Every tourist destination has some must-visit places and iconic landmarks determined by the masses and Kuala Lumpur is no different. These places are visited by millions of tourists from all over the world each year. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is a small metropolitan city, but there is plenty to explore in this multicultural destination.
The city is blessed with architectural marvels like the Petronas Twin Towers and religious hotspots like Batu Caves along with bustling cultural street markets and temples. We present you with the list of top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although it is a tedious task to fit in all the things in just one article, we have tried to fit in major Kuala Lumpur tourists attractions and give you a brief idea about what to do in Kuala Lumpur during your Malaysian holidays on your Malaysia tourist visa.
How to Reach Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is well-connected by air with direct flights from major Asian hubs and global cities. It has two international airports – KLIA and KLIA2 that have good connectivity across Southeast Asia. You can also take bus trips from neighboring Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia that range from 5 hours to 22 hours.
Another convenient and scenic option is to arrive by train – take the ETS train from Singapore, or the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. Kuala Lumpur itself has modern highways, buses, light rail, monorails, and taxis that make getting around the city fairly convenient.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur?
The weather is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C). The best time to visit kuala lumpur is from December to March when rainfall is low and humidity dips. Key festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali also take place during this time.
June to August can get busy during the summer school break period. Avoid the September-October monsoon season due to heavy rain. Overall, the climate is relatively stable so Kuala Lumpur can be visited any time, though carrying umbrellas is recommended.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
1.Petronas Towers
You think of Malaysia and the first picture which comes to your mind is the iconic Petronas Twin towers. Termed as the twin jewels of Kuala Lumpur city. Your trip to Kuala Lumpur would be left incomplete without visiting this architectural marvel. These doppelganger structures built by man with the help of chrome and steel. This is two 88-storey building which is joined together by a 58-meter long double-decker sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floors. This should definitely be top of your list for Kuala Lumpur sightseeing.
2.Menara KL Tower
Situated on the top of the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, this 421-meter high tower has been declared as the 5th tallest structure built by man in the world. The tower gives you one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire city. The observation deck is at least 1000 meters higher than the sky bridge in the Petronas towers. Although it has been outclassed by the iconic Petronas towers, it still remains an important landmark of Kuala Lumpur city. Book your tickets well in advance to beat the long queue.
3.Sultan Abdul Samad Building
One of the oldest Moorish-style buildings in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Situated to the eastern side of Merdeka Square, this place serves as a frequent backdrop for the annual Independence Day celebrations in Malaysia. This is one of the iconic landmarks of this beautiful city. The building served as the official secretariat during the British colonial rule. Today, it is home to the office of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the culture of Malaysia. In the year 1897, designer AC Norman brought this beautiful structure to life.
4.KLCC & Bukit Bintang
A place in Kuala Lumpur city which represents the multicultural background of the city. You can get everything a tourist looks out for, from authentic top brand fakes to Chinese herbs. Explore this place to crack a really good deal. One of the places in the Kuala Lumpur city which you should never miss out during your holidays in Malaysia.
5.Batu Caves
This limestone hill is approximately 400 million years old. It stands out as the landmark of the city with a beautiful temple incorporated in the hill. Situated 11 kilometers north of the city, the place is popular for the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam that is held each year. This celebration is the focal point for many tourists and devotees who visit this place to pay homage. The enthusiastic devotees carry decorated kavadis which are coupled with metal hooks and skewers that are used to pierce the skin, cheeks, and tongue.
6.KL Bird Park Lake Garden
The world’s largest covered bird park, the KL Bird Park covers an enormous area of 209,000sqm. There are more than 3,000 birds from over 200 species from all over the globe. The birds are accustomed to being around people. This park has several sections, and the featured creatures are enclosed separately but are free to move around their respective enclosures.
7.Aquaria KLCC
The Aquaria KLCC is man-made universe for over 150 marine species. Spread over an area of 464,515 sqm on the concourse level of the KLCC. One of the prime tourist destinations which you should never miss out. Explore this beautiful place which has real depth and complexity and is much beyond just water gallons with different varieties of sea creatures, coral structures, and kelp necklaces.
8.Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
A true delight for all the water babies that is spread over an area of 323,749 sqm. This man-made Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Petaling Jaya is home to water slides that twist and whirls. The list of adventurous attractions includes a wave pool, a surf beach and a 360 revolving pirate ship which is surely going to leave you breathless. There are five different zones which constitute this theme park – Scream Park, Amusement Park, the water park, a Wildlife Park, and the Extreme Park.
