Things to do in Kuala Lumpur - My Top 10 Places
Visiting Kuala Lumpur as a quick stop-over or a flying visit!? Here you can check out my top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur to ensure you don't miss those must-see places! As well as where to stay and what to eat in this incredible city.
This sprawling city was easy to explore within just a few days, and it quite quickly became one of my favourite cities in the world!
About Kuala Lumpur
What's so special about this Asian city?
Kuala Lumpur - the capital of Malaysia - is a modern high-rise city, filled with skyscrapers and shopping malls. It is one of the most diverse places in Southeast Asia, as KL is home to a range of cultures and religions, including Malays, Indians, Chinese, and British colonials... Maybe why I felt so at home in this city.
What is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
The climate in Kuala Lumpur is generally quite humid, and so always be prepared for rain at any time of the year - carry a lightweight, rolled up raincoat with you at all times!
December to February is high season, due to an influx of visitors over Christmas and the New Year period. Which is shortly followed by the drier season between May and July, which tends to be quieter.
We visited at the end of February, finding it to be very humid and sunny with a few very tropical down pours!
Therefore, the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is from May to July or December to February.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Now you know more about Kuala Lumpur, you can start planning your time in this incredible city!
So what should you not miss!? Below are my top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur - click on each for more info OR just continue scrolling...
Top 10 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
1. Menara KL Tower
Menara KL Tower sits on a hill in the heart of the city and is surrounded by an eco forest. As the tallest telecommunication tower in Southeast Asia, it offers incredible views of the KL skyline.
This landmark isn't as touristy as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers but still get there early to beat the queues.
First head up to the observation deck for 360 views of the city, before getting another lift up to the sky deck where you'll find yourself high up in the clouds. If you're feeling daring then attempt one of the skyboxes... a glass box which overhangs the tower, sitting at over 400 m high. Walk around it or even sit on the crystal clear glass... Not for the faint-hearted!
This was definitely one of my favourite things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Tip: Get tickets for the 'Sky Deck' to enjoy access to the observation deck, sky deck and the sky boxes. You can purchase tickets in advance online, but we bought ours on the day and had no issues. International Adult Ticket - 99 MYR (19 GBP)
2. Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers - these iconic buildings are recognised around the world. At nearly 454 m tall they are the tallest twin structures in the world!
- Visit in the early evening to watch the sunset over KL
- Each time slot accommodates a group of about 12 - 15 people, meaning the tour isn't too crowded - ideal for getting all those travel snaps and selfies!
- First, you'll be taken to the sky bridge which connects the two towers and sits at 170 m - making it the world's highest two-storey bridge.
- Then head up to the 86th floor - with a total of 88 levels you really are towering above everything. Spend some time here to take in the incredible views!
Tip: Definitely book tickets online in advance if you can! As our visit to Kuala Lumpur was a last-minute plan, the online booking for the Petronas Towers was no longer available. Instead, we went to the ticket office in the morning to try a get a slot for the same day. The ticket office opens at 08:30 am but make sure you get there before 08:00 am to be in with a chance of getting on a tour! Tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis and when we arrived there was already about 10 people waiting! Adult Ticket - 80 MYR (15 GBP) BOOK ONLINE HERE
Note: The Petronas Towers are closed on Mondays
3. Suria KLCC
Tip: If you opt to go to the cinema while in KL, make sure to check out the movie trailer in advance... We booked to see a film called ‘Guardians” which we assumed would be a big American blockbuster. Once seated we quickly realised it was a Russian film with English subtitles – not the best movie ever seen and safe to say we escaped early!
The 50 acre KLCC Park sits in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers, making it the perfect place to stroll around and escape from the midday heat. Visit again at night to see the twin towers lit up against the dark sky, as well as the choreographed fountain display - sit back, relax and watch from one of the bars or restaurants on the edge of the park.
Take yourself back to your childhood at the aquarium Aquaria KLCC - A fun place to spend a couple of hours, expand your knowledge of marine life and learn about an ancient shark that was bigger than a T-Rex! Adult Ticket - 69 MYR (13 GBP)
You can also pay a small additional amount to see an interactive show but this is really directed towards small children... based on experience, I wouldn't recommend it.
4. Little India
After spending a month in India we were quite easily drawn to ‘Little India’ in KL. This area is formally called 'Brickfields' but due to the high percentage of Indian residents and businesses that settled here, it's now referred to as Little India.
This hub of culture is filled full of bazaars and sari shops, highlighting the multi-cultural essence of this city.
Start at the main street of Jalan Tun Sambanthan and meander around for an hour or so - take in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of India! Stop for a bite to eat at one of the traditional Indian restaurants. From here it's about a 15-minute walk south to Merdeka Square.
