At the southern end of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is the exceedingly pretty Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque, next to Masjid Jamek LRT station), Malaysia's main mosque from its inauguration in 1909 until the completion of Masjid Negara (National Mosque) in the 1960s
Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) is a traditional shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. It lies just north of the City Centre and is named after its main artery, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which is often abbreviated to Jalan TAR.
Besides Jalan TAR, the district also is home to the colourful shopping street of Jalan Masjid India, which is chock-a-block with shops specialising in saris and other Indian apparel. Indeed, the area is sometimes called Little India, although several other parts of KL (notably Brickfields) compete for that title and these days there are at least as many Indonesians around.
The northern part of the district is called Chow Kit, known for bargain shopping and food. The famous Chow Kit Wet Market has never stopped being the favourite wet market of all. You'll also be able to see things which you'll never be able to find elsewhere in KL, like the full array of Malay traditional medicine. The Jalan Haji Hussein street market at night is similar to Chinatown's Petaling street offering fake goods & delicious local food which is located just off the Chow Kit Monorail stop.
The Tuanku Abdul Rahman end of Jalan Sultan Ismail has become KL's new hot nightspot. Nicknamed Heritage Row, restaurants and clubs are now breathing new life into the old dilapidated terrace houses of Jalan Doraisamy and Jalan Yap Ah Shak, just off Jalan Sultan Ismail.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman / Chow Kit area is now The place to find budget accommmodations offering very competitive prices as many have been built here to avoid the congested Chinatwon 1km south. With the Monorail & LRT lines running into this area, travelling to other parts of the city centre & outskirts is easy.
LRT Masjid Jamek Station is at the southern end of Jalan Masjid India, right next to the start of the bazaar.
The Monorail services Chow Kit, linking it directly with Titiwangsa, Bukit Nanas, Hang Tuah and KL Sentral along with other smaller stations. The Chow Kit Station is located at the intersection of Jalan Pahang, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Istana Budaya (National Theatre), Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak, ☎ +603 4026-5555, Box Office: +603 4026-5558, . Istana Budaya (meaning Palace of Culture) is home to the National Theatre and is equipped with cutting edge stage, sound and lighting equipment on par with the top theatres around the world. It host productions of both domestic and international origins. The building itself is a beautiful and a tourist attraction.edit
Balai Seni Lukis Negara (National Art Gallery), 2 Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak (just east of the national theater), . 10 AM - 6 PM daily except some holidays (9 AM - 5 PM during Ramadan). Free. edit
To reach the National Theatre or the National Art Gallery by foot, take the LRT or Monorail to Titiwangsa station. You will see the strange blue roof of the Theatre from the station. You have to walk roughly east for about 10 minutes, including a dodgy underpass (and an overpass later if you don't cross to the north side in the underpass).
Alternatively it's about 5 minutes by car from KLCC.
Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque), at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers (behind Masjid Jamek LRT station), . One of Malaysia's prettiest mosques, Masjid Jamek was built in 1907 and served as KL's main mosque from its opening in 1909. Its location between two rivers makes it appear as an island of tranquility in the busy city. free. edit
So what is there to do in Tuanku Abdul Rahman? Shop till you drop! Escape the heat in air conditioned malls and department stores, dine with people from around the world and haggle for the best deals on the streets.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is lined with established department stores, malls and shopping centres haggling is ok in most location but for the best deals find your way down the alleys to find a variety of goods and fantastic clothing.
