Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see easily reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurants. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you will pay at home in Europe or the United States.
Kuala Lumpur is also a transportation center for the country. You're likely to find yourself passing through this city on bus, train, or plane transfers. There are incredibly affordable flights out of Kuala Lumpur, so if you are choosing to explore Asia by air, this will likely be a stop off for you on several occasions.
Within Kuala Lumpur, public transportation is quite convenient. The city continues to upgrade the train system, and you are likely to see ongoing improvements. Traffic in the city can be somewhat frustrating, but taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. There are also doubledecker buses that crisscross the city and are generally efficient to use.
The sights in Kuala Lumpur reflect the city's diverse population and colonial past. Make sure you visit Chinatown, Dataran Merdeka, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and the Islamic Arts Museum. Also head to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which at one time were the world's tallest buildings. They are quite impressive and a trip to the top is enjoyable.
Food in Kuala Lumpur is very cheap, but also very delicious. If you're on a particularly tight budget, you can get all kinds of great local specialties at the many street stalls around town. There is also plenty of Chinese and Indian food, both of which a good and affordable. Of course, there is also no shortage of Malaysian cuisine, so whatever your style, you should be pleasantly surprised with your food selection.