For many of us, Kuala Lumpur usually ends up being a short stop between two places, when we’re on a holiday. But, what many of us don’t know is that this bustling city has more to offer than we can dream of - we’re not joking!
While the Petronas Towers are known all over, there’s so much more out there, like the Batu Caves or even the amazing wildlife that’s present here, in and around the city.
As you set about exploring the city, you must try the quintessential Malaysian beverage, an iced teh tarik, while wandering through the bustling streets of Bukit Bintang. This district is a haven for shoppers, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered around every corner, from designer boutiques to traditional markets.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that promises to ensnare your senses with its unique allure and pulsating energy. Brace yourself for an extraordinary adventure as we jump straight in!
Make your way through Petaling Street or Chinatown
Kuala Lumpur's historic district, now known as Petaling Street, and its surrounding blocks, are what is also known as the bustling Chinatown. This area has many shops and stalls, perfect for bargain hunters. You’re sure to find imitation designer goods and delectable traditional eateries. When you’re here, you’ll begin to see why this place stands out - captivating street art on side streets is worthy of a lot of photographs, and while you’re there, don’t forget to visit iconic landmarks like the Hindu Temple Sri Mahamariamman Temple and the Sin Sze Si Ya Taoist Temple, which are among the city's oldest.
Tickets to an evening guided tour of Chinatown
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers, unquestionably Kuala Lumpur's most iconic landmarks, reach a towering height of 451.9 meters, dominating the city's skyline. Offering an unrivaled opportunity to admire panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur, these twin architectural wonders are a must-visit, and with your cameras, please!
Hop into the elevator to the 86th floor, and stand on the Skybridge, the observation deck, and just take it all in. We know, it might take a few hours for you to actually want to leave.
Psst: The KLCC Park, a 50-acre garden around the Suria KLCC shopping center and Petronas Towers, is one of the best places to get a great view of the Petronas Towers, and all the locals know it too!
Tickets to Petronas Twin Towers
Go bird watching at the KL Bird Park
The KL Bird Park is truly a unique place to visit, where thousands of birds thrive in harmony amid the park's lush greenery, flowing rivers, and towering trees. It's essentially a walk-in aviary, creating a serene oasis where both you as visitors, and wildlife coexist in perfect harmony.
This avian haven boasts an impressive collection of over 300 bird species, from cockatoos to storks and even the world's largest pigeons. However, it's the majestic Hornbills that steal the show here. For those eager to get up close and personal with these feathered residents, the park offers feeding stations and hosts daily shows and performances that provide unique opportunities for interaction.
PS- If you love animals, don’t forget to spend some time at the Negara National Zoo, which is an ‘open zoo’ with no glass enclosures (something we’re very happy about!) and has a huge number of animals to visit. You can club this with a picnic, if you do decide to go there!
Tickets to KL Bird Park
Eat your way around Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysia that you want to see is the one that has street food stalls offering the best and most authentic food there is. Well, this is what Jalan Alor Kuala Lumpur Food Street, an institution in Kuala Lumpur, is here to offer you. As the sun sets, the street comes alive with all sorts of Asian food. You simply have to make up your mind amongst so many delicious options.
Another market to check out is the Chow Kit Market, which is the country’s biggest wet market! Little Indonesia is another place to visit to appreciate their cuisine. Visiting these local markets and food stalls will help you learn about their produce and all the ingredients that are used, and you also get to interact with the locals (exchange recipes, if you will!)
BONUS: Malay cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, which vary depending on the region. In the south, dishes are typically lemak (fatty) and influenced by Thai cuisine, such as tom yam stew. Satay, grilled skewers of meat, is a popular dish throughout Malaysia, but can be hard to find outside of big cities. Nasi lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, is a ubiquitous breakfast dish. Rendang, a dryish curry made with beef and coconut milk, is another classic Malay dish.
Kuih-muih, sweetmeats made with coconut and gula melaka (palm-sugar molasses), are a popular treat in Malaysia. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Tickets to food tours
Make new friends at a pet cafe in Kuala Lumpur
Getting some great food and getting to pet a dog or a cat at the same time? What more could one want in life! For those of us who love a little whimsy while traveling, make sure to head to a pet cafe in the city to be able to play with furry animals and also sample some great food.
Check out:- CuBs&CuPs is a fun dog cafe KL in Sri Hartamas, for both humans and pets. This dog cafe offers more than just a playful experience with pets. They serve some delicious Korean dishes such as Bibimbap and Bulgogi. And, you cannot miss their delectable range of desserts! They also offer specially curated menus for your furry buddies!
