KL Area Guide
Updated: Jan2013

Free guides and downloads

Covering an area of 243sqkm, greater Kuala Lumpur has an estimated population of 7.2 million. Home to the tallest twin skyscrapers in Southeast Asia as well as plenty of inner city greenery and temples, KL is following in the footsteps of ‘big city’ neighbours like Hong Kong and slowly becoming a celebrated tourist destination. If you’re a first-time visitor it can be hard to locate the best of KL’s offerings, so be sure to visit the tourist centre for their free travel guides!

Bukit Bintang

The pulse of the city, Bukit Bintang is one of Kuala Lumpur’s trendiest shopping and entertainment districts. Extremely popular, the area plays host to everything from shopping centres to nightclubs. Combining historical charm with contemporary chic, the area is one-third of the Golden Triangle district – a zone which encompasses Bukit Bintang’s retail offerings such as Pavilion and Lot 10, the office towers of Jalan Raj Chulan, the five-star hotel strip of Jalan Sultan Ismail, the Jalan P. Ramlee party street and KLCC. Due to its central location, it is fairly easy to get to Bukit Bintang from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur via public transportation.

KLCC - Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Just as its name suggests, there is only one way to describe KLCC: the heart of Kuala Lumpur. At once an entertainment, commercial and business focal point, KLCC is home to some of the most popular landmarks in Malaysia such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Dewan Filharmonik Orkestra concert hall, the KLCC Park and Suria KLCC, making it a popular tourist destination. With a host of options to choose from – dining, arts, culture, recreation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment – you won’t be stuck for ideas on what to do around here.

Chinatown – Petaling Street

At the heart of Kuala Lumpur is an area which never sleeps, and far more colourful and bustling than its bigger and more glamourous neighbours. Chinatown, based in Petaling Street, is also known as 'Chee Cheong Kai' (Starch Factory Street), a reference to its roots as a tapioca-producing district. Deeply immersed in Oriental culture, heritage and history, Chinatown is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. A well-known bargain hunter’s paradise, a place where you can find all sorts of stuff from Chinese herbs to imitation goods, at night its main market area, Petaling Street, transforms into a lively and vibrant street bazaar, filled with hundreds of stalls offering all kinds of goods at dirt-cheap prices, and the best thing is, the prices can be brought lower still as haggling is a way of life here.

Petaling Jaya

Starting as a small, humble town in the 50s measuring only 2.12sqkm, Petaling Jaya has developed into one of the most important cities in Malaysia. Also known as the twin sister of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya is the country’s first planned town. Consisting of numerous commercial, residential and business districts, the satellite city is now a metropolis of 500,000 inhabitants. Due to its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya remains a popular choice amongst city dwellers and visitors alike. Aside from being extremely convenient to get to the city centre from here, Petaling Jaya’s shopping and dining areas are also popular amongst ardent shopaholics and dedicated foodies.

Bangsar

Bangsar is one of Kuala Lumpur's most popular night time entertainment districts. The streets of Bangsar, mainly in Telawi and Maarof, are sprinkled with nightclubs, pubs and bistros, making it one big party area. Bangsar is also a large residential area (mainly for the affluent) but residents have grown accustomed to the hive of activity that Bangsar generates during the night. As Bangsar is home to many of Kuala Lumpur's upper crust of society and expatriates, there are many fine dining and international restaurants located around the shopping areas. Bangsar Shopping Centre and Bangsar Village are two prominent shoppin malls in Bangsar but most residents flock to Mid-Valley Mall, which is just a stone's throw away along the Federal Highway.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is Malaysia's third and latest Federal Territory. Built on expansive marshland and former oil palm estate in Selangor, the city spans an area of almost 5,000 hectares and lies 25km from Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya takes over the administrative functions of the capital and is part of the Multimedia Super Corridor project of the Malaysian government. The city is well worth a visit. There’s a variety of sightseeing attractions and the architecture, particularly the pink Putra Mosque and the Perdana Putra (office of the Prime Minister) is outstanding!
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  • Kuala Lumpur Charities: The Leaping Lemur Group
    The following are all Kuala Lumpur based Charities. If you’re looking for something fun and rewarding to do then get involved in volunteering at one of many charities who need your help! Whether you have a lot of spare time on your hands or just a little, there is something to suit. There are plenty of opportunities to use existing skills such as playing with children, teaching, nursing, marketing, accounting or learn some new skills. You really can make a difference and get to know a lot more about the community, culture and environment you are living in.

