ONLY got a short while to explore Kuala Lumpur? Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most from a short visit to the Malaysian capital. Day one When the sun sets, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown comes to life. Under Petaling Street's red glow, take in the steamy smells of Malaysian Chinese delicacies while looking for the perfect fake designer accessory in the bustling night market. Save your tastebuds for “Ikan Pari,” stingray cooked in spicy chilies or a bubbling pot of claypot noodles: just look for the signs bearing the dishes' names at the end of the street. Day two Start a day of culinary adventure with some hot dim sum from the hawker center “Jalan Ipoh Dim Sum” (Ipoh Street). Each bite of the little parcels is a flavor surprise. Even though the famous dishes draw a crowd, the number of dim sum restaurants will ensure there is a table available. Instead of buying traditional Malaysian fabrics to take home, make your own. Batik is wax painted and dyed fabric which appears in traditional Malaysian clothing and artwork. Jadi Batek (available online at: www.jadibatek.com/) in Bukit Bintang runs classes for first-timers to print and dye their own masterpiece. Cloth and all materials are provided but you must book at least two hours in advance. While your batik dries, hit the streets of Bukit Bintang for some retail therapy. If the stores on the street don't max out your credit card, the nearby Low Yat and Sungei Wang Plazas provide level upon level of everything from the latest technology to fancy clothing. Travel to the end of Jalan Alor (Alor Street), and waiting on the right is a lunch of frog porridge. Beneath the white exterior of delicious lumpy porridge lies the sweet legs of the pond-hopping amphibian. If your stomach is not up to it, opt for the oyster omelet instead. Head out of the city for a few hours to Batu Caves. Try and avoid the prying fingers of the resident monkeys. Guarded by a 43 meter (141 ft) high golden statue of Lord Muruga, the caves have a spectacular roof, even if the floor is dotted with litter. If the main cave isn't dark enough for you, the adjoining side caves, echoing with loud music to attract customers, offer guided adventures. Among the many restaurants of Changkat Bukit Bintang, the Cloth and Clef is unique. It houses art, food, drinks, live music and streetwear all under one roof. Browse through the art gallery and boutique upstairs or dine to the sounds of live music. Day three Unwind in the lush green surrounds of the jungle and soak your aching feet at the “Chilling Waterfalls'. Along the road from Kuala Kubu Baru to The Gap, the start of the trail to the falls is signposted. To reach the waterfalls you must cross through Chilling River in five places, so wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Remember to bring a towel and insect repellent to keep away the jungle mosquitoes. And check the weather forecast before going. Afternoon tea at Carcosa Seri Negara (www.carcosa.com.my) an old colonial mansion set in Kuala Lumpur's Lake Gardens (Tamin Tasik). It was built at the turn of the 20th century as the official residence of the British representative of the newly Federated Malay States. After Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957, Carcosa became an official guesthouse for visiting VIPs, including Queen Elizabeth in 1989. Wrap up the trip with a visit the Islamic Arts Museum, known as one of the capital's most interesting attractions. Mainly Muslim Malaysia heads the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the world's largest Islamic body, and is very proud of this collection of Islamic arts, ranging from jewelry and coins to armor and miniature masterpieces of Islamic architecture.