- Swim Paradise Park & Cafe is a popular dog cafe in KL. It offers both a refreshing escape for dogs and a great cafe to chill at for their owners. One of the biggest attractions of this cafe is the dog swimming pool. Psst: Don’t worry if your dog can’t swim too well, there’s a lifeguard present!
- Little Cirpy Hub is another cool cafe to hang out at! The cafe’s décor features minimalist and rustic styles, and it creates an inviting and warm vibe. So, while you get a chance to grab some delicious food here, there’s also a pet-friendly menu for your furry friend to chomp on.
Go have a great time with the Kuala Lumpur nightlife
There’s so much to do in KL. The city is buzzing burning the day, and when the sun sets, it’s a whole new game. With a host of clubs, pubs, bars, and markets, the nightlife in Kuala Lumpur comes alive with a riot of lights, colors, and spirits.
From lively nightclubs and sophisticated pubs to hidden speakeasies and upscale rooftop bars perched atop luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer sipping cocktails with a city view, dancing the night away at a disco, or exploring night markets, the city's nightlife scene offers endless possibilities.
Check out: Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Troika Sky Dining
Explore the underwater world at The Aquaria KLCC
Aquaria KLCC, situated at the heart of Kuala Lumpur's 'Golden Triangle' beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, stands as a cutting-edge oceanarium. It houses an impressive collection of over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial creatures, all showcased within a vast 60,000-square-foot expanse.
At the heart of this exhibit lies a remarkable 90-meter transparent tunnel walkway, part of the Living Ocean display, offering visitors face-to-face encounters with seven distinct shark species, including Sand Tiger sharks, Giant Stingrays, Marine turtles, and various shoals of fish. There’s truly a lot to explore here, and while we know we’re giving you so many options to see wildlife, it’s because KL has so much of it that needs to be seen and explored!
Tickets to Aquaria KLCC
Thrill seekers, get your dose of fun at White Water Rafting!
The Kampar river is a great spot to head to, for white water rafting, just 2.5 hours away from the city. The clear waters of this forest river make this experience a really fun one!
Try something different while in Malaysia and give white water rafting a shot (or maybe explore the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve for something different).
Head to KL’s revolving restaurant for the best views and a great meal
Atmosphere 360, positioned 282 meters above ground in Southeast Asia's tallest tower, offers a unique fine dining experience. Its elevated location provides breathtaking panoramic views, with the added novelty of a gradual 360-degree rotation over an hour, ensuring that every seat offers a view of the entire city below. The ambiance, characterized by leather and dark wood furnishings, neon and fiber-optic lighting, is quite futuristic!
While the vistas alone make it a compelling visit, the culinary offerings are also what stand out here. For a memorable experience, try and catch the sunset, provided the skies are clear.
Tickets to Atmosphere 360
Have the best time at Skytropolis Funland Indoor Theme Park in Genting
Located just an hour's drive from the city center, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is all that your inner kid has desired, and more. It’s right next to the SkyAvenue mall, so you can always get some shopping done while there.
There are all sorts of rides here, and what makes it even special is how you get here, by using cable cars across Genting.
Tickets to Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park
Pick a day to go visit Malacca!
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site just a few hours away! Malacca is a historically rich and captivating city, renowned for its world-famous cuisine. Once a pivotal hub for trade between the Western and Eastern worlds, Malacca bears the imprints of its former European rulers, having been under Portuguese, Dutch, and British control at various points in its history. As a result, the city boasts a blend of Sino-Portuguese architectural styles, reminiscent of designs found in Singapore, Macau, and Vietnam.
Long before the existence of Kuala Lumpur, the remarkable landmarks of St. Paul's Hill, the Stadthuys, the formidable A'Famosa fortress, and Cheng Hoon Teng, Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple, thrived in this vibrant town!
Tickets to Malacca
You can’t leave without visiting the famous Batu Cave steps
The Batu caves are a set of caves on a limestone hill, located just outside of Kuala Lumpur. To reach the caves, you have to climb around 272 colorful steps before reaching the top. The top of the caves houses one of the most popular Hindu shrines.
While you might have seen pictures of this online, once you’re there, no image does justice to the beauty and the serenity you find yourself in. Make sure you follow the dress code since you’re visiting a temple, and keep in mind that there are a lot of monkeys there, so enjoy them from a distance!
Tickets to Batu Caves
