Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Travel Guide

Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, has a cityscape filled with gleaming skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Known as KL (Kuala Lumpur) is widely recognised for numerous landmarks, including Petronas Twin Towers (twin skyscrapers with a sky bridge and observation deck), the Petaling Street Chinatown market, Central Market Pasar Seni, Little India Brickfields and Batu Caves, which is over 400 million years old. 

The city’s main hub is called the Golden Triangle, which comprises Bukit Bintang, KLCC, and Chinatown. Expansive shopping malls like Tun Razak Exchange (TRX, newly opened last December), Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are among the biggest attractions in the city. These grand shopping places host a wide range of upmarket labels from all over the world. Foodies have plenty of good reasons to love Kuala Lumpur. The city’s thousands of hawker stalls, cafes, and restaurants serve every type of delicious food from all states. Beyond Kuala Lumpur’s glass, steel, and concrete, you’ll find plenty of green spaces and natural attractions around you. Also, probably less than an hour or two short drive from the city, you can explore natural green forested hills with hiking trails leading to waterfalls.

Let us share with you best things to do in KL, best family things to do in KL and best free things to do in KL on coming posts. Stay tune!

Best Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC)

The Petronas Twin Towers is one of the most iconic landmarks of Kuala Lumpur and of Malaysia. Impressive by day and dazzling at night, it’s a sight you cannot miss when exploring this vibrant city. The 88-storey chrome and steel towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors (175 metres above street level) by the 58-metre-long and double-decker Skybridge. For those in search of a good view from the top, head to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor or the double-decker Sky Bridge that connects both towers in the middle. If you’d prefer to snap photos from the ground, there are great photo spots of the Twin Towers from various points of the city. KLCC Park and Suria KLCC shopping mall is located same building in Twin Towers, which is best place to find food and outdoor activities.

Tip : Park is quite huge in space, divided into wet land and playground. On wet land zone, there’s small scale swimming pool for younger children, toilet or changing room is just nearby and easy to access. While playground, there are more than 30 units of facilities which could probably accommodate more than 100 kids to play together. Morning is the best timing to visit, both park and twin towers to catch beautiful sunlight in the city. Best news is, entrance is free of charge on 365 days a year!

Address : Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Menara KL | KL Tower

Soaring above a majestic height of 421 metres, the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is easily one of Malaysia’s most iconic and popular landmarks, alongside the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC). The KL Tower is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the highest viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur! Aside tallest freestanding towers in the world, it’s also an important architectural icon in the city.

Ride a high-speed elevator to the observation deck at the top, or even enjoy a buffet lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at Atmosphere 360, the modern revolving restaurant furnished in a spaceship-like atmosphere, with incredible city views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Boasting spectacular views of Kuala Lumpur, the viewing deck is at least 100 metres higher than the Petronas Tower’s Skybridge.

Tip : There’s a mini zoo farm at near entrance of KL Tower, parents could bring children over to petting mini animals like rabbits, birds and cutie hamsters, etc.

Address : 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Ticket Price : Range from RM 37 onwards, click here for more info.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a 400 million-year-old limestone hill with a 100-year-old temple incorporated within it. Majestic limestone caves guarded by a 42-metre-tall monumental statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, Batu Caves is undeniably an iconic attraction and must-see in Kuala Lumpur. It’s best known as the focal point of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam. Hike up the 272 colourful stairs where you may be ‘disturb’ by cheeky monkeys – keep your bags and cameras close!

Tip : As Batu Caves is a religious site, you’ll have to dress modestly on where bottom length that goes below the knee and tops that aren’t revealing. Batu Caves is in Gombak, around 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Best to take taxi or Grab to reach colourful spectacle temple.

Address : Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor (map coordinator).

Merdeka Square | Dataran Merdeka

Merdeka Square is the place where the country announced independence (local language is merdeka) on August 31st, 1957. Check out the 200m-long field, one of the tallest flagpole in the world (standing at a height of 95m and proudly displaying the Malaysian flag), and the British Tudor-inspired Royal Selangor Club in the backdrop of the square.

Make sure you do pop by the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, located just beside the Merdeka Square. The gallery houses a massive city model as well as a collection of impressive and innovative exhibits. Tourists or even local like to take photos in front of the iconic “I Love KL” structure located in front of the gallery!

Tip : There’s a famous bakery cafe located in KL City Gallery, don’t miss out their popular dessert like strudels and croissants to pair with signature drinks (milo mix with coffee) after you done sight seeing.

Address : Jln Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Entrance Ticket : Free

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Located just across the street from the Merdeka Square, The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a distinguished city landmark that originally served as the secretariat for the colonial British administration. This Moorish-style building was designed by AC Norman and completed in 1897. It’s home to the offices of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia, and frequently the backdrop for Independence Day parades. The building is constructed entirely of brick, with graceful arches and a clock tower that looks like a mini Big Ben! Consider as morning city walk, to experience cultural and historical area with your loved one. Definitely worth it!

Tip : There’s plenty of office buildings and old-style of restaurants nearby, cater for breakfast which not only for ‘blue-collar’ but mainly local elderly usually sitting around every morning as chatting spot with old friends.