9.Jalan Alor Bukit Bintang
The cultural capital of the Malay cuisine, the Jalan Alor is a street that has an array of air-conditioned Chinese restaurants serving delicious seafood, hawker stalls serving mouth-watering street food. The food menu includes noodles, barbecues, and delicious desserts that will just melt in your mouth. One of the best and cheapest place for delicious Malaysian food during Malaysian holidays.
10.Chinatown
Chinatown uses expressive and vibrant colors that define its landscape. A destination that is deeply immersed in Oriental history, heritage, and culture. A paradise for people who are looking for some cheap deals. It is definitely one of the popular tourist destinations in Malaysia and stands out against its more glamorous neighbors.
11.Central Market Chinatown
A cultural landmark in the city of Kuala Lumpur. This place is just a stone throw away from Petaling Street. Commonly referred to as the Pasar Seni, the Central Market Chinatown was open to the public in the year 1928. It used to be a simple market till the 1980s before it was completely revamped into a handicraft paradise. You will find plenty of cheap traditional goods like embroidery carvings, souvenirs, batik, and sculptures.
12. Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Located along the scenic Perdana botanical gardens, the Islamic arts museum contains over seven thousand artifacts, artwork, and manuscripts from around the Muslim world. Spanning over 12 galleries across three floors, some of the highlights include a huge masjid replica, miniature reconstructions of Islamic architectures, and displays of textiles, jewelry, and weapons from persia, india and the ottoman empires. There is also a library with over six thousand Islamic art publications.
13. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
The Royal Selangor pewter factory offers free guided tours of its visitor centre and production areas. Watch craftsmen skilled in the art of pewter smith at work through the glass windows, manually hammering and polishing vibrant decorative items and cutlery from this unique alloy of tin, antimony, and copper. Visit the pewter museum that traces the company’s fascinating history since its founding in 1885 and enjoy demonstrations at the pewter school. The retail stores also offer a sprawling assortment from homewares to souvenirs, corporate gifts to awards.
14. National Museum of Malaysia
Situated along Jalan Damansara in a striking Minangkabau architecture, The National Museum is the country’s premier museum and curates a massive collection spanning arts, culture, heritage, and origins of Malaysia from prehistory to present day. Spread across four galleries, significant artifacts include neolithic tools, centuries-old Quranic manuscripts, a reconstructed Ming dynasty junk, dioramas of traditional houses, musical instruments, traditional costumes, oil paintings and historical photography that bring to life Malaysia’s vibrant multi-culturalism.
15. Thean Hou Temple
Sitting atop Robson Heights overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline, this six-tiered Chinese temple is one of the city’s most picturesque. Dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, Thean Hou Temple is impressively ornamented with intricate carvings, columns wrapped by mosaic dragons, paintings of deities and laughing Buddhas at every turn. It is especially vibrant during festive celebrations like Chinese New Year. While here, also check out the gorgeous 1.5 acre landscaped garden that bursts with bonsai trees and crimson flowers.
Shopping Tips in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a paradise available for people who love to shop. In fact, shopping is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur for anyone. Here are some useful shopping tips that you can try while you are in Kuala Lumpur.
- Head to Bukit Bintang for luxury brands, Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC and malls
- Bargain at Petaling Street markets and Central Market for souvenirs
- Duty-free alcohol and chocolate at KLIA and KLIA2 airports
- International and Asian brands at Mid Valley Megamall
- Batik, fabrics, handicrafts at Central Market
- Electronics and IT gear at Low Yat Plaza
- Traditional art at Balai Seni Lukis Negara galleries
Final Words
Kuala Lumpur brilliantly fuse modern metropolis with strong Asian influences reflected in its architecture, cultural sights, cuisine, and warm hospitality. When it comes to hospitality, enjoy a stay in the spa resorts in Kuala Lumpur. Get lost in the bustling maze of Chinatown, marvel at the Petronas Twin Towers glittering skyline, learn about the country’s vibrant heritage at museums, and shop at buzzing street markets. From historic buildings to futuristic skyscrapers, verdant parks to lively nightlife scenes, Kuala Lumpur offers an incredible diversity of experiences that makes it a top Asian destination to explore.