Being the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur also boasts tourism sector of this country. This city is widely recognised for numerous historic landmarks, rising high & shimmering skyscrapers, mesmerizing Colonial architecture and many natural attractions. Kuala Lumpur is also renowned for its multicultural community, which mainly consists of Malay, Indian, Chinese townies and indigenous residents. Hence, find vibrant events and festivities celebrated throughout the year, while local markets and religious sites offer a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.
Readers, Take a tour of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!
Popular Travel Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is known for many impressive landmarks & attractions, including Petronas Twin Towers, once which was the highest tower od the world, ever-bustling Petaling Street Flea Market, and Batu Caves which are popular among history buffs and religious travellers. The major hub for travellers in Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle which comprises a Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown.
Petronas Twin Towers
Located in the city centre, Petronas Twin Tower is one of the most iconic destinations to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s largest twin-storey building with 88-storey designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates. These towers are linked by the 58-meter long double-decker Sky Bridge on its 41st and 42nd floors.
You can admire the city skyline from that bridge. The architecture of the Twin Towers is Islamic in nature and the building mainly houses the Petronas headquarters and its offices. The silvery tower is illuminated at night with lights that reveal its exquisite metalwork in its full glory, which is a sight to behold. The citizens are also fond of the tower because it is one of the most popular shopping areas in KL.
Menara KL Tower
Established in 1994, Menara KL Tower is Malaysia’s most recognizable landmark standing tall with a height of 421m. It is renowned as the 5th tallest telecommunications tower in the world. Where ever you wander in Kula Lumpur, its spindle shape apex gleaming at the tower’s top is always visible from every corner of the tower.
The tower is constructed on top of the Forest Reserve Bukit Nanas, which is Malaysia’s oldest designated forest reserve. The viewing deck of Menara KL is at 276m from where you can have an entire dazzling city view. The architectural style of the tower represents the lively Islamic heritage of Malaysia and features Arabic scripts, Islamic tiles, and architectural floral and abstract Islamic designs.
The KLCC Park
The KLCC Park is situated behind the famous Petronas Twin Towers and the Suria KLCC shopping complex. It is a beautiful and green park beautifully encircled between the skyscrapers. In this park, you find everything from a public swimming pool for the kids too.
Many tourists and locals are coming to the park to relax under the shadow of the trees and enjoy the view of the surrounding buildings, as well as the Twin Towers. If you want to escape from the hustle-bustle city life then make a sure to visit KLCC Park.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves are a popular pilgrimage site of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. Batu Caves are highly popular among history buffs and religious travellers. The Batu Caves near Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur are huge caves in limestone cliffs containing temples and shrines.
The 42m high golden statue at the entrance is of the god Murugan and the colourful staircases on many pictures of the caves which made Batu Caves this much famous. Once you reach the top, you will observe large open caves with some small shrines, numerous colourful statues of Hindu gods and limestone cliffs. A Hindu Thaipusam festival which organised for 3 days is another highlight of these caves.
Merdeka Square
Kuala Lumpur’s independence square is known as Merdeka Square. Here you can see the former highest flagpole of the world, where the Malaysian national flag was hoisted for the first time on August 31, 1957. The KL City Gallery and museum of the past and the future of the city is also situated at the Merdeka Square.
If you are looking for a break from city life then this is the place for you. With its spacious and lush green zone, it can be a rejuvenating experience to visit here in the morning. You can indulge yourself in the impressive Islamic & European style architecture that surrounds the square, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a prominent landmark of the city whose architectural style displays the Moorish Era of Kuala Lumpur. It is positioned between Merdeka Square and the Royal Selangor Club, across from Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Constructed in 1897 and was named after the reigning sultan of Selangor at the time. The prominent landmark originally served as the secretariat for the colonial British administration.
This building now houses Malaysia’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture and is situated next to the old KL Railway Station. It sets the backdrop for annual Independence Day parades held at Malaysia. It remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a historical landmark in the city, although it no longer serves an official function.
