Kuala Lumpur - Prepare

Take loose cotton clothing for the heat and humidity, an umbrella for the tropical downpours and your best haggling skills for picking up some bargains.

See colourful street performances and temple celebrations during Chinese New Year (Jan). Marvel at the Thaipusam procession in February, where Hindu devotees pierce their bodies and make a pilgrimage to the Batu Caves. Join in the festivities of Merdeka National Day in August (marking Malaysian independence). Watch cultural shows and visit art exhibitions during Malaysia Fest in September, and hunt for bargains during the Shopping Carnival in October.

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Federal Territory Day (1 Feb), Chinese New Year (two days in Jan/Feb), Hari Raya Haji – pilgrimage celebration day (Feb/Mar), Muslim New Year (Mar), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Wesak Day – Buddha’s birthday (May), Prophet’s Birthday (Jun), King’s Birthday (Jun), Merdeka National Day (31 Aug), Deepavali – Hindu festival of lights (Oct/Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec).

Kuala Lumpur has a typical tropical climate, with temperatures remaining fairly constant throughout the year, hovering around 30°C during the day and rarely dipping below 20°C at night. Humidity levels are around 90%. Heavy, but usually brief, downpours occur at all times of year, but rainfall is highest in March and April and again in October and November. June and July are the driest months. If you don’t want to wilt, you’ll need an air-conditioned hotel room and, during the day, do as the locals do and call into an air-conditioned shopping mall for a leisurely wander.

220-240V AC, 50 Hz, three-pin plugs are standard.

+60 (national), (0) 3 + eight-figure number (Kuala Lumpur).

Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the currency.

GMT +8.

Tourism Malaysia website

In such a humid climate, many locals opt for shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops, although smarter apparel should be worn if you want to check out the fashionable bars and restaurants of Bangsar or the Golden Triangle. To blend in, try on a colourful, patterned batik shirt, or – if you’re feeling flush – wear a shirt or dress made from songket, a traditional handmade fabric with gold thread, a sign of high status that should get you into all the best parties. Kuala Lumpur is a modern, multicultural city but, to avoid unnecessary hassle, women should still refrain from wearing very skimpy clothing.