KUALA LUMPUR TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Basic Information & Experience 

Kuala Lumpur has so much to offer regarding attractions, food, and culture. We knew we were pressed for time, so we decided to visit the main attractions first, then explore other venues only if we had time to spare. We heard about the heavy traffic in Kuala Lumpur beforehand, hence we decided to download the Grab App and book rides through the App. Grab drivers were very polite and seemed to know less busy roads—this worked out well for us.

We cannot stress enough that if you want to peacefully explore Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, you must get there very early in the morning. By 10 a.m., these places are filled with a multitude of people, you will hardly take any good pictures. The Petronas Towers area is worse—in addition to having so many tourists flocking to the best spot to capture the towers, you have street vendors roaming the area selling phone camera accessories.

On the positive side, the taste of Malaysian food is unbeatable and restaurants are super cheap (when you convert the USD to Malaysian Ringgit, a few bucks will take you a long way). Hotels are also reasonably priced when compared with other Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore. Overall, it was a good experience.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city, and largest city in Malaysia. It is nicknamed ‘Garden City of Lights’. Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the currency used in Malaysia. Malay is the official language of Malaysia. The Chinese population speaks Cantonese and Mandarin. Some people speak Hindi and Tamil.

From August to January, the highest temperatures are from 89°F to 90°F (31°C to 32°C) and the lowest temperatures are between 73°F and 74°F (22°C and 23°C). From February to June, the temperature soars to 91°F or 92°F (32°C or 33°C). The lowest temperature being 75°F or 76°F (23°C or 24°C).

 

PLACES TO SEE IN KUALA LUMPUR

Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: About & Guide - Christobel Travel

BATU CAVES 

Attraction | Temple in Caves

Despite being located about 14 km from the Petronas Twin Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has remained one of the most visited attractions in Malaysia. This is not your ordinary cave—there is a 100-year-old Hindu temple with a big gold statue. And the caves are made of limestone formations that date back to over 400 million years ago.

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Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala-Lumpur-Travel-Guide-Things-to-do-in-Kuala-Lumpur

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Attraction | Skyscraper

Magnetically protruding from the grounds of the center of Kuala Lumpur, Petronas Twin Towers will mesmerize you. Regardless of which side you are coming from, you will be greeted by these shiny and super tall towers. You can see the Petronas Twin Towers from most parts and angles of Kuala Lumpur center.

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RAINBOW SKYWALK – THE TOP PENANG

Attraction | City Views

Rainbow Skywalk, also known as The Top at Penang is another popular attraction for tourists because of the magnificent views. There is a fee to go up to the top. Here is the ticket sales information on their official The Top Penang website.

MENARA KUALA LUMPUR / KL TOWER

Attraction | City Views

Menara Kuala Lumpur is a 335 meters tower that is considered one of the tallest in the world—it is the highest point in Kuala Lumpur. Both local people and tourists visit the tower because of its restaurant and observation deck at the top offering the best views of the city of Kuala Lumpur. KL Tower is open every day from 9 am to 10 pm.

Address of Menara Kuala Lumpur is No. 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P Ramlee.

THEAN HOU TEMPLE, KUALA LUMPUR

THEAN HOU TEMPLE, KUALA LUMPUR 

Attraction | Temple

Thean Hou Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kuala Lumpur that has deservedly gained the reputation of being one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. It is also one of the largest and oldest temples in Southeast Asia. The architecture and detailed traditional design showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of the Hainanese community—they completed the temple in1987, dedicating it to the goddess said to protect fishermen, Tian Hou.

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Sri Mahamariamman Temple - Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Things to do in Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE 

Attraction | Temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple built in the 1800s. When entering the compound, there is a big facade that is beautifully decorated with small objects depicting important people in the Hindu religion.

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KUALA LUMPUR BIRD PARK

Bird Park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is one place that must be visited, especially for those traveling with kids—it will bring them joy. Over 20 acres is graced with thousands of birds made of Malaysian species and a few birds from other countries.

Most tourists visit the bird park to admire the birds, but some people go there for educational purposes.

Find tickets here to enter the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. People usually purchase a ticket that includes entrance to the nearby parks like the Orchid Garden and Butterfly Park.

NATIONAL MUSEUM

Museum

The National Museum is the ultimate destination for travelers who want to understand the history and culture of Malaysia and its people.

So many artifacts, instruments, clothing items, replicas of Malaysian traditional houses, and other cultural items are displayed at the museum.

The National Museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. There are free guided tours every day at 10 am. The address is Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara at Perdana Botanical Gardens.

CHINA TOWN - Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

PETALING STREET & CHINA TOWN 

Shopping & Food

Petaling Street is a very popular street in Kuala Lumpur—Chinese culture is well displayed and heavily present. China Town in Kuala Lumpur is the shopping and Chinese food hub of the city.

There is a large population of Chinese people in Kuala Lumpur, hence the reason why Chinese products and food are of a high standard here. Temples are also a highlight in China Town.

KLCC PARK

City Park

KLCC Park is right there in the city center, very close to the Petronas Towers. This is a city park that is beautiful and can be visited both during the day and in the evening. The city lights in the evenings make the park light up.

Joggers and walkers fill the walking trails, and tourists love the lake and the fountain for picnics. There are water shows at the fountain. Kids also love the park and its facilities.

NATIONAL ZOO

Zoo

The National Zoo located in Kuala Lumpur exhibits a wide range of species—over 500 species. There are reptiles, insects, different types of fish at the aquarium, and more. Visitors can also enjoy the lake on the premises. Guided tours that are considered educational are available. There is also a kids’ play area allocated.