Masjid India Bazaar, Along Jln Melayu, Jln Masjid India. Daily. A covered bazaar stretching out from LRT Masjid Jamek towards Little India, quite similar in feel to the more famous Jalan Petaling but not as large or crowded -- not necessarily a bad thing.edit
Pasar Malam, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman. 5PM - 10PM Saturday. This Saturday night market is an experience whether you are looking for a bargain, local products, or just an authentic Malaysian market experience.edit
GS Gills, 9th Floor 106 Jalan Tuanku Adbul Rahman, ☎ +603 2698-3477. The top sporting goods distributes in Mayalsia, carrying all sorts of sporting equipment and attire.edit
Pertama Complex (Jalan TAR). Opened in 1976 as Kuala Lumpur's very first shopping mall, and still good for cheap shoes, leather ware and other knick-knacks.edit
Sogo Shopping Complex, 190 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, ☎ +603 2698-2111, . 10AM- 9:30PM Daily. The BIGGEST department store you will ever see, with 10 floors of shopping, dinning and entertainment. If you budget permits, you can shop here for everything from clothing to high-tech toys.edit
The Mall, Jalan Raja Laut (parallel to Jalan TAR, opp Putra WTC). edit
Places to eat are scattered throughout the district, with stalls concentrated along Jalan Doraisamy near the Heritage Row and Jalan Raja Abdullah in Kampung Baru (for Malay food); Chinese coffeeshops along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and lanes off it, and Chow Kit; Indian in the Jalan Masjid India area; and upmarket restaurants on Heritage Row.
Yut Kee, 35, Jalan Dang Wangi. Tel: +60-3-26988108 - A true KL establishment, this Chinese coffeeshop is famous for its Hainanese-style chicken chop and roti babi, pork sandwich.
Kampung Baru is a Malay food haven at affordable prices. Non-touristy & in traditional kampung setting. Over 100 stalls available. Most are open 24 hours. LRT station : Kampung Baru, or Monorail station : Chow Kit. A popular spot, "La Cuisine" is a 24-hour food court offering a variety of local & western foods.
Coliseum Cafe and Bar, 98 Jln. Tuanku Abdul Rahman. A KL legend, this colonial-style hangout hasn't changed its appearance or staff in over 80 years. Service is surly and the tablecloths could use a good wash, but their Western food, particularly the "sizzling" steaks on a hot plate (from RM35), is still one of the best deals in town. Also try a freshly mixed shandy (beer and lemonade, RM8) in the adjacent smoky bar.
Nightlife in this district is either of the partying variety at Heritage Row, as Jalan Doraisamy is now popularly known as, or the "hanging out at the Mamak stall" kind. As for the latter, Mamak stalls (stalls or food shops run by Indian Muslims) can be found everywhere but the most popular is actually just next to Heritage Row, nearer the intersection between Jalan Doraisamy and Jalan Dang Wangi.
Tune Hotels, 316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. (Monorail: Medan Tuanku) - affiliated with AirAsia and provides cheap rooms from RM9.99 if booked few months ahead, otherwise walk-in rates about RM90. Following the no-frills concept, there are additional charges for air-con, towels and toiletries, and no in-room TVs. A 7-Eleven & the American fast-food restaurant Subway also available inside.
City Park Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 46, Lorong Haji Hussein Satu, Off Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz  has 128 rooms, some smoking, some non-smoking. Rates from RM110 for standard room.
First Business Inn, 72 Jalan Dato Haji Eusoff Off Jalan Ipoh, Damai Complex, ☎ 603-40433399, . It offers air-conditioned accommodations, all of which have a private toilet and bath, cable TV, and telephone. Some of its amenities are high-speed Internet access, laundry/dry cleaning, and a restaurant that serves local and western dishes.Best rates on official website start at MYR 104.40. edit
Hostel Cosmopolitan, No. 73 & 75, Jalan Haji Hussein (50m from Chow Kit monorail station), ☎ +60(12)-3915686, +60(3)-26915686 (firstname.lastname@example.org), . It offers free internet with 4 computers & Wi-Fi 24 hours. Excellent security with PIN code for main access, CCTV, & burly security personnel on standby basis 24-hrs. Lockers provided for each guests. Possibly the largest backpackers hostel in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia as it can accommodate about 80 people. Ample shared bathroom/toilet cubicles, never any need to wait even when it's fully booked. Also sells trips & boat tickets to Perhentian islands. However, it does not accept phone/email bookings without advance deposits.Air-con dorm beds from RM22, fan dorm RM15, single room RM45, basic double/twin room RM55. edit
Swiss Hotel, 12 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, ☎ +603 2692 5555, . Swiss Hotel offers deluxe, superior and family rooms with cable TV, private toilet and bath. Its facilities and services include luggage storage, currency exchange, 24-hour front desk and fax/photocopying.Room rate starts at $28.04. edit
Hotel Putra Muda, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz. Rates from RM80 for double occupancy. Just 1 min walk from Monorail stn.