    Elli xx

    Home of Peace
    Home of Peace is a safe haven for young girls which places special emphasis on education and the girls realizing their full potential.  They are always looking for volunteers to help with homework and tutoring.  Volunteers can work with older girls (ages 12-16) any day of the week in the afternoons from 4:30-6:00pm and with younger girls (7-9 years old) in home school from 10:00-1:00pm.  The girls would also love to do craft activities and receive piano or music lessons, so if you can help out, please let them know.  They are also in need of administrative support.
    Contact Justine Morais  jnissi60@gmail.com

    Riding for the disabled
    Help disabled and handicapped children use horse riding as a part of their therapy to change disability to ability. Equine assisted therapy is used to achieve learning and stimulates physical, mental, social and educational progress.  Volunteers are needed to help children prepare for the ride, prepare the horses for the ride, lead horses and provide emotional support to the children. Volunteers are also needed to help with administrative duties in the main office. Sessions are held in the morning at three locations; 
    Bukit Kiara Club, Damansara
    Tues & Thurs, 9.30 – 11.30am
    Call: Ms Zuraidah Omar tel: 019-2108127 
    E-mail: zuraidahomar@hotmail.com


    Selangor Polo Club, 
    Tues, Wed & Thursday 10am – 12noon
    Contact: Karyn Stewart tel: 016-6162945 
    E-mail: karynstewart@hotmail.co.uk


    Royal Selangor Turf Club, nr Mines Resort City
    Tues, Wed & Thurs, 10am – 12noon
    Contact: Cheryl Victor  
    E-mail: equestrian@selangorturfclub.com
    Tel + 6 03-90502346
    Stepping Stones
    Stepping Stones is a children’s home in Taman Seputeh (near Mid-Valley).  ABWM members tutor a small group of boys on a Tuesday 09.30 - 11.30.  Some of them do not currently have access to regular schooling and volunteers are needed to help with basic Maths, Science and English. Lessons do not need to be prepared in advance; just show up and help with homework. During holidays more recreational activities are organized. Call Monica Maclean: 017 609 6087

    United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
    UNHCR helps to run various community and education programmes to assist the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.   Help is needed to teach English and skills such as computer, crafts and music. There are opportunities to work at an adult centre in Cheras and the youth in various centres in Cheras and Pudu, and to provide support to asylum seekers at a detention centre.
    Tel: 603 2141 1322 Fax: 603 2141 1780 Email: mlslu@unhcr.org

    Malaysia Association of the Blind (MAB)
    Located in Brickfields, MAB needs volunteers to help in the reading and Braille production service.  One opportunity is to type books onto disc which can be converted into Braille and another is to help develop a talking book library for the blind.  Readers who speak English, Malay or Mandarin are needed to help produce more talking books. Volunteers may come anytime during the week between 9am-5pm.  Alternatively, volunteers may record the tapes at home and send back the finished product.  Volunteers are also needed to assist in a playgroup for blind and low-vision pre-school children or with general administrative work. 
    Contact: Ramdas Nayar, MAB at 03-2272-2677 www.mab.org.my

    Beautiful Gate
    Beautiful Gate is charity which helps young disabled adults to acquire vocational skills. Volunteers are needed to teach English as a second language in a relaxed and informal setting. They also organise art and games activities and various outings.  Contact Pastor Sia Siew Chin, 03 7873 6579 or 019-219-8440

    SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
    The SPCA runs a shelter for dogs and cats and needs volunteers to help with feeding, cleaning, taking dogs out for a walk and other general animal care.  Volunteers are welcome 7 days a week anytime between 9:00 and 4:00, although mornings are generally the busiest time. 
    Call 03-4256-5312   Website:   www.spca.org.my

    Posted 27 Jun 2013, 20:27 by Elli Murr
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Definition of Charity: 
"Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy and suffering"

This is all about giving something back to the people of the countries that we've visited, to thank them for the wonderful experiences that we've had. There are no charges for receiving information on this site, because this is about sharing the latest information and not making money. You'll also note, there are no pop-ups or sponsored links to businesses. So, please take the time to look at some of the charities that we've highlighted on our charities page, and if you want to "pay" for the information you've received, then look into some of these worthy causes. Otherwise we'd gladly accept any support to help keep this site alive.

You will be directed to an Email window. 
If not, then email: volunteer@
TheLeapingLemur.com

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The Leaping Lemur Group - Our Chosen Charities.

There are no charges for receiving information on this site, because this is about sharing the latest information and not making money. That said, please take the time to look at some of the charities that we've highlighted beneath, and if you want to "pay" for the information you've downloaded, then look into some of these worthy causes.

The following are all Kuala Lumpur based Charities. If you’re looking for something fun and rewarding to do then get involved in volunteering at one of many charities who need your help! Whether you have a lot of spare time on your hands or just a little, there is something to suit. There are plenty of opportunities to use existing skills such as playing with children, teaching, nursing, marketing, accounting or learn some new skills. You really can make a difference and get to know a lot more about the community, culture and environment you are living in.

