Selangor – Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Selangor state is Malaysia's economic hub. It contains Kuala Lumpur (KL) and its satellite towns, accommodating around 7.2 million people, a population comparable to that of central London. It also hosts Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the nation's main entry point, the Sepang Formula One motor racing circuit, and Putrajaya – the government's administrative centre. The state also boasts a sophisticated highway network and Malaysia's silicon valley, Cyberjaya, complete with a high-speed communications network.

Yet despite all this busy modernity, Selangor has wonderful beaches and a host of historic and natural attractions. Just 30 minutes away from KLIA is Bagan Lalang, a former fishing village, with tranquil beaches.  For nature, there are numerous parks and reserves such as the Paya Indah Wetlands and Kanching Recreational Forest, all within the vicinity of KL. History lovers will enjoy the various palaces and forts built by past Sultans of Selangor.

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Kuala Lumpur, locally known as KL, is a thriving cosmopolitan and international city of around 1.5 million people. As Malaysia's financial and commercial heart, it boasts all the amenities of a world class modern metropolis and hosts most of the world's leading international companies. It also has a large expatriate community. The architectural exuberance of its 1,460ft Petronas Twin Towers, that were until recently the world's tallest, is a testament to the city's economic success.

But surprisingly for a major international city, KL represents superb value for money. According to worldwide Swiss bank, UBS, it is a bargain for business travellers, being the cheapest of 71 global cities. Its overall visitor costs, including travel and entertainment, run at less than a quarter of Tokyo and other comparable cities. A three mile taxi journey costs 81p in KL, compared to £5.89 in New York, and a staggering £10.30 in London.

Close to Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is a new planned city, designed to accommodate the federal government. To its west is Cyberjaya – a cyber city founded in 1997 to serve as a focus of Malaysia’s hi tech prowess.