Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a colourful mix of old and new. The capital city of Malaysia is rapidly modernising, as seen in the giant Petronas towers, claimed as the tallest in the world. But there are echoes of an older KL, where people reside in shanties and sell their wares on the side of the road. Adding to the diversity, religion lives harmoniously in KL, with the presence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. This is a city on the move.

Petronas Towers
The unique silver spires of the Petronas Tower dominate the KL skyline and are claimed as the tallest in the world. Seen as the symbol of Malaysia's now stunted economic growth, the 88 storey Towers were immortalised on the big screen in 'Entrapment'. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sean Connery courageously leapt from one tower to the other. Visitors can use the connecting walkway that has fantastic views of the city.

Genting Highlands
This old British hill station 50km north of KL might not be to everyone's taste, but it does have one of the only casinos in Malaysia. All entertainment on the hill is man-made - nightclubs, theme park, an artificial lake and high-rise buildings. Fitting with the theme the Genting Highlands is home to the world's largest hotel. High rolling KL'ers head here weekends for some 'naughty' gambling and expensive entertainment. But Genting is also very family orientated. There is plenty to amuse the kids from horse-riding to amusement parks. Basically if you can look past the commercialism you will have a good time.

Taman Negara Park
The park, which is three hours from KL, is said (at 130 million years) to be the oldest in the world and one of the few remaining untouched rainforests. To reach the heart of the park you have to boat in along the river where you can also camp out overnight. Visitors can stake out nocturnal creatures by spending the evening sitting in the specially designed and camaflaged 'hides'. Trekking and short walks are a good option for bird lovers

Firefly Park Resort
Lie back in the darkness and watch the beauty of nature glow above you at the Kuala Selangor Firefly Park Resort. The international acclaim that this ecologically sound attraction has received is testament to the luminous magic of the firefly colonies that gather round the native berembang trees on the Selangor riverbank. The Firefly Park Resort is about one and a half hours from KL and can be reached by car or bus from the Central Market in KL. You can stay overnight in a chalet on stilts over the water. Alternatively, jump on one of the motorised - but silent and pollution free - ferries that manouver along the riverbank.

Lake Gardens
The beautiful Lake Gardens, or Tamen Tasik Perdana, in central KL is as popular with the locals as it was once with the British, who built their colonial grand homes around it. KL's most expensive hotel (Carcosa Seri Negara) overlooks this green, inner city retreat. Paddle boats drift around Premier Lake, whilst the jogging track and exercise stations are put too good use by rather more industrious recreation seekers