What is the capital of Malaysia called? How is she interesting? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article.
The Federation of Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and covers an area of ​​more than 32 thousand km². The geographical feature is that this state consists of two parts: western (Malaya) and eastern (Sabah and Sarawak). Between these parts is the South China Sea.
This tropical country with an ancient culture, a high level of technical development and historical attractions that attract tourists from all over the world is described in this article.
History of the state
The territory of this state in the period 2500-1000 BC settled by immigrants from southern China. Thus, based on historical documents, it can be argued that Malaysia has several millennia. At the beginning of our era, the Strait of Malacca, which washes the western part of the state, was a profitable trade route for merchants from China and India. Therefore, large cities and states formed at that time on the shores of the water body.
From the 7th century and for the next eight centuries, Srivijaya was a large country in this region.
After some time, the Muslim state of Malacca Sultanate was founded with the capital Malacca. Now this ancient city is the administrative center 130 km from the modern capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lampur.
In 1511, Portugal established a colonial regime in Malacca. Then the indigenous people were forced to establish a new capital - the city of Johor (in our time, this city is called Johor Bahru).
Thanks to the regular troops of Holland, after 130 years, Malacca was liberated from the Portuguese conquerors. Then Malaysia became a colony of Holland.
At the beginning of the XIX century, the country was influenced by England. Before World War II, rubber and tin were exported to this territory.
In 1942, Japan occupied the entire territory of the Malay State. Her occupation policy continued until surrender in September 1945.
In 1945, the British government re-established the occupation regime. Three years of occupation led to the formation of the People’s Organization “Malayan Federation”. Thanks to the actions of this organization in 1957, Malaysia became an independent state, and in 1963 was officially recognized as an independent Federation.
Now this country is one of the main suppliers to the world market of oil and various natural resources.
Thanks to the development of electronics, the state ranks first in the world in the production of integrated circuits, and in 2002 the government approved the space program.
From the end of the 20th century, international tourism began to develop in the region. The tourist program “Attractions of the Capital of Malaysia” is very popular. We will talk about them in detail later. In the meantime, we will study the history of the modern capital.
The history of the capital of Malaysia
The name of the capital by this independent Federation is Kuala Lumpur. The city is located on the banks of the junction of two rivers: Klang and Gombak. The area of ​​the capital of Malaysia, which is home to about two million indigenous people, is 93 km² (together with the suburbs - 245 km²).
In 1857, the United Kingdom sent an expedition to the Klang River region in search of iron ore deposits. Ore prospectors randomly discovered large tin deposits (the city of Ampang is now located on this territory). By this time, Europe found a way to store food - canning. Therefore, the world increased demand for copper and tin, and in 1859, and in the area of ​​the future capital of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), a small plant for the production of this metal was erected.
In the middle of the XIX century, the area around the plant was transformed into an urban settlement.
After some time, the British plenipotentiary minister Frank Sweettenham moved the administrative center of the state of Selangor to Kuala Lumpur. The city subsequently received the status of the capital of the state, and thanks to architectural monuments it became a tourist center.
Jamek Mosque
A walking tour of the capital of Malaysia begins with a visit to the Jamek Mosque. It was built in 1909 according to the project of the English architect Arthur Hubback.
The Muslim complex was erected on the spot where at one time the first settlement of the future capital was located and consists of minarets, several towers and three domes.
All these structures are made in the traditional Moorish style.
A feature of this religious building is that it contains the remains of all prominent figures of the capital of Malaysia and the whole country, who played a prominent role in the history of the state.
When viewing the complex, tourists should note that they are prohibited from entering the mosque. Guests of the city can only inspect the territory and the appearance of the building, observing clothing, in accordance with Muslim laws.
St. Mary's Cathedral
We have already figured out which capital of Malaysia. Now consider its attractions. On the north side of Merdeka Square (Independence Square) is the oldest English cathedral - St. Mary's Cathedral.
The first, small-sized, temple building was wooden, and construction began in 1887.
But with the increase in the number of Englishmen in the city, the need arose to build a new church. A competition was announced for the best design of the cathedral.
As a result, the competition committee approved the project of architect A. Norman. The church was re-consecrated in 1895. And in the same year an altar was set up, covering an area of ​​60 square meters. meters. Nine years later, an organ was installed in the temple. It is made by the Englishman Henry Willis, the inventor of church organ instruments.
