For those who have lived or worked in Kuala Lumpur for some time, it is easy to assume one knows all there is to know about the bustling city.

Yet in Secret Kuala Lumpur, author Lam Seng Fatt urges readers to pause and fully appreciate the city’s sights and sounds beyond the familiar.

His book features over 100 overlooked treasures, from obscure shrines and temples to hidden back lanes and architectural details – each with its own story.

In 'Secret Kuala Lumpur', Lam urges readers to pause and fully appreciate the city’s sights and sounds beyond the familiar.

In this handy carry book (published by Jonglez Publishing), food enthusiasts can also explore the city’s oldest surviving menu – predating Merdeka – while history buffs can seek out the only building displaying Kuala Lumpur’s colonial shield.

Even well-known tourist sites like Central Market and Petaling Street reveal unique histories within its pages.

Lam, a journalist with over 45 years of experience and author of guidebooks including Insider’s Kuala Lumpur and Thrills And Treasures Of Historical Landmarks Selangor, shares the challenges he faced in compiling the new book.

Panggung Bandaraya DBKL (KL City Theatre) is the sole building featuring Kuala Lumpur’s colonial shield. Can you find it? – Filepic

Could you describe the process involved in compiling your new book?

It took me two-and-a-half years to do research and write the book. It was a very difficult book to write because the publisher, Thomas Jonglez of Jonglez Publishing (an independent publisher based in Paris) had a very fixed concept on what the book should be about.

Some articles that I wrote were returned because they did not fit his concept and I had to rewrite them. He also wanted the articles to be short and I spent quite a bit of time cutting my stories to fit his stipulated length.

How did you determine which aspects of Kuala Lumpur could be considered ‘secret’?

The greatest challenge was to find the “secret”. Thomas’ concept of the Secret series was centred on the secret being visible and accessible, preferably from the exterior and preferably without having to pay entrance fees. There are several books in the Secret series published by him, including Secret Singapore.

Instead of describing an attraction like a normal tourist guide book, I had to search for a secret that is not known about the place and do much research on its history.

Lam, holding a copy of his book, poses with readers who attended his book talk at Sunda Shelves in Petaling Jaya last November. – Sunda Shelves

Following your well-received bookshop talks, have you observed the types of readers buying the book?

This book caters to both the armchair traveller and the adventurous, curious KLite eager to explore the city firsthand. It appeals to anyone interested in uncovering the little-known stories of the place they call home. It has also proven popular with tour guides seeking fascinating tales to share with their groups.

The publisher’s target audience for his Secret guide books is actually the inhabitants of the place – the locals, not the tourists. Some foreigners who are in KL on long-term work contracts will also probably buy it.

Which of Kuala Lumpur’s lesser-known spots are among your favourites?

The Tomb of Sheikh Datuk Harun Al-Rashid Zubaidah in Sentul and The Lersi Statues of Wat Meh Liew Thai Buddhist Temple off Jalan Tun Razak are perhaps the most intriguing secrets in the city. You’ll have to read the book to find out why, though!