Address : Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator)

Entrance Ticket : Free

River Of Life at Masjid Jamek

Located near Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, the oldest mosque in the city, it is a convergence point of two rivers: the Klang River and the Gombak River. The Klang River, known as Sungai Klang by the locals, streams through the regions of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and eventually into the straits of Malacca. The Gombak River is another major river in the Klang Valley. What began as an expensive urban river restoration project has paid off, as the River of Life has been listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful waterfronts in the world! One of the main attractions is the “Dancing Symphony Fountain”, featuring a hi-tech water system installed that sprouts to various rhythms of music. The musical pieces are a combination of national songs and pop culture. It is known as the “Blue Pool” or “Kolam Biru” in Malay, thanks to the cobalt blue lighting that transforms the river into a brilliant blue shade.

Tip : Best time to start your leisure walking is around 6.30pm to 7pm, lights will be on and catch light show that last 15minutes.

Address : River of Life, Leboh Pasar Besar, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Tugu Negara

Tugu Negara was built in remembrance of the fallen soldiers during the fight to independence between 1948 to 1960 in Malaysia and is one of the country’s most iconic historical spots. The 15.5m tall monument is one of the largest bronze statues in the world and consists of 7 soldiers carrying the Malaysian flag. Seven qualities of leadership: command, unity, courage, strength, wariness, suffering, and sacrifice represented by soldier statues. There are inscriptions and badges on the roof of the pathway leading to the monument. It’s well maintained and very clean too. There is a fountain also inside the premises. A definite visit when you are already nearby!

Tip : The entry is free and a garden surrounds the monument. Remember to bring along an umbrella or wear a cap if you’re visiting on a sunny morning as there is little shade here! Or evening visit is also a good idea.

Address : Perdana Botanical Garden, Jln Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Little India | Brickfields

To experience beauty of Malaysia, which has multi races living under one roof peacefully and harmony, best to visit local places like Brickfields, the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Little India, is a treasure trove of culture. Lined with Indian stores and restaurants, Little India is a must-visit neighbourhood in the heart of KL. Pop by in the morning or during lunchtime for some delicious and affordable Indian cuisine (some favourites include banana leaf rice, nasi biryani, and chapathi tosai!). Walking through the streets of Brickfields, you’ll see shops brimming with colourful Indian clothes, jewellery, and unique goods. The street is brick-paved and lined with white street lamps and colourful arches – keep an eye out for those and you’ll know you’re in the area!

Address : 229, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Entrance Ticket : Free

Chinatown | Petaling Street

Located just a miles walking distance away from the Central Market, Chinatown (also called Petaling Street or ‘Chee Chong Gai’ in Cantonese) is an area where you can catch a glimpse of the culture, heritage, and history of the city. From shopping products (bags, clothing to shoe) to delicious street snack food, it’s a food hunter’s paradise and great fun to browse through if you’re in the area. There are also many lovely cafes and local restaurants located in the vicinity! Food places in street you could get are ranging from open air for whom enjoying local weather to air-conditioning for whom like to get instant cool. Surprised not, you can even get to eat durian here!

Tip : From day to night, from snack, drinks to comfort food, egg tarts, pastry, fried chestnut, soya bean, herbal tea, herbal jelly, refreshing longan drink, chee cheong fun, wonton noodle, beef noodle, curry noodle, banana leaf charcoal noodle and many more to start your food adventure here.

Address : Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Entrance Ticket : Free

Central Market | Pasar Seni

Central Market is a Kuala Lumpur cultural landmark, just a short walk away from Petaling Street. It’s known as the centre of the city where it was built in 1928 and used to be a simple wet market, until the early 1980s when it was revamped into a handicrafts outlet. Local called “Pasar Seni”, where “Seni” in bahasa is referring to art. Hence, merchandise at Central Market (is at reasonable price) comprises traditional goods such as batik, embroidery carvings, souvenirs, and sculptures. Indoor of the building comes with air-conditioning, while along street of building there’s stalls (food and crafts) and street artists singing performance mainly from evening onwards.

Tip : There are food stalls around, you may find traditional and local food drink here as well. After recent re-renovate, there’s new stalls selling creative and modern cuisine menu which even local coming all the way to try.

Address : Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Entrance Ticket : Free

Golden Triangle | Bukit Bintang

Another significant spot in Kuala Lumpur, Golden Triangle – which Also known as Kuala Lumpur’s commercial, shopping, and entertainment hub. The Golden Triangle is where three streets come across, forming a triangle borders of entire Golden Triangle area. It is home to towering skyscrapers, 5 stars hotels, as well as a collection of popular shopping malls in KL such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Fahrenheit, Low Yat Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, and Berjaya Times Square. For shopping queen (window shopping works as well), you can’t miss this vibrant part of KL! Shopping, food, music, drinks or late night party- here is the place you looking for.

Tip : It’s also a popular area to stay in if you’re travelling to Kuala Lumpur due to its central location and close vicinity to most tourist attractions in the city. The beauty of this place, starts from midnight!

Address : 50, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur (map coordinator).

Entrance Ticket : Free

The list isn’t end here, many more we want to share with you. Keep visiting, as we are updating posts from time to time for you!

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