In the middle of the 20th century, during restoration work, halls for various receptions and living quarters for the ministers of the cathedral from among the monks were attached to the temple.
Now tourists can inspect the interior of the church and attend the liturgy, which takes place on Sundays, as well as on religious holidays.
Metropolitan Golf Club
In 1893, an announcement appeared in the capital's newspaper, which stated that everyone could take part in the first game sports tournament. In the process, the teams compete, putting the club into special holes (golf) with a club. The competition was held on Petaling Hill.
After the competition, the city leadership decided to create a golf course in this area.
Now Royal Selangor Club is considered one of the attractions of Kuala Lumpur, which is a territory where three golf courses, shady courts, and pools are located. There are also various gyms, cafes and restaurants with national dishes.
An interesting fact: Scotland is considered the birthplace of golf , and the game was invented in the 14th century by shepherds who, with the help of wooden sticks, drove small stones into rabbit holes.
Independence Square
The main square is Independence Square. All national celebrations are held there. The area is the pride of the inhabitants of the capital of Malaysia.
Around are government offices, modern offices of private companies and buildings built during the time of English rule.
In the middle of the flagpole (the highest in the world - 95 meters), the national flag is developing. It was raised in 1957 as a symbol of an independent state.
In 1897, an amazingly beautiful building was constructed on this territory according to the project of the English architect A. Norman, in which the British administrative center was located. Then it placed the leadership of the Supreme Arbitration Court of Malaysia.
After some time, the building was called the palace of the Sultan Abdul-Samad, who at that time was the ruler of the state of Selangor.
Tourists are given the opportunity to explore the complex. It nowadays houses the Ministry of Culture.
Now, against the backdrop of the palace, various state events and various national carnivals are taking place.
National Textile Museum
On Independence Square, in a building from the colonial period, there are expositions of products made from yarn on a loom - a textile museum.
Tourists can familiarize themselves with the collection of national clothing worn by representatives of different communities.
Museum expositions are located in several rooms. There guides talk about the history of this type of national craft.
In addition, the museum has a collection of various jewelry from past centuries, made from precious metals and stones.
In one of the halls there is a stand on which the entire set of tools is presented. They were used to make fabrics and apply various national patterns on textiles. The ornament applied to the material used to determine which class the clothing owner belongs to.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The main religious shrine among the Hindus of Malaysia is the temple complex of Sri Mahamariamman. It is considered the oldest temple in the capital of Malaysia (photo of the shrine is presented below).
Construction began at the end of the 19th century at the expense of workers from southern India. The construction of the religious building was dedicated to the Great Mother Mariamman (mother goddess in Hinduism).
The complex was built of wood, but two years later it was rebuilt and now tourists can inspect the stone structure, which in 1885 was dismantled and moved to Chinatown.
Tourists can visit this active religious building, which is open from six in the morning until late in the evening. Guests of the capital of Malaysia are amazed not only by their colorful appearance, but also by their rich interior decoration.
The main hall is decorated with frescoes and statues of heroes of Hindu deities. The main shrine of the temple among believers is a silver four-wheeled cart, decorated with bells (more than 200 pieces). A chariot is used during the most important holiday of Hindus - Taipusama. During the celebration, the celebration of the god Murugan takes place. The statue is placed in a chariot and solemnly taken from the temple to the temple complex of Batu caves.
Tourists can attend another major holiday - the Diwali Festival of Light. At this festival, believers light a large number of candles, dress up in new colorful clothes and thereby celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
Batu Caves
Malaysia is considered an exotic country among tourists. It is amazing with its natural attractions. A vivid example are Batu Caves, located 13 kilometers from the capital of Malaysia (their photos are presented in the article below).
Natural limestone caves formed about 400 million years ago. According to archaeological excavations, representatives of an ancient tribe living in the forests of the peninsula (Besisi tribe) found refuge here during the hunt.
One version says that the Hindu Tambus discovered the caves for the first time in 1800. According to other information, the American discoverer was in 1878.
Natural depressions got their name thanks to the river Sungai Batu, which flows through the territory of the cave.
The grottoes represent more than twenty hills of limestone, each of which has internal niches. Part of these voids has become a place of religious worship among Hindus who come here annually to perform a worship ceremony. The main cave is called the Temple. There, in a huge limestone recess, is the main sanctuary - the Tamil temple.
