Kuala Lumpur is the vibrant capital city of Malaysia located approximately 50 kilometres off the central west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Often referred to as KL, the city is known for its iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, delectable cuisine and its bustling shopping, dining and entertainment districts.
Here are 6 awesome reasons to visit Kuala Lumpur.
Admire the Petronas Towers and hang out at KLCC Park
The Petronas Twin Towers are the most iconic landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Once the tallest buildings in the world, the project took 7 years to complete from 1992 to 1999. The towers stand 1,483 feet (452 metres) tall, each weighing 300,000 tons. With their impressive height, intricate Islamic and Malaysian architecture, and symbolic significance of Malaysia’s aspirations, the Petronas Twin Towers are an imposing spectacle and stunning display, particularly at night when the towers light up the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Every evening people will be gathered around the towers, hoping to get the perfect photo!
If you want an incredible panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur, you can book a Petronas Twin Towers tour. On Level 41 and 42, there’s a double-decker skybridge at 558 feet (170 metres) that connects the two towers. And on Level 86, at 1,214 feet (370 metres), the Observation Deck provides visitors with breathtaking views of the city.
The Petronas Twin Towers are next to KLCC Park, a 50-acre ‘urban oasis’ where you can surround yourself in lush greenery and take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. KLCC Park comes to life at night with the Lake Symphony fountain show, a synchronised performance of multicoloured lights, fountain water and music. It’s a great place to soak in the communal atmosphere, find a good spot and admire the soothing spectacle.
And if you want to do some shopping or get some refreshments, Suria KLCC is a 6 storey-mall located next to KLCC Park at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Renowned as a prominent shopping destination in KL, the mall has over 340 speciality stores, fashionable cafés and food courts with a diverse range of local and international cuisine.
Savour the delights of Malaysian cuisine
Malaysian cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavours that reflects the country’s rich cultural diversity; a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic groups. Malaysian food is full of flavour, balancing sweet, salty and sour ingredients, as well as incorporating a wide range of spices such as turmeric, chilli and cumin. Rice is a staple food and coconut milk is frequently used to add a sweet, creamy texture to dishes.
Each region offers its own distinct flavours and culinary experiences. For example, Penang, which is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is known for Peranakan cuisine, a culinary tradition that emerged from the interactions of Chinese and Malay communities in Southeast Asia.
Sabah and Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia, has had its cuisine influenced by the neighbouring countries of Indonesia and the Philippines, and indigenous ingredients such as sago (a starch extracted from the pith of sago palm trees) and durian (the ‘King of Fruits’, known to “smell like hell but taste like heaven“).
Nasi Lemak is widely recognized as a symbol of Malaysian cuisine and culture due to its popularity and ubiquity throughout the country. As such, it’s seen as the national dish of Malaysia. Literally translated as ‘fat rice’, Nasi Lemak is a dish that includes rice cooked in coconut milk, sambal (a spicy chilli sauce), fried anchovies, roasted peanuts and cucumber slices. Additional ingredients are often added such as fried egg and friend chicken. Given its taste profile of sweet, salty and spicy flavours, along with its creamy texture, it’s understandable why Nasi Lemak is a much-loved dish throughout Malaysia.
If you’re looking for a quick snack during your Kuala Lumpur visit, Satay is a delicious choice that consists of skewered grilled meat served with peanut sauce. And if you’re working up a sweat in the tropical KL climate, try Cendol, a refreshing dessert of green rice noodles, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup. While you’re at it, grab a Milo, a much-loved chocolate malt drink widely enjoyed throughout Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur has a thriving street food scene, with popular hotspots at Jalan Alor and Petaling Street (both outlined below). Street food prices in KL are generally very affordable, which makes it a great way to experience local cuisine without having to spend too much. A main dish costs around RM 5-10 ($1.15-$2.30 / €1-€2), snacks are RM 1-2 ($0.2-$0.4 / €0.2-€0.4), and drinks go for RM 1-3 ($0.2-$0.6 / €0.2-€0.6).
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Bukit Bintang
To get a feel of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant character, Bukit Bintang is the place to be. Located in the heart of the city, Bukit Bintang is a bustling commercial and entertainment hub known for its diverse dining options, upscale shopping malls, entertaining street performances and exciting nightlife. On a typical weekend, expect to see throngs of people passing through Jln Bukit Bintang as they explore the highlights of Malaysia’s capital.
Bukit Bintang is a shoppers paradise that caters to a wide variety of budgets. For example, Sungei Wang Plaza is a mall that refers to itself as a “shopping haven for fashionistas and bargain hunters” where you can find affordable clothing, electronics and souvenirs. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, is a vast upscale mall spread over 700 stores and 10 floors, featuring international luxury brands, various dining options and urban leisure such as a cinema, art gallery and karaoke. And as you explore Bukit Bintang, you may find a hidden gem or two, as there are many street markets and boutiques offering unique and locally made products.
Perhaps the most famous street in Bukit Bintang is Jalan Alor, renowned for its colourful night market and delicious street food. Both tourists and locals flock to Jalan Alor to enjoy the nightlife and savour the Malaysian and international cuisine on offer, including Chinese, Thai, Indian and Vietnamese food.
Most of the restaurants and stalls on Jalan Alor provide outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while soaking up the lively atmosphere of street performers, buskers and the cosmopolitan crowd. Bright neon signs, smoky grills and tables spilling onto the street create a buzzing, festive environment that’s made Jalan Alor an iconic tourist hotspot in Kuala Lumpur.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Chinatown
Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur traces its origins to the 1800s when people from southern provinces of China such as Guangdong and Fujian visited and settled in the area to work in the flourishing tin mining industry. As people set up businesses and shops, it soon became a bustling trading centre, setting the scene for the hub of activity that Chinatown KL is today.