AQUARIA KLCC

Aquarium 

The Aquaria KLCC is an aquarium that is found at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. There is a big tunnel where visitors can walk around and look at different types of fish. People are also educated on the importance of conservation.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple - Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Things to do in Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN KUALA LUMPUR

Visit Sunway Lagoon Theme Park just outside the city center.

Visit Jamek Mosque

Maybank Numismatic Museum

See architecture at National Mosque

See the Sultan Abdul Samad building

Visit Istana Negara, the palace where kings of Malaysia used to dwell.

 

WHERE TO SHOP IN KUALA LUMPUR

Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala-Lumpur-Travel-Guide-Things-to-do-in-Kuala-Lumpur
BUKIT BINTANG

In Bukit Bintang, you will find the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall where you find both local and international shops selling clothing items, shoes, accessories, electronics, and other home goods.

The Golden Triangle at Bukit Bintang cross junction is one of the most popular shopping areas in Malaysia. Shops are located in the plazas there. This area is also known for having some of the popular nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels—overall, the street is a buzzing spot.

Also in Bukit Bintang is the famous Jalan Alor Street that is packed with food stalls and cheap clothing/gift shops.

CENTRAL MARKET

Central Market is a flea market located at Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi. Here you will find gifts and souvenirs, as well as other personal items. Fruits, vegetables, and meat can also be purchased here. All sorts of goods and food representing Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures are sold at the market.

CHINA TOWN IN PETALING STREET

Just like any other China Town market, Petaling Street market is great for Chinese food, souvenirs, and clothing items inspired by the Chinese culture. This is a major tourist area that is colorful and busy.

MASJID MARKET LITTLE INDIA

The Masjid Market in Little India is a vibrant market that has souvenirs and gifts sold by Indian vendors. Here, you will also find Indian cuisines in the food stalls as well as spices and other Indian delights.

SURIA KLCC

Right in the center of Kuala Lumpur, next to the Petronas Twin Towers, there is this hopping complex, Suria KLCC. In addition to having shops and restaurants, there is a cinema and supermarket, among other things. There is also a craft market for gifts and souvenirs.

 

HOTELS IN KUALA LUMPUR

 There are so many very good hotels in Kuala Lumpur at a reasonable price. TripAdvisor is one of the best hotel booking platforms to use.

 

RESTAURANTS & LOCAL FOOD IN KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Things to do in Kuala Lumpur - local traditional cuisine

RESTAURANTS 

THIRTY8 RESTAURANT, BAR & LOUNGE

Here at THIRTY8—a restaurant inside Grand Hyatt Hotel in Kuala Lumpur—the gourmet food is very tasty. This fine-dining restaurant has Malaysian cuisine that is prepared meticulously. On the bonus side, the view of the city and the Petronas Twin Towers present a good dining experience. The address is Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, 12 Jalan Pinang. $$$

SONGKET RESTAURANT

Songket Restaurant, located at 29 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in Kampung Baru, is a popular restaurant in Kuala Lumpur serving Malaysia traditional cuisine. Monday to Friday, it opens at lunchtime, from 12 noon to 3 pm, then later in the evening from 6 pm to 11 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the restaurant opens between 5 pm to 11 pm. $$

HUTONG FOOD COURT

Food courts are a major part of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. The unique and cultural experience that the Hutong food court brings is unforgettable. The street food that is sold here by different vendors is authentically Malaysian. $

ALOR STREET

Alor Street is full of Malaysian cuisine—it is another food hub for Asian delights. This is more of a night food market, it’s best to visit after the sunsets. $

LOCAL TRADITIONAL FOOD

Kari Kapitan: Curry Chicken

Otak – Otak: Fish cake with spices steamed in banana leaf

Ayam Percik: Barbecue chicken seasoned with percik sauce

Mee Goreng Mamak: Yellow noodles mixed with chili, eggs, vegetables, prawns, and beef or chicken.

Mee Bandung: Noodles mixed with prawns,

shallots, garlic, chili, beef, etc.

Manok Pansoh: Seasoned chicken cooked in bamboo tubes

Cendol: This is a dessert made with coconut milk, beans, and ice shavings

 

TRANSPORTATION IN KUALA LUMPUR

TRANSPORT FROM THE AIRPORT 

Train: There is an express train from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city center (KLIA Ekspres), which is reasonably priced. It is about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to KL Sentral Station.

Bus: Coaches are available at the Airport and they depart hourly from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. You can purchase tickets at the airport in the arrivals. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Kuala Lumpur center. Taking the bus is the cheapest mode of transportation.

Taxi: Taxis are not too expensive in Kuala Lumpur. The ride is longer than the express train, but if there are a few of you, a taxi will be way cheaper than a train. Grab is the equivalent of Uber in Southeastern Asia and more efficient there. You need a Grab App on your phone to use the service.

Airport Transfers: Airport Private Transfer by Car/Van

TRANSPORT AROUND KUALA LUMPUR 

Hop on Hop off Buses: For sightseeing, these buses will take you to most major attractions. However, because of heavy traffic in Kuala Lumpur, it might take longer to complete the route.

Taxis or Grab rides via the Grab App.

Bus: There are different bus lines in Kuala Lumpur that have routes in and around the city, as well as to other cities. Many buses only take coins and smaller notes. Peak hours are mornings when people are going to work. If you are in Kuala Lumpur for a few days, it might help to purchase a cashless card, MyRapid Card.

Train: KL Light Rail Transit (LRT), Monorail Lines, and Kuala Lumpur MRT SBK Line are all train lines available in Kuala Lumpur. Trains are suitable during peak hours in Kuala Lumpur—using the road might seem to be challenging because of traffic jams.

City Breaks & Culture, Malaysia / April 3, 2021
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