For the National Geographic Traveler cities roundup, I wrote about the Malaysian capital, emphasizing the seductive energy of the city as well as the echo of its natural setting. When equatorial Kuala Lumpur awakes from its heat-of-the-day slumber, the late shift throngs sidewalk restaurants and markets to vie over noodles and durian.

Humanity swirls around the geometric pylons of the Petronas Twin Towers, blazing as they pierce the sky…businesspeople crisp from air-conditioned work, perfumed shoppers, sandaled sightseers from nearby jungle villages and far-off countries.

We all reel from the amperage of the Malaysian capital, drawn like moths to a flame.