Malaysian experience will not be complete without exploring the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Recognized for its numerous landmarks including gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, cultural diversity and charming locals made it a spot for every type of travelers. Even though it was my second visit to this city, it didn’t disappoint the traveler in me. So here is my ultimate guide on the best things to do in KL which is purely based on the experiences I had from the last two visits. It’s crafted in a way to experience most of what Kuala Lumpur in a short time.
Also Read – “48 Hours in Langkawi: A Photo Guide to the Tropical Paradise“
What's Ahead
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Visit the famous Landmarks
Petronas Twin Towers
The first image comes to our mind when we hear Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur will be that of the mighty Twin towers, the Petronas tower. The largest twin tower in the world can be spotted from almost every corner of the city. It’s a must to pose for a picture in front of it.
Standing 452 meters tall the PETRONAS twin towers are connected by a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floor which stands 175 meter above the street level. There is an observation deck at level 86 to enjoy the closeup view of the tower and also a bird’s eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city. Also, there is a pass required to visit the sky bridge so make sure to reach early as the queues can get longer. Visitors are allowed from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am till 7 pm. It will be closed on Mondays and also on Fridays from 1 pm to 2.30 pm for prayers. So plan the visit accordingly.
At the base of the Petronas twin towers is an upmarket shopping mall, Suria KLCC, which is very famous among tourists.
Outside the Petronas twin towers is a spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park which has walking and jogging paths, water fountains and a pool for children.
- How to reach: via Monorail, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest Monorail station: Bukit Nanas (10 minute walk from the station)
KL Tower
KL Tower is a communication tower in Kuala Lumpur which is also known as Minara Kuala Lumpur. It has a height of 421 meters and is the 7th tallest free-standing tower in the world.
On top, it has observation decks at multiple levels to have a 360-degree birds-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur City It also has a revolving restaurant on top. Tickets are available at the base of the tower. Almost all the major attractions in Kuala Lumpur city is visible through the binoculars fixed on the observation decks. The tower will be illuminated with multi colors at night and it’s a view not to miss.
KL forest echo park is just beside the KL tower which is a well-preserved rain-forest in the middle of the city. Many hanging bridges are there to explore the forest. A short hike through the forest will lead to the city itself.
- How to reach: via Monorail, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest Monorail station: Bukit Nanas (10 minute walk from the station)
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors mainly because of its unique construction. Non-Muslims also can visit the mosque except prayer times.
It is one of the biggest mosques in Kuala Lumpur which can accommodate 15000 worshipers at a time.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Train (LRT)
- Nearest station: Pasar Seni (6 minute walk from the station)
National Palace ( Istana Negara)
The national palace of Malaysia is the official residence of the king of Malaysia. Its grounds are not open for the public so we will be only able to take pictures of it in front of the gate only.
One of the main attractions here is the guard changing ceremony in front of the gate will happen twice a day by 10 am and 3 pm. The ceremony is a display of two traditionally dressed guards marching in and the two already on guarding duty marching out.
- How to reach: via Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Taxi
- Alternate Option: KL Hop on Hop off Bus – stop 18
Independence square Kuala Lumpur
Independence square is an open field located in the city of Kuala Lumpur where the annual National parade is happening. It is one of the best-known landmarks in Kuala Lumpur which is set in front of the majestic Sultan Abdul Samad building.
The building is a standing representation of British colonial times in Malaysia. The square is very famous for the world’s tallest flag post with the Malaysian flag on it.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Train (LRT)
- Nearest station: Masjid Jamek (7 minute walk from the station)
Book your tickets to Kuala Lumpur attractions at a cheap price.
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Fun Activities
Aquaria KLCC
Located on the concourse level of Kuala Lumpur Convention center, Aquaria KLCC is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. It houses more than 150 species of marine life including tiger sharks, Blue rays, Bright coral fishes, seahorse and many more.
