Heading to the Malaysian capital and want to know the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, check out our extensive list here!
Kuala Lumpur often referred to as KL, is located in midwest of the Malaysian peninsula. A real hotbed of cultures, Kuala Lumpur is home to three prominent ethnicities, Malays, Chinese and Indians. All come together harmoniously, culminating into one of the most exciting cities in the whole of Southeast Asia.
The city is a tourists dream, with great varieties of food, architecture and activities all easily accessible with easy to use public transport.
Getting around in Kuala Lumpur
Getting around Kuala Lumpur is not all that tricky. The city can be easily navigated on foot, for the most part, however, during the day it can be extremely hot so other options can make life a little less sweaty!
Downloading the Grab app on your phone is ideal to get around during off-peak hours when the traffic is not too congested. Grab is essentially the Uber of Southeast Asia and you can pick up air-conditioned taxis from anywhere in the city for very low prices. Some regular taxis may try and overcharge tourists so the Grab app takes away the uncertainty of fares.
The city also has an advanced LRT railway system that can take you to and from some of the main tourist sites as well as a shuttle to the cities airport.
Petronas Towers / KLCC park
The most iconic landmark in KL. The Petronas twin towers were erected in 1998 and stand at 452m tall. The towers are spectacular to behold both during the day and in the evening. With beautiful steel and glass architecture working in perfect symmetry.
The towers are a great spot for a cheeky Instagram shot too, however, be careful of the touts trying to flog fish eye lenses for over the top prices!
China Town (Jalan Petaling)
One of the most popular tourist spots in the city. China town, located on Petaling Street is the oriental hub of Kuala Lumpur. China town especially comes alive at night (7 pm or later). The Chinese night markets offer a variety of items, from souvenirs to replica goods. However, the main attraction in China town has to be the fantastic food that is available.
We recommend trying Rat tail noodles! (Don’t worry, it’s not made from actual rats). Be sure to check out restaurant Send Kee for their noodles and roasted pork. Two main courses and a couple of drinks will set you back around RM40 – RM50 (£8/$10.3US).
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Sultan Abdul Samad Building / Merdeka Square
The hub of Kuala Lumpur’s colonial heritage. The Sultan Abdul Samad building was originally built in 1894 as a government building and federal courts.
Now the building houses the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia.
Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur
Located on the Gombak River right next to the Sultan building. The Oldest mosque in KL lies surrounded by modern style buildings of the new city. Designed by the same architect that created the Abdul Samad building, the mosque is worth checking out if you are in the area.
KL Tower SKY DECK
For the best 360 views over Kuala Lumpur, visit the Kl Tower Sky Deck. During the evening and day time, the tower is perfect to take in the city skyline and the surrounding areas.
A ticket for an international adult will cost RM99 (£18.50 / $24 USD).
If you want to keep it cheap, taking a look from the bottom is still a great photo opportunity.
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KL Forest Eco Park canopy walk
The Forest eco park is a fantastic green space that occupies a small area within the dense city. The canopy walk is free to the public, with great views over the surroundings with especially great views of the KL tower. The park is a perfect place to catch some shade too during the height of the day.
Rooftop infinity pool
Many hotels and apartment blocks in the Malaysian capital boast rooftop infinity pools! With such a fantastic skyline and scorching temperatures, it is not hard to understand why. The pools are great to unwind and stay cool, as well as soak up the views over the city.
We stayed at a fantastic Airbnb apartment in the Regalia suites. This gave us free access to the most amazing rooftop pool with views of the Petronas Towers.
Central Market
What was once a standard wet market has transformed over the years into what is now the home of the cities artistic community. Filled with handcrafted goods and boutique shops. The central market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
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Dining in the dark
Unlike the rural areas of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur offers experiences that are more commonplace amongst the other capital cities of the world. Dining in the dark is one of those. Although not a traditional concept, it is a fantastic experience none the less and far more affordable than you might find in some European cities.
At RM138 per person (£25.80 / $33 USD) you can expect a truly unforgettable sensory experience, tasting a superb mystery four-course meal in complete darkness!
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Got any more questions about KL? Let us know in the comments below and we will endeavour to help you out ASAP!
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