Little India is also within walking distance of KL Sentral station. There are also lots of budget-friendly hotels nearby!
5. Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) is set in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and is the traditional heart of KL. In 1957 Malaysian independence was declared here, although there is still a colonial feel with remnants of the British Empire.
It consists of neatly kept, green lawns as well as the tallest flagpole in the world at 95 metres high! And it is a popular spot for different forms of entertainment - when we were in Kuala Lumpur, the KL Motor Show was on here and the square was filled with cars and motorbikes!
6. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
7. Masjid Jamek Mosque
From Merdeka Square, head to the nearby Masjid Jamek Mosque which is free to visit during non-prayer times. It is recognised as the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur and overlooks the Klang River. Due to it being closed on Fridays, it is also known as 'Friday Mosque' - we were unlucky and passed by when it was shut.
Check out the Islamic Experience Centre just outside of the mosque, which provides information in English too.
Opening Hours
Saturday - Thursday - 08:00 - 12:30 // 14:30 - 16:30
8. Chinatown
Chinatown is a bustling place, especially in the evening due to its late-night street market. Also, a great spot to get a cheap dinner due to its array of street food - this was our favourite place to eat at night! Therefore it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur.
The Petaling Street market makes up the core of Chinatown, and is mostly covered - perfect if there is a sudden tropical rainstorm!
Be sure to pop by for some bargain shopping - but don't forget to still haggle for the best price possible.
9. National Mosque of Malaysia
Masjid Negara is the National Mosque of Malaysia, the nationwide symbol of Islam, and can hold up to 15,000 people!
The white, ornate architecture makes it not only peaceful but a beautiful place to stop and take in the calm of this sanctuary. It is made up of the main prayer hall with 48 smaller domes around it, as well as its 73-metre high minaret - making it a prominent place in the KL skyline. The design of this mosque is similar to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
It is free to visit outside prayer times, but make sure you dress appropriately - long hooded robes are available to wear.
10. Perdana Botanical Gardens
Free to visit
Open daily: 07:00 - 20:00
Behind Masjid Negara are the Perdana Botanical Gardens, set within the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park. The gardens are home to a deer park, orchid garden, and butterfly park - to name just a few!
Enjoy an easy afternoon here to escape the busy city centre - unfortunately, our visit got cut short due to torrential rain, so we had to quickly scarper for shelter.
Just outside the gardens are also KL Bird Park, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, and National Planetarium.
Eat your heart out
Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur
The street food scene in KL offers an array of delicious dishes, inspired by the assortment of cultures settled in the city.
Hokkien Mee - is a specialty dish of Kuala Lumpur. Essentially fried noodles with chicken, pork, and other meat - albeit delicious!
Kim Lian Kee Street Restaurant - located in the heart of Chinatown. Here you can try Hokkien Mee, as well as lots of other dishes including BBQ pork with rice.
Petaling Street and the surrounding around of Chinatown is filled with steaming street food stalls, serving budget-friendly, hearty meals.
Head to Little India for authentic Indian food. Enjoy tandoori chicken biryani, aloo gobi masala and garlic naan all for about £10, including drinks for two.
On most streets you'll hear them calling of 'Durian, Durian, Durian' - regarded as the world's smelliest fruit, it's no surprise that practically all hotels and hostels have signs saying 'no durian allowed'. But it is a must-try, especially when visiting this part of the world.
Missing western food? As much as I believe in eating the local delicacies and dishes, I get it - you've been traveling Asia for months and are dreaming of that plain, not spicy burger! Head to Suria KLCC for global chain restaurants... let's just say there is a Nandos.
Sleep Tight
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur...
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Certain tourist spots are within walking distance of one another, but some parts are quite spread out.
The trains (monorail and Light Rail Transit) are really easy to use, but if you want to dart across the city use Grab Taxi. It's essentially the Asian version of Uber, so permitting you have internet access it's quick and simple to use.
Note: Kuala Lumpur is liable to flash flooding which results in a gridlocked traffic, with journeys ending up taking double the amount of time.
Conclusion
Spend a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur, to fully explore this multi-cultural city!
- Visit either between December and February, or May and July
- Remember to keep a light-weight rain coat in your bag, incase of a sudden down-pour!
- Check out all of my top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Menara KL Tower, Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC, Little India, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Masjid Jamek Mosque, Chinatown, the National Mosque of Malaysia, and the Perdana Botanical Gardens
- If you have time take a day-trip to the nearby Batu Caves, located just outside of Kuala Lumpur
- Try all the different cuisines and local dishes from each of the cultures settled here - check out my list of what to eat
Comment below if you have any questions, and I'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here.
Coconuts and Camels x
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