One of the major attractions there is the giant 90 meter glass walk through tunnel with travelators. Get surrounded by huge sharks and rays as you walk through the tunnel. Activities like diving with sharks are also available at an additional cost. It is one of the Malaysia’s foremost sightseeing attractions.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Raja Chulan (10 minute walk from the station)
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
KL bird park is just 10 mins away from the Kuala Lumpur city center, located on the scenic Perdana botanical garden. It’s home to more than 3000 birds 200 Species. The major feature of the KL park is the concept of free-flight. The birds are freely flying around the garden without any cages for them.
A stroll through the park is the best opportunity to have a close encounter with some of the beautiful and majestic birds including hawk eagles, horn bills, ostriches, peacocks and many more. There is also a feeding program and bird shows taking place at the amphitheater at 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm daily.
- How to reach: via Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Taxi
- Alternate Option: KL Hop on Hop off Bus – stop 20
Sunway Lagoon water park
About 15 km from the Kuala Lumpur city Sunway Lagoon water park offers its visitors many fun-filled watery rides and dry land activities.
It’s a multi-zone theme park divided into five zones, the water park, scream park, Amusement park, extreme park, and wildlife park. It has Malaysia’s first surf simulator on the water park and the biggest wave pools to enjoy some fun time with water. It’s a great option to spend one fun-filled day in Kuala Lumpur.
- How to reach: via Train & Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Taxi
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Wine and Dine
KL City walk
Kuala Lumpur city walk is a pedestrian-friendly urban street located near to the Petronas twin tower and KLCC Park. The street is sandwiched with street food shops selling authentic Malaysian and Asian foods which is very affordable also.
KL City walk can also be accessed from the walking bridge connecting the Kuala Lumpur convention center to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Bukit Nanas (9 minute walk from the station)
Heli Lounge Bar
Heli Lounge bar is a fully functional helipad during day time which will convert to one of the coolest rooftop bars by night. Drinking and dining with a 360-degree view of the Kuala Lumpur city will be one of the best experiences you can have in the city.
Buy a drink from the Bar will give you access to the rooftop. Enjoy the magnificent view of Petronas tower and the light show on KL tower from the top of Heli lounge bar while having a sip of your favorite drink. An experience to be ever to be missed in Kuala Lumpur.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Raja Chulan (1 minute walk from the station)
Beach Club Café
Beach club café in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most happening places in the town for the party lovers. They have a wonderful band doing live music. The ambiance is fine to enjoy the night and drinks are also available at a decent price.
Beach club café Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in the city for both locals and tourists. It is very near to the Petronas twin towers and opposite to the KL city walk entrance, so there is a very rare chance for anybody to miss this place.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Bukit Nanas (9 minute walk from the station)
Book custom tailored food tours for you in Kuala Lumpur
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Shopping
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the trendiest shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur. It offers a wide range of shopping centers, hotels and night clubs. It’s so centrally located and very easy to get to from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur using public transportation.
It’s a long stretch of the street which is very active during the night time with both locals and tourists.
Numerous restaurants serving multicultural cuisines are all over the place. The best way to explore is by a stroll through the street. If the legs get tired then there are also many leg massage parlors along the street.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Bukit Bintang
Pavilion Mall
Bukit Bintang street ends at one end to one of the biggest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur which is a shopping mecca for the fashionistas in KL. The Pavilion mall is a combination of indoor and outdoor shopping venues.
The Pavilion Mall is stretched in seven levels with fine dining options, fashion retail shops with international designer labels and specialty local retailers and outside there is a row of street boutiques.
The pavilion crystal fountain is considered one of the most recognizable national landmarks in the city which is just outside the main entrance of the mall. Like Rome’s Trevi fountain we can toss coins into the fountain to make a wish. These coins will later go to charity.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Monorail
- Nearest station: Bukit Bintang (5 minute walk from the station)
China Town
A more colorful area than Bukit Bintang and KLCC at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, China town is a place that never sleeps. Situated in the Petaling street it is also known as Chee Cheong Kai (starch factory street) which was formerly a tapioca producing district. With its own cultural heritage and history China town is also one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia.