The next cave is called the Dark Cave. Inside it are seven underground halls with a total length of more than two kilometers. It is known for its calcareous stalactites and stalagmites, formed over many centuries.
Tourists are also attracted by visiting the Ramayana Cave. It is a repository of wall painting, preserved to our time. The frescoes tell of the life and work of the hero of the ancient Indian epic Rama. Near the statue is a sculptural image of a monkey. The latter, according to legend, faithfully served Rama.
Famous two towers in the capital of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Among the modern buildings located next to the temples of the colonial period, tourists pay much attention to the inspection of high-rise twin buildings, which are called Petronas towers.
Skyscrapers with a height of more than 450 meters and covering an urban area of ​​40 hectares were built in 1998.
Tourists can walk along the glass passage connecting the two towers and view the city from a bird's eye view.
The total area of ​​all the premises of the Petronas towers, where offices and government organizations are now located, is 214 thousand square meters.
Excursions are organized for city guests on certain days, where guides talk about the technical features of the construction of this building, which is considered the highest in the world.
The towers got their name from the oil and gas company Prtronas, which was the customer of the construction of the future symbol of the modern state and the capital of Malaysia.
Royal Palace
The main attraction of Kuala Lumpur is the Royal Palace. The building was built in 1928 for the Chinese millionaire. During the occupation of the country by Japanese troops in this building was a dining room for officers, and then the residence of the Sultan of the state of Selangor.
After the independence of Malaysia, in 1957, the building was purchased. Then it passed into state ownership.
Now the palace complex is officially the residence of the King of the Federation of Malaysia.
For tourists, entry to the palace is prohibited. But guests of the capital of Malaysia can attend the changing of the guard near the main gate and take pictures against the background of the palace complex.
Interesting facts about Malaysia
We have already figured out that Kuala Lumpur - the capital of Malaysia, looked through the photos of attractions. Now consider interesting facts. In their reviews, tourists note that in this amazing country, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, the Muslim spirit is not felt. People are friendly, welcoming and everyone is fluent in modern English. Sightseeing tours of the capital of Malaysia amaze attention to the history of the state.
Some interesting facts confirm this:
- It is believed that Malaysia is the most multinational state of all 48 countries located in Asia. Of the 27 million inhabitants, half are considered Malaysians. The rest of the population consists of Chinese, Indians, and other nationalities.
- The leadership of the state tolerates various religions. Although the official is Islam (the second largest after Christianity).
- Rafflesia grows only in Malaysia. The peculiarity of this plant is that the flower is considered the largest in the world (more than one meter in diameter). It is popularly called the “cadaverous flower”, because during flowering it smells of rot.
- The healthy and most controversial fruit - durian (the "king of fruits") grows on durian trees in the territories of Malaysia and Thailand. This fruit has such a disgusting smell that it is forbidden to keep it in rooms in many hotels. However, this soft and sweet fruit has beneficial properties for the body.
- In Malaysia, myths and legends about sea monsters are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, local citizens do not like to swim in the sea. Basically, immigrants take work as a lifeguard on the beach.
- Indigenous people consider the most dangerous animals of monkeys. Flocks of primates often show aggression towards humans.
- Swimming in large freshwater reservoirs in Malaysia is strictly prohibited, since many of them have crocodiles.
- In the jungle of Malaysia there is a plant that is popularly called the "walking tree." Its roots grow from the middle of the trunk and, in search of moist soil, moves along the ground. Over the year, this unusual plant can cover a distance of several meters.
- Not very far from the capital of Malaysia - Singapore. Only forty minutes fly by plane. You can get from one city to another and by bus. You can also take the train. The journey from the capital of Malaysia to Singapore will take four to five hours.
- Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak) has the largest limestone cave in the world. It has dimensions of 2000x150x80 meters. The natural grotto is called “Deer Cave”. Its area can accommodate several Boeing-747 aircraft.
- Synchronized speech competitions have been popular in the schools of this country for many years. Participants in this unusual contest must simultaneously expressively speak aloud English-speaking speech and perform complex choreographic exercises.
Conclusion
Now you know what the current and former capital of Malaysia is called. We examined different sights, named them and described them. We hope that this information was interesting and informative to you. Now you can easily tell which capital of Malaysia. The name of the capital is Kuala Lumpur.