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Thean Hou Temple
This vividly adorned Then Hou is a multistorey Chinese temple, dedicated to the divine queen- Thean Hou. It is dwelled on the top of lush Robson Heights and thus provides wonderful views of Kuala Lumpur. It was opened in 1989 and operates both as a worship house and as a functional venue for numerous cultural events.
It has also become an important tourist attraction in recent years due to Chinese Festival and the birthdays of the different Shrines. Climb to the upper decks of the temple, where you can also get close-up views of the dragons and phoenixes that adorn the roofs.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Come Feel the Fun at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. It is a family-friendly park which offers many fun and adventure activities for every age group traveller. Opened in 1997, it is located little way out of the city centre at the suburb of Petaling Jaya. Visitors will have a refreshing experience at this theme park, appreciate many water sport adventures activities at the water park located within its vicinity, and admire nature and try adventurous types of wilder rides.
There are also man-made surf pools for surfing and a zoo are included in its complex. For those who want to grab some souvenirs, the park also offers dining and shopping options. This Theme park is a Complete Package of entertainment for travellers and a must-visit destination in Malaysia.
Lake Gardens Park
This lush, landscaped garden is stretched around 70 hectares is most widely recognized for its colonial era. Located near Chinatown, this park is also known as Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park. The Lake Graden Park houses one of the world’s largest free stroll-in bird park within and this bird park holds around 3,000 birds from about 200 different species.
This is KL’s largest public zone in Kuala Lumpur where you can explore the rolling landscape, enjoy a picnic with your loved ones and enjoy bird watching. The best thing is you can explore this whole park via segway tour which is an exciting thing to do here.
Islamic Arts Museum
The Islamic Arts Museum is the largest museum of Islamic art in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia. You’ll find a huge library of Islamic artefacts, text and the world’s largest scale model of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca when you step inside.
Spend the day discovering over 7,000 artefacts from jewellery, clothing to architecture and weapons in 12 galleries of the museum. The relocated 19th-century Damascus Room interior is a gold-leaf-decorated delight for all art lovers. Don’t forget to gaze up at the building’s intricate domes and tile work.
Places for Enjoying Vibrant Nightlife
Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
The colourful and glamorous Chinatown is a paradise for Shopaholics and foodies. Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, its oriental culture, heritage and history and numerous shops and stall had made it one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. Situated in Petaling Street, Chinatown is also known as ‘Chee Cheong Kai’.
It is also popular for bargaining and here you will encounter all sorts of goods from Chinese herbs to the replica of famous brands. At night, Petaling Street, its main market place, turns into a lively and vibrant night market, packed with hundreds of stalls selling goods of all kinds at fair prices.
Bukit Bintang
After Chinatown, Bukit Bintang is also well-known entertainment and shopping districts of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can find nearly everything you can like from roadside stalls, shopping centres and bars to night markets.
It is quite popular among youngsters as prominent hangout zone and for partying with friends. Not only tourists but many local people are bustling here through the nightlife. Also, there is a so-called Arabic District with many delicious dishes that are ideal for a nice dinner.
Eatery Options in Kuala Lumpur
The multicultural social blend of Indian, Malay and Chinese food in Kuala Lumpur creates an incredibly varied blend of food. Jalan Alor is one of the most renowned streets offering roadside restaurants and street food. Try the Brickfields Morning Wet Market in Little India or Petaling Street Market in Chinatown as it also offers affordable food stalls providing some of the most delicious food in the city.
Savour some local flavour with Nasi Kandar which is a popular Malaysian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur. You can also savour Thai dishes and Western foods which contains grilled fish and Chinese greens in the oyster sauce to congee with frogs’ legs. Traditional food like nasi lemak as well as dim sum is some of the cheapest food options available here.
Bottom Line
Over the years, an appealing combination of seaside shanty towns and gleaming highrises, diversity of city reflecting temples and mosques, the bustling local markets has raised its bar as one of the most sought-after holiday destinations across the globe.
Travellers, Kuala Lumpur won’t disappoint you!!
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