Elli xx

Home of Peace
Home of Peace is a safe haven for young girls which places special emphasis on education and the girls realizing their full potential.  They are always looking for volunteers to help with homework and tutoring.  Volunteers can work with older girls (ages 12-16) any day of the week in the afternoons from 4:30-6:00pm and with younger girls (7-9 years old) in home school from 10:00-1:00pm.  The girls would also love to do craft activities and receive piano or music lessons, so if you can help out, please let them know.  They are also in need of administrative support.
Contact Justine Morais  jnissi60@gmail.com

Riding for the disabled
Help disabled and handicapped children use horse riding as a part of their therapy to change disability to ability. Equine assisted therapy is used to achieve learning and stimulates physical, mental, social and educational progress.  Volunteers are needed to help children prepare for the ride, prepare the horses for the ride, lead horses and provide emotional support to the children. Volunteers are also needed to help with administrative duties in the main office. Sessions are held in the morning at three locations; 

Bukit Kiara Club, Damansara
Tues & Thurs, 9.30 – 11.30am
Call: Ms Zuraidah Omar tel: 019-2108127 
E-mail: zuraidahomar@hotmail.com

Selangor Polo Club, off Jalan Ampang Hilir, Ampang
Tues, Wed & Thursday 10am – 12noon
Contact: Karyn Stewart tel: 016-6162945 
E-mail: karynstewart@hotmail.co.uk

Royal Selangor Turf Club, nr Mines Resort City
Tues, Wed & Thurs, 10am – 12noon
Contact: Cheryl Victor  
E-mail: equestrian@selangorturfclub.com
Tel + 6 03-90502346

Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones is a children’s home in Taman Seputeh (near Mid-Valley).  ABWM members tutor a small group of boys on a Tuesday 09.30 - 11.30.  Some of them do not currently have access to regular schooling and volunteers are needed to help with basic Maths, Science and English. Lessons do not need to be prepared in advance; just show up and help with homework. During holidays more recreational activities are organized.
Call Monica Maclean: 017 609 6087

WOMEN’S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Opened as Malaysia’s first refuge, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) offers shelter and counseling to battered women and their children.  Volunteers are needed to help with informal English classes. In the past volunteers have played scrabble, conducted treasure hunts, watched English movies with the women or just had a chat

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO)
P.O.Box 493, Jalan Sultan
46760 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7957 5636 / +603 7957 0636
E-mail: wao@po.jaring.my/ wao.general@yahoo.com.my

WAO also runs a child care centre for about 15 children where volunteers are needed to do art and craft and activities through play with the children in the mornings (9-11am) or afternoons (2-4pm).
Website: www.wao.org.my

National Stroke Association of Malaysia
National Stroke Association of Malaysia is a charity dedicated to therapy and activities to help stroke patients recover and return to a full life.  There are centres in PJ and Ampang, running two sessions a day Monday-Friday, 10-12 and 2-4pm. There are many different ways to contribute, but individuals with a physio, speech therapy or nursing backgrounds are especially valued in the rehabilitation process.  In addition, there is also a need for helpers to chaperone on excursions and to get involved in fundraising activities. 
Contact:  03-7956 4840 (PJ centre) or 03-4256 1234 (Ampang centre)
Website: www.nasam.org

RC Deaf Missions
RC Deaf Missions Malaysia is an organisation that aims to promote the diverse talents of deaf persons though arts and crafts.  It provides sign language training and career opportunities to deaf persons and it aims to educate and to advocate for the deaf community in issues such as employment and community awareness.  
Contact: Agnes Peter, RC Deaf Missions at 019-261-9920
Website: www.rcdeafmissionsmalaysia.com

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNHCR helps to run various community and education programmes to assist the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.   Help is needed to teach English and skills such as computer, crafts and music. There are opportunities to work at an adult centre in Cheras and the youth in various centres in Cheras and Pudu, and to provide support to asylum seekers at a detention centre.

Volunteer Section
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
570, Jalan Bukit Petaling
50460 Kuala Lumpur
 Tel: 603 2141 1322
Fax: 603 2141 1780
Email: mlslu@unhcr.org

Malaysia Association of the Blind (MAB)
Located in Brickfields, MAB needs volunteers to help in the reading and Braille production service.  One opportunity is to type books onto disc which can be converted into Braille and another is to help develop a talking book library for the blind.  Readers who speak English, Malay or Mandarin are needed to help produce more talking books. Volunteers may come anytime during the week between 9am-5pm.  Alternatively, volunteers may record the tapes at home and send back the finished product.  Volunteers are also needed to assist in a playgroup for blind and low-vision pre-school children or with general administrative work. 
Contact: Ramdas Nayar, MAB at 03-2272-2677
www.mab.org.my

Beautiful Gate
Beautiful Gate is charity which helps young disabled adults to acquire vocational skills. Volunteers are needed to teach English as a second language in a relaxed and informal setting. They also organise art and games activities and various outings.  Contact Pastor Sia Siew Chin, 03 7873 6579 or 019-219-8440

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The SPCA runs a shelter for dogs and cats and needs volunteers to help with feeding, cleaning, taking dogs out for a walk and other general animal care.  Volunteers are welcome 7 days a week anytime between 9:00 and 4:00, although mornings are generally the busiest time. 
Call 03-4256-5312   
Website:   www.spca.org.my


OTHER WAYS TO HELP?
If you have a friend or relative that is heading to this part of the world, then why not send them the link to our website or ask them to join our Facebook group as a means of passing on this information?