It’s a bargainer paradise that has stalls offering clothing, handbags, sunglasses, handicrafts and many more at a very cheap price. It also has sightseeing opportunities that have traditional values of China including beautiful Buddhist temple traditional coffee houses and art galleries. There are also many backpacker-friendly hostels available in this area.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Train (LRT)
- Nearest station: Pasar seni (1 minute walk from the station)
Little India
Brickfields popularly known as Little India used to be a residential neighborhood outside Kuala Lumpur but recently transformed into a wide street with a lot of stores and restaurants run by the Indian community in Malaysia.
An ambiance of Indian street can be experienced by visiting here with the possibility of shopping some traditional Indian textiles, spices, flower garlands, etc. Also, get a taste of some of the unique south Indian foods such as Dosai( a type of Indian pancake made of rice flour) vadai and south Indian Thali (Rice lunch accompanied with different kinds of vegetable side dishes and curries). The proximity of the location to the KL Sentral station makes it a hot spot for travelers.
- How to reach: via Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Taxi
- Alternate Option: KL Hop on Hop off Bus – stop 15
Jalan Masjid Market
It’s an ideal place for travelers who are interested to experience the local lifestyle. The market stalls offer a lot of fresh produce, spices, herbs, textiles, etc. Also, there are a lot of street food vendors offering traditional Malaya and Indian foods, juices, burgers and noodles.
The market is open from 10 am until 9 pm every day and is easily accessible via public transport.
- How to reach: via Train, Bus or Taxi
- Recommended Option: Train (LRT)
- Nearest station: Masjid Jamek (4 minute walk from the station)
How to get around in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a very public transport friendly city, and there are many options for travelers to get in and around the city. The best and cheap options are:
KL Hop on – Hop off buses
These double-Decker buses are one of the best ways to visit all the major attractions and monuments in the Kuala Lumpur city. Ticket options are available for 24 hours and 48 hours which can be either pre-booked from their website or through many travel applications or you can buy it directly on the bus or from the tourist information counter in Bukit Bintang.
Try to get the ticket from their official website as there are many promotions available all year long.
Buy tickets here https://www.myhoponhopoff.com/kl/
Metro and Monorail
Metro and Monorail are one of the best and cheapest options to get around in the city which are well connected to all the major spots and towns. Tickets can be collected directly from the metro stations. It is always recommended to book hotels which are near to any metro station. Trains are operating in both directions every two minutes.
Taxis
There are two types of taxis available in Kuala Lumpur, the budget taxi (Red and white) and the executive (blue). There are many unauthorized taxis also available but it is strongly recommended to avoid that. And also try to avoid taxis which don’t have a meter or which refuse to turn on their meters.
Taxi Booking Apps
Also, there are trusted taxi booking apps like Grab, Easy Taxi and Uber for Kuala Lumpur. This is the best and more convenient option instead of waiting for a taxi on the roadside. Taxi Apps will give more information about the taxi including the type of vehicle, registration number and driver details. And also you will be able to know the price prior to the travel.
Walking Bridges (Sky Bridge)
Kuala Lumpur is also a pedestrian-friendly city. The government has built pedestrian bridges connecting the major areas of KL city which are well maintained and air conditioned. Without getting strangled in the heavy traffic we can easily reach most places of interest through the bridges. Also its one of the best ways to enjoy the the city from a different perspective.
Kuala Lumpur, the exotic capital city of Malaysia keeps attracting the tourists for it’s lifestyle, shopping, world-class cuisines, cultural values, and the pristine nature. A true gem of the southeast of southeast Asia which is traveler-friendly to all types of travelers. A must-visit destination to experience Asia with its all glory as its tag line says ‘Malaysia truly Asia’.
May your vacation be a picture-perfect one.
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