Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and offers visitors a range of things to do. You can visit some heritage sites, go shopping or enjoy a night out on the town.
The city centre has some fine examples of colonial architecture. Here you can find Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Royal Selangor Club and the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Petaling Street
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street is one of the city’s most popular landmark market places. A hub for authentic Malaysian street food, this street is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
Several food stalls sell the most delectable dishes, including curry noodles, Asam laksa, barbecued fish (Ikan Bakar) and Hokkien mee. It is also a great place to get a feel for local cuisine and culture.
In addition to shopping and eating, Petaling Street is also home to a number of historical buildings, including the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple. Its open courtyard pavilions and intricate Chinese carvings on the walls and ceilings are worth a visit.
The Central Market
The iconic Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is a must-visit attraction in Kuala Lumpur. The building, which was originally a ‘wet market’ during the British colonial period, is home to more than 350 shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
The market is split into three ‘lanes’ representing Malaysia’s ethnicities – Indian, Malay and Chinese – with each lane having its own specialty stores. These include Lorong India, which is a treasure trove of saris and henna tattoos; Lorong Cina for Chinese calligraphy and seals; and Jonker Street, which sells traditional Malay snacks like keropok and kueh.
On the mezzanine floor, stalls sell batik art and local clothing. Don’t miss the food court, which serves a delicious selection of local delicacies such as nasi lemak. There are also a number of art galleries and studios to browse through, including the Illusion 3D Art Museum.
The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is the heart of KL’s shopping, nightlife and culture. It’s home to many of the city’s biggest malls, including Suria KLCC and Berjaya Times Square.
Besides these, the area is also home to several landmarks and attractions such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Lot 10.
In the Golden Triangle there are plenty of upscale boutique hotels that offer 5-star amenities and services at competitive prices. They are often located near tourist activities and offer easy access to public transit.
There are two GO-KL bus routes that focus on the Golden Triangle and Chinatown in the City Centre, with the Purple Line running from Pasar Seni to Bukit Bintang via Menara KL and Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. There is also a free monorail which traverses the Golden Triangle, making it easy to get around.
Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are a series of caves and cave temples inside a limestone hill in Gombak, just outside Kuala Lumpur. They are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and are known for their Thaipusam festival which takes place each year in January.
The first thing that you see when you walk through the entrance is a huge gold statue of Lord Murugan. It’s the main highlight of the caves.
You can then make your way up 272 colorful stairs to reach the main temple cave. It’s a bit of a trek but well worth it once you get there!
The Petronas Twin Towers
As Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic towers, the Petronas Twin Towers have dominated the skyline of the city for decades. The 88-story towers are home to the headquarters of the government-owned oil and gas company, Petronas.
The spires are a symbol of Malaysia’s ambition and high-tech culture. The steel and glass facade is reminiscent of Islamic art, which is a major part of Malaysian culture.
These skyscrapers were once the tallest buildings in the world, but were overtaken by the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan. Today, they are ranked 19th on the list of tallest towers.
A visit to the towers is an incredible experience, and it’s not something you should miss out on when in Kuala Lumpur. It’s worth paying the entrance fee, and it includes admission to the skybridge that connects the towers halfway up.