 friends for an elegant dinner in Basil Leaf's private room, or host an event in the private pavilion at Bon Ton Restaurant, where Eastern and Western culinary traditions fuse.
Between meetings at the KLCC, head to Aquaria KLCC. Located on the concourse level, this state-of-the-art aquarium enchants visitors with 5,000 exhibits. The Central Market, a Malaysian Heritage Site, is a must for batik and handicrafts.