The main attraction in Chinatown is Petaling Street, an iconic open-air market lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to street food. There’s also a wide range of counterfeit goods being sold such as designer handbags, watches, clothes and electronics. Petaling Street is covered with a large green awning, so visitors can shop in comfort while being protected from Malaysia’s tropical weather.
Haggling is part of the Petaling Street experience. Vendors typically expect shoppers to negotiate prices. The prices on a label or what is offered to you by the vendor at first instance likely will leave room for some negotiation. Negotiating for a lower price is expected and is part of the shopping culture but it’s important to be respectful. Remember, even if you’re purchasing knockoff goods, there’s still a cost of production.
Beyond Petaling Street, Chinatown is home to Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, the oldest KL Taoist temple founded in 1864 by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, the oldest KL Hindu temple founded in 1873 by K. Thamboosamy Pillay. Both structures exhibit distinct architectural styles, with the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple reflecting traditional Chinese temple architecture and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple reflecting colourful Dravidian architecture.
If you’re looking for a more artistic shopping experience, Central Market is a historic shopping centre located a 5 minute walk away from Petaling Street that offers a wide range of Malaysian handicrafts, textiles, artwork and souvenirs. It often hosts cultural events such as traditional dance performances and art exhibitions, and it’s a great place to get your hands on some traditional Malaysian Batik clothing.
Admire the breathtaking architecture of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to a diverse architectural landscape that reflects its cultural heritage, rich history and rapid modernisation, incorporating elements of traditional Malay, Islamic, Chinese, Indian, colonial British and modern design.
Stunning Islamic architecture is displayed throughout the city.
The National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) presents a Malay influence and a shift towards modernism in Islamic architecture, with the main dome designed in the shape of an 18-pointed star. An angular minaret stands 240 feet (73 metres) high, pools and fountains surround the complex, and various pillars support the intricately decorated 22,500 square foot prayer hall. Reflecting the multicultural diversity of Malaysia, the National Mosque of Malaysia was financed by contributions from Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur that displays a unique combination of Moorish, Mughal and Indo-Saracenic influences, reminiscent of structures built during the Mughal era in India. It has three large domes, two 88 feet (289 metres) high minarets, and red brick and white stucco theme reminiscent of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India.
Wilayah Persekutuan Mosque, also known as The Federal Territory Mosque, is a beautiful fusion of Ottoman, Mughal and traditional Malay architectural styles. Inside, magnificent chandeliers hang from the central dome and semi-domes, while outside reflecting pools and fountains provide a sense of tranquility to the grandeur of horseshoe and pointed arches and the two 305 feet (93 metres) high minarets.
Kuala Lumpur’s architecture is also heavily influenced by its colonial history. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic colonial-era structures. Built in 1897, it originally served as the administrative offices for the British colonial government and is now home to the Malaysian Ministry of Information, Communications, and Culture. A notable feature of the building is its imposing clock tower, often referred to as the Big Ben of Malaysia, which stands 135 feet (41 metres) tall.
Serving as the main railway hub of Kuala Lumpur until KL Sentral took over in 2001, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is another stunning example of colonial architecture. With a façade of white and cream-colored stone and plaster, the building reflects a blend of Victorian Gothic, Moorish, Indo-Saracenic and Mughal architectural styles. KL Railway station is a good addition to a tourist’s itinerary as it’s within walking distance of the National Mosque of Malaysia, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957.
Kuala Lumpur is also known for its futuristic skyline, dominated by skyscrapers and tall structures such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka 118 (at 2,227 feet tall, it’s the second tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia), and Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), a 1,381 feet telecommunications tower with an Observation Deck and revolving restaurant.
While KL’s high rise buildings provide architectural elegance and modernity to the city’s skyline, if you look a bit closer, there are details to be appreciated. For example, the KL Tower has Arabic calligraphy adorning its base and muqarnas (decorative vaulting) at the Observation Deck. Merdeka 118’s design takes inspiration from the outstretched hand of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of Malaysia, when he declared independence in 1957. And the Petronas Twin Towers have interior motifs designed to resemble Malaysia’s local handicrafts and weaving patterns.
Climb to the summit of the Batu Caves
The Batu Caves is a popular tourist destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year because of its natural beauty and cultural importance. While not technically located within the city limits of Kuala Lumpur, it’s only a 35 minute journey north on the KTM Seremban Line from KL Sentral to Batu Caves.
The Batu Caves is an important spiritual and cultural site for Malaysia’s Hindu community and is the focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival. One of the most iconic features of the Batu Caves is the towering gold-painted statue of Lord Murugan, which stands 140 feet (42.7 metres) tall, making it the tallest statue of Lord Murugan in the world.
Reaching the interior of the caves is achieved by climbing a steep, colourful flight of 272 steps. Be prepared to encounter macaque monkeys on your way up. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded by a panoramic view of limestone hills and Kuala Lumpur in the distance, as well as the entrance to the main cave, known as the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave.
The Batu Caves are set within a limestone hill that is believed to be over 400 million years old. The natural beauty of the caves, the high ceilings and stalactites, formed over millions of years by the slow dripping of water, are a sight to behold and create a unique and unforgettable spiritual aura.
If you’ve booked a trip to Kuala Lumpur, have a look at our article Kuala Lumpur Travel Tips: Things To Know Before Visiting.
And if you’ll need to do some work while you’re there, check out the Best Places to Work for Free (Or Almost Free!) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
