After so many visits that I’ve lost count, Kuala Lumpur continues to fascinate me. Less well known than nearby Singapore, I’m often asked what to do there and why it’s worth a few days’ stay. So after a recent visit, it seems time for a list of my top 5 things to do in Kuala Lumpur!
The Petronas Twin Towers
Holding the title of tallest twin towers in the world, these iconic spires are nearly impossible to miss. Whether you head up the towers or take a walk to the base at dusk to watch the buildings light up (and maybe catch a fountain light show), a visit here is a must on any trip to Kuala Lumpur.
If you want to go up the towers, tickets need to be arranged in advance as visits are timed and routinely sell out. A visit begins with a ride up to the 41st floor skybridge (the world’s highest two-storey bridge) followed by another lift to the observation area on the 86th floor. The views from both are spectacular and a high-tech interactive exhibit is a huge hit with kids. Although the skybridge is known for not being fully attached to the main building to allow for movement during high winds, walking out on the bridge feels completely secure and I would never have known about the disconnect.
If you aren’t a fan of heights, there are some great spots to catch a view of the towers where enterprising locals will offer to take your photo and plenty of visitors pose for the perfect social media shot. Or if you want a killer view of the towers with a drink in hand, Vertigo at Banyan Tree has a prime sundowner spot.
Visit the Batu Caves
Sitting just north of Kuala Lumpur, a visit to the Batu Caves is a close second on my list of things to do. This limestone outcrop is home to Hindu temples and an impressive, 140-foot tall statue of Hindu god Lord Murugan. It’s a 272-stair climb to reach Temple Cave where you’ll find a number of Hindu shrines. Before entering, it’s worth turning back and taking in the view of Kuala Lumpur. On a clear day, the skyline is a beautiful sight. Monkeys called this area home long before people did so be on the lookout for the cheeky ones who like the look of water bottles, snacks, and anything shiny (like phones!).
Combining this with a visit to the Selangor Pewter Factory (the largest in the world) and a local Batik Centre to learn about how both are made makes for an interesting half-day excursion from the city centre. Which means there’s time in the afternoon to escape the heat by a swimming pool before an evening dedicated to one of the nation’s favourite topics: food!
Eat, eat, and eat again!
Food is a constant topic in Malaysia and for good reason. It’s delicious, readily available, and incredibly good value. With influences from settlers and traders from China, India, Europe, and the Middle East, the flavours of Malaysia are unlike any you’ll find elsewhere. Sure, you’ll find dishes similar to those in Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and Indonesia but they’ll have a distinctly Malay twist. Kuala Lumpur is full of tasty bites and if it’s your first time in the country, it’s worth having a guide introduce you to the basics. From there, you can explore on your own. Here are a few ideas to start your culinary exploration.
Jalan Alor
Every evening this street comes to life with restaurants spilling into the road and food vendors grilling meats, chopping fruit, and dishing up an array of tantalizing fare to nosh on while you feast your eyes on the options.
Petaling Street & Chinatown
Obscure alleys are where you’ll find the real gems of this area but even a stroll at dusk along the main drag offers countless options for savory, sweet, salty, and stinky (durian, anyone?).
Banana Leaf Rice
If you’re heading for Penang, you can skip this in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy it there but if not, it’s worth seeking out an Indian curry house that dishes up a full meal on a banana leaf “plate.” My mouth is watering at the thought of multiple curries and gravies meant to be scooped up by hand with a bit of rice or roti!
For more ideas and a bit of background on food in Malaysia, have a quick look here.
Get your heritage & history on
Bring your walking shows and stroll through some of Kuala Lumpur’s historic areas. Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village where small houses and food stalls contrast the skyscrapers that serve as a backdrop. Go early in the morning to catch the vendors selling sweet cakes and other treats.
Catch a glimpse of Masjid Jamek and take in the colonial history of Kuala Lumpur around Merdeka Square. If you map out the right route, you can see the Sessions Court Building, the former City Hall (now the Panggung Bandaraya Building), the current city hall, and the Old High Court before stopping into Central Market to pick up a memento or two from one of the craft sellers.
As Kuala Lumpur is nothing if not multicultural, visits to Little India and Chinatown are de rigeur after you’ve seen a Malay kampong and the remnants of colonialism. If you’re doing this heritage stroll in one day, I suggest ending in Chinatown with visits to the temples and then engaging in that favourite Malay past time of eating!
Explore Bukit Bintang by day and night
If you look up ideas of what to do in Kuala Lumpur, letting loose in Bukit Bintang is generally recommended. While the youthful drinking scene might not be your idea of fun (it hasn’t been mine for longer than I’d like to admit), the area is worth seeing both by day and night.
By day, you’ll find modern shopping malls like the luxury-goods-focused Pavilion juxtaposed with simple all-night eateries and shops that look to be as old as time. When the sun sets, bar staff call out their happy hour specials and tables fill with tourists and locals winding down the day. It’s a buzzy, busy place to explore any time.
Why two nights is not enough…
If you’ve flown across the world and want to start your holiday in Kuala Lumpur, your first night is likely going to be spent in your hotel. Maybe you’ll make it out for dinner although no judgment if you grab seats at your hotel’s rooftop bar or order room service and turn in early after a long flight! Which means you need at least two more nights to really get a feel for the city.
You can pack in everything above in two full days although you won’t have much time to relax or take it easy. And if you want to get off the beaten track, perhaps have a guide show you some of the city’s lesser-known highlights or take a local cookery class, visit the bird park, maybe zip down to Melaka, you’ll want more time. With some lovely hotels (Villa Samadhi is our absolute fave for a city break) and countless places to eat yourself silly, it’s easy to fill three, four, or more nights in Kuala Lumpur.
Want my help with planning your stay in KL? Give me a shout – talking about travel in places I love is one of my favourite things to do!
Written by Marbree Sullivan
Top Travel Tip
“At least once in every journey, travel by local transport. Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had have occurred in the back of jeepneys, trucks, and in the passenger seats of tricycles and tuk-tuks. You’ll gain insight into daily life and see your destination the way locals do.” Marbree – Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and Cayman Islands Specialist