Hotel Sahara, just opposite Monorail - Chow Kit stn. Room rates start from RM80.
Wira Hotel, 123 Jalan Thamboosamy. Tel: +60-3-40423333  Rates from RM110 for a standard room.
Anum Hotel, Jalan Putra. Opened 2010. Rates from RM100.
Kuala Lumpur International Hotel, Lorong Haji Hussein, Off Jalan Raja Muda Abd Aziz, ☎ +603-26978833, . Spacious accommodation, all equipped with air condition, cable television, phone with voicemail system. Facilities and services are function rooms, business centre and Wi-Fi Internet accessbbvttyyhngnbgFrom MYR 170.00. edit
Citrus Hotel, 51 Jalan Tiong Nam, Off Jalan Raja Laut (Walking distance to Sultain Ismail LRT Station), ☎ +60 3 9195 9999 (email@example.com, fax: +60 3 9195 9988), . checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Chic, contemporary and with its splashes of greens and oranges, very cheerful. Rooms are comfortable and for those seeking a little more privacy with a few more privileges the Club Floor is a great alternative fitted with a 32" LCD flat screen TV, unlimited free WiFi, use of the Club Lounge and more. Facilities include a cafe, room service, swimming pool, gym and banquet rooms.Rates are from MYR 149 depending on time of year. edit
Brisdale Hotel,  65, Jalan Haji Hussein, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Tel: 60-3-26948833 - Three-star hotel in Chow Kit. Rooms from RM120.
Citin Hotel Masjid Jamek [www.citinmj.com], No. 7, Seksyen 33, corner of Jalan Melayu/Jalan Masjid India (1 min to LRT Masjid Jamek), ☎ +60 3 2693 2999 (firstname.lastname@example.org, fax: +60 3 2693 2988). checkin: 2.00pm; checkout: 12.00noon. Opened October 2009 smack dab in the middle of the bazaar, offers small but surprisingly slick, quiet and sparkling clean rooms. Aircon, ensuite bathrooms, free wifi/breakfast. Great little cafe serving local and your usual selection of western/international dishes.From RM115. edit
City Villa Hotel, Jalan Haji Hussein, off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. 3-star hotel in Chow Kit. Close to te nightly food market. Rooms from RM110.
Grand Seasons Hotel, Jalan Pahang (basically same road as Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman). 4-star hotel with excellent facilities. rates from RM200. 2 minutes walk from Chow Kit monorail station.
Leo Palace Hotel, Jalan Ramat, off Jalan Ipoh, tel. 60-3 -4043 5555, . Slightly above average budget hotel, 5 min walk to monorail/Putra WTC. Rooms from RM123.
Quality Hotel City Centre,  Jalan Raja Laut. Tel: +60-3-26939233. Fax: +60-3-26939634 - Member of Choice Hotels International, this 250-room hotel is more than decent for its price. Room rates online start at RM168. Attention with online-bookings: At Checkout the Reception easily 'forgets' to deduct the 10% deposit fee !
Chow Kit used to have a bad reputation among locals. Back in the 80s, prostitution used to plague the area, however, one can hardly see this anymore except for some ladyboys offering themselves on the streets. Chow Kit is no longer the dangerous place it used to be & now set to be the next commercial and shopping area of Kuala Lumpur.
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